Where is the Kingdom of Denmark located? Brief information about Denmark

Most “average” Russians, in response to the question “What do you know about Denmark?” will most likely remember Andersen, and some – Hamlet and the Vikings.

Few people know about the culture and other features of this country, located in the North of Europe - most often those who have visited there personally. Fortunately, tourism is actively developing in Denmark today: in a small country that can easily be located on the territory of the Moscow region, there are a lot of interesting and surprising things.

Where is Denmark

It is located on the Jutland Peninsula - north of Germany - and on many islands: there are about 400 in total, but most of them are uninhabited. The capital, Copenhagen, where the famous storyteller began his career, is located on the island of Zealand. Denmark also owns the most big Island world - Greenland, whose economy largely depends on fishing. Denmark borders by sea with Norway and Sweden, countries that were once part of the Danish kingdom, which has existed for about 1,000 years.

Climate and weather of Denmark: plains and sea

The territory of Denmark is mostly flat, and the climate is formed by the surrounding seas: it is considered moderate, although summers are short and cool - 16-18 ° C, and winters are mild and warm, about 0 ° C - influenced by the Gulf Stream. The west wind often blows, but it does not bring cold. There is more rain in the fall, and snow does not last long in winter - less than a month.

It is recommended to visit the country from May to September, and best time The period is considered to be July-August, although it can rain in mid-summer. Night temperatures differ little from daytime temperatures, but the weather can change very quickly. It all depends on the direction and strength of the wind: it’s worth taking this into account when planning walks and excursions.

The rich nature of the small country of Denmark

The Danes note that they do not have any bright beauties or impressive wonders, but they love and respect their nature.


The beaches in Denmark are long and clean, with white sand, and the forests are green and, for such a small country, quite rich in animals and birds. The forest occupies only about 10% of the territory, but residents protect it in every possible way: for example, they try to use renewable energy resources, such as solar panels and windmills, not leaving garbage out - this is how Denmark compares favorably with other European countries.

Therefore, the natural beauty here is often closely connected with historical and cultural attractions: even the famous Tivoli Park with its many amazing attractions and attractions can be considered an example of such a connection. man-made miracles, conceived by people for entertainment, but buried in flowers and greenery, and with a real lake. The park is considered the main attraction of the capital, and receives about 4 million tourists annually. During the war, Tivoli was seriously damaged: the German occupiers completely destroyed it southern part, but the Danes restored and improved their beloved park in the first post-war years.



Small picturesque towns and villages, inseparable from natural landscapes, are considered major attractions in Denmark, as well as medieval castles. In a small state there are so many of them that it is difficult to choose which one to give preference to - more than 600. This seems surprising, but it is worth considering that there were no revolutions and “war on palaces”, as in other European countries: the Danish monarchs showed wisdom, and before the introduction The constitutions “came along on their own,” although the sad experience of their neighbors undoubtedly influenced this decision. Therefore, all the castles have been preserved, and many have been reconstructed over the past century and a half; Most of them are now available to tourists. Castles belong either to the crown or to the state, but there are also many private properties. All castles have a rich and interesting history, and they are all different, even those built in the same era and in the same architectural style.

In general, historical tourism and active recreation in Denmark are welcome: the Danes are proud of their history and themselves love to relax in nature.

In the southeastern part of the country, in the Baltic Sea, there is the island of Mön with a unique rock formation. Tall white cliffs (up to 128 m high) stretch for 6 km, standing out brightly against the background of the blue sea. There are many swans and swallow nests here - the birds love the island, and there are dozens of orchids growing there. The island is considered the most beautiful in Denmark and a national park; it is covered with forests, flowering fields and meadows, and is perfectly equipped for excursions and recreation.

The Faroe Islands are also Denmark, although they are not so close to it, in the north Atlantic, between Iceland and Scotland. All the islands - there are 18 of them - are of volcanic origin, with emerald green landscapes, with fjords, waterfalls, lakes, and gorges. Sheep - the golden-horned ram on the coat of arms of the islands - graze everywhere on the green hills; the roofs of many houses, even in cities, are also covered with grass. There are almost no trees, but their absence is not at all depressing: the Faroe Islands attract those who want peace, tranquility and silence.


Treasures of history and culture of Denmark

The richest collection of valuables is, of course, Copenhagen. There are incredibly many attractions - the palaces and castles alone are worth it, but there are also temples and gardens, museums, theaters, libraries and many beautiful buildings- masterpieces of architecture.

Both children and adults will be interested in the Blue Planet Aquarium, the largest in Northern Europe and one of the most comfortable: thousands of species of sea inhabitants live in it. The architecture of the complex is unique and is called “futuristic”: from above, the completely white aquarium building looks like a huge starfish or other sea animal with curved tentacles.


The city of Helsingør (we know it as Elsinore, thanks to Shakespeare), just 46 km from the capital, is where most foreign visitors flock. Russian tourists They also consider it their duty to visit here and take pictures next to Hamlet and Ophelia - sculptures on the main alley of Kronborg Castle. Opens from the castle beautiful view on the sea with green shores; Historical films are often shot here.

It is impossible to mention all the main attractions of the Kingdom of Denmark: there are many of them in every city.

It is worth noting, however, that it was in Denmark, in the city of Billund, in the south of Jutland, in the late 40s of the 20th century that the famous Lego constructor, now loved by children all over the world, was invented. Once in Legoland - the land of dreams, children do not want to leave it; There are so many attractions here that there will be enough for several days from morning to evening, and you can also just relax and walk, simultaneously creating anything you like out of colored bricks. The park is built from tens of millions of Lego bricks and covers an area of ​​about 100 square meters. km; there is also a “soft” game Zone for kids, and you can quickly travel around the entire Lego country on a train. There is a functioning children's driving school - you can get a license, a factory and a fire station - everything is real and working.


Those who want to visit Andersen’s homeland can go to Odense: in this city with more than a thousand years of history, he was born and lived in his youth - there is his museum here.

And the “Viking” places are Aarhus on the coast of the bay of the same name: the city is considered large - more than 300,000 inhabitants, and there are many museums in it, and hundreds more amazing monuments culture and architecture.

Copenhagen 18:00 7°C
It's clear

Country population 5,484,000 people Territory 43,094 sq. km Part of the world Europe Capital of Denmark Copenhagen Money Krone (DKK) Domain zone.dk Telephone code countries 45

Sights of Denmark (photos and description)

Denmark is a state that is a unique attraction. Everything about it is impressive: cities, surroundings, historical monuments, corners of nature.

Notable in Copenhagen is City Hall Square, where the original sculpture of the capital's founder is located. In the historical center of Slotoholmen, the attention of guests is attracted by the Christiansborg Palace, the Marble Bridge, and the chapel. The Nyhavn Canal from the 17th century has even today become a haven for ancient ships located there. A little further away stands the famous sculpture of the sad Little Mermaid - the symbol of Denmark.

Another attraction of the Kingdom of Denmark is Kronbor Castle. It was there that, in some versions, the tragic Hamlet lived. A zoo with about two thousand different types animals, is considered the largest zoo in Europe.

Climate:: Moderate, humid and cloudy, mild, windy winters and cool summers.

Museums of Denmark (national)

In the capital of Denmark, all kinds of museums are open to the public. On Town Hall Square- City Museum. Christiansborg Palace houses the Theater History Museum, the Map Museum and the Thorvaldsen Museum.

The Arsenal Museum is located in Kongens Nyitorv town square. The museum displays colorful exhibits: clothes fashionable in past centuries, weapons, carriages.

The National Museum and Gallery Carlsberg awaits art lovers. Here you can not only view a collection of art masterpieces, but also take a stroll in the wonderful winter garden.

The “Museum of Erotica” and the “Guinness World Records Museum” are popular.

You can see royal jewelry at the Museum of Danish Kings.

Terrain:: Plain

Leisure

Recognized as a popular holiday destination in the Danish capital amusement park"Trivoli". It will delight its visitors with an ocean of flowers, theaters, restaurants and attractions.

Lollan Island - center active rest. Visitors can choose one activity or another based on their interests: fishing, golf, cycling, water sports. Islands of Møn and Falster, National parks“Silkeborg”, “Vors” and Hessel” will be protected from the noise and bustle of cities, guaranteeing peace and pleasant impressions. In the north of Copenhagen lies the island of Zealand, which attracts tourists with its wonderful beaches, forests, hotels, and nightlife entertainment.

On bicycle racing The whole nation is obsessed; famous cyclists are like rock stars for them, about whom they can talk for hours.

Resources:: Oil, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, chalk, gravel and sand.

Hotels

There are two types of hotels in Denmark. “Hotel” is the first category. Room price includes full board. Among the hotels there are upscale five-star hotels and more modest establishments. "Hotel Garni" is the second type of hotel in which the boarding house is not intended. The highest possible rating is four stars. Every year hotels undergo classification. Attention is drawn to the establishment's capabilities, services, maintenance, and food. The cost of a room in a hotel in the kingdom is overpriced. According to 2010 data, the price is 80-180 euros per day. Positive reviews Copenhagen hotels deserve clients: “Idsens Hotel”, “Scandis Palact Hotel”, “Nebo”. “Hawla Boat” is unique and unusual. This is an ordinary sailing ship, converted into a hostel.

Money of Denmark: Crowns were introduced in 1873, and the name is due to the existence of the royal crown depicted on the reverse of coins. The exchange equivalent of the Danish krone is the øre, in the ratio of one to one hundred. Ere etymologically goes back to the name of the coin of the times ancient Greece- aureus. The main motif featured on the newer Danish kroner banknotes are Danish bridges and the stunning landscapes of Denmark itself.

Transport

Denmark's roads are of high quality. Bicycles are a common method of transportation in the kingdom. There is a special road for cycling. Renting a bike is very easy. All you have to do is throw 20 crowns into the machine at the bike rack. Taxi in Denmark is an affordable form of transport. For one kilometer you pay 10 CZK. The country is completely intertwined with railways. Traveling on trains in Denmark is a pleasure. Passengers will enjoy royal comfort. It is worth ordering tickets in advance. There is a bus route schedule at the stops. There are also machines selling transport cards for 130 CZK. The card allows you to use city transport services and the metro. The Copenhagen metro is completely automatic. An elevator located in the center of the capital descends to the station.

