DENMARK WILDLIFE GUIDE

Denmark’s history is rich and complex, dating back to the arrival of the earliest inhabitants during the Stone Age. The Jelling Stones, erected in the 10th century, are often considered the birth certificate of Denmark, marking its transformation from paganism to Christianity under King Harald Bluetooth. From the 8th to 11th century, the Danish Vikings embarked on exploratory, trading, and raiding expeditions across Europe and the North Atlantic, leaving an indelible mark on the continent.

In the Middle Ages, Denmark emerged as a significant power in northern Europe. It was during this period that the Danish monarchy strengthened, reaching its apex under Valdemar the Great and his descendants. However, the kingdom underwent a series of civil wars, known as the Counts’ Feud, in the early 16th century. Following the Lutheran Reformation in the 1530s, Denmark transitioned into a Protestant state.

The 17th century marked a period of decline, during which Denmark lost significant territories in a series of wars with Sweden. The country recovered somewhat in the 18th century but was severely affected by the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century, which led to the loss of Norway. The second half of the 19th century was characterized by a national revival and a struggle over Schleswig, a border region disputed with Prussia and Austria. This struggle ended in defeat and the loss of Schleswig to Prussia in 1864.

The 20th century brought both hardships and transformation. Denmark maintained neutrality in World War I, but was occupied by Germany during World War II from 1940-1945. In the post-war era, Denmark embarked on a journey of recovery and modernization, building one of the world’s most prosperous and egalitarian societies. It joined the European Economic Community, now the European Union, in 1973, further integrating with the continent economically and politically.

Today, Denmark, as a constitutional monarchy with a well-established welfare state, is recognized globally for its high standard of living, commitment to sustainability, and strong emphasis on equality and human rights.

Country Code: +45.

Crime: Denmark, like all countries, experiences crime, but it generally enjoys a relatively low crime rate compared to other countries. It is known for its strong rule of law and an efficient legal system.

Violent crime, though present, is much lower than in many other developed nations. The country has implemented successful social policies that tend to focus on rehabilitation rather than retribution, leading to low rates of recidivism.

Property crimes such as burglary and theft are more common, particularly in urban areas and among non-resident criminals, though they have seen a downward trend over recent years. The Danish police have implemented targeted measures to prevent these crimes, and Denmark’s citizens are generally very conscious about security measures to protect their homes and belongings.

Bicycle theft is a specific issue in Denmark, which is unsurprising considering the country’s well-known bike culture. There is a high number of bicycles in Denmark, and their theft can be a common occurrence, particularly in larger cities.

In the past decade, Denmark has faced challenges with organized crime, particularly gangs involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities. Danish authorities have taken substantial measures to address this issue, with significant resources allocated to tackle organized crime.

Cybercrime is another area of concern. Like other developed nations, Denmark is experiencing an increase in cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware attacks, and online fraud. The country has developed advanced cybersecurity measures to counter these threats.

Currency: Danish krone.

Electricity: Type E (2-pin round), Type K (2-pin round with u-shaped earth pin).

Language: Danish.

Latitude and Longitude: 56.2639° N, 9.5018° E.

Population: 5.857 million (2021).

Prime Minister: Mette Frederiksen.

Denmark, while small in size, is home to several national parks that showcase the country’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems.

Thy National Park: Established in 2008 as Denmark’s first national park, Thy National Park is located in northwestern Jutland.

It covers an area of about 244 square kilometers of coastal area, dune systems, heathland, and forests. The park is a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many bird species, making it a popular spot for bird watching. It’s also home to several walking and cycling trails, and visitors can enjoy activities like fishing and swimming.

Mols Bjerge National Park: Located in the central part of Jutland, Mols Bjerge National Park was also established in 2009. The park, named after the Mols Bjerge (“hills of Mols”), spans about 180 square kilometers and features a hilly terrain shaped by the Ice Age.

The park is known for its biodiversity, harboring several rare species. Apart from natural beauty, it also hosts cultural heritage sites, including Bronze Age burial mounds and medieval churches.

Skjoldungernes Land National Park: The newest national park as of 2021, Skjoldungernes Land National Park was established in 2015. Located on the island of Zealand, the park covers an area of around 170 square kilometers encompassing forests, fjords, open country, and cultural landscapes. It’s named after the Skjoldung Dynasty from Danish prehistory and Viking Age, and the area is rich in ancient monuments, reflecting its long history.

Certainly, Denmark is full of wonderful attractions that draw tourists from all around the world.

Tivoli Gardens: Located in Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world. It offers a mix of thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and regular concerts, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.

The Little Mermaid: Also in Copenhagen, this bronze statue pays homage to Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. While it is smaller than many expect, its iconic status makes it a must-visit site.

Nyhavn: This 17th-century waterfront district in Copenhagen is known for its brightly colored townhouses and historical wooden ships. It’s a great place to dine, people-watch, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The Round Tower: This 17th-century tower in central Copenhagen offers panoramic views of the city. It’s also Europe’s oldest functioning astronomy observatory.

Rosenborg Castle: This historic castle located in Copenhagen’s city center houses the Danish crown jewels and showcases royal artifacts dating back to the 16th century.

Kronborg Castle: Located in Helsingør, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known worldwide as “Elsinore,” the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Legoland Billund: This family-oriented theme park located in Billund is the original Legoland park, filled with impressive Lego structures and interactive rides.

Aarhus Old Town (Den Gamle By): Located in Denmark’s second-largest city, Aarhus, this open-air town museum showcases Danish urban history and culture from the 18th century to the 1970s.

National Aquarium Denmark (Den Blå Planet): This is Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, home to thousands of animals and several large tanks and displays.

Møns Klint: These dramatic white chalk cliffs on the island of Møn offer some of Denmark’s most stunning natural views.

Denmark, located in Northern Europe, has a temperate oceanic climate. This means the country experiences mild summers and cool winters, with weather patterns influenced by the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. Its geographical position results in relatively consistent precipitation throughout the year and a lack of extreme temperatures.

Summers in Denmark, from June to August, are typically pleasant and mild. Average temperatures during these months range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), although heatwaves can occasionally push temperatures above 30°C (86°F). Summer is also when Denmark receives the most daylight, with up to 17 hours in the peak of the season.

Autumn, from September to November, is characterized by gradually cooling temperatures and frequent rainy days. The country’s forests showcase beautiful fall foliage during this period.

Winters, from December to February, are cold but typically not severe by Scandinavian standards. Average temperatures hover around freezing, ranging from -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F). Snowfall occurs but is not heavy or consistent in most parts of the country. Denmark’s winter days are short, with only about seven hours of daylight in December.

Spring, from March to May, sees warming temperatures and increasing daylight hours. This season is known for its blooming flowers, particularly the cherry blossoms in Copenhagen.

Denmark’s weather is notoriously changeable. It’s not uncommon to experience sunshine, cloudiness, and rainfall all in one day, so it’s always a good idea for visitors to check the weather forecast and dress in layers. The country’s relatively high humidity can also make the weather feel colder than the actual temperature suggests. Despite its reputation for being a rainy country, Denmark’s annual precipitation is lower than the European average, but the rain is spread throughout the year.