If you’ve been scrolling headlines lately, you’d be forgiven for wondering whether Copenhagen is off the table for your next European adventure.
Between President Trump’s repeated calls to annex Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and the diplomatic firestorm that followed, plenty of Americans have quietly shelved their Scandinavian bucket lists.
But here’s the truth. Denmark doesn’t just tolerate American visitors right now. It’s actively rolling out the welcome mat.
In a move that speaks volumes, VisitDenmark, the country’s national tourism board, sent a targeted email to approximately 6,000 U.S.-based travel agents and tour operators in January 2026.
The message was unambiguous. “First and foremost, travelers are welcome in Denmark.” The email went on to confirm that “at this time, there is no indication that the situation has affected travel safety, visitor experience, or tourism operations in Denmark.”
The response from the travel industry was striking. Mette Ejlskov Hansen, VisitDenmark’s U.S. marketing manager, told AFAR that the email achieved a 75% open rate, well above their typical 50% benchmark.
“So you can tell that people wanted this message,” she said. And the numbers back it up: travel from the U.S. to Denmark rose 8.3% in 2025 compared to 2024, according to VisitDenmark figures.
They Know the Difference Between You and American Politics
The most reassuring thing about the current climate? The Danish people are drawing a clear line between American tourists and American politics.
“In all the reports, I’ve not heard of anybody who’s had a bad travel experience, at least from the Danish side,” Hansen told AFAR. “They see a difference between people and the government. So there’s no hatred toward Americans.”
Travelers who’ve been there recently are saying the same thing. On the Rick Steves Travel Forum, one user who had just returned from Greenland noted that locals “liked American visitors, but do not like the administration” and “did keep the two separate, which was nice.” The poster added, “We felt very welcomed.”
A Denmark-based commenter on the same forum thread offered some grounding local perspective. “The Danes are not angry with you personally. The average person is more than capable of differentiating between the US government and a private citizen.”
Their advice for Americans who personally oppose the annexation threats? Don’t be afraid to say so if asked, because your opinion aligns with virtually everyone you’ll meet.
Copenhagen’s Moment Has Arrived
Geopolitics aside, this is genuinely one of the best times to visit Denmark. Copenhagen has quietly ascended as one of Europe’s most compelling capitals, powered by a world-class food scene that earned 30 Michelin stars across 18 restaurants in the 2025 Michelin Guide Nordic Countries.
Beyond the table, Copenhagen’s enduring influence in Danish Modern and contemporary Nordic design, visible in its architecture, museums, and cultural institutions, continues to shape the city’s aesthetic and broader cultural identity. It’s also widely recognized for its ambitious sustainability goals and bike-friendly urban design.
The Danish concept of hygge, that untranslatable sense of warmth and cozy togetherness, is something you feel the moment you step into a candlelit café on a cobblestone street.
Travel reporting also points to a broader surge in interest in Nordic culture and cool-weather destinations, a travel trend that shows no sign of slowing. From the colorful harbor houses of Nyhavn to the ancient Viking ship museum in Roskilde, Denmark, rewards slow, curious travelers who want substance over spectacle.
What About Greenland?
The situation in Greenland itself is more nuanced. AFAR notes that it is harder to assess how American travelers are being received on the island, given the island’s intense political spotlight.
Public protests and statements in Nuuk have underscored strong local feelings about sovereignty. Only 6% of Greenlanders say they would support Greenland leaving Denmark to become part of the United States, according to a January 2025 opinion poll conducted by Verian for the Danish newspaper Berlingske and Greenlandic media house Sermitsiaq.
The mayor of Nuuk has publicly criticized visiting media personalities and content creators who engage in provocative, political stunts, stressing that such actions can harm residents and urging respectful behavior from outsiders.
If you’ve had Greenland on your radar, for its staggering fjords, dog-sledding, or the chance to see the Northern Lights over an ancient ice sheet, the message from the ground is to travel with sensitivity, curiosity, and respect. That will take you far.
The Bottom Line? Go, But Be Respectful
If you had Denmark or Greenland on your list and shelved it out of concern, it’s time to put it back. The travel community is consistent and clear. Go. As one well-traveled commenter on the Rick Steves forum put it, “traveling to Europe gives you a sense of peace and happiness, and most importantly, sanity. Especially now. Go, enjoy and show our NATO friends we treasure them.”
VisitDenmark’s email to travel advisors confirmed there has been “no noticeable decline in interest or bookings related to the situation,” with any minor fluctuations matching ordinary seasonal patterns.
The infrastructure is running smoothly. The people are warm. The food is extraordinary. And the welcome, despite everything playing out in the headlines, is genuine.
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a Travel Journalist, Yahoo! Creator, MSN Partner, a member of both the Society of Professional Journalists and North American Travel Journalists Association, and the founder of Wander Worthy. She covers vacation destinations, travel news, and tourism trends.