Most Danes are already confused and cannot know exactly how much the state is taking from them, but everyone is sure that it is too much.

Standard of living

The richest country in the world is the Kingdom of Denmark. The income level per person is 60,000 euros per year. The Danes obediently pay considerable taxes. The law-abiding behavior of the country's citizens protects them and brings all sorts of benefits. Thus, medical care in the kingdom is absolutely free. There is no tuition fee either. The scholarship is guaranteed for students.

Denmark is a leader in the issue of social protection of its citizens. Single mothers, the disabled, the elderly, and the homeless receive all imaginable and unimaginable government benefits. The poorer a person in the kingdom, the more help he receives. The life expectancy of the kingdom's citizens also takes precedence in the ranking of world indicators. Danish men live on average about 76 years, while Danish women live longer - 81 years.

Resorts in Denmark

TO resort areas Denmark includes: the island of Zealand, Lollan, the islands of Falster, Stortström. Jutland, which stretches for 400 kilometers, and the Skagen resort attract vacationers with sandy beaches. Given resort place just a magnet that attracts fans of water sports. The Westmann resort is popular due to its unique natural areas. Bicycle tours and fishing are available.

Aarhus is a resort city in Denmark. It also provides recreation according to the taste and desire of guests. Representatives of young people or older people, businessmen and family people are invited to relax.

Odense is a world-famous resort.

For vacationers in a friendly group, the Vaitle resort is suitable. Characteristic features: a large number of young people, a lot of entertainment, events and meaningful excursions.

Danish humor is unbearable. Write Fuck You! instead of wishing him a happy birthday, this is an entirely appropriate turn of events. And it doesn’t matter how short of a leg you are.

Cities of Denmark (list in alphabetical order)

Copenhagen has been the capital of Denmark since 1417. The city is located on the shores of the Eresuni Strait. It is located on the islands of Zealand and Amager. Copenhagen is among the greenest cities in European capitals. It is distinguished by the presence of a large selection of quality hotels, cafes, and restaurants. The Strøget district offers chic shops.

Aarhus - old City kingdoms on the Jutland Peninsula. The city has a developed industry: textile, food, mechanical engineering. Odense - Big city in the country, located on the island of Funen. The city's economy is supported by shipbuilding, textiles, food processing and electrical engineering. The cities of Aalborg and Esbjerg are located on the Jutland Peninsula.


Population

Coordinates

Copenhagen

Capital Region

55.67594 x 12.56553

Central Jutland

56.15674 x 10.21076

Southern Denmark

55.39594 x 10.38831

Northern Jutland

Fredericksburg

Capital Region

55.67938 x 12.53463

Southern Denmark

Central Jutland

56.46667 x 10.05

Southern Denmark

55.4904 x 9.47216

Southern Denmark

My biggest dream as a traveler has always been a trip to Scandinavia - an amazing northern region with a particularly harsh beauty. And most of all, the country from the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, which I read as a child, attracted me to it. “Between the Baltic and North Seas, since hoary antiquity, there has been a swan’s nest; its name is Denmark,” this is what the world-famous storyteller wrote about his homeland, who became as much a symbol of Denmark as the white swan itself.

A wonderful old fairy tale is the first association that arises with Denmark, the smallest Scandinavian country, but at the same time rightfully the most unusual and interesting not only on the Scandinavian Peninsula, but perhaps in all of Europe.

This land of flowering gardens and green plains, located on islands connected by magnificent bridges, outshines even such “serious” neighbors in beauty as. But the most amazing thing is that, having intact a huge number of historical monuments, Denmark manages to be one of the most fashionable, stylish and advanced countries both in terms of architecture and lifestyle. Just come to the metropolitan heart of the country - and you will be surprised how ancient tiny houses coexist perfectly with ultra-modern artsy neighborhoods.

The country of royal palaces and fairy-tale castles, designers and cyclists, white swans and daisies on road signs, the birthplace of director Lars Von Trier, Lego designer and Carlsberg beer - all this is Denmark! A trip here will not only not leave you indifferent - it will certainly become one of the brightest and most unforgettable in your life.

Visa and border crossing

Denmark, like all Scandinavian countries, is a member of the Schengen agreement, so any valid Schengen visa is suitable for visiting it. At the time of my trip to Denmark, I had a Greek multiple visa valid for 3 years, with which I crossed the border without any problems. If you are receiving a visa for the first time, there are various options available, depending on how you travel.

If you are traveling to Denmark by car or bus, you must obtain a visa for the country of your main stay. But if you plan to visit several countries at once, then by law you need a visa for the country where you are crossing the border. You will almost certainly enter the Schengen zone in Finland (this route is much more interesting than through Poland and Germany), and I recommend getting a Finnish visa in this case, because it is the easiest. You can read more about obtaining a Finnish Schengen card in.

If you prefer a more traditional plane or train, then you will need to obtain a Danish visa directly. You can do this yourself through the Denmark Visa Application Center in Moscow, St. Petersburg or any of the 18 Russian cities in which Danish visa centers are open - their full list can be viewed at vfsglobal.com. This method is the cheapest, but also the most labor-intensive. What will you need?

  • A LITTLE WORK. Collect a package of documents (standard for all Schengen visas): fill out an application, take a photo, buy insurance, get certificates, etc.
  • A LITTLE TIME. Sign up in advance at the visa center on the website vfsglobal.com (this is mandatory!), arrive at the specified time and submit your documents.
  • A LITTLE MONEY. You will need to pay about 4,500 rubles: a visa fee of 2,550 rubles and a service fee of 1,967 rubles. Please remember that if your visa application is refused, these fees will not be refunded! Oh yes, don’t forget to include in your “visa” budget the costs of purchasing insurance, photographs, etc.
  • A LITTLE PATIENCE. Wait about 10 working days - this period is indicated on the website of the Denmark Visa Application Center. There is an opinion that obtaining a visa to Denmark is somewhat more difficult than to other European countries, but the processing of documents occurs promptly and without delays.
  • A LITTLE LUCK. Track the status of your application on the visa application center website. As soon as information appears that your passport has arrived at the visa center, come and pick up your pass to the swan country!

So, your costs in this case will be minimized, but you will have to work hard and spend some time. However, this should not frighten experienced travelers - the procedures are all standard, and beginners have absolutely nothing to fear.

If you don’t want to bother with obtaining a visa to Denmark on your own or you are buying a tour, then a travel agency will handle the processing, or you can contact a special visa agency that makes turnkey visas - this will cost no less than 8,000 rubles, but it will make it easier for you task. What is more important to save, time or money - everyone chooses for himself.

Additional information that will be useful for those who want to visit Greenland and the Faroe Islands - they are also part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but are autonomous regions and are not included in the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, keep in mind that for such a trip you need to obtain not only a Schengen visa, but also a national visa valid for entry into these territories - this can also be done at the Denmark Visa Application Center.

Border crossing

If you travel by car, bus or train, then you will not have to cross the Danish border at all - you will enter Schengen in Finland or Poland, and there is no control at the borders within the Schengen zone between states at all - they are indicated only by boards with the names of the countries on roadsides.

If you arrive in the country by plane, you should remember about customs restrictions - Denmark, as a country belonging to the European Union, is subject to uniform customs rules, which differ little from those that apply on the border with Finland: you cannot import without duty more than 2 cartons of cigarettes, more than 1 liter of strong alcohol, more than 100 grams of tea or coffee, as well as importing and exporting well-known prohibited items such as weapons and drugs, which, I think, is unnecessary to mention. Foreign and domestic currencies can be imported and exported without restrictions, but amounts over 50,000 Danish kroner (DKK) must be declared both upon entry and exit from the country.

How to get there

Island Denmark is a kind of transition between continental Europe and the Scandinavian Peninsula, so there are many ways to get there, to suit every taste and budget. Let's look at each of them.

Tourist regions

I traveled all over Denmark by car - from the Oresund Strait, which separates the country from Sweden and the Scandinavian Peninsula, to the land border with Germany, and I can say that this is a unique country, which is extremely interesting to travel through. Denmark is located on more than 400 islands, the largest of which are Zealand and Funen, as well as on a large peninsula that connects it to continental Europe. The country is divided into 5 main regions, including, among other things, all the small islands of the Danish archipelago. We will talk about the islands separately, but now I will talk about the main regions, and you will be convinced that in each of them there is something to see.

Hovedstaden (Capital Region)

Where does Denmark start? Of course, with Copenhagen! And not only in the sense that it is the capital and cultural heart of the country, but also in geographical terms. As soon as I left Sweden and entered Denmark, I immediately found myself in Copenhagen. And this is really the city that is worth seeing first. But the Capital Region includes more than just Copenhagen. It occupies the entire northeastern part of the island of Zealand, the largest in Denmark and the entire Baltic Sea, and while relaxing in the capital, be sure to take time to explore these places.

There are two things that deserve special attention in North Zealand - their magnificent castles and the famous Danish beaches. The best thing is that both are located just within an hour's drive from Copenhagen by train or car. But the best option would be to rent a bike or go for a walk around the island if you like long walks - there are many bike paths and hiking trails, as indeed everywhere in Denmark. This way you can enjoy not only the attractions in the cities, but also the green hills and many beautiful lakes that are so abundant in the Capital Region.

Hovedstaden has two of the most famous Danish castles that are worth visiting first - Kronborg Castle in the city Helsingor and the beautiful Danish Renaissance castle Frederiksborg in the city Hillerod.

A separate day, or maybe even several, is worth spending on a walk along the North coast of Zealand, which is called Danish Riviera. Pristine white sandy beaches, dunes and fishing villages, small Danish houses and seascapes - the coastline of Zealand is not inferior in beauty to world-famous resorts. Of course, the most pleasant time to come here is in the summer, when you can sunbathe and swim, if the capricious Danish weather allows, and also taste lobsters and freshly caught fish, which is excellently smoked on all the beaches of the Danish Riviera. But even in the cooler seasons, a walk through the most picturesque coastal towns will surely bring you nothing but pleasure.

The metropolitan region of Hovedstaden also includes an island Bornholm, but this is a separate journey, which I will talk about in the section.

Zealand

Now let's move south from the capital and explore the rest of the largest Danish island of Zealand. This area is called Zealand, and also includes several southern islands of the Danish archipelago.

