Denmark, home to the colorful harbor of Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Viking history, and innovative design, is a must-see for many travelers. But before booking a hotel, you might wonder: Does Denmark have a tourist tax in 2025?
Unlike many EU neighbors, Denmark does not charge a nationwide tourist tax. Instead, hotel and service fees are sometimes added at the local or accommodation level. This means travelers usually won’t face big extra costs, but it’s good to know what to expect in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and other cities.
This guide explains the Denmark tourist tax 2025 situation, including city policies, hotel practices, and the latest news for visitors.
2. Does Denmark Have a Tourist Tax in 2025?
- No official nationwide tourist tax.
- Some hotels add environmental or service fees (usually €1–€3 per night).
- Copenhagen and Aarhus are discussing possible eco-taxes linked to sustainability.
- Charges are minimal compared to tourist-heavy countries like Italy or France.
3. Tourist Fees in Denmark by City (2025)
| City/Region | Tourist Fee (2025) | Applies To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen | €1–€3 per night (hotel fee) | Hotels, hostels, rentals | Sometimes added as “environmental fee” |
| Aarhus | €1–€2 (select hotels) | Hotels & eco-accommodations | Still voluntary, not a citywide rule |
| Odense | None | N/A | No citywide tax |
| Smaller towns | None | Guesthouses & B&Bs | Most accommodations tax-free |
💡 Travel Tip: Denmark’s fees are usually built into hotel pricing, so they rarely appear as separate charges.
4. How Do You Pay?
- Collected directly by hotels.
- Sometimes already included in nightly rates.
- Appears as “environmental contribution” on invoices in some eco-hotels.
5. City-by-City Breakdown
🌆 Copenhagen
- No official citywide tax, but some hotels charge €1–€3 per night.
💡 Tip: Book eco-friendly hotels—fees often go to sustainability projects.
🎨 Aarhus
- A handful of hotels add €1–€2 per night.
💡 Tip: Ask in advance if your stay includes local charges.
🧸 Odense
- No fees for tourists.
💡 Tip: Great destination for budget-conscious families visiting Hans Christian Andersen attractions.
6. Exemptions
Since Denmark doesn’t have an official nationwide policy, exemptions aren’t standardized. But generally:
- Children are not charged.
- Rural stays (guesthouses, B&Bs) rarely add fees.
- Long-term stays avoid extra costs.
7. What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
- Hotels may require the fee at check-out.
- Since fees are minimal, disputes are rare.
- If included in the bill, you cannot refuse to pay.
8. Where Does the Money Go?
Fees are usually tied to eco-projects and waste management, such as:
- Funding green energy projects in hotels.
- Supporting local recycling programs.
- Reducing environmental impact of tourism.
9. Denmark Tourist Tax News (2025)
| Update | Impact on Tourists |
|---|---|
| Eco-tax debate in Copenhagen | City considering a €2 nightly charge to support climate goals. |
| Voluntary hotel surcharges | More eco-hotels adding sustainability fees. |
| Tourism board discussions | Nationwide eco-contribution still under review. |
10. Tips for Travelers
- Check booking details to see if a small environmental fee applies.
- Stay outside Copenhagen for cheaper accommodation and fewer fees.
- Choose eco-certified hotels: extra costs are reinvested into sustainability.
- Budget €1–€3 per night for potential surcharges.
11. FAQs
Q1. Is there a tourist tax in Copenhagen?
👉 No citywide tax, but some hotels charge €1–€3 per night.
Q2. Does Denmark have a national tourist tax?
👉 No, only optional hotel fees.
Q3. Do children pay these charges?
👉 No, fees are per room or per adult guest.
Q4. What are “environmental fees”?
👉 Small contributions by hotels to fund eco-projects.
Q5. Could Denmark introduce a nationwide tax?
👉 Possibly, discussions are ongoing for an eco-contribution.
12. Conclusion
The Denmark tourist tax 2025 isn’t an official government policy. Instead, travelers may see small hotel fees of €1–€3 per night in Copenhagen and Aarhus, while other cities remain fee-free.
For most visitors, this means minimal extra costs compared to other European destinations. And in many cases, these contributions support sustainability projects, making your stay greener and more eco-conscious.
So, while Denmark remains largely tourist-tax-free, it’s smart to budget a few euros per night—just in case.