Being a gluten-free traveler can be challenging. Not only do you have to worry about finding gluten-free food options, but you also have to be mindful of cross-contamination. This can be especially difficult when there is a language barrier. At Happy Celiac, we understand the struggles of trying to eat gluten-free abroad. That’s why we have crafted a complete guide to eating gluten-free in Copenhagen. With our guide, you can spend your holiday enjoying all of Copenhagen’s top attractions instead of worrying about where you’ll eat your next meal.
Table of Contents
- Tips for Eating Gluten-Free in Copenhagen
- Best Gluten-Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Copenhagen
- Best Hotels in Copenhagen for Celiacs
- Best Supermarkets in Copenhagen for Celiacs
- Must-Know Danish Words and Phrases for Celiacs
- Everything Else You Need to Know Before Traveling to Copenhagen
Tips for Eating Gluten-Free in Copenhagen
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a well-seasoned veteran, you’ll want to know all the best tips and tricks to make traveling as a celiac as seamless as possible.
Get a Danish Gluten-Free Restaurant Card
Gluten-free restaurant cards are a breadless babe’s best friend. It can be quite unnerving trying to explain your gluten allergy to a server, especially if there is a language barrier. With a Danish gluten-free restaurant card, you can order food and beverages without worrying that the server doesn’t understand what gluten-free means. The restaurant card is written in Danish and explains exactly what celiac disease is and what you can and cannot consume. This is a fantastic solution for those who don’t want to attempt to explain their allergy in another language or risk having information lost in translation. All you have to do is hand over the card to your server and they should then be well versed in what you can have on the menu!
Be Careful With Beers Labeled Gluten-Free
Just because someone is gluten-free doesn’t mean they don’t like to crack a cold one every now and then, it just means they’re limited to certain beers! While there are several European brewers crafting gluten-free beers (woohoo!) we do have a warning to impart to our celiac friends. In Europe, beers labeled gluten-free are not always gluten-free, but instead, can be gluten-removed. There is much debate as to whether these beers are safe for celiacs to consume, but we will leave it up to you to use your best judgment. For extra assurance, always ensure that beers labeled gluten-free also have the official EU symbol for gluten-free products on the label as well.
Check Out the Danish Celiac Association
The Danish Celiac Association is a fantastic tool for those exploring gluten-free Copenhagen. While they have loads of information on celiac disease and how to live with it, the most useful tool on their website for travelers is the interactive map of gluten-free restaurants across the country. While this is a fantastic tool, it is based on user-generated submissions, so it’s always best to double-check the establishment to ensure it’s still open and still serves gluten-free options!
Make Reservations
Seeing as we are listing the best restaurants and bakeries for gluten-free travelers, you can be certain that many of these establishments are already very popular with locals and tourists. To ensure you get a table for lunch or dinner, we highly recommend calling ahead and making a reservation. Also, be sure to mention you are gluten-free. This not only guarantees you’ll have a table to enjoy a meal at the end of the day, but it also gives the restaurant time to prepare a clean and safe cooking space if they are not a 100% gluten-free restaurant.
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Copenhagen
Now for the main event, where to get the best gluten-free food in Copenhagen! We want to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the delicious Danish dishes just because of an allergy, so below we have listed all the best gluten-free bakeries, cafés, and restaurants in the city.
If you’re an avid traveler or someone who is tired of researching gluten-free restaurants in every new city they visit, then consider downloading our ebook “100% Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants Around the World,” which features over 1000 restaurants and bakeries worldwide that are verified gluten-free. This way you’ll have the best gluten-free restaurants on hand no matter where your adventures or work takes you!
Editor’s Note:
Restaurants and bakeries marked with a “★” are completely gluten-free. In all other establishments, gluten-free items are offered alongside gluten-containing options, and cross-contamination may be a concern for individuals with celiac disease.
Also, please be aware that restaurants and their menus are subject to change. To ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience, we strongly recommend contacting the restaurant directly before planning your visit.
H.U.G Bageri ★
If you’re on the hunt for a gluten-free bakery in the city, then make your way to H.U.G Bageri. This 100% celiac-friendly bakery is the perfect spot to stop in for breakfast or a snack. You can sample several Danish baked goods, like tebirkes, kardemummabuller, and kanelsnegle, along with familiar favorites like cinnamon buns, bread rolls, and croissants. The bakery is located just a short walk from Østre Anlæg Park.
