Moving to Denmark from the US: What You Need to Know
Denmark is a beautiful Nordic country on the Jutland Peninsula. This rugged land features rolling expanses, grassy hills, and the occasional castle; it is also bordered to the south by Germany, and a short train ride out of Copenhagen will have you to Sweden within half an hour. In addition to the continental part of Denmark, the country also comprises about 400 islands in the Baltic Sea, only 70 of which are inhabited. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are both part of the Kingdom of Denmark and are autonomous territories which largely rule themselves.
Mainland Denmark is well-known for being one of the happiest countries in the world to live in, and for being the birthplace of author Hans Christian Anderson, who brought the world timeless tales like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.” As a peninsula, fishing and other marine activities are a large part of the local economy, and in cities like Copenhagen, colorful buildings sit alongside the marinas where boats float peacefully, waiting to be boarded. Visitors to the country often fall in love with its singular beauty and unique history. If you’re looking for a change of pace and want to experience life in a gorgeous Scandinavian country, then check out Atlas® International’s Denmark Moving Guide.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Moving from the US to Denmark
Why are Americans moving to Denmark? Many will make the move for work, as the shorter workweek in Denmark—ranked the shortest workweek in the world in 2020—is attractive to Americans looking for a change of pace. Danish culture is another draw, as the Danes value the concept of hygge, the feeling of coziness, comfort, and sense of general well-being. With this cultural emphasis on feeling good, it’s no wonder that the Danes have a high standard of living. Pair this with 52 weeks of paid parental (maternity and paternity) leave, and you’ll find that Denmark is a great place to start a family.
Language
It’s important to learn Danish if you’re looking for a job, as not knowing the native language can hinder you from finding work: luckily, Danish isn’t a hard language to learn, and is ranked among German and French in terms of difficulty. Learning the language will pay off in a big way, because the country has so much to offer.
Attractions
Surrounded by ocean, you’ll never be far from seeing a coastline or lapping waves, and if you’re in the mood for an island vacation, Denmark has plenty of islands to explore as well. If you visit Copenhagen, you’ve already set foot on the most inhabited of the Danish islands: an island called Zealand, after which New Zealand gets its name.
If you’re looking for something further from the mainland, the island of Bornholm is also worth a visit. The island is vastly different from mainland Denmark, with rugged terrain suited to hiking and rock climbing. Bornholm is also known for its famous round churches and great cuisine, so it is worth a trip!
Climate
Denmark experiences cool summers and chilly winters, and the weather is often humid. Unlike many of the other Nordic countries, Denmark does not experience much snowfall, making it easy to work and travel year-round.
The Northern Lights can be seen in Denmark, with the best place to see them being the northernmost tip of the Jutland Peninsula. Mainland Denmark does not experience the midnight sun or polar winter; however, its autonomous territory of Greenland does.
Denmark offers the rich history of a Nordic or Scandinavian country without the difficult weather or strange patterns of day, making it easy for those who are used to the sun setting at night and rising in the morning. No matter your interests or tastes, there is sure to be a place for you in Denmark!
Where to Live in Denmark
Thinking of relocating to Denmark? Here are some popular locations for ex-pats:
- Copenhagen
- Aarhus
- Odense
- Aalborg
- Vejle
Moving to Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and its most populous city. Located on the island of Zealand, Copenhagen is surrounded by water, making it a great place to view the gorgeous harbors like Nyhavn. The harbors are so clean, you can even swim in them! Copenhagen also contains many museums, churches, and palaces, so there’s never a shortage of things to see. For something a bit more out of the ordinary, the commune of Christiania attracts many tourists because of its different type of lifestyle. Located within Copenhagen, Christiania operates by its own rules and is well known for the sale of illicit drugs and its hippie lifestyle. Many visit the town because it is unlike anything else in Denmark, though it’s not for everyone. If you are moving to Copenhagen from the United States, you will likely run into the need for overseas shipping and specialized movers who are familiar with customs and import regulations.
Atlas® International helps people move to Denmark every year.
Resources for Moving to Denmark
Thinking of moving from the US to Denmark? Check out our detailed customs guide for international relocation tips including household goods importing, restricted and prohibited items, moving pets, importing vehicles, and documentation you will need.
Plan Your Denmark Move with Atlas® International
Atlas® International boasts over 50 years of experience helping individuals relocate for myriad reasons, including residential, corporate, and military moves. We provide quality, door-to-door service to help people get started in the next chapter of their lives. Our team is internationally accredited and has decades of relocation experience. Need assistance with common moving questions like import regulations and applying for a visa? Whether you are just getting started with planning your move to Denmark or you already have all your personal affairs in order, Atlas® International is here to help.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with an Atlas® International moving expert and begin planning your move today. Give us a call at 206-526-1137 or contact us to receive personalized advice on beginning your move to Denmark.