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Do you need to buy bottled water in Denmark?

Tap water instead of plastic bottles

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Short answer

No, you do not need bottled water in Denmark, because the tap water from public waterworks is ordinary drinking water. Almost all of it is groundwater that is only aerated and filtered. One litre of bottled water sends up to 2,000 times more CO2 into the air than one litre of tap water. Many other countries have to chlorinate their water or rely on bottled water, but Denmark normally does not.

Tap water in Denmark

Why

  1. Tap water is checked as drinking water.
  2. Bottled water costs money and creates plastic waste.
  3. You can refill a bottle for free at many water posts.

Details

Copenhagen alone has about 130 public water posts, as of June 2026.

Tip

Ask for a glass or jug of tap water at cafés; a refillable bottle saves money on day trips.

What may differ

Holiday homes with a private well may have different water quality, so check with the owner.

Common misconception

Many travellers think bottled water is cleaner than tap water.

What actually happens

Danish tap water is groundwater that is checked regularly and needs no chlorine.

People also ask

  • Can you drink tap water in Denmark?
  • Are there drinking fountains in Copenhagen?
  • Is chlorine added to Danish tap water?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Opening hours, prices and services change, so check the official sources before you go.

Tap water in Denmark
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