Denmark: Official recommendations for tourists meeting wolves

Herz — World Desk · 21 July 2026 at 14:18 · 30s summary · 3 min read

What we know

According to The Guardian, Danish authorities published official recommendations on July 21, 2026 for tourists who might encounter a wolf. In case of an encounter, they advise stopping, making eye contact to "show dominance", shouting, clapping hands and waving arms if the animal does not leave. Never follow a wolf or turn your back on it.

These guidelines follow observations in the Oksbøl area, a popular tourist destination in Jutland. During winter and spring 2026, at least two young wolves were seen approaching humans with a flight distance—the minimum distance an animal tolerates before fleeing—substantially reduced. One of these animals is still alive at the time the recommendations were published.

The municipality of Varde and Visit Vesterhavet—a tourism promotion body for the west coast of Jutland—distributed information flyers in Danish, English and German at vacation rentals, campsites and tourist offices in the region.

Authorities recommend that children under 10 be accompanied by an adult in the Oksbøl area. No wolf attacks on humans have occurred in Denmark to date. In case of an attack, authorities advise maximum resistance.

maximum resistance: striking, kicking and using any available blunt weapon

— Danish authorities, official wolf attack recommendations (The Guardian, July 21, 2026)

Context: the return of wolves to Denmark

The last Danish wolf was shot in 1813. Wolves naturally recolonized Jutland beginning in 2012, migrating from Germany—the first confirmed presence in approximately 200 years. The peninsula now has approximately 49 individuals.

Peter Sunde, professor of wildlife ecology at Aarhus University, explains that the approach behavior of young wolves generally results from repeated exposure to humans. Tourists unaware of the wolf presence and basic safety recommendations can intensify this habituation phenomenon.

Timeline

1. 1813
   Last Danish wolf shot; the species disappears from the territory for nearly two centuries.
2. 2012
   Natural return of wolves to Jutland by migration from Germany; first confirmed presence in 200 years.