Denmark currency facts every traveller should know

Planning a holiday to Denmark? 

Whether you are exploring Copenhagen, cycling through charming towns, or heading north to see castles and coastlines, you will need to get familiar with the Danish kroner. 

The currency has plenty of quirks, a fascinating history, and some very practical features that will help you on your trip.

This guide takes you through everything you need to know about Denmark’s currency, from coins and notes to exchange rates and card payments, as well as a few surprising facts that most travellers don’t know.

Denmark currency overview

The official currency of Denmark is the Danish kroner, often shortened to krone in the singular. 

Its currency code is DKK, and you may also see the Danish crown used as a traditional translation.

Denmark’s currency is separate from the euro, even though the country is part of the European Union. 

The krone remains strong and reliable thanks to the monetary policy set by the central bank in Copenhagen.

What is the Danish kroner?

The Danish krone currency has been in use since 1875, when it was introduced as part of the Scandinavian Monetary Union. 

The krone has endured wars, political shifts, and economic fluctuations.

Travellers today will find that Danish currency exchange rate stability makes it easy to plan a budget.

The Danish krone currency and its symbol

The Danish krone sign is written as kr, and the Danish krone currency symbol is easy to spot in shops and restaurants. 

When prices are shown, the number is followed by the symbol “kr”, such as “50 kr”.

The plural form of krone is kroner, which is handy to know when you are discussing prices in Denmark.

The Danish krone exchange rates explained

The Danish central bank ensures the krone stays pegged to the euro, which means its value remains in a tight band. 

By doing so, it helps keep exchange markets steady and benefits travellers with predictable rates.

If you are comparing the Danish currency to GBP or want to convert Danish currency to pounds, you will see small fluctuations, but the overall rate is stable.

Most exchange rates you see online for Danish currency to pound or Danish currency to GBP will reflect this close link with the euro.

The Danish central bank manages the monetary policy, ensuring the krone stays pegged to the euro. 

Danish currency coins you will use on your trip

The Danish coins are some of the most distinctive in Europe. 

The coin series includes 50 øre (although no longer in circulation, many travellers still come across them), 1 krone, 2 kroner, 5 kroner, 10 kroner, and 20 kroner.

Many coins are made of aluminium bronze or other metals, and several feature a decorative hole in the centre. 

The reverse sides of the coins often display patterns linked to Danish history and culture.

Danish banknotes in daily life

Banknotes come in several denominations, including 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 kroner. 

New series have been printed with new security features, making the cash easy to use and more challenging to counterfeit.

Cash or card payments in Denmark

While cash is accepted everywhere, card payments are really common. 

Most shops and restaurants welcome contactless payments, and both Visa and Mastercard are widely used.

Some travellers ask whether they can accept euros, but while you might find a few tourist spots that take them, you should always carry Danish kroner.

Contactless payments and Mastercard use

Danish shops are well-equipped for fast payments. You can tap your Mastercard or other cards, and you will rarely be asked for a minimum order amount. 

Using cards in Denmark is seamless.

Can you pay in euros, or should you accept euros?

Denmark is not part of the eurozone. While the krone is closely linked to the euro, you will need to use kroner for almost everything. 

Some places in Copenhagen may allow you to pay in euros, but the exchange rate will not be favourable, and you might even pay extra fees.

The history of Danish currency and the gold standard

The kroner was once tied to gold through the gold standard, a system used across Europe. 

This link ended in the 20th century, but the krone has remained a stable and valuable currency since.

From the Scandinavian monetary union to today

In the late 1800s, Denmark joined Sweden and Norway in a shared system called the Scandinavian Monetary Union. 

Each country issued its own coins and notes, but all were linked in value. This arrangement ended during World War I, but Denmark kept its krone.

5 quirky Denmark currency facts

1. The hole in krone coins

One of the most unique aspects of the krone is the hole in some coins. Not just decorative, it makes coins lighter and easier to handle.

This design makes them lighter, easier to carry, and simpler to identify by touch. The tradition also has roots in Nordic history.

2. Bridges on banknotes

Modern Danish currency notes feature bridges and landscapes rather than portraits of Danish kings. 

Each design includes a motif that celebrates the country’s architecture, such as the Danish bridges that connect islands.

3. The 50 øre coin’s farewell

The 50 øre coin may no longer be in use, but it remains a nostalgic piece of Danish money.

4. Pegged to the euro

Denmark keeps its krone but maintains a tight peg to the euro’s value.

5. Faroe Islands twist

The Faroe Islands, an autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark, use the Danish krone as their official currency. But here’s the quirky part: they print their own unique banknotes.

These Faroese notes are fully valid kroner, but instead of bridges and Danish landscapes, they feature local motifs like seabirds, fishing nets, and island scenery. 

The designs are colourful, artistic, and distinctly Faroese, making them a real collector’s item for visitors.

Travel money for Denmark holidays

Sorting your travel money in advance is always wise. 

While you can use cards almost everywhere, it’s good to have some cash on hand for markets, small shops, or rural areas.

If you are planning a holiday, remember that buying Danish krone online before you travel often gives you a great rate compared with waiting until you arrive.

How to buy Danish currency with Manor FX

Getting your Danish kroner (DKK) sorted before you travel is easy with Manor FX. 

We keep the process simple, transparent, and secure so you can relax knowing your travel money is ready for your trip.

Here’s how it works:

1. Begin your order

Select Danish krone (DKK Denmark currency) from our list of available currencies.

Enter the amount you’d like to spend in pounds, or the total kroner you’d like to receive. 

You can also add more currencies if your travels take you beyond Denmark.

2. Pick delivery or collection

Decide whether you’d like your cash sent directly to your door by insured post or if you’d prefer to collect it from our London office. 

Both options are designed for speed and convenience.

3. Check the exchange rate

We’ll display the live Danish krone exchange rate locked in for your order, along with a clear breakdown of any costs. 

You’ll see precisely how much Denmark currency you’ll receive for your pounds.

4. Add your details

Provide your name, contact information, date of birth, and (if needed) your delivery address. 

This step helps us process your order securely and quickly.

5. Set your delivery date

Choose when you’d like your kroner to arrive. 

Orders placed and paid for before 2 pm on a working day qualify for next-day dispatch.

6. Select payment method

Pay by bank transfer in advance, or if you’re collecting, you can also pay by card or cash.

7. Confirm and complete

Tick to confirm our terms and conditions, then hit “Place Order.” 

We’ll send you a confirmation email with all the details, including our bank information, if you’ve chosen transfer.

Your Danish kroner will soon be on their way, leaving you free to focus on planning your Danish holiday.

Final tips before your trip to Copenhagen and beyond

The krone is easy to understand, reliable, and simple to use, whether you are in Copenhagen or exploring the rest of the country. 

With a bit of planning, you can collect your travel money before you go, enjoy free home delivery, and benefit from a great rate with Manor FX.

That way, you can focus on what matters most – enjoying your holiday in Denmark.

Don’t forget that if you get back with leftover travel money, we’ll help you convert Denmark currency to GBP. 

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