From indoor townie to outdoor champ: When you step into nature, you’re also stepping up to care for it. Sometimes it’s a bit tricky to treat nature properly—but that should NATURally end now. Here you’ll discover 7 handy tips for navigating the outdoors thoughtfully and leaving it just as you’d like to find it.
Get acquainted with the do’s and don’ts of nature. You might know some of these already, while others may be fresh. Either way, they’re simple to adopt and a natural addition to your adventure. Small acts of consideration go a long way—for nature and for those who follow.
Doing your business in nature: Need to go while you’re on the move? This is a definite no-go on the trail. You might think, no kidding—but some visitors still feel it’s okay to leave nature where it’s no one’s business. If the urge strikes, find a secluded spot, squat discreetly, bury your waste, and cover with leaves or brush. But it’s best to hold it in until you find a restroom. That’s just good etiquette.
Litterbugs? Not here: Nature takes nearly five years to break down a cigarette butt and up to a thousand years for a plastic bottle. We want our resting spots to offer peace, not resemble a festival aftermath. Leaving rubbish behind irritates everyone—especially the wild animals who live there. Always dispose of your trash—including your dog’s contributions—in a bin. Easy peasy!
Psst… do nature a favor by carrying a small bag—any walk can become a litter pick.
Where to rest? Mosquitoes and creepy critters? No worries. Danes love camping, but pitching your tent anywhere isn’t allowed. Tent camping is permitted at over 1,000 camping and shelter sites in public forests or in one of the 275 designated ‘free tenting’ woods. Sleep soundly knowing it’s all above board.
Psst… you may only stay one night in the same place. Tent camping on the beach is forbidden, but sleeping under the stars is welcome.
The sky has limits: Drones, zipping at speeds up to 140 km/h, are becoming common—and for good reasons. However, they can disturb breeding birds such as peregrine falcons that nest on cliffs and slopes. As a responsible drone operator, fly only in authorized areas, keep your drone in sight, and respect a safe distance from birds and other creatures.
Skip the “sealfie”: While the gyms have been closed and activewear hasn’t seen much action, resist the urge to chase the perfect selfie with wild animals. Seals, stags, storks—they’re not keen on becoming your Instagram stars. Wild animals simply want to be left alone and prefer you keep the duck face for yourself.
Silent like a ninja: Shhh! Noise disturbs many wild animals and can damage entire ecosystems. Loud sounds startle small creatures, disrupt bird calls, and leave prey vulnerable. When you go out to enjoy nature’s calming sounds, leave your Bluetooth speaker at home, silence your phone, and blend in quietly.
Man’s best friend in nature: Your dog may be harmless—but in nature, they should always be on a leash. Loose dogs can scare and stress wildlife such as young hares, ground-nesting birds, and game animals, and may frighten children too. Keep your dog leashed—and your pooper scooper handy.
4 useful nature apps: Giv et Praj, Vild Mad, Hundeskove I Danmark, and All Trails.
Did you know?
— Most nature areas are open 24 hours. Private forests close from sunset to 6 am, the time when forest trolls rest.
— You may pick what fits in a carrier bag: berries, mushrooms, and other wild treats in state-owned nature. In private forests, pick only what you can reach from roads and paths. On beaches, gather only what you can carry in your hands.
— Fires are allowed only at designated fire and campsite areas in forests. Beaches are good spots for small fires. Always fully extinguish fires before you leave and never cover embers with sand because it can burn animals and people.
— Danish coasts are open to all. You may swim on privately owned beaches, just as public lakes are open to all swimmers.
— In private forests, walk only on roads and paths. In public forests, walking off-path on the forest floor is allowed, but cycling is not.
Download the 7 tips for good nature etiquette (PDF, 4.03 MB)
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