Address: Øster Farimagsgade 20, 2100 København • Visit Website
PALÆO ★
PALÆO is a fantastic gluten-free restaurant with two locations in the city. The first location is near Rosenborg Castle and features a glass building with indoor and outdoor seating. The second location is a rooftop restaurant located a block away from the Guinness World Records Museum. Both locations serve delicious gluten-free dishes like wraps, sweet potato fries, duck burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Address: Various locations • Visit Website
For Emma ★
We don’t know who Emma is, but this gluten-free bakery in Copenhagen isn’t just for her! Visitors looking to eat vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free will find this bakery a godsend. All of the baked goods are made fresh daily and only made with natural gluten-free ingredients. For Emma has a large selection of both fresh and frozen cookies, crackers, pizza doughs, breads, and sweet treats, along with gluten-free flour available for purchase.
Address: Falkoner Alle 42, 2000 Frederiksberg • Visit Website
Glean ★
Another fantastic bakery near Rosenborg Castle is Glean, a 100% vegan and gluten-free eatery. This bakery is known specifically for one thing, Flødeboller! Flødeboller is a popular Danish pastry that has a crispy wafer with a light meringue on top and is covered in chocolate. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, so make sure to stop in for an afternoon treat!
Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 København • Visit Website
Osteria Alfredo
If you’re looking to dig in on some gluten-free pizza in Copenhagen, then Osteria Alfredo is the place for you. This Italian restaurant has a great selection of gluten-free pizzas and all of the pasta dishes on the menu can also be made sans gluten. This is a great restaurant for a relaxed cozy dinner or to order takeaway from!
Address: Vester Farimagsgade 35, 1606 København • Visit Website
Restaurant Tight
This is a fantastic restaurant for a date night in Copenhagen, especially if you enjoy trying odd foods. Restaurant Tight features a large menu of eclectic eats, such as kangaroo, crocodile, and wagyu burgers. If you’re not as adventurous with food you won’t be able to use allergy as an excuse because everything on the menu can be made gluten-free!
Address: Hyskenstræde 10, 1207 København • Visit Website
Il Grappolo Blu
Il Grappolo Blu is the parent restaurant of Osteria Alfredo. While Osterio Alfredo is more known for their pizzas, Il Grappolo Blu focuses more on its main dishes and pasta. Many of the dishes can be made gluten-free, including all of their pasta dishes. This is a great restaurant if you’re looking for a more high-end date night spot as they offer their menus as preset courses and antipastas or a la carte.
Address: Vester Farimagsgade 35, 1606 København • Visit Website
42Raw
42Raw is an amazing vegan restaurant located in the heart of the city. This is a great lunch spot as they serve up several delicious gluten-free poke bowls, sandwiches, and burgers. The restaurant also has a fantastic breakfast and brunch menu, so if you’re hungover and looking for a cure, head over to 42raw to get your munch on.
Address: Pilestræde 32, 1112 København • Visit Website
Landbageriet
Another great bakery to try gluten-free Danish pastries is at Landbageriet, located a block away from the Dronning Louises Bro bridge. Here, visitors can sample a variety of vegan, sugar-free, lactose-free, and gluten-free goodies, such as frøsnapper, focaccia, carrot cake, tebirkes, and cinnamon buns.
Address: Frederiksborggade 29, 1360 København • Visit Website
Grød
Grød is a great restaurant chain in Copenhagen with six locations in the city. Grød is first and foremost a porridge bar, but they have plenty of options on the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Visitors can order delicious gluten-free foods like breakfast bowls, risotto, lunch bowls, porridge, salads, and more.
Address: Various locations • Visit Website
Gorm’s
Gorm’s is an outstanding restaurant and pizza bar eatery with multiple locations across Denmark and Copenhagen, even the airport! In total, they have seven restaurants, three pizza bars, and two “quick” pizza bars at the Copenhagen Airport. All of the pizzas served at each location can be made gluten-free.
Address: Various locations • Visit Website
Permanently Closed Gluten-Free Restaurant
- SimpleRaw
- Vita Boost
- Feelgood Bakery
Best Hotels in Copenhagen for Celiacs
There are many tips and tricks in the travel world to get the most bang for your buck, and one of those tricks is booking a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast or an on-site restaurant. While this is fantastic for your wallet and convenience, not all hotels place the same value on their celiac customers. Oftentimes, gluten-free options are very limited, if at all existent. Well, we dug our heels in and found the best hotels in the city for our gluten-free friends. This means all the hotels listed below offer a great selection of gluten-free options either for breakfast or at their on-site restaurant, just make sure to let the hotel staff know in advance.
