Am I allowed to fish in Denmark?
Yes — but you need a state fishing licence to fish in the sea, along the coast and in fresh water. The licence is mandatory for everyone aged 18 to 64. In 2026 an annual licence costs 214 kr, a week ticket 150 kr and a day ticket 46 kr — the price rose from 185 kr, so the figure you remember from last season is out of date. It is free for those under 18 and for pensioners. Everyone else needs a valid tag, even for a single day on the coast. The trap most people fall into: the licence is only the state tag, and many put-and-take lakes and certain rivers also require a local permit, bought on site. Fishing without a required licence brings a fine, and your gear can be confiscated.
📋 The rules
- A fishing licence is mandatory for ages 18–64
- An annual licence costs 214 kr in 2026
- Week ticket 150 kr, day ticket 46 kr
- Free for under 18 and pensioners
- Put-and-take lakes often need a local permit
🔓 Exceptions
- Those under 18 fish for free
- Pensioners fish for free
- Fishing on private put-and-take waters can be covered by the venue, not the state licence
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Fishing without a required licence brings a fine, and the fishing gear can be confiscated — the rod, the reel and the rest of the kit can cost you far more than the fine itself, and an annual licence at 214 kr is cheap beside it. The licence has to be shown on inspection, and a receipt sitting at home is no help to you at the riverbank. Remember too that the state licence is not enough everywhere: fish a put-and-take lake or a river that requires a local permit without buying it, and you are in the same position even though your state licence is valid.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I fish in Denmark?
Yes, but you need a state fishing licence if you are aged 18 to 64. The licence covers fishing in the sea, along the coast and in fresh water, and it has to be shown on inspection. Without one, gear can be confiscated.
What does a fishing licence cost?
An annual licence costs 214 kr in 2026, a week ticket 150 kr and a day ticket 46 kr. The price rose from 185 kr, so the older figure you may remember from a previous season no longer applies.
Who fishes for free?
Those under 18 and pensioners fish for free and need no licence. Everyone else aged 18 to 64 must hold a valid licence, including those who only go fishing for a single day. The age band decides, not how often you fish.
Does the licence cover everywhere?
No. The licence is the state tag, while many put-and-take lakes and certain rivers also require a local permit. On private put-and-take waters the fishing can be covered by the venue rather than the state licence.
What is the penalty for fishing without a licence?
A fine, and the fishing gear can be confiscated. The kit is usually the costliest thing you leave behind, and an annual licence at 214 kr costs far less than an inspection that ends in a fine.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I fish denmark”
- “fishing licence price 214 kr”
- “fishing licence 18 64”
- “fishing free under 18”
- “fishing without licence fine”
- “put and take permit”