It’s worth coming to Zealand if you are interested in history and architectural monuments. Be sure to visit the regional capital Roskilde and also see the Old Town in Naestvede and a very interesting fortress church in Kalundborg.

If you are traveling to Denmark at the end of June, be sure to combine your trip with a visit to the world famous rock festival in Roskilde, which has been held here since 1971 and has at various times hosted the likes of Nirvana, Radiohead and many others. This is the main musical event in Denmark, and throughout Northern Europe. Just keep in mind that during the festival there are no hotel rooms in Roskilde, so you should either spend the night in neighboring towns, or you can pitch a tent at the festival itself (this is included in the price of the concert ticket).

But perhaps the most beautiful place in Zealand is the southern islands Myung And Falster– read more about them in the section.

Southern Denmark

In my opinion, this is the most interesting part of Denmark. Southern Denmark occupies part of the peninsula connecting the country to the continent, as well as the island of Funen and many islands of the South Funen archipelago.

During my trip to Denmark, I especially fell in love with the charming green Funen island, which divides Zealand and Jutland, which is why it is nicknamed "Denmark's middle child." You can get to the island via the Great Belt suspension bridge across the strait of the same name. A trip across this bridge is already an adventure: a whole 7 kilometers in the middle of an endless expanse of water and windmills sticking out of the water! Keep in mind that the fare is paid and costs about 35 EUR. If you are traveling by rail, the bridge fee is included in the price of your train ticket.

The ideal option for exploring the island of Funen, as well as the neighboring islands, would be a bicycle. The distances here are short, and there are cycling routes throughout the island - there is even a special guide to Funen for cyclists, “Cykelguide Fyn”, which can be purchased at any tourist center.

Hans Christian Andersen called Funen “the garden of Denmark” and the landscapes here are truly extraordinarily picturesque – flowering fields and green meadows with cows grazing on them, just like in the picture in a children’s book!

I mentioned Andersen not by chance, because the famous writer was born right here - on the island of Funen, in the city where you should go first when traveling around Southern Denmark. There are monuments to the Danish storyteller and the characters of his fairy tales everywhere, and the Andersen House Museum is also open.

Aarhus

Despite its venerable age, the second most important city in the country can safely be called the youth-hipster capital of Denmark. Dynamic, stylish, nocturnal, in some ways very similar to Copenhagen: the same canals, parks, cyclists, similar architecture, a combination of antiquity and high-tech. However, Aarhus has many unique features that make this city a must-see. I especially recommend the stunning open-air museum Den Gamle By, one of the main attractions in Denmark.

Odense

The capital of green Funen and the city of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. The third largest in Denmark, but, according to my observations, even more significant from a tourist point of view than. Maybe because it’s faster to get here from the capital, or maybe because of its unique atmosphere. Come to Odense to stroll through the fairy-tale streets and find all the monuments to the famous writer and his heroes. It is also home to the best zoo in Denmark. Read more about fabulous Odense.

Aalborg

“Denmark's longest bar counter” - this is the nickname the northern student capital received for its unusual Jomfru Ane street in the city center, consisting entirely of bars and restaurants. Drink a glass of aquavit in one of them and go see the half-timbered houses and magnificent mansions in the Old Town. If you're interested in Danish design, take a stroll along Limfjord's modern waterfront and check out the Utzon Center for design and architecture.

Ribe

This is a real open-air museum - a stunning ancient city in which people live, but time does not seem to move. I have only seen such beauty as here in Belgian. In addition, Ribe is a Viking city, there is a Viking Museum and a Viking Center, where you can immerse yourself in the distant past of the city of those troubled times. But in general, it’s quite enough to just walk along the cozy cobbled streets and enjoy the atmosphere.

Skagen

The northern pearl of Denmark, called the “Country of Light”. The sun shines here in a very special way, which is why Skagen began to attract artists who founded their colony here. The city itself is also extremely picturesque - the old quarters are built up with original yellow houses, the color of which has its own name “Skagen yellow” (this is very reminiscent of the story with the shade “Newboden yellow” in Copenhagen - after all, the Danes love this color). And the small red wooden houses on the embankment reminded me of Bergen, Norway. Well, Skagen attracts tourists with sand dunes and, of course, Cape Grenen, near which two seas meet - the North and the Baltic.

You can book hotels in Danish cities on, you can also compare prices from different sites -. If you prefer the option of renting private apartments -.

Islands

When we say “Denmark” we mean “islands”. There are more than 400 of them here, starting from the huge Zealand, where the Danish capital is located, to very tiny uninhabited islands. Of course, I will not list all four hundred, especially since not even a quarter of them are inhabited, but I will tell you only about the most interesting ones.

Bornholm

The most beautiful island not only in Denmark, but throughout the Baltic. Cut off from the mainland by sea waters, Bornholm has a completely unique atmosphere. The measured way of life of local towns and villages is not disturbed even by a large influx of tourists, who are attracted here by beautiful white sand beaches in the south of the island and harsh rocks and untouched nature in the north, as well as picturesque fishing villages with colorful houses and seascapes that are not inferior in beauty Mediterranean. In addition, there are many interesting sights, the main of which are medieval churches that look like powerful fortresses. And you also need to come here at least to try the local delicacy - amazing Bornholm smoked herring! Bornholm is closer to Sweden than to Denmark, so the most convenient way is to travel from Copenhagen by train or car to the Swedish city of Eastvad, and then take a ferry to the island. The ferry also runs from the Danish city of Køge, but then you will have to sail all night, but the fastest way would be to fly from Copenhagen to Rønne, the capital of Bornholm - it will only take half an hour, but it will cost a pretty penny.

Myung

Here is the natural wonder of Denmark - the chalk cliffs of Møns Klint. The snow-white cliffs sparkling in the sun, the steepest and highest in the country, make an unforgettable impression, and thanks to the limestone, more than 20 species of beautiful orchids grow on the island. Just please take care of nature: you can look at flowers, but under no circumstances pick them. This southern island will delight you with wonderful beaches, cozy coves, and unique ancient churches and frescoes. The best thing is that Mön is located an hour and a half drive from Copenhagen, just keep in mind that there are no trains on the island - you will have to get there by bus, and the best way to travel around the island is by bicycle.

Falster

The neighboring island of Falster is attractive for its beaches, which stretch for many kilometers along the coast. The most luxurious summer resort is Marielyust on the eastern coast of the island with white sandy beaches, dunes and very clear sea water. There are many hotels, campsites and cottages here, but the prices, as in any tourist place, are high. Trains from Copenhagen run to Falster every hour, but like all the southern islands, it is ideal for cycling, since they are all connected to Zealand by bridges.

Örö

Denmark's most "toy" island, dotted with charming colorful tiny houses. The incredibly beautiful town of Årøskøbing resembles a set for a children's play. It’s not for nothing that the most popular house here is called the Puppet House – this, by the way, is the most photographed house in all of Denmark. A funny tradition of displaying dog figurines in the windows, as well as a museum with the largest collection of boats in bottles, enhance the impression of fairy tales. Örø is not connected by bridges to other islands, so you can only get here by ferry from the town of Svendborg in the south of Funen, and the best way to get around the island itself is by bicycle.

Fanyo

The northernmost island of the Danish Shoals is a favorite holiday destination not only among the Danes and Germans, but also among all residents of Northern Europe. And this is not only because of the magnificent sandy beaches that stretch along the entire western coast (by the way, due to strong winds, this place is very popular with kite lovers and kite surfers), but also because of the unique nature of the island - dunes, heathlands and nature reserves with a variety of animals. A great place for hiking and picnics. Be sure to stop by the picturesque town of Sønderho and see the unusual houses with thatched roofs. You can get to Fanø by ferry from Esbjerg.

Top attractions

Mermaid

The same banal tourist stamp of Denmark as the Eiffel Tower in France, but you must agree that going to and not seeing its famous symbol is, at the very least, stupid. The visiting card of Copenhagen usually disappoints tourists - it is very small, but the main thing is that there is always such a crowd of people around it, clicking cameras, that the bronze symbol of the city is not even really visible behind them. My advice is to come to Langelinie pier, where the little Mermaid sits, late in the evening and preferably in cold weather, and then you can be alone with the Copenhagen celebrity, sadly looking at the waters of the Øresund Strait. It's probably so sad because its fame comes at a cost - it's the most frequently vandalized statue in Northern Europe, and has suffered more vandalism than any other popular landmark.

Nyhavn

The most photographed street in Copenhagen and in all of Denmark. It’s not surprising – you won’t see such an elegant and festive embankment anywhere else, and the multi-colored, almost toy houses just beg to be photographed. It's hard to believe that there was once a red light district and unsightly slums here. Be sure to visit here at different times of the day - in the evening, when the embankment is flooded with lights, beautifully reflected in the waters of the canal, and on a sunny day, when the houses look especially colorful. You can sit in one of the many bars and restaurants on the pier, and then go from here for a walk along the canals on one of the excursion boats. By the way, the famous Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen lived in some of the houses on the Newhavn embankment at different times.

Christiania

One of the most unusual places in the Danish capital. The Free City of Christiania is an unofficial "state within a state" founded in Copenhagen by a bunch of hippies in the 1970s. This commune, where about 1,000 people now permanently live, has partial independence from Denmark, and on the front gate of Christiania inside there is a sign: “You are part of the European Union,” which emphasizes its autonomous status. Despite the fact that Christiania has long become a completely tourist place, where local souvenirs are traded briskly, the atmosphere here is still special and it’s definitely worth visiting. Walk along the legendary Pusher Street, breathe in the unique sweet kumar in the air and marvel at the bright psychedelic graffiti. Just remember the rule: photography is strictly prohibited here.

Kronborg Castle

The second most popular attraction in Denmark after the Little Mermaid is the castle of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, where William Shakespeare set the action of his play. However, despite the fame of Kronborg Castle precisely due to this fact, the original purpose of this impressive structure was much more prosaic - tribute was collected here from Swedish ships. Kronborg stands at the narrowest point of the Oresund Strait, which separates Denmark and Sweden, so from the castle walls you can see the coast of Sweden in clear weather. Better yet, take a ferry from here to Helsingborg, Sweden – the castle looks even more impressive from the water than up close. A ticket to Kronborg costs about 13 EUR (90 DKK), and admission is free for Copenhagen City Card holders.

