Our number one priority on this trip is to get all of you through the program without injury.
Natural Disasters
Fortunately, earthquakes, “hurricanes”, and tornadoes are exceedingly rare in Denmark, and the nearest active volcano is Mount Vesuvius in Italy, more than 1000 miles away. Large, potentially destructive ocean storms accompanied by storm surge, high winds, and coastal flooding are largely limited to the coastal stretches of the North Sea, although the relatively sheltered Baltic Sea is not immune to similar threats. Nevertheless, we will be keeping a close eye on weather and storm forecasts.
Perhaps the greatest threat to your personal comfort and safety is weather-related, namely being drenched by rainfall, cool winds, and sun exposure. We anticipate relatively mild summer temperatures (some might even say “cool”) but we will be reminding you to drink lots of water and stay hydrated on our hikes and outdoor experiences. Remember to bring the appropriate clothes, for all types of weather.
Wildlife
Large, predatory animals that represent a threat to humans are virtually absent from Denmark. IF we see a wolf in the wilds of Denmark, it would not only be an amazingly lucky experience, it would probably make national news. Although present in parts of Scandinavia, brown bears went extinct in Denmark in the Neolithic period (~5000 years ago). Indeed, unfortunately, continental Denmark is one of four European countries that do not have reproducing populations of bear, lynxs, wolverines, or wolves.
What about the ‘usual suspects” like snakes, scorpions, spiders, and pesky insects? Denmark is home to two species of snake, and only the European Adder (Vipera berus) is venomous. I lived in “adder country” in Northern Germany for 16 years, and only ever saw a single specimen that entire time. Like most snakes, they mind their own business, quickly slither away from you, and bites are rarely fatal. Give them the respect they deserve. We should be thrilled to see one in the wild, they are incredibly beautiful and important members of the ecosystem.
Scorpions are not native to Denmark although there have been some dubious sightings. As for spiders, “creepiness” is in the eye of the beholder, and none of the spiders in Denmark are unusually large or venomous. The infamous “black widow spider” of American arachnophobic lore is present only in the Mediterranean region. One of the few Northern European spiders that has a bite strong enough to inflict pain on a human being is the European Garden Spider (Araneus) but they are web-bound creatures and rarely come into contact with humans.
As with most countries, the greatest interaction you will have with “dangerous wildlife” will be limited to the pesky types like mosquitoes, horseflies, and the occasional tick. As a child in Europe, I was told horror stories about the sting of the European Hornet (Vespa crabro) but the only place where I have ever encountered these remarkable creatures is in my own backyard in Efland, NC (they are invasive to the US). You do want to pay attention to their cousins, the common European Wasp (Vespula germanica), which you proverbially know as “yellow-jackets” in the US.
They are more fearless and gregarious than their US counterparts, and their attraction to food and drink bring them in common contact with humans, They easily find themselves crawling into open soda cans (therefore DO NOT leave soda cans open and unobserved as swallowing a wasp can be rather “uncomfortable”). You might see several of them hanging out near garbage cans, and picnic tables in public spaces. Their sting can be painful but, unless you suffer from allergies, they rarely, if ever, require a trip to the doctor.
Poisonous Plants
There are numerous poisonous plants in Denmark, but, like in North America, unless you ingest them or their berries, they are harmless. Also, like in the US (think of poison ivy and oak), there are some plants that are painful to the touch or can cause itchy and painful rashes. It is generally a good rule to keep from touching plants unless you have checked with us or one of the local guides. The most common “weed that 
stings” that you are likely to encounter in Denmark is the stinging nettles (Urtica), which are ubiquitous, even growing in city parks. We have members of this group in the US, but they rarely are of the stinging species. Which brings us to another important rule: it could look like a harmless, even edible US species, but this is incredibly misleading. Do not become a member of the “But-we-have-them-in-the-US-tourist-in-hospital-group”. By the way, this goes equally (and perhaps even more importantly) for mushrooms. There are plants and mushrooms that appear identical to edible North American counterparts, but in Europe they will sting, hurt, and even kill you (if ingested). Do not eat wild plants and mushrooms.
Water
You are expressly forbidden from drinking water out of natural streams, lakes, or “natural springs”, regardless of how much locals (or even your guides) assure you of its “cleanliness” and “purity”. Even if they drink it, YOU do not. The “appearance” of water is an incredibly poor judge of its cleanliness. Even the coldest, crystal-clear mountain stream can have microbes in them that will cause extreme intestinal distress (never mind the heavy dissolved metals). As a visitor, your stomach fauna is not used to variable microbes that locals might be completely immune to. Europe has a long history of “sacred or healing spring sites”, and most of these venerable and ancient places are probably perfectly potable and safe. However, while you are on our trip, we ask you not to take that risk.
Tap water throughout Denmark is perfectly safe to drink, unless noted otherwise by local ordinance.
Metropolitan
Like in all large metropolitan areas, keep an eye out for your belongings, as petty theft is all too common in some areas. I have had my wallet stolen out of my back pocket (not a good place to have a wallet) in in broad daylight in a busy public square in Switzerland. Pay attention to your surroundings, who bumps or brushes up against you, and don’t keep your valuables in loose, open clothes pockets. As part of your orientation upon arrival in Copenhagen, DIS will give you more information on how to safely navigate big city life in Copenhagen as a foreign visitor.
