Danish Layout
Denmark, about twice the size of
Massachusetts, is an island nation with its highest elevation only 565 feet.
With 500 islands the ocean is never more than an hour away. Generally, Danes
are well educated and well informed, yet at the same time enjoy a distinctly
Danish lack of formality. This gives the Danes a relaxed and often humorous
attitude toward authorities and life itself. The people are open, friendly and
talkative. The art of living is enjoyed
and there is little sense of any hectic lifestyle. The people enjoy
comprehensive social services, sexual freedom and high taxes to support the
lifestyle. The land of Vikings fiercely remained neutral during WW II, but never
the less was occupied by Germany.
Denmark’s state-managed palaces, castles
and gardens, representing different eras, are an important part of the
country’s cultural heritage. There was a lot of talk about King Christian IV,
the builder king, who once was king of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. He ruled
1588-1648 and is also referred to as the Renaissance
King. Many grand buildings were erected during his reign, and the city prospered. He had 23 children with
an assortment of women.
Ninety percent of the population is
Lutheran, although very few, about 5 %, attend church. In 1536 the country
declared Lutheranism as the proper religion. Believe or be beheaded! In 1848
the country attained freedom of religion. Presently there are 250,000 Muslims
living in Denmark.
Denmark is a heavily industrialized
nation, but there still are a quarter million farmers. The queen is the first
female monarch in six centuries, and she is much loved by the Danes. Both the
Faeroe Islands and Greenland are territories of Denmark.
Denmark’s national animal is the swan and
the national flower is the daisy.
Copenhagen,
founded in 1167, means Port of Merchants. The once tiny fishing
village started at Christainborg and has been the capital of Denmark since the
15th century. Copenhagen is the largest city in the country. The world’s oldest capital flies the oldest
flag and is the oldest monarchy. The low rise city sits on a flat landscape
with few steeples or towers breaking the skyline, although it is a city of
cathedrals, canals, historic waterfront, parks, waterways, lively pedestrian
streets, and the crown jewels.
The
SAS building, built in 1960, is the only skyscraper and after it was
constructed the city fathers decided one tall building was enough. Located on
the island of New Zealand across the Strait of Southern Sweden, the capital
city is one of the most youthful and exuberant in Europe.
In
the 12th century Copenhagen was a fortified city known as
Kobenhaven. In 1850 all 120,000 residents lived within the walls. When building
outside the walls it was understood that in the event of attack, one would have
to burn his dwelling to allow for a good defense line. In the 17th century King Christian
IV extended the fortification north, doubling the size of the city and adding a
grid plan of streets and his Rosenborg Castle. This old ‘new town’ is where
Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid statue are located.
A
cholera outbreak in 1850 killed 5000
people. The old medieval walls now are roads that define the city. The old moat
is a string of lakes and parks. Denmark
is the gateway to Scandinavia and a new bridge connects Denmark and Sweden. The
ancient city wall had four gates. It came down in 1856 when the plague killed
17,000 people. A hospital was built beyond the wall.
The
Stroget, running through the heart of the city, is a mile-long pedestrian
thoroughfare. the
French Embassy and the five star Hotel
D’Angle Terre. The western end of the Stroget ends at Town Hall Square.
Nyhavn, New Harbor, was excavated in 1671 by prisoners to allow traders to
bring their wares into the heart of the city. At one time the area was overrun
with sailors, prostitutes and rowdy individuals. Today the revitalized canal
district, once home to Hans Christian Anderson when he first arrived in “Wonderful
Copenhagen”, is lined with casual cafés.
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