Can you light a campfire when camping in Denmark?
Fire places, camping stoves and fire bans
Short answer
Lighting a fire is not allowed in forests, on uncultivated land or in vegetated protected dunes. Many state areas have marked fire places where you may light a fire, and there you may only use wood lying on the ground at the site or from the wood box. When camping in a free tent area, you may use a camping stove with an enclosed burner, such as a Trangia, if you secure the ground first. Fire places in state forests are also closed when a municipality or the police bans open fire.
Why
- Fires belong at marked fire places only.
- A closed camping stove is allowed on secured ground.
- Fire bans cover state fire places too.
Details
Beredskabsstyrelsen keeps an overview of municipalities with a fire ban on brs.dk.
Tip
Check brs.dk for fire bans on the day you go, especially in dry summers.
What may differ
A landowner can allow fires on private land, and bans can come at short notice in dry weather.
Common misconception
You can light a small fire anywhere in the forest if you put it out properly.
What actually happens
Fires are only allowed at marked fire places or with the owner's permission.
People also ask
- Are shelters free in Denmark?
- Where can you pitch a tent for free in Denmark?
- How do you know if there is a fire ban in Denmark?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Prices, rules and booking terms change, so check with the place you book and the official sources.
AccommodationRelated questions
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Where can a school class or group stay overnight in Copenhagen?
Hostels with group and school camp offers are a common option for classes visiting Copenhagen.
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Do you need a permit or registration to rent out your home to tourists in Denmark?
A private person who lets a home to holiday guests on a non-commercial basis needs no permit, as long as the yearly day limits are kept.
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How much can you earn tax-free renting out your home in Denmark in 2026?
For short-term rental of a home or room you live in (under 4 months), the tax-free allowance in 2026 is 35,100 kr.
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What are the Airbnb rules in Copenhagen?
In Copenhagen you may let your whole home for holiday purposes for up to 30 days per calendar year, or up to 70 days if the rental goes through an intermediary such as Airbnb.