Published on
January 30, 2026
Denmark beats Ireland, Finland, Switzerland, Hungary, Romania, and more in expensive luxury stays, drawing high-spending tourists and fueling tourism and revenue expansion due to its unparalleled combination of world-class hospitality, exclusive experiences, and high service standards. The country’s rise to the top of Europe’s luxury tourism market is driven by its booming luxury hotel scene, Michelin-starred dining, and a growing reputation for sustainable, high-end travel experiences. As a result, Denmark has become the go-to destination for affluent tourists seeking both modern luxury and rich cultural experiences, contributing significantly to its tourism revenue and economic growth.
Europe, known for its rich culture, historic landmarks, and world-class cuisine, has long been a favorite destination for tourists from around the globe. Among the continent’s most celebrated features are its luxurious hotels, fine dining establishments, and exclusive experiences that cater to the world’s wealthiest tourists. Yet, when it comes to the most expensive luxury stays in Europe, one country has emerged at the top — Denmark. Beating out even the high-profile countries like Ireland, Finland, Switzerland, Hungary, and Romania, Denmark has established itself as the undisputed leader in luxury hospitality. This shift is not only altering the tourism landscape but also fueling a boom in economic growth and revenue for the nation.
Denmark’s Dominance in Luxury Stays
When discussing luxury stays in Europe, Denmark’s name is now synonymous with premium experiences. According to recent data from Eurostat, Denmark has surpassed several European nations with an index value of 148%, meaning it is 48% more expensive than the EU average when it comes to hotels and restaurants. This makes Denmark the most expensive country for luxury stays in the EU, ahead of countries like Ireland, Finland, and even Switzerland, which have traditionally held the top spots.
This surge in pricing has been driven by multiple factors, including Denmark’s high wages, quality infrastructure, and exclusive services that cater to affluent tourists. The increase in luxury stay prices has not deterred tourists, however. On the contrary, it has created a highly attractive market for high-spending visitors seeking unique and refined experiences that only a country like Denmark can offer.
Ireland: A Close Competitor
While Denmark may now lead the way in luxury hotel prices, Ireland remains a close competitor. With an index value of 129% above the EU average, Ireland ranks high in the list of most expensive European destinations for luxury stays. Known for its scenic landscapes, historic castles, and vibrant culture, Ireland has long been a magnet for tourists looking for a mix of traditional and modern luxury.
However, Denmark’s rise has posed a challenge to Ireland, especially as high-end tourists increasingly gravitate toward Copenhagen’s stylish hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and world-class attractions. While Ireland remains an enduring favorite, it now faces stiff competition from Denmark, particularly for tourists looking for both exclusivity and a high price tag.
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Finland: The Nordic Luxury Leader
Finland, another Nordic powerhouse, has always been synonymous with high-end experiences. With an index value of 127%, Finland’s pricing for hotels and dining is also well above the EU average. Famous for its pristine nature, luxury log cabins, and the unique experience of staying in glass igloos under the Northern Lights, Finland has solidified itself as a top-tier destination for luxury seekers.
However, the country’s focus on unique, experiential tourism — including sauna experiences and wellness retreats — places it in direct competition with Denmark’s upscale offerings. In recent years, the growing trend of city tourism, with a desire for luxury urban experiences in Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, has siphoned off some of Finland’s affluent tourist base.
Switzerland: The Benchmark for Luxury
Historically, Switzerland has been the benchmark for luxury stays in Europe, with some of the highest hotel prices in the world. With an index value of 171%, Switzerland still stands as the most expensive country in Europe in terms of overall hospitality, including both hotels and restaurants. The country’s famous alpine resorts, world-renowned hotels, and exclusive ski chalets make it a perennial destination for wealthy tourists seeking a winter wonderland with lavish amenities.
Despite this, Denmark has been making significant strides in attracting the high-spending tourist market that once flocked solely to Switzerland. Copenhagen’s booming luxury hotel scene, coupled with its vibrant cultural offerings, has made it a prime destination for tourists seeking an urban luxury experience — something Switzerland’s more nature-focused tourism cannot always provide. With Denmark now overtaking Switzerland in some pricing sectors, the once undisputed leader in European luxury tourism is feeling the heat.
