Denmark history
This relatively small country was once the home of Viking raiders, traders and explorers who wreaked havoc throughout Europe. Danish Vikings then conquered and settled in parts of England and France, and the country later became very powerful in Northern Europe. But this all changed in the 18th Century, and over the next 300 years, Denmark was forced to relinquish much of its land through various wars and secession’s.
1800s
During the Napoleonic Wars, Denmark pursued a policy of neutrality and traded with both France and Britain. But, the British took this as a hostile act and attacked Copenhagen in the early 1800s. The Gunboat War followed, and the British then took control of the waterways between Denmark and Norway. But this was dissolved in 1813 and a year later, the Treaty of Kiel ended the union between Denmark and Norway.
Norway then united with Sweden, while Denmark kept control of Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. (Denmark also controlled the Danish Gold Coast (Ghana) till 1850, Danish India until 1869 and the Danish West Indies (US Virgin Islands) until 1917. Iceland became an independent republic in 1944, the Faroe Islands gained home rule in 1948 and Greenland became independent in 2009.)
During the Second War of Schleswig in 1864, the country had to cede Schleswig-Holstein to Prussia and Austria. This was a great loss to Denmark and its identity, and after that, the Danish pursued a policy of neutrality in Europe.
Quick fact!
Between 1397 and 1524, the whole of Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland) as well as southern Finland was unified under Danish rule, with Copenhagen as capital.
1914 – 1945
Denmark remained neutral during the First World War, and after Germany was defeated, Schleswig- Holstein were offered to Denmark again. Northern Schleswig was returned to Denmark in 1920, adding around 163 000 people and almost 4 000 square kilometers to the country.
In 1939, Denmark signed a decade-long non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany, so when Germany invaded the country in 1940, it took only two hours before the Danish government surrendered. The Germans occupied Denmark until 1945, and the country cooperated with Germany economically until 1943. During the Second World War, Denmark’s government formed a resistance movement to assist Danish Jews to travel to safety in Sweden before they could be rounded up by the Germans.
Quick fact!
As a result of the “Danish exodus” in ancient and medieval times, most people in Germany, Britain, Northern and Eastern France, and the Benelux can claim Danish ancestry.
1946 – present
After the war, Denmark became one of the founding members of NATO, the European Free Trade Association and the United Nations. In 1973, Denmark joined the European Economic Community (EEC) along with Britain and Ireland. And in 1993, the country became part of the European Union.
Despite being such a small country, Denmark has participated in a number of UN-sanctioned, and often NATO-led operations, both military and humanitarian, in various countries, including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Herzegovina, Korea, Kosovo, Libya and Somalia.
Denmark opted out of the EU’s Maastricht Treaty in 1992, and only accepted the treaty after a second referendum in 1993 that included the addition of certain provisions. The Danish also rejected the euro as their national currency in 2000 and have opted out of issues concerning internal affairs.
Today, Denmark is a prosperous, modern country that participates in Europe’s general political and economic integration. It is famous for its progressive approach to social policies, commitment to freedom of speech, liberal social-welfare system and well-preserved cultural heritage.
Danish language and culture
Culture of Denmark
Denmark has a vast cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. Intellectuals and artists have been drawn to this beautiful country for centuries. The Danish monarchy is the oldest in the world! Kings, queens and princes of Denmark have kept Danish culture, art and traditions very much alive.
Festivals and Traditions
The Vikings that inhabited Denmark, along with centuries of Christianity, have allowed for Denmark to have one of the richest histories and cultures in Europe. The Christian holidays of Christmas, Easter and many saint festival days are all celebrated throughout the country.
Shrovetide is a children’s festival that takes place at the end of winter. Children dress in costume and walk from door to door collecting money in tin cans and receiving treats. Holiday related festivals are common, as well as music and food festivals. An interesting tradition in Frederikssund, Denmark, is that of Vikingespil or “Viking plays”. Each year this Danish town creates Viking plays, with traditional Viking markets, as well as an historical Viking camp for tourists to visit and experience Viking culture. History is alive and well in many Danish festivals.
Cuisine
Popular Danish food is based upon peasant cuisine and produce from before the Industrial Revolution in 1860. Many dishes consist of bread, potatoes and salted pork. Famous Danish foods are easily recreated with basic ingredients. Smørrebrød is a famous open-faced sandwich served on rye bread and normally contains cold meat or sausage, and a boiled egg.