If you’re concerned about cross-contamination or prefer cooking your own meals for peace of mind, then consider booking an Airbnb instead.
Best Supermarkets in Copenhagen for Celiacs
If you are staying in an Airbnb and looking to stock your pantry or simply looking for a spot to buy gluten-free foods and drinks, then you’re in luck! All of the major supermarket chains in Denmark, such as Brugsen, Fotex, and Irma, carry a great selection of gluten-free foods. You’ll find several yummy treats and eats like crackers, noodles, breads, cookies, and more!
Must-Know Danish Words and Phrases for Celiacs
It’s always fun to learn a few words or phrases in the local language of the country you are visiting, but it’s even smarter to learn Danish phrases and words related to your allergy. Even if you don’t plan on trying to speak the language, it’s a good idea to memorize some of the phrases below so that you can easily read labels and menus without the need for your phone to translate. For a completely stress-free ordering process at restaurants, vendors, and other eateries, download a Danish gluten-free restaurant card and let the card do the talking for you.
- Gluten-free — Glutenfri
- Flour — Mel
- Wheat — Hvede
- Barley — Byg
- Rye — Rug
- Oats — Havre
- Semolina — Semulje
- Breadcrumbs — Brødkrummer
- Bread — Brød
- Breaded — Paneret
- May contain traces of gluten. — Kan indeholde spor af gluten.
Everything Else You Need to Know Before Traveling to Copenhagen
Now that we covered where to eat gluten-free in the city, let’s move on to everything else you’ll want to know before heading to the City of Spires!
Best Time to Visit Copenhagen
Each season in Copenhagen brings a part of the city to life, making it hard to choose the best season to visit. However, you can narrow down the best time to visit Copenhagen depending on what you’re looking for out of your holiday. While the summer months see the return of nice warm weather to the area, it also brings the summer rush of tourists and can be quite a crowded time to visit. The trade-off is that you will get to enjoy the sunniest and hottest weather Denmark has to offer, which is perfect for those who want to explore the outdoors.
Many travelers may be hoping to get a glimpse of the dancing and dazzling Northern Lights, which are more active during the winter months between November and February. This is also a lovely time to visit as you’ll see plenty of snow and holiday celebrations (and hopefully the aurora borealis).
Spring and Fall are also excellent options for those who want to avoid crowds and travel on a budget. April to May and September to October are part of Copenhagen’s shoulder season and it is an excellent time to visit as the weather is not too cold and many hotels and flights are discounted.
How to Get Around Copenhagen
The great thing about Copenhagen is that it is a relatively small city that is easy to get around on foot! There is lots of walking and exploring to be done, but if you want to explore the city like a local, we highly recommend renting a bike (if your hotel doesn’t offer one to guests). If the weather is cold or rainy, you may be looking for other ways of getting around. The main public transportation options include S-train, bus, and harbor bus. All of the public transportation uses the same ticketing system, so if you buy a transit day pass, then you can use it on all of the services. It’s also worth noting that up to two children aged 12 or younger can ride for free with an adult.
Those looking to get into the city from Copenhagen Airport can take either the train or tram. The train will only take you to Copenhagen Central Station, while the tram can drop you off in other neighborhoods across the city.
Major rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft aren’t available in Denmark, instead, you can use Talizo or Viggo for rideshares or order taxis using the Taxa 4*35 and the Taxi 4*27 app. GoMore is also a popular carpooling app focused on long-distance journeys, so if you’re looking to head out of Copenhagen, give it a go!
Best Things to Do in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a city brimming with exciting activities and attractions. Below, I’ve listed some of the most popular highlights that you won’t want to miss.
Explore Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle is easily the top tourist attraction in Copenhagen. This lavish 17th-century castle was built by Christian IV, one of the most famous Danish kings. Today, tourists can explore the opulent royal rooms and chambers along with the breathtaking castle gardens. The castle is also home to one of the finest collections of Venetian glass in the world, as well as a great collection of Flora Danica porcelain. You can book a guided tour of Rosenborg Castle here.
