Every child in childhood read the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen and dreamed of finding himself in the magical streets of Copenhagen with a box of matches or with his own eyes to see a fragile little mermaid sadly looking at the gray waters of the bay. The Kingdom of Denmark is the smallest country in Scandinavia, but definitely one of the most interesting for travelers. This country is filled with the breath of meadows, s alty sea spray, the aroma of the stones of ancient castles warmed up in the sun and amazing technical inventions that are not found anywhere else in Northern Europe. Today our article is dedicated to the Kingdom of Denmark, which we will look at with admiring eyes of the average tourist.
What do we know about Denmark?
Many Russians want to visit the northern kingdom, but not everyone imagines how much interesting things await him on the territory of this state. Denmark is an amazing country that offers tourists a unique combination of historical monuments and modern technology that makes the kingdom the most fashionable and stylish piece of Northern Europe.
Denmark can safely consider itself an island state, it is located on four hundred islands and the Jutland peninsula. Of the large number of islands, only ninety are inhabited, but this is quite enough to accommodate a population of five million people. The total area of the country is forty-three thousand square kilometers. The kingdom is bilingual: Danish and German. Among the religious preferences of the inhabitants of the island are Catholicism and Lutheranism.
The Kingdom of Denmark declared itself around the eighth century AD. It was during this period that the future Danes glorified themselves with numerous military campaigns and adopted Christianity, which contributed to the strengthening and development of state power.
Flag of the Kingdom of Denmark
Anyone who has visited the northern kingdom once knows for sure that the Danes love their flag very much. He even has a name - Danneborg, and the inhabitants of the country themselves sincerely believe in the mythical story of his appearance. It is noteworthy that in Denmark there is even a special flag festival, celebrated on the day when, according to legend, he descended from heaven.
In the nineteenth year of the thirteenth century, the Danish king was blessed and sent to war with the Estonians living near today's Tallinn. These tribes were pagans, and Voldemar II planned to convert them to Christianity in order to help the colonists from Germany. However, on the fifteenth of June, the bloodthirsty Estonians made a surprise attack on the troops of the king, who already in the first moments of the battlethinned out significantly. Then several bishops went up the hill and began to pray. In response to their appeal to God, a red cloth with a white cross fell from the sky. Encouraged soldiers that day managed to defeat the enemy. From that moment on, Danneborg became the official flag of the state and acquired its own holiday.
Kingdom of Denmark: history
Denmark is considered the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries. Around the sixth century, the tribes of the Danes came here, who firmly settled on this land by the eighth century. Tribes united in tribal unions, where everyone had the right to bear arms. It is worth noting that the Danes were quite warlike and until the eleventh century, together with the Vikings, they participated in military raids.
From the eighth century, the penetration of Christianity into the territory of Denmark began, three hundred years later the first archbishopric was formed here. By the end of the fourteenth century, thanks to a successful monarchical union, almost all of Scandinavia fell under the rule of the Kingdom of Denmark. Around the same time period, Copenhagen received the status of the place where the king lived.
New time is associated with the constant confrontation of Sweden, which was considered the main military opponent of the kingdom. Armed conflicts led to the fact that at the beginning of the nineteenth century, Denmark was forced to cede part of its territories to Sweden and Great Britain.
The second half of the nineteenth century was filled with peace for the country and was accompanied by the development of science, art and a number of liberal reforms. The monarchy was somewhat limited,the Danish constitution and a bicameral parliament appeared.
During the Second World War, the state was occupied by German troops. Initially, Germany did not conduct active operations on the territory of Denmark, and life in the occupation differed little from peacetime. But later, the persecution of Jews and demonstration executions began, causing mass protests.
To date, the Kingdom of Denmark, whose photos cannot be ignored by tourists of all ages, is a constitutional monarchy. In governing the state, the king is assisted by a unicameral parliament. It is noteworthy that Denmark was one of the initiators of the creation of the UN and NATO. Now the kingdom is part of the European Union, but does not seek to get into the Eurozone.
Do I need a visa to Denmark?
When going on a trip, keep in mind that you will need a visa. Since Denmark is a member of the Schengen Agreement, the procedure for obtaining the coveted stamp in the passport is quite understandable and already familiar to our compatriots. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark is located in Moscow, there are also numerous visa centers where you can submit the necessary package of documents. You can also get a visa in eighteen Russian cities, where the corresponding centers are already open.
