03/06/2026
It’s almost that time of year again!
In late June, Denmark’s newly graduated students take to the streets in decorated trucks, celebrating with music, laughter, and visits to family and friends. It’s one of the country’s most colourful and joyful summer traditions.
If you spot students wearing white graduation caps, take a closer look at the coloured band. The classic cap worn by graduates from the general upper secondary school (STX) features a burgundy-red band, while students from other educational programmes wear different colours, including shades of blue, grey, purple, and more.
For visitors, this is a wonderful chance to experience a uniquely Danish celebration and join in the festive atmosphere that fills the city each June.
FACTS:
Student Drive (Studenterkørsel) is one of Denmark’s most beloved traditions. While its origins can be traced back to the 1920s, it became truly popular following Denmark’s liberation in 1945. Back then, newly graduated students celebrated in horse-drawn carriages; today, they travel from house to house in decorated trucks. Although the vehicles have changed, the spirit of the tradition remains the same: celebrating graduation with friends, family, and classmates.
Tip: In 2026, Studenterugen (Student Week) in Denmark runs from Wednesday, 24 June, to Sunday, 28 June. These dates are also the peak period for the traditional student drives, when newly graduated students celebrate by travelling around the city in decorated trucks.
One of the best places to see one—or several—of these festive trucks is Kongens Nytorv, where many groups stop before making their way to the equestrian statue at the centre of the square, as pictured in today’s post.