Hungary and Romania: The Rise of Affordable Luxury
While countries like Denmark, Switzerland, and Finland dominate the luxury price rankings, Hungary and Romania have been emerging as popular destinations for tourists looking for an affordable yet luxurious experience. Hungary, with its Budapest hotels and thermal baths, has seen a surge in luxury tourism, offering incredible experiences at a fraction of the cost compared to Western Europe.
Romania, too, is an up-and-coming destination for high-spending tourists, with luxurious castles and exclusive resorts in places like Bucharest and Transylvania. With an index value of 78% in restaurant and hotel pricing, Romania offers a competitive alternative for those seeking high-quality experiences without the exorbitant prices found in Denmark, Finland, or Switzerland.
However, despite these rising destinations, both Hungary and Romania still fall significantly below Denmark in terms of overall cost. Their more affordable luxury stays cater to a different tourist market, one that prioritizes experience over price but doesn’t demand the premium exclusivity that Denmark offers.
How Denmark Is Fueling Economic Growth
Denmark’s rise to the top of luxury hospitality rankings is not just about higher hotel rates. It is indicative of a broader economic strategy to position Denmark as a global leader in tourism. As more high-spending tourists flock to Copenhagen and other major cities, tourism-related revenue is seeing exponential growth.
According to VisitDenmark, the official tourism board, the country’s tourism industry has seen a significant increase in revenue, driven largely by luxury spending. In 2025, tourism revenue in Denmark is expected to exceed €5 billion, with a large portion of this coming from the high-end market. Additionally, as Denmark’s luxury tourism market continues to grow, so too does its hospitality infrastructure, with new hotels, resorts, and attractions being built to cater to an ever-growing demand for premium experiences.
The Role of High-Spending Tourists in Denmark’s Growth
High-spending tourists are not only contributing to Denmark’s luxury tourism sector but also to the broader economy. These visitors tend to spend significantly more than average tourists, with larger expenditures on fine dining, exclusive experiences, and luxury shopping. This influx of wealth is stimulating job creation in hospitality, tourism services, and even in local industries such as fashion, art, and technology.
In fact, Copenhagen, as Denmark’s luxury tourism hub, has become known for its gourmet dining — Michelin-starred restaurants like Noma, Geranium, and Kadeau attract food enthusiasts willing to pay top dollar for exceptional dining experiences. These establishments are not only elevating Denmark’s reputation as a culinary destination but are also contributing millions of euros to the economy.
Why Luxury Tourists Choose Denmark
So, why is Denmark such a draw for high-spending tourists? A few key factors set it apart from other European destinations:
High-Quality Infrastructure: Denmark is known for its world-class hotels, spas, and luxury retail options, all contributing to an experience of comfort and exclusivity.Cultural Experiences: With its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and modern architecture, Denmark offers a unique blend of cultural and luxury experiences that cater to both traditional and contemporary tastes.Wellness and Sustainability: Denmark’s emphasis on sustainable tourism and eco-friendly accommodations appeals to wealthy travelers who prioritize green and wellness-focused travel.Unmatched Service: The country’s hospitality industry is known for its high standards of service, with personalized, tailored experiences that are the hallmark of Denmark’s growing reputation in the luxury tourism sector.
Denmark’s dominance in the luxury tourism sector is undeniable. Surpassing countries like Ireland, Finland, Switzerland, Hungary, and Romania, Denmark has solidified its place as the most expensive destination for luxury stays in Europe. As the country continues to attract high-spending tourists, it is not only driving tourism but also fueling significant economic growth and positioning itself as one of Europe’s premier destinations for affluent travelers.
Denmark beats Ireland, Finland, Switzerland, Hungary, Romania, and more in expensive luxury stays due to its combination of high-end hotels, exclusive experiences, and world-class dining, which attracts affluent tourists and boosts both tourism and revenue growth.
Whether seeking world-class dining, exclusive cultural experiences, or high-end accommodation, Denmark offers a mix of luxury that few can match. As the tourism sector continues to thrive, Denmark’s blend of elegance, history, and modernity will likely keep it at the top of the luxury travel rankings for years to come.