Traditional options for Christmas and holidays often include Stegt gås, a roasted goose with spices, Millionbøf, small beef slices served over rice and potatoes, and many delicious pastries! Because of the historical roots, Danish cuisine is considered to be a very “home made” style. Modern chefs in Copenhagen and other major cities have brought new life to the traditional Danish cuisine, and are always experimenting in order to keep Danish food up to date and healthier.
Art and Architecture
Architecture in Denmark has roots in Viking culture, with many European influences over the past few centuries. Gothic cathedrals make up the architecture of the Middle Ages in Denmark. As the Middle Ages turned into the Renaissance, French influences became more visible through grandiose palaces and ornate flourishes on many buildings. It wasn’t until the 20th century that Danish architects began to create original and uniquely Danish buildings.
Several famous Danish architects include Jørn Utzon, Arne Jacobsen and Bjarke Ingels. Unlike Danish architects, Danish painters have been world-renowned for centuries. Religious frescos and religious art was the forefront of early Danish art. As time passed, the 19th century brought about the Golden Age of Danish painting. Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg is one of the most noted painters of the Danish Golden Age. Danish art has influence artists from all over the world, and Danish modern art can be seen in many museums throughout the country.
Music
Music has had a large influence upon centuries of Danish culture. The earliest music in Denmark was hymns and songs composed for the kings and queens of the country. As the 18th century arrived, Danish classical music, operas and baroque pieces became popular throughout Europe. The 19th century brought with it the Danish Golden Age, and the works of Carl Nielsen, Niels Gade and August Bournonville, some of Denmark’s most notable composers.
The early 20th century introduced Denmark to jazz music. Danes’ love affair with jazz music has made it one of the most prominent and important musical expressions in the country over the last century. Other prominent musical forms in modern Denmark include rock music, Pop music, electronic music and modern day folk music.
Literature
Danish literature has not only played an important role in Danish culture, but also in the culture and imaginations of the world. Throughout early Danish history, literature was primarily for the use of the church, royalty and nobility. However, during the Danish Golden Age, literature became an art of the people.
Notable Danish author Hans Christian Anderson has given the world such tales as “The Little Mermaid”, “The Ugly Duckling”, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and “The Princess and the Pea” . Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard created such existential works as “Stages on Life’s Way”, “Either/Or”, and “Philosophical Fragments” that have intrigued and enlightened readers for hundreds of years. After the great works of the 19th century, modern Danish authors have completed more fantastic writing, criticizing and glorifying Denmark and all of its beauties.
Languages of Denmark
The Kingdom of Denmark recognizes only Danish as the official crown language. However there are several minority languages spoken in the territory including German, Greenlandic and Faroese. German is mainly spoken in parts of the Region of Southern Denmark, Faroese is spoken in Faroe Island while Greenlandic is the main language of Greenland. More than 80% of Danes speak English as a second language.
Basic Danish words and phrases
Hello – Hej
Goodbye – Farvel
Please – Vær så venlig
Thank-you – Tak
My name is… – Jeg hedder…
I don’t speak Danish – Jeg taler ikke dansk
Denmark weather
The country’s temperate climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters, with considerable variations in sunrise and sunset hours due to its northern location. During winter, sun rises around 9 AM and sets at 4 PM, whereas summer days can last as long as 16 hours.
Spring in Denmark
If you don’t fancy visiting Denmark in the chilly winter, planning your trip during spring may be a more enjoyable alternative. However, temperatures can drop to -5°C in March, so make sure to pack an overcoat and warm boots. It usually gets warmer in April and May, as the capital also receives more sunshine towards the end of the season. Late spring is ideal for cycling.
Summer in Denmark
The average temperature rarely goes above 20°C or below 8°C, and the peak summer months (especially June) are also the most abundant in precipitation (70mm). It is inadvisable to leave home without an umbrella and a raincoat; also, you should pack long sleeve shirts, a jacket and jeans (it will probably be too chilly to wear anything else).
Autumn in Denmark
Autumns in Denmark are rainy and chilly, with average high temperatures standing at 14 degrees and low averages usually dropping below 5 degrees. Days will have become much shorter by the end of November, when the capital, Copenhagen, gets less than two hours of sunshine a day and frequent rainfalls. Make sure to bring an umbrella, a raincoat and sweaters.
Winter in Denmark
This season is quite cold compared to most European countries in winter – the average high rarely exceeds 3°C, and the average low drops to -2°C. With only 45 hours of sunshine in December and the chilly Northern weather, you are advised to pack boots, sweaters and an overcoat.
Average temperatures in Copenhagen, Odense and Aalborg
Average rainfall in Copenhagen, Odense and Aalborg
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