Frederiksborg Castle

Despite the greater popularity of “Hamlet’s Castle,” I personally prefer the charming Frederiksborg. In my opinion, this royal residence of the Danish monarchs is much more beautiful and much more romantic. The castle is located on three islands, right in the middle of a picturesque lake with white swans and ducks swimming on it, which makes Frederiksborg look like a picture from a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen come to life. The impression is complemented by the park laid out around the castle - stunning curly green hedges and impeccable layout will delight even the most demanding perfectionists. A ticket to the castle will cost about 10 EUR (75 DKK), there are group tickets for the whole family at a competitive price, and admission is free with the Openhagen Card.

Egeskov Castle

The main attraction of the island of Funen and one of the most beautiful places in Denmark. The fabulous Egeskov with turrets and spiers, standing in the middle of a small lake, is inferior in size to the famous castles of Kronborg and Frederiksborg, but in terms of picturesqueness, in my opinion, it leaves them far behind. No less remarkable than the castle itself is the luxurious park laid out around it with many green hedges and well-groomed alleys, along which proud peacocks roam freely. But the special pride of this place is the largest fuchsia garden in Europe, which includes more than 100 species of these colorful flowers. Tickets to Egeskov will cost much more than to Kronborg and Frederiksborg castles - about 24 EUR (180 DKK) per person.

Legoland Park

Even if you have long since left childhood, the Legoland park will not leave you indifferent - I guarantee it! Here you will see sights from various cities of the world, built from 20 million Lego bricks, and most importantly, everything here is mechanized, that is, boats sail along the canals, trains hum along the rails, tiny cars scurry back and forth - a real toy car come to life. world! A visit to the park is expensive - about 47 EUR (349 DKK), but if you buy tickets in advance, you can save a lot. If you stay overnight at the Legoland Hotel, which is located next to the park, you can buy tickets at a big discount.

Museum "Den Gamle By"

This amazing open-air museum, called "Old Town", fully lives up to its name - it is a meticulously recreated medieval Danish town with 75 old houses, including a mill, post office, school, theater and so on. The Danes generally adore all kinds of historical reconstructions, and “Den Gamle By” is a kind of exemplary replica of past times. Moreover, even the residents were “reproduced” for the Old Town, so the museum is also a costume show. A ticket costs about 17.5 EUR (130 DKK), and if you purchase an Aarhus city card, you will receive a 30% discount.

Cape Grenen

This long sandy “nose”, stretching into the endless expanses of the sea, is called the “edge of the world” and the atmosphere here is completely unique. True, in the summer the impression is somewhat spoiled by the crowds of tourists who are attracted by the unique opportunity to stand in two seas at once - the North and Baltic, which meet exactly at Grenen. There is a special bus attached to a tractor going to the very tip of the cape, but it’s better to walk there (it will take about 30 minutes) and take your unique photo among the two seas. Cape Grenen is located 3 kilometers from the city of Skagen, from which buses run here regularly.

Dune Rubjerg Knude

The huge moving sand dune Rubjerg Knude appeared on the North Sea coast less than 100 years ago and gradually covered a quarter of the large lighthouse that stood here. And the most interesting thing is that the dune continues to move, and the lighthouse continues to sink into the sand, so that in a couple of decades it will either fall into the sea or be completely buried. So hurry up to come to enjoy the magnificent scenery. Rubjerg Knude is located in the northern part of Jutland, although there is no public transport, so you can only get here by car or bicycle.

Weather

Denmark is a very changeable lady when it comes to weather. As in many countries surrounded by the sea, the climate here is temperate, that is, there is no extreme heat in summer and no severe frost in winter. However, due to the fact that Denmark is a flat country, it can be very cold even at relatively high temperatures due to strong winds. In addition, as in all Scandinavian countries, rain is a frequent visitor here.

I was in Denmark in August and I was able to fully experience the changeability of the weather. During the day it could be so hot that you just wanted to rush to one of the famous Danish beaches, and in the evening it became so cold and windy that you could freeze even in a jacket and had to warm up with intoxicating Danish aquavit. Don’t repeat my mistakes and don’t trust the Danish weather - after looking at the warm and gentle sun in the morning, don’t rush to leave for the whole day in shorts and a T-shirt, because by the evening you can really freeze under the piercing sea winds. Or at least bring warm clothes with you, and an umbrella won’t hurt.



Money

Money is a special item that needs to be given special attention when traveling to Denmark. Let's start with the fact that Denmark is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, which leaves behind even its neighbor Norway, which is very ruinous for tourists, in this matter. Copenhagen is regularly included in lists of the most expensive European cities, and staying in Denmark takes a significant toll on your wallet. A light snack in a cafe for two will cost 45-50 EUR (350-400 DKK) here, a can of beer in a supermarket costs no less than 7 EUR (55 DKK), and for street parking you will have to pay more than 40 EUR (300 DKK) in day. So saving even on what seems like little things will ultimately save significant amounts.

National currency of Denmark

The very first thing you should think about before traveling is the local currency. In the Scandinavian countries, the euro is not held in high esteem, so you can’t pay with it almost anywhere. Or you can, but at a very unfavorable rate, and you will receive change in local money. In Denmark, the national currency is the Danish krone, its exchange rate against the ruble is 1 DKK = 9.7 rubles. So the price in crowns can be safely multiplied by 10 to understand how much the purchase will disturb your budget.

Currency exchange

In Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, there are two problems with exchanging money for Danish kroner:

  1. Availability of currency exchange offices. There are not as many of them as in other European countries, and if they exist, then at train stations, airports and places where tourists gather, where the exchange rate will be extremely unfavorable.
  2. Currency exchange fee. In Denmark, when exchanging currency, you often charge not a fixed commission, but a percentage of the amount you are changing, and this percentage is sometimes extortionate. In Copenhagen, for example, it is 13%. That is, if you want to exchange 200 euros into Danish kroner, then the net loss on such an operation will be about 2,000 rubles for commission only.

What to do? On my own behalf, I recommend a somewhat non-standard, but, as it seems to me, profitable way out of the situation: purchase in Moscow in advance the amount you need in Danish kroner, thus avoiding endless conversions, commissions, as well as wasting time searching for exchangers. Of course, Danish kroner is not euros or dollars, and you can’t buy them on every corner, but, nevertheless, some banks exchange Danish kroner in Moscow. Here are a few where you can most profitably buy Danish kroner:

Credit cards

Of course, there is such a convenient payment method as a plastic card. However, this must also be approached with caution. Firstly, do not forget that every time you pay by card, we will pay for the conversion of rubles into Danish kroner, which will be made at an unfavorable rate. Secondly, in Denmark and in Europe in general, such a thing as “pre-authorization” for card payments is common - this is when your funds are first blocked, and then the same amount is debited. As a result, the money seems to be withdrawn twice. There is no need to be alarmed - they will sag in about 2 weeks, but do you need to lose this money while traveling? Thirdly, in some places money is blocked on the card and written off only after some time and at a completely different rate, which can increase significantly. Well, not everywhere you can pay with a card. Grab a sandwich at a street kiosk, buy a magnet you like in a small shop, leave a coin as a deposit for renting a city bicycle - for all such cases, you should definitely have a supply of small cash.

How to save money in Denmark

Despite the fact that a holiday in Denmark is quite an expensive pleasure, there are several tips that will allow you to reduce your costs.

Moving around the country

Denmark is a small country, but the transport network here is modern and developed, so you can move around the country quickly, conveniently and in a variety of ways.

Bike

This is the most convenient means of transport for moving around this country. Cycling routes are laid out on almost all the Danish islands, detailed cycling guides for each region are sold everywhere, bicycles can be carried on ferries, on trains and on buses (just reserve a seat in advance), and you can rent a two-wheeled friend in almost any city. In Copenhagen, Aarhus, there is also a free bicycle rental “City Bike”, which you can rent by leaving a coin of 20 DKK as a deposit.

Automobile

Denmark is a completely flat country, so traveling around it by car is a pleasure. The roads here are excellent and, importantly, free, although you will have to pay to cross large bridges such as the Öresund or Great Belt. But the rest of the bridges are free, and there are a lot of them in Denmark, so road trips, including to the islands, do not bring any inconvenience. But in cities it is better to switch to a bicycle: maneuvering a car through crowds of cyclists is not a particularly comfortable experience.
Renting a car in Denmark, as throughout Europe, is quite expensive. Here you can see the price level. In addition, you must be over 21 years old, have at least a year of experience and an international driving license. Drivers under 25 years of age will have to pay an additional fee, and not all car models are rented to those who have not reached this age.

Bus

Bus services in Denmark are very well developed, and sometimes traveling by bus is more convenient than by rail, despite the lower speed. For example, this applies to islands where trains do not go. In addition, traveling by bus is cheaper, sometimes significantly. Pay attention to “red tickets” - these are deeply discounted tickets available for sale on certain days. Different Danish islands are served by different bus companies, here are the main ones:

Train

All of Denmark is covered with a dense network railways, so you can travel by rail to almost any corner of the country. All main routes are served railway company Danske Statsbaner. On the website you can choose a route and see prices. The main stations are in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg and Esbjerg. Traveling by train is somewhat more expensive than by bus, but it is faster and more comfortable; it is also convenient to travel by rail from Denmark to neighboring Sweden or Germany.

Ferry

Due to the location on the islands water transport in Denmark is of great importance. There are almost as many ferries in the country as there are bridges - they serve almost all of the Danish inhabited islands. Below are links to ferries to those islands where other modes of transport do not go:

Airplane

There are many regular domestic flights from Copenhagen to other Danish cities. However, it is much more expensive than traveling by train or bus, although it is much faster. But in my opinion, these costs are not justified in such a small country as Denmark, where traveling to any point does not take much time.

Connection

There are many free Wi-Fi spots in Denmark - almost the entire country is covered by the wireless network and the quality of communication is excellent everywhere. In addition, the country is full of cheap Internet cafes, including Internet access points in all tourist centers. So there will be no problems with the Internet in this country.

The Internet has already completely replaced telephone communication and
calls from abroad are slowly becoming a kind of archaism. However, if for some reason you need mobile connection and you are going to be in Denmark for quite a long time, then it will be more profitable to buy a SIM card from a local operator. There are several mobile operators in Denmark, the most convenient of which is Lebara Mobile. The site is also available on English language and you can immediately check how much a minute of conversation or SMS to Russia will cost. It is much more profitable to call landline phones than to mobile phones, literally many times more. A prepaid SIM card can be bought at any communication store and even in some supermarkets, and of any type - standard, micro or nano.

