LUCI DEL NORD

Denmark forms the bridge between Germany and Sweden in Europe, dividing the North and Baltic Seas, and is famous for its happiness: it can be found in the top five of just about every international quality-of-life index. Along with this, the country is synonymous with some of the world’s most progressive ideas regarding politics, sustainability, and egalitarianism. And yet, the Danes have managed to retain a sense of their old-world charm: wonderfully preserved old town centres remain strewn with half-timbered houses and medieval castles, side by side with some of the world’s most forward-thinking design. Even Copenhagen, the country’s ‘ubercool’ cosmopolitan capital, fosters the kind of friendly know-your-neighbour atmosphere one would typically associate with a small village rather than a metropolis. The surrounds are equally charming, with gorgeous rolling hills scattered with traditional farmhouses and churches.

Currency 

Local currency: Danish Krone 
Symbol: kr. 
ISO code: DKK 
Subunit: Øre 
Banknotes: kr. 50, kr. 100, kr. 200, kr. 500, kr. 1000 
Coins: Øre, kr. 1, kr. 2, kr. 5, kr. 10, kr. 20 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) 
International Airports: Copenhagen Airport 
Domestic Airports: Aalborg Airport, Billund Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Danish cuisine offers a variety of dishes ranging from open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) to hearty stews like "frikadeller" (meatballs) and "stegtflæsk" (fried pork belly). Seafood is also popular, with dishes like pickled herring and smoked salmon. Notable local drinks include Danish beer and aquavit. 
Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Approximately 700-900 mm 
Average temperature: 8°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 20°C 
Average lows: 12°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 3°C 
Average lows: -2°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Denmark is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and many outdoor activities and festivals take place. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type E 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Greenland was recently voted by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 countries to visit, and the world’s largest island certainly lives up to its new found reputation as a hot travel destination. As the biggest non-continental island on earth, Greenland is blessed with vast expanses of untouched wilderness, magnificent glaciers, relaxing hot springs and the world’s largest national park, the Northeast Greenland National Park. As the central region of the country is covered by thick ice, the majority of the 56,615 strong population resides in the warmer coastal areas. This coastal strip is strewn with picturesque little villages dotted with brightly painted wooden cottages, a number of small friendly towns, and of course the lively capital, Nuuk Town. These urban areas offer an intriguing mix of modern convenience and traditional Greenlandic culture such as the use of dog-sleds as a primary mode of transport! With its fascinating and unique cultural eccentricities, its abundance of remarkable wildlife, and its unbeatable scenery, Greenland always offers a truly unforgettable and exceptionally adventurous holiday experience.

Currency

Danish Krone (DKK; symbol kr) = 100 øre. Notes are in denominations of kr1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of kr20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 25 øre.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Banking

Banking Hours: Monday-Thursday 09h30-15h30; Fri 09h30-15h00.

Credit cards are restricted to the major towns and most hotels. Some major towns, like Ilulissat, have ATMs.

Cheques drawn on Danish banks can be cashed at banks and cash can also be exchanged. Postal cheques can be cashed at all post offices. Grønlandsbanken (PO Box 1033, DK-3900 Nuuk; tel: 70 1234;www.banken.gl), has branches in Nuuk, Sisimiut, Oaqortoq, Ilulissat and Maniitsoq. KNI/POST represents the bank in other towns and villages. There is no banking service in Søndre Strømfjord at present.

While travelers cheques in major currencies may be exchanged, exchanging traveller's cheques in Greenland has been reported to be problematic. It is advisable to take travellers cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars to avoid additional exchange rate charges. 

Air Greenland (www.airgreenland.com) serves all towns on the west coast, from Nanortalik in the south to Thule/Qaanaq in the north. The frequency of departure on all routes is variable, and it's advisable to make reservations well in advance.

Dog sledges can be hired for the day, or for longer periods. Sledging is possible in all towns on the east coast and on the west coast north of the polar circle. It is important to remember that sledge dogs are usually only semi-tame. This is just one reason why dog sledges should be given right of way at all times. Take particular care, as they are almost totally silent.

 The only places that are connected by road are Ivituut and Kangilinnguit. The harsh landscape and weather conditions make road building elsewhere a virtually impossible task. As a result, air and sea travel are the recommended ways of getting around.

It is generally cheaper to sail than to fly. Arctic Umiaq Line (tel: +299 349 190; www.aul.gl) operates services along the west coast between Qaqortoq and Ilulissat. In addition, all villages are served by local boats connecting them with the nearest town, but space may be limited. Boats in some towns may be available for hire, with a skipper.

The tap water is safe to drink in all of Greenland, and it is also considered safe to drink the water in most of the country's numerous rivers and lakes. 

Traditional Greenlandic cuisine consists of freshly killed fish, seals and walruses. Traditionally the newly slaughtered animals more tender parts - such as heart, kidney and eyes - were held in reserve for the hunter at the top of the hierarchy. If this all sounds a bit too exotic for your taste then you can have cooked fish such as salmon, codfish, Greenland halibut, seal, whale and many others. There are not many fruits and vegetables, and those you can get in the supermarkets are rarely very fresh because of the long distances they travel.

Most hotels have restaurants of a good standard, where Danish food and Greenland specialities are served. Prices are similar to Denmark. Service charge is usually added to the bill. Tips are not expected.

Greenland has an Arctic climate, but owing to the size of the country there are great variations in the weather. As the climate graph shows, winters can be severe and the summers comparatively mild, particularly in areas which are sheltered from the prevailing winds. Precipitation, mostly snow, is moderately heavy around the coast. The north of the country, and much of the interior, enjoys true Arctic weather, with the temperature only rising above freezing for brief periods in the summer.

Conditions in all parts of the country can become hazardous when there is a combination of a low temperature and a strong wind. Local advice concerning weather conditions should be followed very carefully. Nevertheless, the summer months are suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.

Good-quality windproof and waterproof clothes, warm layers and moulded sole shoes at all times of the year; also some slightly thinner clothes - it is important to be able to change clothing during a day's climbing as temperatures can vary greatly during one day. Sunglasses and protective sun lotion are strongly advised. In July and August, mosquitoes can be a problem, especially inside the fjords and so a mosquito net can prove indispensable. Extra warm clothes are necessary for those contemplating dog-sledge expeditions. Extra clothes are not always available for hire in Greenland.

In Greenland the standard voltage is 230 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type K. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. If your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.