Definition

Public holidays

What does it mean?

Public holidays (søgnehelligdage) in Denmark include New Year, Easter, Great Prayer Day (store bededag — note legislative changes), Ascension, Whit Monday, Constitution Day (half day), Christmas and other church-linked dates. Exact list is set in law and collective agreements.

Salaried employees typically receive paid time off; hourly workers may receive premium pay or day off per agreement. Work on holidays often triggers supplement rates (helligdagstillæg).

Holiday planning should account for bridge days (feriefridage) and collective agreement extras beyond statutory minimums.

Check your contract and overenskomst for specific entitlement — public sector, private and hourly regimes differ.

Magnus Villumsen, Content Creator at Arbejd.com
Defined by Arbejd.com

Magnus Villumsen

Content Creator
Last updated
March 7, 2026