Language and communication

What I liked most about Scandinavia and Denmark as well is that absolutely everyone here speaks English fluently. It is practically the second official language, which greatly facilitates your stay in the country and makes it more enjoyable than, for example, traveling through Germany or France, where English is spoken only in the most tourist places, and in some regions they even demonstratively refuse to understand it.

The main language in Denmark, of course, is Danish, in some places they also speak Swedish, and in some areas of Jutland, especially close to the border with Germany or popular with German tourists, they can easily understand German. But everyone speaks English everywhere, in any case, I have never encountered the opposite in any area of ​​Denmark. However, a few simple and essential words will always come in handy. Simply saying “Thank you” in the language of the country you are in is basic politeness.

  • Ja (I) - Yes.
  • Nej (Nai) - No.
  • Tak (So) - Thank you.
  • Velbekomme (Vilbikom) - Please.
  • Hej (Hai) - Hello.
  • Hej hej (Hai hai) - Bye.
  • Godmorgen (Gudmorgn) - Good morning.
  • Goddag - Good afternoon.
  • Godaften (Gudaften) - Good evening.
  • Undskyld (Unsküll) - Sorry.
  • Taler du engelsk? (Taler do Engelsk?) – Do you speak English?

Useful signs and information:

  • Lukket – Closed.
  • Venstre (Winsta) – To the left.
  • Højre (Hoiro) – To the right
  • Gade (Geu) - Street.
  • Toiletter - Toilet.
  • Dame/Heree (Dame/Here) – Female/Male.
  • Rygning forbudt (Rygning forbutt) - Smoking is prohibited.
  • Lufthavn - Airport.
  • Togstation (Togstasion) - Railway station.

In general, Danish is not an easy language. It is also not particularly euphonious, which is why there is a joke that Danes speak with a hot potato in their mouth. If you listen to Danish, you will understand why :) But you also need to learn this. So if your knowledge of the Danish language is not at the highest level, then it is better to speak English - this way the Danes are more likely to understand you than to understand your unusual accent.

Features of mentality

“My life is a wonderful fairy tale, so bright and happy,” Hans Christian Andersen wrote in his autobiography. These words can be said about themselves by all Danes who sincerely consider themselves the happiest nation in the world. And not without reason, because Denmark is the embodiment of beauty, order, convenience, prosperity, environmental friendliness and common sense.

The main values ​​of the Danes are their freedom, emancipation and tolerance. Here you can enter into same-sex marriages, talk on any topic, smoke weed in Christiania and drink alcohol in public places, swim naked on the beaches and wear anything - no one will point a finger at you. But the most amazing thing is that with such complete freedom, you will not see dirt, ugly drunk or stoned people, swearing or fights anywhere. This is because the most important thing for the people living here is a high sense of personal responsibility.

There are practically no prohibitions in Denmark, but if they exist, then they must be taken seriously, because the rules here are not there to be broken, but to be followed. And otherwise, at best, they will not understand you, because for the Danes, strict adherence to accepted laws is a matter of course. The unspoken law of communication in Denmark is politeness. It is also strictly forbidden to brag about your wealth or show it off - the Danes are not proud of wealth, but of the desire for complete social equality, when everyone lives equally well, and also value moderation, quality and comfort. There is a very simple attitude to everything here, there is no snobbery or discrimination.

Among all the Scandinavian peoples, the Danes are the most cheerful and open. In Christiania there is a rule written on all information boards: “Have Fun!” This rule can be applied to all of Denmark and its inhabitants. The Danes love to have fun, drink and eat, holidays, parties and children. They are very friendly to tourists and are always ready to help, although personally I can say this about all residents of Scandinavia in general.

Food and drink

Denmark is a paradise for food lovers. As in most Scandinavian countries, the main diet here consists of meat, fish and seafood. Danish cuisine is quite heavy, but don’t worry - given the high prices here, you won’t get fat :) Remember that the portions in Danish restaurants are large, and the food is very filling, so it’s often quite possible to get by with just one dish and save both your figure and your body. budget. For those who are partial to intoxicating drinks: Denmark is your country! It’s customary here to drink a glass of the signature aperitif at breakfast, to sip local vodka at lunch, and Danish beer generally flows like a river from morning to evening.

Shopping

I won’t say that Denmark is an ideal country for shopping. Not because there is little choice here - quite the opposite, you will find here the most fashionable shops for every taste. In terms of trade diversity it will not be inferior European capitals with a worldwide reputation. But the fact is that Denmark is very dear country, so shopping here is too expensive. In order to “buy a well-known brand item cheaper in Europe,” it is much more logical to go to nearby Germany.

Vacation with children

The country where the Lego constructor was invented simply cannot but be suitable for families with children. Denmark is one of the most child-friendly countries and in almost every corner there is something to entertain little tourists.

  • Legoland amusement park (Billund). Legoland in Denmark is like Disneyland in Paris: you simply must take your child here. It’s better to go for two days at once - in less time you simply won’t be able to get around all the thematic areas of the park and ride on all the attractions. Stay overnight at Hotel Legoland - this is a real children's paradise, where your child can play and build Lego on literally every corner, and even get a discount on park tickets. Here is the park's website.

  • Tivoli Park (Copenhagen and Aarhus). One of the oldest and most visited amusement parks in Europe. Several dozen attractions (including extreme ones, so adults won’t be bored either), a magnificent garden, entertainment programs, live orchestra and endless holiday atmosphere. Be sure to stay at Tivoli until late - there are fantastic illuminations in the evening, and a magnificent fireworks display is launched towards midnight. Here is the park's website.

  • Odense Zoo (). There are plenty of zoos in Denmark, including one in Copenhagen, but it is Odense Zoo that is considered the best in the country and is one of the most visited in Denmark. The huge territory is divided into thematic zones according to the countries of the world, where many different animals live - some of which you can feed. There is also an interesting aquarium with manatees, seals and fur seals. Here is the zoo's website.

  • Lion Zoo "Løveparken Givskud Zoo" (Jelling). Everyone loves big cats, and if you are no exception, then of all the zoos in Denmark, pay special attention to the Givskud Safari Park - there are more of them here than anywhere else in Scandinavia. But the most important thing is that there are no cages here, and you can observe the freely roaming animals from a special bus. This park is sure to be an unforgettable experience. In addition to lions, there are hippos, rhinoceroses, wolves, camels and more than 100 species of animals. Here is the zoo's website.

Safety

Denmark is one of the most safe countries Europe, so the likelihood that something unexpected can happen here is much less than in any other country. A traveler arriving in Denmark for the first time should pay the greatest attention to the main features of this country: be extremely careful on the streets, where bicycle paths, which are literally everywhere here, can pose a danger, and also take precautions on ferry crossings, islands, beaches, lakes, canals and other bodies of water.

5 things you must do in this country

  • Take a photo with the Little Mermaid. A banality is not a banality, but you must take the obligatory tourist photo in Copenhagen :)

  • Drink beer in Christiania. Leave the European Union without leaving it, and spend an hour at the table of one of the street cafes in Free Christiania, drinking delicious Danish beer and looking at the local colorful inhabitants.

  • Cycle around one of the islands. You can’t visit Denmark without riding on two wheels, and the best way to do this is not in the city, but along the green paths of one of the picturesque Danish islands.

  • Take a boat trip. It doesn’t matter what it will be - sailing on a boat along the canals of Copenhagen or cruise by ferry, but in Denmark, where there is almost more water than land, this is a mandatory program.

  • Stand between two seas. Where else can you see the edge of the world with one foot in one sea and the other in another? Get to Cape Grenen in the north of the country and enjoy a unique experience.


Nearby countries

Denmark is very advantageously located and connected by various transport links with all neighboring countries, so there can be many travel options from here, both by land and by sea.

Germany

The only country with which Denmark borders by land, it is therefore convenient to travel here both by car and by train. I personally recommend visiting beautiful city Hamburg, located just 160 kilometers from the Danish border. Trains from Copenhagen depart to Hamburg daily, the journey takes about 4.5 hours, and the best part is that the route includes a 50-minute ferry ride between Denmark and Germany, right on the train! A ticket will cost about 88 EUR (655 DKK).

Sweden

The closest Scandinavian “neighbor” of Denmark. There are trains from Copenhagen to both Gothenburg and Gothenburg, but if you are vacationing in the Danish capital, then first of all you should go to the Swedish city of Malmo, which is connected to Copenhagen by the longest road bridge in Europe, Øresund. It’s worth visiting if only to see the snow-white spiral skyscraper “Turning Torso”, the tallest in Scandinavia. Malmö can be reached by car, train or bus. The train ride will take no more than 30 minutes and will cost about 9.5 EUR (70 DKK).

Norway

Denmark is separated from this Scandinavian country by a water border. If you have enough time, then sail to Bergen - the most beautiful Norwegian city, which bears the title of “the gateway to the kingdom of the fjords”. By the way, if you take a ferry from Denmark, you will definitely see the famous Norwegian fjords along the way. The most convenient way to travel to Bergen is from the city of Hirtshals in northern Denmark - ferries to Norway run regularly from here. The sailing will take about 16 hours and cost around 40 EUR if you sail without a car. You can estimate the exact cost and book a ferry on the website of the ferry company Fjord Line, which provides transportation between Denmark and Norway.

Iceland

From the same Hirtshals you can also go on a longer sea voyage – to the northernmost European country Iceland. Moreover, you can only get to Iceland by sea only from here. Ferries from Hirtshals go to " Ice country» once a week, with the same frequency back, the voyage will last 3 days and will cost significant money - from 300 EUR, if you sail without a car, depending on the cabin, food, etc. But, in my opinion, this is a separate serious journey for which you need to allocate your time and budget. You can book a ferry and see the prices on the website of the ferry company Smyril Line, which operates flights to Iceland.

Faroe islands

The same ferry that goes to Iceland also makes trips to the Faroe Islands, which are also part of the Kingdom of Denmark (but not related to Denmark itself). You will be able to see the beautiful town of Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, and enjoy their unique nature. Such a voyage will take 2 days and will cost from 170 EUR, depending on the availability of a car, season, type of cabin, etc. Please note that to visit the Faroe Islands, which are autonomous territory, you need to obtain a separate visa in advance. You can view prices and ferry schedules on the Smyril Line website.

