Daily Life

Public holidays and opening hours, when Denmark closes

Updated July 2026Reviewed July 2026
The one-line versionShops open daily including Sundays in cities, but public holidays close much of the country. Know the Danish holiday calendar - and that Store Bededag was scrapped as a holiday in 2024 - to avoid a locked-door surprise.

The holiday calendar

Denmark's public holidays cluster around Christmas, Easter and early summer. The main ones: New Year's Day, the Easter run (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday), General Prayer Day's replacement context (see below), Ascension Day, Whit Monday (Pinse), Constitution Day (5 June, a partial holiday), and Christmas (24-26 December, with the 24th effectively closing early).

Store Bededag is no longer a holiday'Great Prayer Day' (Store Bededag), long a spring public holiday, was abolished as an official holiday from 2024 - it is now a normal working day. If you are relying on an old calendar, that Friday in spring is no longer off. Always check the current year's official dates.

Everyday opening hours

  • Supermarkets open daily, including Sundays, in cities - often long hours; smaller/rural shops vary.
  • Offices and public services run standard weekday hours; many close early on Fridays.
  • Public holidays close most shops, offices and public services - plan ahead.
  • Banks keep limited in-branch hours; most banking is digital anyway.
Stock up before a holidayOn public holidays much of the country genuinely shuts, and the day before can see a rush. Do your shopping ahead, and check specific opening hours online - many shops post holiday hours that differ from the norm. Pharmacies and some kiosks/petrol stations stay open for essentials.

Seasonal rhythm

Beyond fixed holidays, Denmark slows down in July, when many take summer holiday and some businesses run reduced hours. The period between Christmas and New Year is similarly quiet. Factor this into official business and appointments - processing can be slower in these windows.

Common questions

Are shops open on Sundays?
In cities, yes - supermarkets and many shops open daily. Smaller and rural shops vary, and public holidays close most things.
Is Store Bededag still a holiday?
No - it was abolished as a public holiday from 2024 and is now a normal working day. Check current-year dates.
When does Denmark slow down?
July (summer holidays) and the Christmas-New Year gap. Public services and businesses can run reduced hours then.

Verified July 2026 against official sources: lifeindenmark.borger.dk, Motorstyrelsen, um.dk and consumer/provider information. Prices and rules are 2026 estimates and change - always check current provider terms and official sites. General information, not legal advice.

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