Hit the Rides at Tivoli Gardens
If you have a love of roller coasters and amusement parks, then why not head to the second oldest operating amusement park in the world, Tivoli Gardens? This 19th-century amusement park has been entertaining visitors since 1846 and boasts a great selection of rides and beautiful garden landscapes. In total, the park has about 30 rides, including two water rides. Admission tickets to Tivoli Gardens can be purchased here in advance.
Learn About Danish History at the National Museum of Denmark
Those looking to learn more about Danish history should add the National Museum of Denmark to their holiday bucket list. Not only can you learn about the Vikings and see their treasure, but the museum also boasts fantastic international exhibits and Renaissance artworks. This fantastic museum is so large and has so much to see that you’ll definitely want to plan to spend about three to four hours inside. You can purchase your entrance ticket in advance here.
Go For a Walk in Nyhavn
You’ve probably seen several pictures of the Nyhavn neighborhood as the port is where some of the most iconic pictures of the city have been taken. Nyhavn is a beautiful 17th-century harbor situated in the city center that boasts brightly colored homes that reflect off the calm waters and offer contrast to the white wooden boats that call Nyhavn home. You can enjoy a stroll along the waters with a cup of coffee or book a canal cruise here.
Climb the Round Tower
Situated in the middle of one of Copenhagen’s busiest shopping streets sits this quirky round tower built by the famous Danish King Charles IV. The tower was originally built as an observatory and even used to house the city university’s book collection which was frequented by author Hans Christian Andersen. Today, the Round Tower is Europe’s oldest functioning observatory and well worth a visit while you’re in the city.
Get Your Royal On at Amalienborg
Not far from Nyhavn Harbor sits another amazing Danish attraction, Amalienborg. Amalienborg is a castle and museum that the Danish royal family calls home in the wintertime. This large 18th-century complex is quite a sight to see and encompasses four palaces strategically built around an octagonal courtyard. Visitors can explore one of the palaces inside the castle as it has been turned into a museum.
View the Artworks at Glyptotek Museum
The Glyptotek Museum is an art museum showcasing the private collection of the son of Carlsberg Breweries, Carl Jacobsen. Here, you’ll find works by several well-known European and international artists, such as Manet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Sisley, and more. Make sure to head to the rooftop after your visit to enjoy unmatched views of Tivoli and the city!
Check Out The Vendors at Torvehallerne
There’s something magical about walking around a market with the aromas of spices and fresh bread in the air, and Torvehallerne is no exception. This large covered market is the ideal spot to peruse for snacks, gourmet foods, desserts, or fresh produce. There are over 60 stands selling all kinds of hot and cold foods and beverages, so make sure to take a lap and see your options first before deciding on something to eat. Both, PALÆO and Glean have a location here.
Visit the Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid Statue situated on the shores of Copenhagen is one of the top tourist attractions in the city, seeing about a million visitors a year. This resilient bronze statue is based on the original fairy tale story by Danish author Hans Christian Anderson and was designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Edvard Eriksen in the early 1900s. The Little Mermaid has had quite a life so far, being decapitated three times and becoming a victim of vandalism by many activists. Still, she lives on and is a very quirky must-see attraction for tourists!
Head to Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace is the only building in the world that houses all forms of government. This 18th-century castle is home to all the Danish government branches, including the Queen, the Supreme Court, the prime minister’s office, and the national government. Inside, government power isn’t the only thing being shown off. Visitors will get to see several royal rooms and objects, like the Royal Reception Room and the Royal Kitchen, as well as learn more about the castle’s history by touring the ruins underneath the castle. Christiansborg Castle is also home to the highest tower in the city, offering visitors an incredible view from the restaurant and observation area. A bonus is that the tower is free to visit!
Best Day Trips From Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a beautiful city to visit on a vacation, but it’s also a good idea to spend a day or two outside the city and explore the country. The Danish countryside has plenty to offer for tourists and we don’t want you to miss out on any of them. So check out these amazing day trip ideas from Copenhagen!
Helsingør
Helsingør is a gorgeous port city located only a 45-minute train ride from Copenhagen. This colorful coastal town has plenty of attractions for tourists to explore, including the Danish Museum of Science and Technology, the M/S Maritime Museum, the Øresund Aquarium, and more. The most popular attraction in town is Kronborg Castle – an awe-inspiring 16th-century castle that Shakespeare used as inspiration for Elsinore Castle in Hamlet.