Anything to add?

“The Pearl of Scandinavia” - this is what Denmark is often called, small country, comfortably located on the Jutland Peninsula and 407 islands, the largest of which are Falster, Zealand, Bornholm, Funen and Lollan. Despite its miniature size, Denmark is able to offer even the most discerning tourists a lot of ideas for holidays all year round.

In winter, many tourists like to spend their holidays in the fabulous Danish capital - the city of Copenhagen. Aarhus, one of the most major cities Denmark is famous for its magnificent sights. Fans of nostalgic tourism eagerly visit Odense, the city that raised one of the most famous storytellers on earth, Hans Christian Andersen.

Capital
Copenhagen

Population

5,587,085 people (2011)

Population density

126.4 people/km²

Religion

Lutheranism

Form of government

a constitutional monarchy

Danish krone

Timezone

International dialing code

Internet domain zone

Electricity

In the summer, Denmark is simply flooded with tourists with children - how could it be otherwise, because there are amusement parks here “ Legoland" And " Tivoli", a visit to which becomes an unforgettable adventure for children, and gives adults the opportunity to plunge into childhood. Denmark can also satisfy the needs of those who prefer a luxurious holiday. The best SPA hotels We will gladly surround each guest with care and attention and offer unique procedures during which you can fully relax both body and soul.

Magnificent Danish fortresses, many of which today function as hotels, can easily fulfill the wishes of those who have ever dreamed of visiting the Middle Ages: everything here is imbued with the spirit of that distant era.

Interesting fact: The University of Leicester in England conducted a study on the nature of happiness, during which it turned out that the most happy people live in Denmark. Therefore, we can recommend that all those who consider themselves unhappy go on a trip to Denmark to correct the situation by getting their portion of happiness!

Climate and weather

The climate of Denmark is of a temperate maritime type. In winter, frosts here are mild: from 0 °C during the day and from -2 °C at night. In summer it is quite warm in Denmark. The best period to visit this Scandinavian country is considered to be July-August, when the daytime air temperature averages +18...+20 °C. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in September.

Nature

On the relief of Denmark big influence Glaciers had a role: today their traces remain in the form of numerous basins, outwash plains, swamps and lakes. East Coast The country is very rugged, there are a lot of small bays. Western and northern coast, on the contrary, they are distinguished by smooth lines; Sandy beaches predominate here.

On the peninsula Zealand is the largest and most popular Danish nature reserve among tourists, which is over 60 years old. Over 7500 hectares of it total area occupies a water area, and on land, the area of ​​which is about 70 hectares, is home to a huge variety of different species of waterfowl.

Attractions

The main attractions of Denmark are picturesque villages and towns, medieval castles and numerous monuments of past centuries. You can come to Denmark for peace of mind, walk through cool, shady beech forests, and visit lakes extraordinary beauty, walk along the wide sandy beaches or look into small coves. Denmark is very fond of fans of active recreation, as well as connoisseurs of educational and historical tourism.

Undoubtedly, Copenhagen is the most visited city in the country. It is simply impossible to explore it in one day, because an incredible number of attractions are concentrated here, striking in their grandeur:

  • Christiansborg Palace;
  • the Royal Arsenal Museum with collections of ancient clothing;
  • Christianborg Castle;
  • Amalienborg Castle;
  • Rosenborg Castle;
  • Frederiksborg Castle;
  • Theater Royal;
  • National Library and many, many others.

IN Aarhus You can visit the Viking Museum and the Toy Museum, visit centuries-old temples and the Old Town Museum.

IN Aalborg tourists will be enchanted by one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in northern Europe - the Jens Bang house, as well as Aalborg Castle and Art Museum Northern Jutland.

National parks " Hessele" And " Worse» are also popular places conducting excursions.

Nutrition

When traveling to Denmark, tourists need to be prepared to eat a lot of multi-layered sandwiches " smørrebrød", which the Danes consider national dish. There are a huge variety of types of these sandwiches: “smørrebrød” can be meat, fish, sweet, vegetable, etc.

Prices for food, and food in general, are quite high in Denmark, so frequent visits to restaurants can cost a pretty penny. As for tips, they are usually included in the bill. If this is not observed, it is better to leave a tip in the amount 10 % from the order cost.

The most popular restaurants in Copenhagen are Noma, Nouvelle And Restaurationen. The number of cafeterias, snack bars and pubs both in the capital and in other cities of the country is quite large.

Accommodation

Staying in high-class Danish hotels is not a cheap pleasure, but if the hotel is positioned as five-star, then it will really be five-star.

Those looking for cheaper options can be advised to stay in hostels, where the living conditions are also very comfortable.

If you are traveling to Denmark during peak season, it is better to make sure to book your hotel in advance. The most convenient way to do this is via the Internet, on the website of the hotel you like, or by contacting a travel agency with a request to choose the best accommodation option for you based on your needs and budget.

Entertainment and relaxation

If during the day tourists, as a rule, run around museums, castles and other attractions, then in the evening or even at night those who have not yet run out of energy after a busy day’s program are captivated by nightclubs, where you can not only dance and take part in entertainment events, but also to see world-class artists.

Denmark has many amusement parks and places to cultural recreation for every taste. Therefore, the question is “how to kill free time? is unlikely to be relevant in this Scandinavian country.

Purchases

No tourist leaves Denmark without shopping. This country is famous for its high-quality porcelain, fabrics, furs, sports equipment, jewelry, handicraft products, crystal, glass and silver, as well as knitwear, furniture and appliances, which are exported by tourists to their homeland as gifts. The following souvenirs are considered very popular: Vikings, ships in bottles, ceramics.

Most shops in Denmark are open from Monday to Saturday, in large and resort towns shopping centers also open on Sundays. As a rule, stores greet their first visitors at 9 am and close at 17:00-20:00 in the evening.

Transport

Denmark's transport system is very well developed. Those who like to ride a train can use the services of the Danish railway. An express train will take you quickly from one city to another. Well, if you are not in a hurry, then you can take a ride on a small local train.

They run between cities and within the cities themselves. buses, minibuses And Taxi. In Copenhagen there is metro. If you want to visit an island, in some cases you will have to travel there by car. ferry.

But they are especially popular in Denmark bicycles. By the way, many believe that this is the best way to get around when it comes to exploring the Danish landscape. Bicycles are available for rent almost everywhere.

Connection

Post offices in Denmark are usually open from 9:30 am to 17:00-18:00 pm. If you decide to use pay phones, you will need at least 3 CZK to make a call within the country, and 5 CZK if you intend to call abroad.

Almost everywhere in Denmark you can find Internet cafes, and many tourist offices and shops provide free Internet access. Tourists can also use the services of local cellular operators or connect to the roaming service of their cellular operator.

Safety

It is unlikely that a tourist visiting Denmark will have to deal with the police: the crime rate in this Scandinavian country is very low, and even pickpocketing happens much less often here than in others European countries Oh. However, it is still worth remaining alert, especially in crowded areas.

Business climate

Last year, Denmark, according to the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank, deserved fifth place in the business climate ranking. This gives reason to believe that the conditions for creating enterprises and running international trade quite favorable here.

Every year various international exhibitions are held in Denmark, which attract delegations from different countries to present your developments and achievements, make new business contacts and meet old partners.

Real estate

Many people dream of purchasing real estate in the most fabulous European country. However, it is worth mentioning that this is not always easy to do. Compared to other European countries, the procedure for purchasing real estate in Denmark is a little more complicated. To begin, non-residents should contact the Danish Ministry of Justice to obtain permission. It is worth noting that there are restrictions on the purchase of certain types of real estate. Also, owning real estate does not give foreign citizens grounds for obtaining a residence permit.

  • If you want to rent a car during your stay in Denmark, you should be very careful on the road, as there are a lot of cyclists in almost all cities.
  • Many tourists go to Denmark for expensive purchases. It is worth noting that when exporting some artistic, historical and cultural values, you must have a special permit.
  • You can bring currency in the amount of 10 thousand euros across the Danish border without filing a customs declaration.

Visa information

The official name is the Kingdom of Denmark (Kongeriget Danmark). Located in Northern Europe. Area 43 thousand km2, population 5.4 million people. (2002). The official language is Danish. The capital is Copenhagen (with its suburbs over 1.3 million people, 2002). Public holidays - Queen's Birthday (April 16, 1940), Constitution Day (from June 5, 1849). The monetary unit is the Danish krone.

Denmark includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which enjoy internal autonomy.

Member of the UN (since 1945), NATO (since 1949), Northern Council(since 1952), EU (since 1973), OSCE, OECD, IMF, IBRD, EBRD, etc.

Sights of Denmark

Geography of Denmark

Located between 8-13° east longitude and 54-58° north latitude on the Jutland Peninsula and nearby islands. It is washed in the west by the North Sea, in the north by the Skagerrak Strait, in the east by the Kattegat and Oresund straits, and in the southeast by the Baltic Sea. The coasts of Denmark, especially in the east, are very indented, and nowhere can you move more than 52 km from the coast. total length coastline reaches 7314 km, half of which is made up of 406 islands, which together occupy 40% of the country’s area. Most of the islands are concentrated in the east of the country and are united in the Danish archipelago. Largest islands- Zealand, Funen, Lolland, Bornholm. In the south it borders with Germany. The length of the land border is 68 km.

The main part of the relief is plains that were subject to glaciation. The predominant heights are 30-50 m above sea level. Highest point- Iding-Skovhoy hill (173 m). The surface is heavily dissected in places.

Since 1972, oil began to be produced in the Danish sector of the North Sea, and since 1984, natural gas, which fully satisfies the country’s needs for these types of fuel. Hydropower reserves are insignificant. Peat and brown coal deposits have local significance. Large reserves of limestone and clay.

The soils - podzolic and brown - were heavily cultivated.

The climate is temperate oceanic. Summer is not hot, winter is mild. The average temperature in February is approx. 0o C, July - approx. +15o C. Average annual precipitation ranges from 800 mm in the west to 450 mm in the east.

