Driving in Denmark: Doll-size parking spaces and unexpected U-turns

While a car is useful for exploring the Danish countryside, a car in one of Denmark’s larger cities can be a millstone around your neck.

The traffic is terrible, the fuel costs stratospheric, the parking spaces doll-sized. Bicyclists own the road and often ignore traffic rules.

If you’re just visiting, don’t feel you need to rent a car when you land at the airport.

Even if the home or business you’re visiting is in the suburbs, there’s a good chance you’ll save money by taking a cab – and most Danish taxis are Mercedes-Benz or Teslas. (There is no Uber or Lyft in Denmark.)

Watch out for bicyclists
If you do choose to drive in the city, be very careful about right turns.

Several Danish bicyclists are killed every year because a car or truck took a right turn and the bicyclist (who may be drunk, grooving out to music on his earbuds, or simply not paying attention) continued going straight.

There is no legal right turn on red in Denmark, and even on green, the bicyclist has the right of way.

Don’t dawdle in the bike lane
You might choose to bike to work yourself, which is common in Denmark, even for executives. Many offices contain showers so commuters can clean up and change into their business gear.

If you do bike, don’t dawdle in the bike lanes – these people are commuters, this is rush hour, and they don’t want a gawking tourist clogging up their passing lane.

Blocking the passing lane, which is on the left, will result in clanging bicycle bells from the people behind you, and perhaps some shouted insults.

150% tax on new cars
Denmark has never had a car industry, which is why the government is able to get away with such high car taxes – 85% to 150% of the purchase price of a new vehicle – and why many Danish cities actively discourage car traffic.

Almost every Danish city has at least one central shopping street that is pedestrian-only, although annoyingly, cars do tend to inch down these streets under the guise of making deliveries, pushing the crowds aside.

Driver’s licenses require expensive courses and aren’t available to under 18s.

That said, most Danes are good drivers, although they have a weird fondness for U-turns at unexpected moments.

Low alcohol level
While the Danes are hearty drinkers, operating a vehicle with more than 0.5 per mille blood alcohol level will get you a substantial penalty.

If you’ve had anything more than a single glass of beer or wine at an office party or business dinner, call a cab.

And if you’re giving a party, make sure to have lots of nonalcoholic drinks available for the people driving home.

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