If you take a closer look at some of the currencies in use in Europe today, you will see a few that have a name similar to the krone. Krona is also popular in some other countries, but in Denmark they use the krone. The plural of this term is kroner so if you are talking about a plural amount, such as in getting some kroner for your holiday in Denmark for example, you would use kroner rather than saying the krone. The word krone translates into crown, so you could also use this word to refer to the currency in the English language.
What coins and notes are available for this currency?
The krone is divided into 100 ore, although there is now only one coin that is available in this denomination. This is the 50 ore coin. There are another five coins in use in Denmark today, which are the 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 kroner coins. In addition to this there are five banknotes, which are the 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 kroner notes.
From past to present – the history of the Danish krone
The krone has been in use in Denmark since 1875, so it is quite an old currency. There is always the chance it will become defunct if the country ever decides to join the Euro, but this has not happened to date. There was a referendum in 2000 that resulted in a narrow majority of people voting to keep the krone, so it looks as though the currency will be around for some time yet.
When the currency was first issued it was a part of the Scandinavian Monetary Union. Sweden and Norway were also a part of this union, and even when the union broke up those two countries started using their own version of the currency (and still do today).
The currency has been through ups and downs since those early beginnings. It has been devalued, linked to the Reichsmark during World War II and originally linked to the Gold Standard too. Now it stands as the currency of Denmark, resolutely resisting the urge to succumb to the Euro. The currency is also used in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
How to get hold of Danish kroner
You can get hold of this currency before you go to Denmark, since it is easy to order it from a bureau de change. Indeed it might be prudent to get some cash before you go, since card use in Denmark is not as prevalent as it is in many other developed countries. You can use your bank cards of course (credit and debit cards) but not all outlets accept them. American Express cards can also be problematic to have accepted from time to time. This means it is always wise to make sure you carry some cash in case you need it.
The one thing worth remembering is you can get your kroner from a cash machine in much the same way you would at home. A debit card is best for this as the charges will be lower than they are for credit cards. You can use Euros in many stores but it is wise to ask rather than to assume.
How to find out the latest exchange rate between your home currency and the Danish krone
If you have a currency converter app on your phone you can use this to provide you with the information you need. You can also use a computer to find a website that has a converter on it to use. In either case it helps to have a converter that updates regularly so you have fairly accurate up to the minute results.
Bear in mind that the general exchange rate will be slightly different from the one you are quoted when it comes to exchanging your own currency for the Danish krone. Every bureau de change charges rates that means it will make a profit on the transaction. They might hide it in the rates rather than giving an actual fee, but it is there.
For more information about travelling to Denmark and what to expect when you get there, you might want to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark website for the UK. This is available at http://storbritannien.um.dk/.
Travelling safely with Danish kroner
For the most part it is quite safe to travel in Denmark, but it does pay to make sure you follow a few simple rules. For example you should make sure you keep your belongings safe and not flash them around if you can help it. Keeping your cash safely tucked away in a wallet or purse is ideal. Some people split their cash into different amounts to store in different places, and money belts are also popular. While pickpocketing isn’t widespread it does go on, and it is a good idea to ensure you aren’t one of the most attractive targets.
It is also wise to travel with a few coins in your pockets whenever you can. This might sound odd but Denmark doesn’t just consist of the mainland. There are many islands here too, and you may want to visit one or more of them courtesy of the many ferry services that operate. You may not be able to pay with anything other than cash on these, so bear that in mind.
Where to spend your kroner in Denmark – and what to spend them on
Where should you go when you arrive in Denmark? Well, there are many options available to you but perhaps the best known is Copenhagen. It might surprise you to know it was once merely a fishing village, but today it has grown into the impressive and attractive capital of the entire country. It has been the capital for several hundred years.
If you want to get around in Copenhagen one of the best ways to do it is by bike. You can rent a bicycle for this purpose and use the many paths that are designed for cyclists to enjoy. There are lots of parks in the city as well, making it an attractive and engaging place to explore.
You will also realise why the city earned the nickname The City of Spires. It is because there are no skyscrapers or tall buildings other than the spires provided by the churches. You may also see the tops of the castles in the city, as these jostle for attention along with the church spires. It is an unusual skyline and one that makes Copenhagen stand out. The city also has a zoo which boasts polar bears among its residents.
If you get peckish while travelling around the city, you can stop off for a smorrebrod, which is an open sandwich featuring all kinds of toppings. Herring is a popular topping as it is associated with this country, but there are many others available as well.
Of course Denmark is famous for being the home of Lego, and more appropriately the original Legoland, before other versions were opened in other countries. You too can visit Legoland Billund, and see the many exhibits of all kinds in the park. These include models built from Lego and of course the usual rides you would expect from a theme park – but all with a Lego twist.
Faarup Sommerland doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue but it is a popular destination for both visitors and locals alike. This is another theme park but it offers more than this – it has a fully-fledged aquapark on offer as well as the usual action rides and family entertainment.
Denmark may not be the first country you think of to head for when you want to visit a beach, but in reality it does have some nice beaches to consider. Solrod Strand is particularly well equipped for families with children, whereas you can head for an artificially made island with beaches and many other features if you are near the Amager Beach Park not far from Copenhagen.
Denmark has lovely countryside as well as beach opportunities and city breaks. For example you can visit a variety of national parks in the country, including National Park Thy. It might surprise you to learn this was the very first park of its kind in the country – and it only opened in 2008! Denmark has been behind many other countries in this respect, but it is fast catching up and has several other ones to visit too. These include Mols Bjerge and the Wadden Sea. If you are a little overwhelmed at everything there is to see and do in the cities and towns, make sure you head for the countryside as well from time to time.
Conclusion
Denmark is a great country to visit, not least because of the many island hopping activities you can try. From visiting the capital city to exploring the many beautiful parts of the countryside, you can see why other people like the country so much.
If you have a pocketful of kroner to take with you, for spending on admission prices and on drinks and snacks, you are sure to have a great time whatever you decide to do. Where in Denmark will you be heading for first?
I must admit I had to check this before commenting, because I thought the Danish people had the Euro. But no, they do still have their own currency so hurrah for them!
I was also glad to see the article made the distinction between the krone and the krona, because I made the mistake of thinking these were two different currencies. I didn’t realise they were two ways of saying essentially the same thing.
Copenhagen is somewhere I’ve always fancied visiting, but it sounds quite expensive from what I have read here. Having said this however, I come from the UK so maybe it won’t seem as bad because of that. Perhaps if I save up my pennies I will find a good reason to visit Denmark and see it?