Denmark has a dense network of small rivers, which are mainly fed by rainwater. Floods occur in winter. The longest river is Gudeno. Numerous predominantly flowing lakes are small in size. Groundwater plays an important role.

Broad-leaved forests have survived only in the form of isolated tracts. The main species is beech. There are two types of oak: sessile and pedunculate. The need to expand livestock grazing largely determined the destruction of forests. From ser. 19th century forests are being restored, spruce being planted first. Animal world changed greatly under the influence economic activity person. For example, beavers have completely disappeared, and the number of deer and roe deer has decreased. Many species of predatory animals were destroyed. The last wolf was killed in 1813. Fallow deer, sika deer, and pheasant were introduced.

The Faroe Islands are located in the Norwegian Sea approximately midway between Scotland and Iceland. It includes 24 islands, the largest being Streymoy, Esturoy and Suvouroy. Territory - 1399 km2. All islands are of volcanic origin and are composed of basalts and tuffs. The climate is maritime with plenty of rain, winds and fogs. There are no forests. Lots of birds. Coastal waters are rich in cod, halibut, and herring. The administrative center is Torshavn (16 thousand people).

The world's largest island, Greenland, is located in the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Territory - 2176 thousand km2. Almost the entire territory of the island is covered with continental ice. The administrative center is Nuuk (Gotkhob) (13 thousand people). Reserves of many minerals have been discovered, but only zinc, lead and silver are mined.

Population of Denmark

Population growth rate 0.29% (2002). Ethnic composition- Danes (98%), Faroese, Greenlanders, Germans, Turks, Persians, Somalis. Languages: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic, German. Birth rate 11.74 ‰, mortality - 10.81 ‰, infant mortality - 4.97 people. per 1000 newborns, the average life expectancy for men is 74 years, for women - 80 years (2002). Age structure of the population: under 14 years old - 19%, 15 - 64 years old - 66%, 65 years old and older - 15%. There are more women than men, by about 60 thousand people; elderly women predominate. Net migration - 2.01‰. Literacy is 100%.

State religion - Lutheranism (95%); Protestants and Catholics make up 3%, Muslims make up 2% of the believing population.

The population of the Faroe Islands is 47 thousand people, mainly Faroese. official languages- Danish and Faroese. The main religion is Lutheranism.

The population of Greenland is 56 thousand people, incl. 45 thousand - Greenlanders-Inuit. The official languages ​​are Greenlandic and Danish.

History of Denmark

In the 2nd half. By the 1st millennium, small tribal groups gradually began to unite into a state. In the beginning. 9th century tribal leader Godfred brought Denmark, southern Sweden and Schleswig under his rule. In the 10th century Harald Bluetooth introduced Christianity to Denmark.

Back in the 8th century. Viking raids began. These campaigns not only pursued trade purposes, but were often carried out for the sake of robbery. In 811, under Godfred, Danish Vikings attacked the army of Charlemagne, and in 994 they laid siege to London. In the beginning. 11th century The Danish state included East End England and Norway.

In the 12th-13th centuries. Under kings Valdemar I the Great, his sons Canute VI and Valdemar II the Victorious, the Danes conquered the lands of the Pomeranian Slavs, northern Estonia and the West Estonian islands, but they were unable to retain these territories for long.

14th century - a troubled time in the history of Denmark. The feudal lords' struggle for royal throne, civil strife, conspiracies, and uprisings led to the weakening of centralized power. In 1332-40 there was even a period of interregnum when the country was ruled by nobles. German feudal lords seized part of the Danish lands. In this situation, King Waldemar IV, nicknamed Atterdag (1340-75), at the cost of a number of concessions, managed to defend the integrity of the country.

The desire to create a united front in the fight against the Hanseatic League led to the political unification of the Scandinavian countries under the auspices of Denmark, secured by the Kalmar Union of 1397. Waldemar VI's daughter Margaret (1375-1412) became queen of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Under Margaret's heir, Eric of Pomerania, in 1429, duties began to be collected from ships passing through the Öresund (Sound) Strait. The Sunda tax was the country's “gold mine” for several centuries.

The Kalmar Union turned out to be fragile. From ser. 15th century the Danish kings actually ceased to rule Sweden. The position of the Danish nobility became so strong that the king's power was controlled by the state council (rigsrod), which consisted of the largest landowners. King Christian II (1513-23) tried to remove this body from administration and limit the privileges of the nobles. He granted the townspeople the right to foreign trade and prohibited the landowners from selling the peasants. The attack on the rights of the Swedes gave impetus to their national liberation movement, which grew into an uprising led by Gustav Vasa. It ended with the victory of the rebels and Sweden's withdrawal from the union. Disgruntled Danish nobles deposed Christian II and his reforms were reversed.

In 1534-36, Denmark was engulfed in internecine war, unleashed by the deposed Christian II, who enlisted the support of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck and the largest Danish cities of Copenhagen and Malmö. At the same time, peasants in Jutland opposed the feudal lords, but this movement ended in the complete defeat of the rebels. The nobles' protégé, King Christian III, brutally dealt with them. Under Christian III, a church reformation was carried out. Lutheranism became the state religion. The lands of the Catholic Church were confiscated mainly in favor of the nobles.

In the 17th century Denmark was defeated in several wars with Sweden, lost all territories in the south of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the islands of Gotland and Ösel, and also renounced its rights to Schleswig.

During the reign of Frederick III, an absolute monarchy was established in Denmark: from 1660, royal power was declared hereditary. The nobility was forced to pay taxes and duties.

In the 1st half. 18th century Denmark remained secondary European state, whose positions were weakened due to continuous disputes with Prussia over Schleswig and Holstein.

Denmark's participation in the Napoleonic Wars on the side of France entailed human and material losses. After Napoleon's defeat in 1814, Denmark was forced to cede Norway to Sweden. In 1814, Denmark was the first European country to introduce compulsory schooling for all children aged 7 to 14 years. After the abolition of the Sund tax in 1857, free trade was established in the country.

Under the influence of the European revolutions of 1830 and 1848, a struggle began in Denmark for the Constitution, which was adopted in 1849 and allowed the wealthy to take part in elections to class representative assemblies. In the war with Prussia in 1864, Denmark was defeated and lost Holstein, Lauenburg and almost all of Schleswig.

During the First World War, Denmark adhered to a policy of neutrality and successfully traded with both warring parties. According to the Treaty of Versailles, a plebiscite was held in Schleswig in 1920, as a result of which Northern part Schleswig was annexed to Denmark. Since then, the country's land border has not changed.

In 1924, the Social Democratic Party won the parliamentary elections, formed its own government, and since then, with short interruptions, has been the leader in government power.

During World War II, Denmark experienced the oppression of Nazi occupation for 5 years. After the war, the ruling circles of Denmark focused their policies on the Western powers and joined NATO, abandoning their traditional neutrality.

During World War 2, Iceland gained independence from Denmark.

The Faroe Islands have enjoyed internal autonomy since 1948 (they became part of Denmark along with Norway in 1380).

Danish colonization of Greenland began in 1721; according to the Constitution of 1953, it received the status of an overseas administration; on May 1, 1979, Greenland was proclaimed “a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.”

Government and political system of Denmark

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. The constitution was adopted in 1849 and amended in 1915 and 1953, when a unicameral parliament was created and women were allowed to become heads of state.

Administrative division - 14 municipalities - Bornholm, Vejle, Viborg, West Jutland, Copenhagen, Aarhus, Ribe, Ringkoping, Roskilde, North Jutland, Storström, Frederiksborg, Funen, South Jutland; the cities of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg are separated into independent administrative units. Most big cities: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense.

The head of state is the king, who exercises legislative power together with a unicameral parliament. The highest legislative body is the Folketing. Executive power belongs to the monarch and is exercised on his behalf by the government. The government is appointed by the Prime Minister, approved by the Folketing and responsible to it. It includes 24 ministers (their number may vary). The head of state is Queen Margrethe II (since 14 January 1972). Head of Government - Anders Fogh Rasmussen (since November 27, 2001).

The 179 deputies (including 2 from the Faroe Islands and 2 from Greenland) of the Folketing are elected by universal (from 18 years of age), direct and secret ballot according to the proportional system for a period of 4 years. As a result of the 2001 parliamentary elections, the Venstre Party received 56 mandates, the Social Democratic Party of Denmark - 52, the Danish People's Party - 22, the Conservative People's Party - 16, the Socialist People's Party - 12, the Radical Left - 9, the Christian People's Party - 4, the United List - 4.

In administrative-territorial units - communes (there are 275 of them in Denmark) there are elected municipal councils headed by burgomasters. It is their responsibility to resolve all local issues. In addition, 14 amts (districts) are governed by elected district councils headed by a chairman. Their responsibilities include implementing projects that individual communities cannot do, such as building roads and hospitals. Elections to district and municipal councils, as well as to parliament, are held every 4 years.

Main political parties. The Social Democratic Party of Denmark was founded in 1871 and is the largest party in the country. Unites workers and employees, small owners, and part of the intelligentsia. Member of the Socialist International. Venstre was founded in 1870, a left-wing liberal party, expressing the interests of large and medium-sized landowners and some industrial entrepreneurs. The Conservative People's Party was created in 1916 and represents the interests of business and financial circles, some landowners and government officials. The radical left party arose in 1905, uniting the middle strata of the city and countryside, part of the intelligentsia. The Christian People's Party was founded in 1970, a clerical party. The Socialist People's Party was founded in 1959, unites part of the workers, office workers and intelligentsia, and takes positions close to social democracy. The Danish People's Party (formerly the Progress Party) was created in 1972, a populist movement expressing the interests of small right-wing owners who oppose government regulation of the economy and restrictions on freedom of enterprise. The Unified List is a left-socialist bloc that unites in its ranks former communists (the Danish Communist Party dissolved itself in 1991) and representatives of other left-wing organizations - the Left Socialist Party and the Socialist Workers' Party.

The leading business organization, the Danish Employers' Association, has approx. 30 thousand members (early 2000s).

The largest industrial trade unions, uniting up to 85% of the country's workers, are members of the Central Association of Trade Unions of Denmark. Civil society also includes cooperatives and other various interest unions.

Foreign policy. Based on the experience of World War 2, Denmark abandoned its policy of neutrality and joined NATO. The Danish government adheres to the principles of non-deployment Peaceful time on the territory of the country nuclear weapons and foreign military bases. However, Denmark provided the United States with the possibility of military activities at bases in Greenland.

