In northern Germany, Denmark is entry to the Nordic countries bringing together Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and their associated states (Åland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands). It is one of the oldest kingdoms in Europe and at the same time one of the most modern countries. For all about the culture and history of the country before your trip to Denmark, here is a summary of the highlights that you are going to want to share!
History of Denmark
Like many European countries, Denmark's history spans millennia and is full of twists and turns. The country makes part of the ten hereditary monarchies of Europe. Moreover, its flag, named "Dannebrog", in place since 1219, is one of the oldest in the world !
Key dates in Danish history
Discover some dates marking the history of Denmark:
- Between the XNUMXth and the XNUMXth century: viking age.
- 1167: founding of Copenhagen by Valdemar the Great, King of Denmark.
- From 1397 to 1523: Copenhagen is the capital of Kalmar Union formed by Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
- In 1814, Denmark was forced to cede Norway to Sweden.
- Margarethe II has been Queen of Denmark since 1972.
The Vikings, a memorable people
Scandinavian men, the Vikings were real maritime explorers. Their main activity was trade and commerce which they first practiced in Western Europe and then in the East. They traded Scandinavian processed goods for luxury goods. Vikings are also looking to colonize areas for livestock and agriculture. And if they manage to settle down, they are still defeated in times of war.
Vikings
Andersen, the storyteller and Kierkegaard, the philosopher
Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) is part of the existentialist literary and philosophical current. Internationally renowned, he was the first to bring out the notion of anxiety and is also known for his description of the three stages of existence (aesthetic, ethical, religious). During the same century, Hans Christian Andersen, Danish novelist and storyteller, is famous for writing his Fairy tales (The Little Match Girl, The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, etc.).
Geography of Denmark
443 islands make up Denmark, 76 of which are inhabited. The weather is capricious, but it is the only Nordic country where snow is scarce because it is sheltered from the polar jet stream. Its landscapes are remarkable because of their wild state, its many beaches and its greenery as far as the eye can see.
Some geographic data
Here is some information that will help you get to know the country better:
- One land border (Germany)
- Capital of the Kingdom of Denmark: Copenhagen
- 5 regions : Jutland du Nord, Jutland central, Danemark du Sud, Région-Capitale, Sjælland
- 42 916 km2
- Population: 89% Danish, 11% from other immigrant populations (Turks, Poles, Syrians, Germans, Romanians, Iraqis, etc.)
- Cash : Danish krone (DKK)
- Official language : Danish. Over 86% of Danes are fluent in English, especially young people.
- 5 international airports : Copenhagen, Aarhus, Billund, Aalborg, Vágar (Faroe Islands)
One of the flattest countries in the world
Denmark's natural highest point, which rises to 170,86 meters, is the Møllehøj. It is not in Denmark that you will showcase your skiing talents, here, no mountains! About 13% of the country is covered with forest, of which the famous Nordmann, the most famous Christmas tree. The rest of the landscape consists of green plains often used for agriculture, sandy beaches and a multitude of small picturesque islands.
Jutland Beach
Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Danish lands of the Far North
Greenland and the Faroe Islands are autonomous territories attached to the Kingdom of Denmark. Second largest island in the world after Australia, however, Greenland is the least densely populated territory in the world with its 56 inhabitants. The ice cap covers 081% of the island and the climate is particularly extreme. The Faroe Islands are much less hostile and host 52 inhabitants over its 110 km1. These two territories are emblematic of the history of Denmark and regularly try to claim their independence.
Culture of Denmark
Denmark's history spanning thousands of years undoubtedly makes it a very culturally rich country. Denmark is recognized for its expertise in the world of design ; the invention of the famous bricks LEGO ; its international presence in the Beach football, handball, golf or the badminton ; its multiples historical sites and of course for his culture Viking.
The kingdom of cycling
The city of Copenhagen has established a proactive policy in favor of cycling, most used mode of transport. Everything is installed to facilitate its movement: thousands of kilometers of cycle paths, gateways reserved for bicycles, multi-storey car parks, free air pumps at the edge of the tracks, inclined garbage cans, ramps to stay seated in your saddle while waiting at traffic lights, many tunnels and fittings of motorways for bicycles leading to the suburbs.
Cycling in Copenhagen
Hygge, a comforting concept
The inspiration of cosiness, real danish concept : arrangement ofcozy spaces, invasion of cozy throws, multiplication of so-called "Scandinavian" furniture. But hygge is also an invitation to intimacy, conviviality, to meeting up with friends and family. A real social state of mind that can easily be added to the janteloven (rim law), a principle of equality and collaboration within the community.
Le smørrebrød, un met historique
You have to look at the history of Denmark to understand why the smørrebrød and other layered sandwiches are so popular. They appeared at the turn of the XNUMXth century when the working class saw their meal break time dwindle. The use of rye for bread It dates back to before the period of the industrial revolution, when we had to eat modestly in the countryside. Today these sandwiches are great classics of Danish gastronomy and particularly trendy, even in France!
sandwiches
Denmark has a lot to offer
Whether you are a fan of colorful architecture, design, Viking culture or want to pedal without getting tired, Denmark has a lot to offer for romantic, solo, with friends or family! If you want to learn more about Denmark, feel free to check out our other articles on the destination.
