Backpack & Budget : Nothing Is Free--Except Denmark

Denmark is inviting travelers under 26 years old to stay for free.

The Young 1994 Travel Project offers young people a free place to put down their sleeping bags at more than 45 locations between June 19 and July 3. Lodgings will be makeshift, such as temporary dormitories in community centers and schools. Major Danish railway stations and local tourist offices will be able to supply addresses of locations.

A special Youth Train Fare can be purchased from rail stations throughout Denmark during these two weeks.

Here are some other services that can help you if you start your Danish adventure in Copenhagen.

“Use It,” a special youth information service based at Radhusstraede 13, DK-1466 Copenhagen (from the United States, telephone 011-45-33-15-65-18), provides information on inexpensive accommodation in this city. It’s open weekdays throughout the year, daily in summer.

The YMCA and YWCA run two hostels called “Inter Points” in Copenhagen. A $4.20 pass allows you to use the centers, where lodging is available for about $11 a night. They are at Store Kannikestraede 19, local tel. 33-11-30-31 (open July 1-Aug. 21), and Valdemarsgade 15, tel. 31-31-15-74 (open July 15-Aug. 15).

Denmark is an ideal country for cycling because of its rolling countryside and excellent bike paths. You can rent bikes at major train stations for $4-$10 per day or $30-$51 a week. The 1994 Cycling Holiday Map by the Danish Cyclist Federation can help you plan your route. Buy it for $7 at the federation office, Romersgade 7, Copenhagen; tel. 33-32-31-21.

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For those who want budget-stretching advice for Britain this summer, 1994 editions of the free “Young Traveler’s Guide--Great Britain” are now available.

The 24-page booklet covers accommodations (in hostels, budget hotels and student residences), transportation discounts, sightseeing suggestions and information on working and studying in Britain.

Those who really want to pay a rock-bottom rate for accommodation in London this summer can stay at Tent City for only $7.35.

Open from June 1 to Sept. 7, it has 450 beds in 14 large tents--some for men, some for women and some mixed. The main building has free showers and toilets. Laundry, baggage storage, cooking facilities and a snack bar are available. You must bring your own sleeping bag or borrow bedding at no extra cost.

Tent City is at Old Oak Common Land, East Acton, London W3 7DP; from the U.S., tel. 011-44- 71-415-7143 (in summer 011-44- 81-743-5708). Reach it via the Central Line train to East Acton.

For a free copy of “Young Traveler’s Guide--Great Britain,” contact the British Tourist Authority, 551 Fifth Ave., Suite 701, New York 10176; tel. (800) GO2-BRIT.