Denmark's activities in the EU are a priority in foreign policy countries. Denmark plays an active role in the development of European cooperation. Denmark provides assistance to developing countries, which in the 1990s. amounted to 1% of GDP. Traditional northern cooperation continues to develop.

The armed forces consist of the Ground Forces, the Navy, Air Force. The conscription age is 18 years. Military spending - 1.4% of GDP. After the 2nd World War, St. 40 thousand Danish soldiers served in the UN troops, incl. as observers in different parts of the world.

Denmark has diplomatic relations with Russian Federation(established with the USSR on June 18, 1924, interrupted on June 22, 1941, restored on May 10-16, 1945).

On Faroe Islands the legislative body is the lagting with 32 deputies elected by universal suffrage for a term of 4 years. The highest executive body is the Landsture. The Danish government on the islands is represented by the Rigsombudsman, appointed by royal decree. In 1984, Lagting decided to declare the Faroe Islands a nuclear-weapon-free zone. Denmark has a naval base on the islands, as well as a radar complex that is part of the NATO warning system. The Faroes have never been part of the EU. The main political parties: Social Democratic Party (founded in 1925), Republican Party (founded in 1945), People's Party (founded in 1936), Union Party (founded in 1906). Republicans and the People's Party advocate strengthening independence.

In Greenland, the legislative body is the Landsting, the government of self-government is the Landsture. In 18 communes, local authorities are elected for a period of 4 years. Denmark is represented on the island by the Rigsombudsman. In 1973, Greenland, together with Denmark, joined the EU, but after the 1982 referendum, it left it on February 1, 1985. There are political parties on the island different directions: social democratic “Siumut” (“Forward”, founded in 1977) advocates expanded autonomy; the left-socialist “Inuit Akvatigiit” (“Inuit-Eskimo Community”, created in 1977) advocates complete separation from Denmark; moderate bourgeois party Atassut (Cohesion, founded in 1978).

Economy of Denmark

Denmark is a highly developed industrial-agrarian country. It is characterized by highly developed agriculture, modern industry, a wide range of social measures, a high level of well-being and high dependence on the external market. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and has a positive balance of payments.

After successful development in the post-war period, Denmark faced economic problems from the beginning. 1970s The rate of economic growth has decreased. After a period of full employment, unemployment increased sharply (up to 9%), which over the next 20 years became chronic and became a key socio-economic problem. Inflation has increased. The state budget deficit and external debt increased.

In the 1990s. the situation has improved. In 1993-2000, the average annual growth of GNP was almost 3%. The increase in GNP in 2002 was 1.2% and slightly exceeded the previous year's figure, GNP amounted to 1358 billion crowns, GNP per capita - 253 thousand crowns. The economically active population is 2.9 million people. Unemployment in 2002 - 5%. Inflation almost did not go beyond 2-3% per year (2002 - 2.4%).

Sectoral structure of the economy: in terms of contribution to GDP - agriculture - 3%, industry - 26%, service sector - 71%; by employment - agriculture - 4%, industry - 17%, service sector - 79%.

Small and medium-sized enterprises predominate in industry. Leading industries are mechanical engineering, food, chemical, pharmaceutical, textile industries. They account for approximately 80% of the gross value of industrial production. Over 40% of the total production volume is exported. Mechanical engineering has long specialized in the production of ships, various agricultural machines, production equipment and instruments. The share of electronic equipment production has increased. Chemical enterprises produce fertilizers and medicines (insulin, antibiotics, vitamins, etc.) using waste and by-products from slaughterhouses. Other industries include the electronics, brewing, furniture, construction, and shipbuilding industries.

Energy is based primarily on the consumption of oil and coal. Natural gas, hydroelectricity and wind sources play a smaller role. In 1986, the Folketing decided to completely abandon the use of nuclear energy. In 2000, electricity production amounted to 35.8 billion kWh.

Agriculture is one of the most productive sectors of the economy. The volume of agricultural and livestock production is more than 3 times higher than the needs of the country's population. Denmark has long been a country with developed agriculture, which was facilitated by favorable natural conditions. Leading Industry Agriculture- meat and dairy farming and pork and bacon farming, which account for 80-90% of the market value of agricultural products, as well as poultry farming. The cattle population is dominated by highly productive breeds: Danish Red, which makes up almost half of the herd, Black-and-White and Jersey. The average Danish cow produces 7-8 thousand liters of milk per year. Almost 2/3 of dairy products are exported. Denmark remains one of the world's largest suppliers of butter, cheese and milk powder, which are mainly destined for the UK. The feed supply for pig farming is mainly waste from dairy production. Pig products account for approximately half of agricultural exports. The main consumer of Danish bacon is the UK.

Almost 3/4 of the country's territory is occupied by agricultural land, of which 90% is arable. Forage crops predominate in the production of crop products. More than 1/2 of the arable land is occupied by grain crops, mainly barley, which is used for fattening pigs and also serves as raw material for the production of beer. Among other crops, the most common are forage grasses, oats, wheat, rye, and sugar beets. The gardens of Denmark produce large harvests. Fruits and berries are used mainly for canning. Apple trees predominate among fruit crops, carrots, tomatoes and celery among vegetable crops, and strawberries among berry crops.

Fishing is carried out in coastal waters, mainly in the North Sea. They catch herring and flounder. Rainbow trout are bred in the rivers and lakes of Denmark.

The bulk of cargo transportation is carried out by the merchant fleet - 301 large vessels with a total displacement of 6.3 million gross tons. Total length railways - approx. 3000 km, almost all electrified; highways - 71 thousand km; oil pipelines - 688 km, gas pipelines - 700 km. The main ports are Copenhagen, Aalborg, Aarhus. The country has 116 airports, 4.8 million telephones and 1.5 million mobile phones, 26 television stations, St. 3 million TVs. In 2002 there were 3.37 million Internet users in Denmark.

All R. 1998, in connection with the threat of “overheating” of the economy, the Folketing adopted a package of laws aimed at reducing domestic demand and attracting labor to the labor market. As a result of these measures, domestic demand fell noticeably, which, together with the growth of exports, significantly improved the balance of payments. The government is pursuing a policy aimed at further privatization of state assets. Denmark remains outside the European Monetary System for now.

The Central Bank follows the European Central Bank in its policies, and interest rates on long-term debt follow those in Germany. A strict credit and financial policy is being pursued. Among commercial banks, Den Danske Bank, created as a result of a merger, stands out three large banks in 1990.

Overall, the Danish economy is balanced with good public finances. In 2002, the state budget surplus amounted to 1.9% of GNP. In 2002, public debt fell to 44% of GDP. The maximum personal income tax rate is 59%. Tax rates on corporate income are 30%. A policy of “freezing” taxes is being pursued.

Since 1997 wage in Denmark grew noticeably faster than the EU average. Household savings rate is approx. 5%. In 2000, the richest 10% of households accounted for 24% of income, the poorest 10% accounted for 2%.

Denmark trades with almost every country in the world. Exports, which amounted to CZK 601 billion (2002), are dominated by machinery and equipment, meat and meat products, dairy products, fish, chemical products, furniture, and ships. In 2001, 65% of exports were sent to EU countries (Germany - 20%, Sweden - 12%, Great Britain - 10%, France - 5%, the Netherlands - 5%), to the USA - 7%, to Norway - 6%. Imports, which amounted to CZK 521 billion (2002), are dominated by machinery and equipment, industrial raw materials and semi-finished products, chemical products, grain and food products, and consumer goods. In 2001, 70% of imports came from EU countries (Germany - 22%, Sweden - 12%, Great Britain - 8%, the Netherlands - 7%, France - 6%, Italy - 5%), from the USA - 4%.

In 2002, the remaining positive balance of payments amounted to 2.2% of GNP.

In the Faroe Islands, most of the population is engaged in fishing. Fishing fleet - 260 vessels. Livestock farming specializes in the production of milk and lamb. Sheep are bred.

In Greenland, economic life is centered on freedom from continental ice coastal strip of approx. 15% of the island's territory. Approximately 1/4 of the working population is employed in fishing and fish processing enterprises. The fishing fleet includes approximately 440 vessels. Seal fishing is underway. Sheep and deer are bred. The main export item is fishery products, primarily shrimp.

Science and culture of Denmark

In 1972, Denmark introduced nine years of education for children, starting at the age of seven. To continue education there are real schools and gymnasiums. Gymnasium graduates have the right to enter universities. Among higher education institutions, 5 universities stand out, the largest and oldest (founded in 1479) of which is the University of Copenhagen. The others are in Aarhus, Odense, Roskilde and Aalborg. There are also several specialized higher educational institutions, in particular, the Higher Technical School, the Higher Academy of Engineering, the Higher School of Pharmacists, the Higher Veterinary and Agricultural School, the Higher Trade School, the Higher Pedagogical School, the Academy of Arts, and the Conservatory.

Among Danish scientists, the most famous physicists are Niels Bohr (1885-1962) and his son Aage Bohr (b. 1922) - winners of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922 and 1975, respectively. The Nobel Prize in the field of medicine and physiology was awarded to 5 Danish scientists: Niels R. Finsen (1903), A. Krogh (1920), J. Fibiger (1926), Henrik Dam (1943), N.K. Jerne (1984).

The first of the Scandinavian writers to gain European fame was Ludwig Holberg (1684-1754). An outstanding place in Danish and world literature is occupied by the work of Hans Christian Andersen (1805-75), famous for his fairy tales and stories. Denmark gave the world the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813-55), whose works formed the foundation of modern existentialism. Prominent representatives of realism in literature were the critics Brandes brothers Georg (1842-1927) and Eduard (1847-1931), and the writer Jens Peter Jacobsen (1847-85). The authors of historical novels, Johannes W. Jensen (1873-1950, Nobel Prize in Literature 1944) and social novels, Martin Andersen-Nexe (1869-1954), became very famous.

The sculptor Kai Nielsen, composer Karl Nielsen, architect Jorn Utson, artists Asker Jorn, Herluf Bidstrup, Victor Brockdorff, writers Klaus Rifbjerg, Hans Scherfig, film directors Bille August and Lars von Trier, chess player Bent Larsen, football players brothers Mikael and Brian Laudrup.

 

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