Association of Authorised Tourist Guides in Denmark

10 Things to Know About The Association of Authorised Tourist Guides in Denmark

1. What year was the Association of Authorised Tourist Guides in Denmark established, and where is the headquarters?

The Association of Authorised Tourist Guides in Denmark was established back in 1933. The office is in Copenhagen, the capital in the Kingdom of Denmark. Today, we have 258 members speaking 25 different languages.

Asminderød Kirkegård muligt foto til FEG fra Henriette © Turistførerforeningen

2. What is the primary mission/goal of the Association of Authorised Tourist Guides in Denmark?

The association serves as the trade union for qualified tourist guides in Denmark. It seeks to represent members in matters related to the tourism sector and promote the profession towards other partners in the industry, such as tourism organisations, travel agents and politicians. It also works towards ensuring a high level of training and qualification among tourist guides to the benefits of visitors to Denmark, groups and individual travelers alike. On an international level, it also works with FEG and WFTGA.

3. How does someone become a qualified tourist guide in Denmark?

Qualified guides have to complete a diploma programme at university level from Roskilde University, Denmark. It is a one-year, full-time adult education equal to 60 ECTS points. It consists of four modules in e.g. Danish history, architecture, art, cross-cultural understanding, tour planning skills and interpretation. Entry requirements are a diploma from a further education level, two years’ relevant job experience, as well as mother tongue or C1-level fluency in a foreign language.

4. After becoming qualified, what are some of the professional development classes that guides typically take in Denmark to enhance their knowledge and skills?

During the winter season the Association of Tourist Guides offers a supplementary programme of continuing education ( CDP ) for its members. This can take the form of behind the scenes-visits to main attractions, lectures and discussions on topical themes, development of new tours.

5. Is there an official badge that qualified tourist guides in Denmark wear?

Only tourist guides belonging to The Association of Authorised Tourist Guides in Denmark have the right to wear the official badge depicting the three towers featured in the coat of arms of the city of Copenhagen. In addition an ID-card with photo and name of the tourist guide should be displayed. The badge and the ID-card ensures the quality of services rendered and guarantees that visitors receive correct information.

6. How many qualified tourist guides are members of the Association of Authorised Tourist Guides in Denmark, and what are their diverse backgrounds? Also, how many languages do they guide in, and do they specialize in themed tours?

Our members come from very different professional backgrounds and bring with them knowledge and experience they have gain in their previous professions. Among the members of The Association of Authorised Tourist Guides are e.g. architects, historians, art historians, schoolteachers, language teachers, former civil servants, CEOs and directors, journalists and interpreters.

Using the services of a qualified tourist guide, the visitor not only gets an insight into Danish history and the main attractions but also an introduction to the Danish way of life and Danish society.

Today, we have 258 members speaking 25 different languages. Many of them have specialized in themed tours and are most happy to do customized tours as well.

7. What are some of the top reasons for using a qualified tourist guide in Denmark?

Qualified tourist guides can tell the visitor stories not found in guide book, stories about kings and queens, land and sea, glory and defeat.

They can give insights into the Scandinavian way of life and reveal the secrets of “hygge”, the Danish cosiness.

Museum Guiding © Turistførerforeningen

In company with a qualified tourist guide visitors are safe to go off the beaten track, exploring hidden spots in Copenhagen that are less known and where you might find yourself being the only tourist.

Last but least, our members are better educated and qualified than other guides in Denmark.

The Association of Authorised Tourist Guides in Denmark (Turistførerforeningen) is a trade union. This ensures that our members have sustainable jobs and are under working conditions that meet the United Nations’ Global Goal No. 8.

8. What are some of the popular places to visit in Copenhagen and in Denmark?

The most photographed woman in Copenhagen is the statue of The Little Mermaid, sitting thoughtful in the water honouring the world-famous Danish fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen.

The visitor can enjoy Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement gardens.

In and around Copenhagen many wonderful castles can be found, some dating back to the 16th century. The castle of Kronborg in Elsinore near Copenhagen is UNESCO World Heritage Site and forever associated with William Shakespeare and the story of Hamlet.

These days, Copenhagen focuses very much on sustainability so just opposite The Little Mermaid you’ll find Copenhill, a resource handling plant and ski hill in one and the same building.

Ørestad and Nordhavn are two rather new districts in Copenhagen with interesting modern architecture. Design is very important in understanding the Danish way of life.

Visitors interested in design can admire Danish works at the Design Museum just next to the royal palace. Or see how design in all its aspects has influenced on Cool Copenhagen if you go to Jægersborggade in the old working-class quarter.

Denmark is not only Copenhagen. Taking a day trip outside Copenhagen the visitor can eat like the Vikings in Roskilde or watch new Viking ships being build the traditional way. Another suggestion is to visit a very small house in Odense, birth-place of fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen. Look for inspiration at the Odense Å stream, and try to create your own Danish fairy tale!

9. What are some general tips you would give to potential visitors planning a vacation to Denmark

Denmark and the capital Copenhagen are very safe places to visit, so safety concerns are limited.

The weather, however, can be a major hazard! Better bring a warm jacket as you’ll probably find it at bit windy here. In that case just remember the Danish saying, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes”. Don’t forget comfortable shoes! Denmark is an almost cashless society. Payments can be made by credit or debit card in every shop and every kiosk even at the world famous Danish hot-dog stands. No need to carry cash and Danish currency.

One of the most enjoyable things to do, is to hire a bicycle and ride around in the capital like thousands of Copenhageners. Don’t forget to do as the locals do and be aware of the traffic rules. This is not only for your own sake but also for the safety of other bike riders. The best idea would be to join a bicycle guided tour with a local qualified tourist guide who knows about the traffic rules.

10. Where can potential visitors to Denmark find out more information about The Association of Authorised Tourist Guides in Denmark and also find a qualified tourist guide?

Please refer to our web site: http://www.guides.dk for information on how to find individual tourist guides and the tours on offer. Visitors can search for tourist guides with specific interests and knowledge on different themes e.g. sustainability, modern architecture, bicycling, The Vikings, castles or Nordic Food tours, to name but a few.

Our members offer guiding in 25 different languages.

Visitors can also see the rates and conditions that apply to all our guides.