It is noteworthy that any valid Schengen is also suitable for traveling to Denmark. The term for issuing a visa does not exceed ten days. However, many Russians argue that getting permission to enter the kingdom is much more difficult than other countries. Of course, this is just a purely personal opinion of travelers, so you should notset yourself up for failure by submitting your document to the visa application center in your city.
Museums in Denmark
The sights of the Kingdom of Denmark are very diverse. It is amazing how rich this land is in historical monuments, ancient architectural structures and unusual places that are interesting for tourists of any age. You can go to Denmark, setting yourself up for a romantic trip, with a big noisy company, wanting to spend time in an unusual atmosphere, or with a child who can be shown here all the diversity and beauty of our world. But every tourist must visit at least a few museums of the kingdom. There are an incredible number of them here, but those located in Copenhagen deserve more attention:
- National Museum. The main exhibition is divided into three parts. Here you can see rare specimens of ancient weapons, works of art and objects found during archaeological research. Unusual exhibitions are regularly held in the museum building, which will be interesting to visit.
- State Museum of Arts. This place will be interesting for people who are fond of art in any of its manifestations. Within the walls of the museum are collected unique masterpieces of the great masters of Europe. The Danes are especially proud of the canvases of Rembrandt and Matisse.
- Ordrupgard. This museum is dedicated to the works of the Impressionists of French origin. If you consider yourself a connoisseur of such art, then the exposition will make an indelible impression on you.
- Louie Wax MuseumTussauds. It is rightfully considered one of the best in Europe. More than two hundred figures in intricate design will appear before tourists. Here you can choose a hall of horrors or, for example, politicians. But most visitors prefer to walk through the entire museum.
- Danish Parliament. Don't be surprised to be offered a tour of this realm of politics. Here you will get incredible pleasure from contemplating the caricatures of politicians from different eras, placed on the walls of the building. It is noteworthy that excursions are held here regularly and many tourists perceive the parliament as a museum.
Naturally, the museums we have listed are far from being the only ones in Copenhagen. Therefore, if you wish, during your trip you can visit at least a dozen more interesting exhibitions and expositions.
Little Mermaid
The tale of the little mermaid was the reason for creating another attraction of the Kingdom of Denmark. A photo describing this sculpture has long been the most common in Copenhagen, and the Danes themselves consider the pensive beauty a symbol of their country.
The Little Mermaid monument was created at the beginning of the twentieth century. It was ordered by the son of the owner of the Carlsberg brewery. From childhood, the young man had a weakness for this fairy tale by Andersen, and after watching the ballet of the same name, he literally fell in love with the ballerina dancing the main character. Ellen Price, that was the name of the prima, was invited to pose as a prototype. But the sculptor planned to portray the girl naked, which she opposed. As a result, forThe Little Mermaid sculptures were posed by two women: for the head - Ellen Price, and for the body - Elina Erickson.
Now a bronze monument is placed over the harbor of Copenhagen. Tourists and locals come here to make a wish and see with their own eyes the sad fairy-tale beauty who gave almost everything she had for her impossible dream of love.
Eressun Bridge
This creation of modern engineers is considered one of the European wonders. The bridge links Sweden and Denmark and is eight kilometers long. Moreover, the entire path of motorists will run through the water. Many travelers who had a chance to pass through the Eressun Bridge said that this trip made an indelible impression on them. But do not forget that such entertainment is not cheap, you will have to pay about fifty euros for a one-way car ride.
Legoland: a fairy tale come to life for children
If you come to Denmark with a child, then be sure to go to Billund, where the most incredible park is located, entirely created from Lego parts. What is not here! On the territory of one hundred and forty square meters there are nine thematic zones for children of different ages and their parents. While walking, tourists will be able to enjoy the landscapes of Denmark and Europe, assembled from the designer, pirate ships and incredible water rides. Children will enjoy spending time inknight's zone, and visit the aquarium. Time in Legoland flies by absolutely unnoticed, and your child will definitely want to come back here again.
Kronborg Castle
It was in this majestic building that Shakespeare's Hamlet lived, so tourists try to visit the ancient castle without fail and take a couple of photos against its background. In fact, there is no reliable information that Shakespeare even saw this ancient castle. However, this fact does not diminish the historical value of this fortification, created to protect the country from the Swedes.
The foundation stone of the building was laid in 1420, since then it has been repeatedly rebuilt and reconstructed. Now the castle appears before tourists, as it became at the end of the eighteenth century.
It is difficult to list all the sights of Denmark, because this unique country attracts lovers of adventure and fairy tales. Therefore, be sure to come here yourself, believe me - your trip will be simply unforgettable.
