FootpathDenmark

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Denmark. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


5. Footpath

A footpath is a path or part of a road intended primarily for pedestrian traffic. It may run alongside a road, through a park or residential area, or independently from roads used by motor vehicles.

A footpath may be reserved exclusively for pedestrians or may form part of a shared route with cyclists or other permitted users. Access, priority and permitted users depend on the traffic signs and local regulations applying to the path.

Footpath
A path for pedestrians with direction. (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Wikimedia.org • Leif Jørgensen • CC BY-SA
What does Denmark’s blue circular pedestrian-path sign mean?

It marks a Gangsti, a path which pedestrians must use and which is reserved for them. A roadside pavement is a fortov. A sign with both pedestrian and bicycle symbols identifies a shared or divided facility instead.

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Denmark, Road Traffic Act, LBK 118/2026 — 10, 14, 49, 51; signing order D21–D27

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish signing order BEK 425/2023 — operative sign and marking descriptions

Can cyclists use an ordinary Danish pavement or pedestrian path?

Cycling on a fortov or gangsti is generally prohibited, subject to authorised exceptions under the traffic rules. Do not treat a pedestrian-only sign as a shared-path sign. Dismount where cycling is not permitted.

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Denmark, Road Traffic Act, LBK 118/2026 — 10, 14, 49, 51; signing order D21–D27

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish signing order BEK 425/2023 — operative sign and marking descriptions

Where should I walk if a Danish road has no pavement or footpath?

Use a suitable verge; if no suitable pedestrian surface is available, walking on the cycle path or carriageway may be necessary. On the carriageway, normally walk on the left facing traffic. People pushing a bicycle or moped may use the right side.

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Denmark, Road Traffic Act, LBK 118/2026 — 10, 14, 49, 51; signing order D21–D27

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish signing order BEK 425/2023 — operative sign and marking descriptions

1 Denmark 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Speed limit 5 Footpath 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Bus stop 9 Give way 10 Roundabout 11 Railway crossing 12 Crossing animals 13 Wrong-way driving 14 Selective barriers 15 Traffic lights 16 Pedestrian lights 17 Road markings 18 Driving licence 19 Traffic mirror 20 International border 21 Cycling route 22 Parking 23 No parking 24 No stopping 25 Parallel parking 26 Parking meter 27 Parking disc 28 Disabled parking 29 Traffic management 30 Reversing 31 Emergency exit 32 Licence plate 33 Charging station 34 Dangers 35 Cyclist 36 Bus 37 Police 38 Ambulance 39 European emission standard 40 Pothole 41 Path 42 Particulates 43 Air pollution 44 Rush hour 45 Road code 46 Street gutter 47 Cargo bike 48 Forestry vehicle 49 Construction vehicle 50 Semi-trailer truck 51 Trolleybus 52 Speed pedelec 53 Delivery vehicle 54 Idling 55 Tow truck 56 Four-wheel drive 57 No vehicles 58 Bicycle 59 Motorcycle equipment 60 Tram 61 Rail track 62 Caravan 63 Trailer 64 Tow hitch 65 Fire truck 66 Siren 67 Convoy 68 Emergency vehicle lighting 69 Agricultural machinery 70 Electric bicycle 71 Electric vehicle 72 Pedelec 73 Quadricycle 74 Microcar 75 All-terrain vehicle 76 Van 77 Recreational vehicle 78 Scooter 79 Trikke 80 Personal mobility device 81 Skateboard 82 Segway 83 Kick scooter 84 Roller skates 85 Mailman 86 Hitchhiker 87 Toddler 88 Child 89 Disability 90 Commercial vehicle 91 Motorail 92 Garbage truck 93 Parking violation 94 km/h 95 mph 96 Speedometer 97 National speed 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...