Malmö, Sweden
Copenhagen is quite close to Denmark’s neighboring country of Sweden, so why not tick off two countries and take a day trip to Malmö? This seaside city is located directly across the water from Copenhagen and is connected to Copenhagen by the Øresund Bridge. There are several trains that leave every day and the journey only takes 40 minutes. Once there, start your day trip off with a tour of the cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and timber houses of Stortorget Square. You can then check out other popular attractions in the city including Malmö Castle, a 16th-century castle built by King Christian III of Denmark, the Turning Torso, a landmark energy-efficient tower with an iconic twisted shell design, and the Disgusting Food Museum, a quirky museum that says all it needs to in the name. You can also book a guided tour to Malmö from Copenhagen here.
Roskilde
This beautiful village located on the shores of the Roskilde Fjord is the ideal day trip from Copenhagen for those who are Viking-obsessed! Not only can you see excavated Viking ships and play Viking games at the Viking Ship Museum, but you also get to board and sail on a replica Viking ship. If that hasn’t sold you on Roskilde, then maybe this will. The area also boasts Land of Legends – a living history museum that has recreated Stone Age and Viking life! Roskilde is easy to reach from Copenhagen. It takes 25 minutes to reach Roskilde by train or you can opt to join a day tour from Copenhagen.
Frederiksborg Castle
Frederiksborg Castle is another great day trip destination for those interested in seeing an elegant European castle and learning more about Danish royalty and history. The Renaissance-style castle is perched on the side of a lake and is spread across three tiny islands, offering a serene oasis to explore. Visitors can explore the rooms, artworks, and grounds of the castle at their own pace or join in on a guided group trip from Copenhagen. It is a 40-minute train ride to Hillerød Station from Copenhagen, and then a 20-minute walk to the castle from there.
Dragør
Dragør is a small fishing village with a lot of personality located only a 30-minute train ride south of Copenhagen. This historic town sits right on the water overlooking both Øresund Bridge and Malmö, Sweden, and offers plenty of things to do for visitors. The town’s city center is often referred to as one of the best preserved in the country, and there are over 70 historic buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries to discover. Visitors can easily spend a day exploring the town, learning about Dragør’s history at the Dragør Museum, touring Dragør Fort, and enjoying fresh seafood at one of the restaurants in Dragør Harbor.
You should be all set for your trip to Copenhagen now! From where to eat, what to do, and how to get around, we hope this ultimate guide to eating gluten-free in Copenhagen has made planning your holiday a lot easier.
Thank you for this!! I’m going to check out a few of them for sure. So reassuring that you’ve gonna for all 100% GF places as so many other lists I’ve seen have got places that seem to be at risk of cross contamination which these appear to avoid 😀
100% dedicated gluten-free restaurants is almost always the safest option. That’s why our gluten-free travel guides list 100% and celiac safe places.
Are there dairy free and soy free choices at the gluten free restaurants you listed?
I can’t say 100% yes, but you would have to check their menu on their website or contact them directly. However, I do believe the Paleo restaurant does not use dairy, no sure about soy.
Thanks for this, it was really useful! Had a good look around Torvehallerne – went to Vita Boost but unfortunately they didn’t have any gluten free panini so I had to have some weird multigrain bread that looked a bit like a big flat hockey puck 🙂
Landbageriet though? Oh my god – absolutely amazing. I even resorted to the Celiac’s default dessert the brownie because it looked so nice. And it was, too! Super thanks for that recommendation!
Regarding supermarkets – I found that the larger Føtex stores had a decent
Unfortunately “Papirøen” – Copenhagen Street Food is now closed.
Thanks for letting us know, we’ll update it in the article. 🙂
Thanks for Everything- u are making me a Very Happy Coeliac 😁 Travel is my biggest joy and u really have removed a lot of the stress and made exploring a new city a GF adventure
Glad we can help make you a Happy Coeliac 🙂 and remove the stress of traveling.
Thank you so much for these tips! This will be very helpful when we go to Copenhagen on Sunday!
Unfortunately I just discovered on their website that Simple Raw is closed.
42Raw is no longer gluten free despite marketing itself as such. They prepare gluten free food close to gluten containing food with the strong chance of cross contamination. The staff were unhelpful and unknowledgeable when I stopped there today. Too risk for someone with coeliac.