Danish authorities have issued a public safety warning to tourists visiting areas where wolves have been observed, advising “maximum resistance” in the event of an encounter. The guidance, distributed through flyers in tourist offices in the Varde municipality and by Visit Vesterhavet, follows incidents in May where young wolves, particularly a pup born in 2025, exhibited significantly reduced shyness towards humans, dogs, and summer cottages around Oksbøl, Vejers, and Blåvand.
The Danish Centre for Environment and Energy (DCE) confirmed that at least one young wolf is showing a high degree of lack of shyness towards people. While there have been no wolf attacks on humans in Denmark, the advice includes instructions to “show dominance” and “keep eye contact.” In the unlikely event of an attack, tourists are told to defend themselves by any means, including hitting, kicking, and using available objects. If a wolf targets another person or a dog, the advice specifies aiming blows and kicks at the wolf’s hindquarters.
Wolves are slowly re-establishing their presence in Denmark, having returned in 2012 after an absence of two centuries. By 2017, a wolf pack had settled in West Jutland. Monitoring by the Natural History Museum of Aarhus indicates that 49 wolves have been recorded in the country this year, with 10 territories identified, including seven pairs with pups from 2025. Despite the increased sightings, the DCE currently states there is no immediate danger of attacks on people or overly aggressive behaviour.
The re-emergence of wolves has led to a re-evaluation of their protected status. Although wolves are safeguarded by EU law, their classification was recently downgraded from “strictly protected” to simply “protected.” This change allows national governments greater flexibility in managing wolf populations across Europe. Sandie Eis Ravn, Varde’s second deputy mayor, explained that the campaign aims to inform tourists about appropriate conduct when encountering these animals in areas like nearby forests.
For UK travellers considering a trip to Denmark, particularly the Jutland region, it's advisable to be aware of this guidance. Denmark is a popular destination for British tourists, known for its scenic coastlines and outdoor activities. Direct flights from major UK airports to Copenhagen typically cost between £50 and £150 for a return journey, depending on the season and booking time. There are no visa requirements for UK citizens for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not currently have specific warnings regarding wolf encounters, but it's always prudent to check the latest FCDO travel advice before departure. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover any unforeseen circumstances, including medical emergencies, although wolf attacks are considered extremely rare.