DENMARK
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A member of the European Union since 1973, Denmark is the smallest and southernmost of the Nordic countries/Scandinavia. It shares a land border only with Germany to the south in the Jutland region, although it is connected to Sweden by roads and railways. Its other borders are maritime, both in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The country comprises 407 islands, 79 of which are inhabited, and has two overseas autonomous territories: Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The capital is Copenhagen, located on the island of Zealand.
A curious fact is that Greenland, the world's largest island, is 500 times larger than Denmark.
The official language is Danish, but in the overseas territories, their official languages are spoken: Greenlandic in Greenland and Faroese in the Faroe Islands. German is a recognized and protected minority language in southern Denmark near the German border, though it does not have official status. The official religion is Protestant Lutheran Christianity, and the political system is a parliamentary monarchy.
Denmark's history dates back to over 12,000 years BC, according to archaeological evidence. In the Christian era, the Viking Age began with Germanic tribes settling in Scandinavian lands and venturing into southern Europe, including the Mediterranean, and exploring northern seas, even reaching what is now known as Canada. Around 900 AD, the Danish monarchy was established, making it one of the world's oldest monarchies, still in existence today with Queen Margrethe II on the throne since 1972.
It is said that the Danish flag is also one of the oldest, with an unchanged design. Known as “Dannebrog,” legend has it that during the Battle of Lyndanisse on June 15, 1219, the flag fell from the sky, heralding victory, and it has been revered in Denmark ever since.
Tourism:
Regardless of a country's size, taking the time to visit and explore it is essential. How much time depends on the individual, but at least five days will give you a good idea and a satisfying experience.
Typically, one starts in the capital, and Copenhagen offers numerous attractions. One of the most famous and visited is The Little Mermaid, a bronze sculpture by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, located on the Langelinie promenade, inaugurated in 1913 and based on Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale. This monument has inspired films and other stories.
Photo by News Oresund
Also in Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is a highly visited amusement park that hosts concerts and cultural events.
A must-visit near Copenhagen (just 40 minutes by train) is Kronborg Castle, better known as Elsinore thanks to Shakespeare's play. The castle is rich in history and art collections. From its high towers, one can see Sweden in the distance on a clear, sunny day.
The Øresund Bridge is a spectacular engineering masterpiece, spanning over 7 km and connecting Copenhagen with Malmö (Sweden).
If you are a foodie with a discerning palate, you surely know that the restaurant Noma (an acronym for the Danish "nordisk mad," meaning Nordic food) has been named the best restaurant in the world four times by “Restaurant” magazine.
Everyone has played with Lego in their childhood. You should know that Lego is a Danish invention, and since 1968, Legoland has existed (a kind of Disneyland à la Danish, exclusively dedicated to Lego). This unique theme park is located next to the original Lego factory and Billund Airport.
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To take an online tour of Danish culture, the following link offers a glimpse of what the SMK National Gallery of Denmark has to offer:
And for the kids, how about listening to the complete audiobook of "The Little Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen:
Internet References:
Text and image credits appear at the bottom of the corresponding image.
Text adaptation: Homero Adame
Danish text translation into English: Pat Grounds