History of Independence day of Denmark
Denmark, also known as Denemearc, has a rich history dating back to 890 AD, called the Field of Danes. King Gorm the Old, the first historically recognised Danish monarch, and his son Harald Bluetooth erected the Jelling Stones, marking the start of Christianity and the end of the Viking Era into the Middle Ages. Danish kings faced conflicts with Germany, controlling trade of fish, furs, and other goods across the Baltic Sea, sometimes invading, colonising, and crusading in nearby Baltic countries. The Kalmar Union united Norway, Sweden, and Denmark under one monarch but eventually collapsed. Christian the 4th contributed famous Copenhagen structures such as Børsen, Holmens Kirke, Rosenborg Castle, and Rundetårn. Denmark signed its Constitution on June 5, 1849, transitioning from absolutist to constitutional monarchy. After wars with Prussia and Austria in 1864 and World Wars, Denmark became a modern nation-state, joined NATO in 1949, and the European Union in 1993, while preserving Danish culture and language.
Boarders of Denmark
Denmark, or Danmark, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, part of the Kingdom of Denmark and a unitary state including the Faroe Islands and Greenland in the North Atlantic Ocean. It lies among Scandinavian countries, bordering Sweden, Norway, and Germany, with the longest maritime boundary at 2,646 kilometres. Denmark consists of the Jutland peninsula and an archipelago of 443 islands, including Zealand, Funen, and the North Jutlandic Island. Visiting Denmark personally, I was struck by how the islands and coastal landscapes provide the perfect setting for festive counter events, while the geography naturally encourages a scenic countdown of exploration from north to south.
Key figures of Denmark
Hans Christian Andersen
Born in Odense in 1805, he wrote famous fairy tales such as The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and Thumbelina. His museum keeps his literary legacy alive.
Ragnar Lothbrok
A legendary Viking warrior linked to Denmark’s early royal families, remembered through old historical stories and the popular TV series Vikings.
Niels Bohr
A Copenhagen-born physicist who won the Nobel Prize in 1922. He made major contributions to atomic physics, quantum theory, and modern science.
Queen Margrethe II
The monarch of Denmark since 1972. She is active in archaeology, art, public affairs, and is known for her creative illustration and translation work.
Mads Mikkelsen
A Danish actor known for roles in Casino Royale, Hannibal, Another Round, and Doctor Strange, admired worldwide for his talent and presence.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Famous for playing Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones. He also works for environmental causes and is a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador.
Connie Nielsen
A Danish actress with major Hollywood roles in Gladiator, Wonder Woman, and The Devil’s Advocate.
Viggo Mortensen
An actor with Danish roots, best known for playing Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings. He is also a poet, painter, filmmaker, and director.
Alex Høgh Andersen
Known for playing Ivar the Boneless in Vikings, helping bring attention to Viking history and culture.
Karen Blixen
A Danish author best known for her book Out of Africa, based on her life on a coffee farm in Kenya. It later inspired a famous film.
Søren Kierkegaard
A major philosopher known as the father of existentialism. His famous works shaped modern European philosophical thought.
Victor Borge
A Danish entertainer who combined music and comedy. After moving to the United States during World War II, he became famous for his humorous piano performances.
Arne Jacobsen
A leading designer and architect known for creating iconic furniture pieces like the Egg Chair and the Swan Chair, shaping modern Danish design.
Thomas Vinterberg
A well-known Danish film director. His movies include The Celebration and Another Round, the latter winning an Academy Award in 2021.
Lukas Graham
A popular Danish music group led by Lukas Forchhammer, known for blending pop, soul, and emotional storytelling. They earned global recognition and award nominations.
René Redzepi
A world-famous chef and co-founder of Noma in Copenhagen. He transformed modern cooking through New Nordic Cuisine and local ingredients.
Peter Schmeichel
A legendary Danish goalkeeper who played for Manchester United and the national team, known for helping Denmark win Euro 1992.
Michael Laudrup
One of Denmark’s greatest football players. He played for top clubs and served as captain of the national team before becoming a coach.
Nicklas Bendtner
A Danish footballer known for playing with Arsenal and Juventus, scoring 30 goals for the national team, and having a bold personality.
Bjarke Ingels
A famous architect and founder of BIG, known for modern and innovative projects such as the LEGO House and major global designs.
National things and symbols of Denmark
National Motto:
Guds hjaelp, Folkets kaerlighed, Danmarks styrke.
National Anthem:
Der er et yndigt land, Hans Ernst Krøyer (composer), Adam Oehlenschläger (lyricist), 1835.
National Coat of Arms:
Adopted by Frederick VI in 1819, features crowned blue lions, nine red hearts, golden shield, crown of King Christian V.
These symbols unite the nation and inspire annual festive counter celebrations, with citizens following a cultural countdown to commemorate Denmark’s identity.
Population of Denmark
As of November 23, 2025, Denmark’s population is 6,012,403 (Worldometer, UN), estimated at 6,002,507 mid-year, representing 0.073% of the world population and ranking 114 among countries and dependencies. Population density is 141 per km² (366 per mi²) over 42,430 km² (16,382 sq. miles), with 87.44% urban (5,248,366 people) and median age 41.3 years. This demographic contributes to lively urban and rural festive events, allowing communities to participate in a countdown of cultural and social activities.
Currency of Denmark
Denmark’s official currency is the Danish krone (kr, DKK), introduced January 1, 1875, with denominations of 100 øre. “Krone” means crown, symbolizing sovereignty. A 2000 referendum rejected the euro, preserving national currency. The krone remains integral to commerce and tourism, where seasonal markets and festive counter events follow an annual countdown of economic celebrations.
Tourist places in Denmark
Aalborg:
Historic buildings, Viking history at Lindholm Høje, Nordjyllands Historiske Museum, Viking-inspired café dishes.
Aarhus:
Second largest city, student population, thriving café and music scene, Den Gamle By, ARoS, Moesgaard Museum.
Bornholm:
Baltic Sea island near Sealand and Copenhagen, scenic cornfields, villages, flowers, white sandy beaches, clear water.
Copenhagen:
Harbourside buildings, Rundetårn, 17th-century observatory, Tivoli gardens, Christiania, Danish design, New Nordic flavours.
Elsinore and North Sealand:
Museums, Kronborg Castle (Helsingør), Hamlet, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Frederiksborg Castle.
Funen Archipelago:
Odense birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, museums, folk tales, woodlands, fairytale castles, quiet beaches.
Roskilde:
Brick cathedral, World Heritage Viking Ship Museum, music festival with 130,000 revellers, Andelslandsbyen Nyvang.
Samsø:
Carbon-neutral island, wind and solar energy, biomass, organic farms, strawberry, potato, livestock.
Silkeborg Lakes:
River Gudenå, lakes, forested banks, canoeing, calm water, Energimuseet hydroelectric station, science museum.
Wadden Sea National Park:
Nationalpark Vadehavet, coast, islands, circular cycle route, Ribe, Viking village, Henne Kirkeby Kro kitchen garden.
Denmark’s tourist spots combine history, culture, and nature to create a true festive atmosphere, with a yearly countdown of activities and sightseeing adventures.