Denmark · Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, Copenhagen scores 90/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Copenhagen remains one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with violent crime rare and petty theft the main concern. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Denmark · Assessed 28 September 2026
90
/ 100
Safer than ~96% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Increased Caution
“Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.     Exercise increased caution in the Kingdom of Denmark due to terrorism.   Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Updated Tue, 17 Sep 2024
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-08-11T09:18:28Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Denmark: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:33.120000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare for visitors; isolated incidents may occur near poorly lit outskirts at night but not in tourist zones.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching occur in crowded tourist areas, especially Nyhavn, Strøget, and Nørreport/Central Station during peak hours.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
88/100
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors feel very safe in Copenhagen, citing low violent crime and high social trust, though petty theft in tourist areas causes occasional concern.
Yes — Copenhagen remains one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with violent crime rare and petty theft the main concern.
Denmark's strong institutions and low homicide rate underpin a high safety baseline, though U.S. and Canadian advisories urge increased caution due to general terrorism concerns across Europe. On the ground, visitors report feeling very safe day-to-day, with pickpocketing concentrated in tourist hotspots and occasional scams near transit hubs. Recent dossier items show no violent incidents targeting tourists, but note ongoing farmer protests causing localized disruption in September 2026.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Copenhagen is very safe for travelers, with violent crime against visitors being exceptionally rare. The city benefits from Denmark’s strong governance, low homicide rate (0.8 per 100k), and high public trust, which together create a secure environment for tourists. While the U.S. and Canadian governments advise exercising increased caution due to general terrorism concerns in Europe, there have been no recent terrorist incidents in Copenhagen, and the UK maintains no advisory against travel. Day-to-day, visitors consistently report feeling safe walking alone, even after dark, thanks to well-lit streets, reliable 24/7 public transport, and a visible but respectful police presence.
The primary risks for tourists are non-violent: pickpocketing and scams. Pickpocketing is most common in crowded areas like Nyhavn, Strøget (the pedestrian shopping street), and around Nørreport and Central Station, particularly during peak hours. Scams to watch for include police impersonation, fake charity clipboard requests, and distraction thefts in cafés or hotel lobbies near tourist sites. These are opportunistic crimes, not targeted violence, and can be avoided with basic precautions such as keeping valuables out of back pockets, using bags with secure closures, and staying alert to overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.
Recent events in September 2026 have seen farmer protests involving tractor blockades in central Copenhagen over fertilizer and nitrogen emission rules, causing traffic delays but no reports of violence or threats to visitors. Other dossier items, such as a money-laundering probe and activist detentions, are unrelated to tourist safety. Emergency services are reliable — dial 112 for emergencies, 114 for non-urgent police matters, and 1813 for medical help. Tap water is safe to drink. Overall, Copenhagen remains a low-risk destination where situational awareness, especially regarding belongings in busy areas, is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Copenhagen districts for visitors: 5 safer, 3 needing caution. See them plotted on the Copenhagen safety map.
Indre By (City Centre)cautionVery safe overall but pickpocketing occurs around Nyhavn, Strøget and Central Station, especially in crowds.
NørrebrocautionLively multicultural area; gang-related tensions exist but tourists rarely targeted—avoid isolated streets after dark.
ChristianiacautionFamous freetown; cannabis trade tolerated but hard drugs and scams occur—visit daytime only, avoid confrontations.
ChristianshavnsaferUpscale residential area with low crime; well-lit and popular with tourists and locals alike.
VesterbrosaferTrendy nightlife district; generally safe but stay alert around bars and clubs late at night for minor disorder.
ØsterbrosaferAffluent, family-friendly neighbourhood with parks and waterfront; very low crime rates.
FrederiksbergsaferIndependent municipality within Copenhagen; upscale, quiet and well-patrolled with minimal crime.
Amager VestsaferModern residential area near the airport; safe and quiet, well-connected by metro.
07 · After Dark
88% of people in Denmark say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Mugging and armed robbery are rare for visitors; isolated incidents may occur near poorly lit outskirts at night but not in tourist zones.
After dark, be most careful around Indre By (City Centre), Nørrebro, Christiania. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes — Copenhagen remains one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with violent crime rare and petty theft the main concern. Denmark's strong institutions and low homicide rate underpin a high safety baseline, though U.S. and Canadian advisories urge increased caution due to general terrorism concerns across Europe. On the ground, visitors report feeling very safe day-to-day, with pickpocketing concentrated in tourist hotspots and occasional scams near transit hubs. Recent dossier items show no violent incidents targeting tourists, but note ongoing farmer protests causing localized disruption in September 2026. (Assessed 28 September 2026.)
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Copenhagen ranks #1 of 5 Denmark destinations we've assessed, scoring 90/100. See the Denmark safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Denmark safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: copenhagen.json (CC BY 4.0).
