Neighborhood Safety in Denmark
Denmark is one of the world’s safest countries, but neighborhood safety still matters. Explore city trends, expat-friendly areas, and practical tips to feel secure wherever you live.
Overview
Low crime rate
Most incidents are non-violent: bike theft, pickpocketing, and petty property crime in crowded spots.
Emergency? 112
Police/ambulance/fire: 112 (24/7, free, English-speaking). Non-emergency police: 114.
Police presence
Visible patrols in major cities. More at politi.dk.
Safe & popular areas
Copenhagen
Often calm: Frederiksberg, Østerbro, Valby, Amager East.
Popular & lively: Vesterbro, Nørrebro (more nightlife noise).
City housing info
Aarhus · Odense · Aalborg
Generally safe. Aarhus C, Højbjerg, Risskov; Odense M/S/V; Aalborg Center, Hasseris, Vejgaard.
Aarhus housing guide
Family-friendly suburbs
Quiet & green: Lyngby, Gentofte, Hellerup, Charlottenlund, Herlev.
Expat suburbs overview
Safety tips & understanding crime
Bike & bag theft
Use two locks, secure frames, and park in lit, busy areas. Keep bags zipped on trains/festivals.
Nightlife areas
Violence is rare; watch for pickpockets late at night and during street parties.
“Vulnerable” areas
Official lists note social challenges; most are fine by day and improving. Read with context.
Useful resources
Police safety
Official stats
Copenhagen areas
Related on exploringdenmark
Housing guide
Safety & healthcare
Copenhagen Metro
Moving checklist
Frequently asked questions
🌙 Is it safe to walk at night?
Generally yes. Use main routes, avoid empty parks late, and keep valuables tucked away.
🔐 Are bikes often stolen?
Yes, it’s the most common crime. Use two locks and register/frame-mark your bike when possible.
🏷️ What are “vulnerable” areas?
Government-designated neighbourhoods with social indicators. They’re not inherently dangerous; context matters.
📍 How do I check local crime?
Browse official stats and your kommune site for local advice.
👨👩👧👦 Is Denmark safe for kids?
Extremely. Many children walk/bike to school and use public transit independently.
🏡 Best family areas?
North-of-Copenhagen suburbs (Gentofte, Hellerup, Lyngby) and many towns near Aarhus/Odense are popular.