The Enchanting Land of Denmark

Denmark is probably one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Known for many things to include producing top talented soccer players, inventing Lego toys, and being the cagiest member of the European Union, Denmark is a magnificent place to visit. You will be astounded by the natural beauty and love the delicious Danes pastries famous around the world. The capital of Denmark is a city called Copenhagen, which is a unique place. Throughout the city, you will still find people airing flannel clothing and sheets outside, a festive attitude, and happy people who call Copenhagen home.

Today, Copenhagen has a population of almost two million people with 95% of them being Danish. During the early years, Nomadic hunters searched for food and seeing reindeer that ate lichen and moss enter the post-glacial region, they followed. However, when the reindeer moved north, these Stone Age Danes decided to stay. They began sowing seeds in fields of ash and built fencing to keep the stock animals safe. By 1800 BC during the Bronze Age, several trade routes came through this part of the world and interestingly, the most magnificent Dane made products were buried in bogs to keep safe for sacrificial purposes.

Sometime around 500 BC, iron became a popular material, which was the beginning of many large agricultural communities being established. Then in the 9th century, a Norwegian Viking chieftain by the name of Hardegon came and took control over the Jutland peninsula. In fact, the Danish monarchy boasts to be the oldest in the world, dating back to Hardegon’s son, Gorm the Old.

However, Forkbeard and his sons came in and set up throne while enjoying the easy life of the Anglo-Dane monarchs. For nearly 50 years, they kept things going but eventually, Viking power began to falter and the Danish kingdom shrank into Denmark. During the following medieval period, there were plots and assassinations that brought great unrest to the country but by the 14th century, various dynasties within Denmark, Sweden, and Norway merged, forming the Kalmar Union led by Queen Magrethe.

Unfortunately, this union led to more disagreements and by 1523, it had completely dissolved. Although Sweden went off to do its own thing, Norway would stay under the control of Danish rule for 300 years. In the 16th century, great reform swept over the country, resulting in churches being burned to the ground and the eruption of the civil war. By 1536, this ended when the Catholic Church was ousted and the Danish Lutheran church was established, leading to incredible trade and wealth that would soon be hit hard by the Thirty Year War and the separation of Sweden.

From that time forward, Denmark underwent more difficulties and in 1801, the Danish fleet was heavily damaged by the Napoleonic Wars. With Denmark now being weakened, Sweden took advantage of the situation, making demands that Norway go to the Sweden side. Although the 19th century began slowly, by the 1830s, Denmark had blossomed into a wonderful city that included literature, arts, and philosophy. Surrendering to German fighters during World War II, the country of Denmark came out on the other side relatively unscathed.

With new leadership, the country was on its way to security and a strong economy and even today, it offers the locals a “cradle to grave” type of social welfare. We see many famous writers coming out of Denmark to include Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote amazing fairytales. In fact, his books have been translated into more languages than the bible has. In addition, the renowned international film director, Carl Dryer (now deceased) was also from Denmark. Of course, we cannot forget the greatest composer from Denmark, Carl Nielsen who wrote more than 100 works.

Other areas of the Fine and Performing Arts popular in Denmark include the ballet performed by the Royal Danish Ballet, considered one of the finest in all of northern Europe. Festivals are also a part of the existence in Denmark and while you will find some people wearing colorful costumes, with Danes taking pride in being modern, most do not. Even so, you will fall in love with the relaxing lifestyle and incredible people who live and work in Denmark. Interestingly, this was the first European country to legalize same-sex marriages.

As mentioned, the Danes are known for their delicious pastries but other food there is also spectacular. Some of the local favorites include Smorrebrod, which is “buttered bread”, and dishes that are made primarily from fish, meat, and potatoes. For instance, local favorites include Flaeskesteg, which is roasted pork with crackling, Hyid Labskovs, a stew made from cuts of beef boiled with potatoes, pepper, and bay leaves, and Gravad Laks, cured or salted salmon that has been marinated in dill and then served with a special, sweet mustard type sauce.

While the country itself is quite small, there are still many exceptional things to do and see. For instance, if you head to the north, you will find the Skagerrak and Kattegat straits that separate Denmark from Sweden and Norway. Then, more than 400 islands are all around Denmark although just 90 of those are even inhabited. If you head to the capital city of Copenhagen, you will enjoy lots of modern day excitement and people with a real zest for life.

The landscape of Denmark is breathtaking and covered with natural streams with about 12% of the country having tree coverage. The woodland areas are just amazing and home to oak and beech trees along with maple, pine, birch, hazel, elm, lime, aspen, and chestnut. Of course, the animals are also in abundance to include fallow deer, roe deer, foxes, squirrels, wild hare, badgers, hedgehogs, and more than 400 species of birds such as geese, ducks, magpies, and pigeons.

When visiting Denmark, you will not have time for boredom. Each year is alive with festivals, most often associated with music such as classical, country, Cajun, blues, rock and roll, jazz, Irish, and even gospel. Some of the favorites are the Roskilde Festival, Midtfyns Festival, and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. Just plan to spend ample time visiting the various areas of the country and take enough money for shopping, some of the best in the world!


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

Dream of Tower
The country of Denmark is known for many things such as beautiful landscape, wonderful food and pastries, incredible shopping, jazz and other types of music genres, literature, and amazing cities. However,
... continue >>

Copenhagen Jazz Festival
When visiting Denmark, one of the first things you will notice is that this country and the people love music. The passion for music is so great that each year, Denmark has numerous festivals that provide all types of
... continue >>

Jaegersborg Deer Park
If you are planning a trip to Denmark, eager to experience the culture, the food, and the local activities, you probably want to add Jaegersborg Deer Park in Bakken to your list of things to do. Bakken is home to the
... continue >>