Surfing in Denmark
Surfing is not one of the traditional Danish pastimes but Denmark still has some good breaks for those who want to ride some waves in Northern Europe. The country has 7.300 km of coastline and the best swells come from the North Sea. The west coast of Denmark is more exposed to North and North West swells and offers better conditions but there are some good breaks all around the rest of the coastline. The swells tend to be short and mostly windswells with groundswells being more common during winter. The best time to surf in danish waters is from late autumn until March but be prepared for the cold temperatures inside and outside the water. The most famous surf spots are Klitmøller, Nørre Vorupør and Bunkers all located in the northern part of the country.
Climate in Denmark
Denmark has a temperate climate with cool summers and cold winters. Spring (March to May) is usually the driest period of the year and it starts cold and slowly gets warmer. Summer is the most pleasant time to be in the country with long daylight hours and warm weather with average temperatures around 21°-26°C (70°-79°F). Autumn goes from September to November and usually is the wettest period of the year. Winter is from December to February and register average temperatures around 0°C (32°F). The days are really short and sunset is usually around 4pm. The best time to surf in the country is during winter. This is when most of the groundswells from North or Northwest hit the coast of the country. Be prepared to endure extremely cold conditions. The average water temperature in Denmark in winter is 4°C (39°F), in spring 6°C (43°F), in summer the average temperature rises to 17°C (63°F), and in autumn it is 12°C(54°F).
Full wetsuit required most of the year but definitely throughout winter, when a 5/3 wetsuit with wetsuit boots and gloves will make the sessions more comfortable.
Best surf spots in Denmark
The northwest of the Jutland Peninsula is the main surfing area in the country. There you will find good and diverse kinds of surf breaks. The main surf spots are Agger, Vorupør, Klitmøller, Hvide Sande, Stenbjerg, Bøgsted Rende, Lyngby, Bunker and Hanstholm.
Budget Planning
Meal price range
Simple meals start at $18 USD. Mid-rang meals start at $25 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $60-150 USD
Equipment rental
You can find rental shops in Denmark. Boards start at $25 USD for 3 hours.
Prepaid SIM cards
Lycamobile is a good choice. SIM cards can be purchased from supermarkets or convenience stores. Prepaid packages start at $12 USD.
Public transport
All major towns are serviced by extensive train networks, except certain offshore islands, which can be reached only by ferryboat.
The bus network is also extensive
Cycling is a great way to get around Denmark’s flat landscape. You can rent a bike for $15 USD a day.
A car rental starts at $32 USD a day.
Gas prices
$1.40 USD a liter.
Types of risks
Flooding is a threat in some areas of the country
How to prepare
Visa
Citizens from 62 countries, including the US, and Australia, can enter Denmark without a visa for up to 90 days.
Vaccines
Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.
Things to know
Language & Currency
Danish is the official language, but English is very widely spoken as well.
The currency is the Danish krone (DKK or kr)
Best time to go
The best time to surf is during winter. This is when most of the groundswells from North or Northwest hit the coast of the country, but be prepared to endure some extremely cold conditions.
Checking Surf forecast
Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.
Do I need pack a pharmacy kit
You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.
Travel/Surf Insurance
World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.
Emergency
Dial 112
Check surf pictures of Denmark at #surfingdenmark.