Denmark

Overview

The Kingdom of Denmark is a Scandinavian country in northern Europe consisting of the Jutland Peninsula and 443 islands. Of all the Islands, the largest is Zealand, followed by Funen and North Jutlandic Island.

The country recorded a population of 5.806 million in 2019 and it covers an area of 42,933 km2.

The capital city is Copenhagen which is ranked as the happiest city in the world for it has shorter working days.

Arhus city is also a major city in the country which was elected in 2007 as the European cultural capital.

Boats docked in Copenhagen harbour.

History

The Kingdom of Denmark was united during the 10th century when Christianity was introduced in the country. Greenland became part of Denmark in 1729. Germany took over the control of Danish matters in 1943 after their resistance campaign and the majority of the Jewish citizens escaped to Sweden.

Germany ceded its control in 1945; Denmark also recognized the independence of Iceland the same year. The country joined NATO in 1949.

Food & culture

The country’s culture is attached to its long history along with Christianity. It is demonstrated in their politeness, simplicity and equality.

The major crops grown here include barley, wheat, sugar beets, oats, rye, potatoes and turnips. The common dishes include pork with parsley sauce and potatoes, fresh seafood and breaded pork patties.

Wildlife

The most common wildlife animals include the roe, fox, squirrels and red deer.

Festivals & events

The New Year is celebrated on 1st January.

Winter jazz festival is celebrated in the month of February.

Easter holidays are celebrated around 9th April to 13th April.

Things to see

There is the Copenhagen Zoo that is home to a variety of animals.

Thy National Park is also a good place to visit to see wild animals.

Other must-go places are Rabjerg mile for climbing, Egeskov Castle, Viking burial grounds of Lindholm Hoje and Skagen buried Churches.

Interesting facts

Denmark has the oldest flag in the world. It’s been believed to have existed since June 1219 but it was officially acknowledged as the national flag in 1625.

The country is ranked amongst the top three happiest countries in the world.

The official language is Danish.

It adopted Christianity very long ago and the majority of them are members of Evangelical Lutheran Church.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Run a marathon in Denmark

Copenhagen Marathon

Copenhagen · usually May

Flat, fast and full of supporters, passing the Little Mermaid and Nyhavn. In Greenland, part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Greenland Icefjord Marathon in Ilulissat (May) runs past huge icebergs, and the Polar Circle Marathon (October) goes onto the ice sheet.

I ran the Icefjord Marathon in May 2022

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

Races I've run in Denmark

May 2022 Greenland Marathon · Ilulissat, Greenland 4:36:05

All my races

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Denmark

1 of 12 visited. See every site I've been to.

Ilulissat Icefjord 2004
Aasivissuit–Nipisat 2018
Christiansfeld 2015
Jelling Heritage Site 1994
Kronborg Castle 2000
Kujataa 2017
Par force hunting landscape in North Zealand 2015
Roskilde Cathedral 1995
Stevns Klint 2014
The Bony Fish Fossils of the Western Limfjord – Evolution and Climate Adaptation in the Earliest Eocene 2026
Viking Age Ring Fortresses 2023
Wadden Sea 2009

My photos from Denmark

From 2 trips, newest first, so you can see which places each set of photos came from.

June 2009 Copenhagen

Copenhagen

Whole trip gallery

May 2009 Copenhagen