Denmark is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning scenery, medieval architecture, and vibrant culture.
The country has a rich history dating back to the Viking era, and its culture is reflected in its art, architecture, and cuisine. But what else is Denmark known for?
Denmark is known for its picturesque scenery, rolling hills, and charming towns. Its countryside is dotted with castles, medieval churches, and picturesque villages.
Denmark is also known as one of the happiest nations, as the Danes exude friendliness and a positive outlook on life.
However, there’s more to this small Scandinavian country than meets the eye.
The rest of this article will explore the famous people of Denmark, its tourist attractions, and interesting facts about the country.
Also, see Is Denmark the Same Thing as the Netherlands? to learn more.
What famous people are from Denmark?
While it’s a small country, Denmark has produced several famous people who have made their mark on the world.
Famous people from Denmark are Hans Christian Andersen, Lars Ulrich, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Schmeichel, Niels Bohr, and Christian Eriksen, to name a few.
Here is more information about some of the most notable Danes:
Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense, Denmark, in 1805. He is the legendary author of fairy tales, including Thumbelina, The Little Mermaid, and The Emperor’s New Clothes. [1]
His stories cut across age and gender boundaries and have been translated into more than 150 languages.
They have also been adapted into plays, ballets, and movies.
Lars Ulrich
Danish-born, Lars Ulrich, is the co-founder, record producer, and primary songwriter of the American heavy metal band Metallica. [2]
He is one of the most influential musicians of his generation.
His beats have helped define the sound of heavy metal and earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
While his parents were tennis players, Ulrich’s true passion was always music.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is famously known as Jaime Lannister from the HBO series Game of Thrones.
However, before he was slaying his enemies on television, Nikolaj was a successful film actor in Denmark.
Some of his most notable Danish films include Nightwatch and Misery Harbor.
He has also starred in Hollywood blockbusters such as Black Hawk Down and Kingdom of Heaven.
Nikolaj is also a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador.
Peter Schmeichel
Peter Schmeichel was one of the greatest and most famous goalkeepers of all time.
He was born in Gladsaxe, Denmark in 1963.
He played for several European club teams, including Manchester United, Sporting CP, Aston Villa, and the Danish national team.
Schmeichel was known for his “cat-like” reflexes and his commanding presence on the pitch.
He was named FIFA World Goalkeeper of the Year three times (1992, 1993, and 2000) and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
Also, see Why Is Denmark So Rich? to learn more.
What tourist attractions does Denmark have?
Some of the tourist attractions in Denmark include The Little Mermaid, Tivoli Gardens, and the National Museum of Denmark.
These tourist attractions, as well as beautiful castles and places with great food, make Denmark a popular destination.
The Little Mermaid
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, The Little Mermaid is a bronze and granite statue sitting on a rock in Copenhagen harbor. [3]
The statue was commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen and was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen.
The Little Mermaid has become one of Copenhagen’s most iconic symbols and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Tivoli Gardens
Located in the center of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is a world-famous amusement park and garden that first opened in 1843. Tivoli is home to rides, restaurants, theaters, concert halls, and a variety of gardens. [4]
The park is stunningly beautiful when the flowers bloom in the spring and summer.
Firework displays that illuminate the sky above the park are also a regular feature at Tivoli Gardens.
National Museum of Denmark
Nestled in Copenhagen’s historical center, the National Museum of Denmark is a must-see for any history lover. [5]
The museum holds an impressive collection of Danish artifacts that date back to prehistoric times.
The artifacts include Danish porcelain and silver, a 2,000-year-old sun chariot, and Gothic and Renaissance art.
Children can dress up in Viking costumes, while adults can enjoy the museum’s café and gardens.
Also, see Is Denmark Socialist? to learn more.
15 Interesting Facts About Denmark
Besides being the smallest of the Nordic countries, Denmark has much to offer. Here are 15 interesting facts about Denmark:
- The Danes are some of the happiest people in the world. Denmark always ranks in the top three of the United Nations’ World Happiness Report. [6] Their strong sense of commonality, social cohesion, and high level of personal freedom are some of the contributing factors to their happiness.
- LEGO, the famous toy company, is Danish. The company was established in 1932 by Dane Ole Kirk Christiansen. LEGO comes from the Danish words “leg godt,” which means “play well.” [7]
- Denmark has more than 400 islands, and only 76 are inhabited. Popular islands include Læsø, Ærø, Bornholm, and Rømø.
- The Danish flag, also known as the Dannebrog, is the world’s oldest continuously used national flag. It was first used in 1219.
- Denmark is a bicycle-friendly country. Over 50% of Copenhageners commute to work or school by bicycle.
- Danish people are known for their love of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”), the concept of cozy contentment, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
- The Danish language lacks a word for “please.” Instead, Danes use the word “tak,” which means “thanks.”
- Denmark is home to some of the world’s oldest and most well-preserved castles. Some popular castles include Egeskov Slot, Kronborg Castle, and Rosenborg Castle.
- The highest point in Denmark is Møllehøj, which stands at 171 meters (561 feet) above sea level.
- The Danish Monarchy is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to Gorm the Old. Queen Margrethe II is the country’s current monarch and has been on the throne since 1972.
- Denmark was the first country to legalize same-sex unions in 1989.
- Denmark is a maritime superpower, transporting 10% of all globally traded goods using its shipping containers despite their small size.
- Copenhagen is home to two of the world’s oldest amusement parks: Tivoli Gardens and Bakken.
- The Danish national anthem, “Der er et yndigt land,” was written in 1819 by Adam Oehlenschläger.
- According to the 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index, Denmark is the world’s least corrupt country. [8]
Conclusion
Despite its small size, Denmark is a mecca for history and culture. There’s much to explore, from scenic castles to charming Copenhagen streets.
Also, see What Is Norway Known For? to learn more.