Kingdom of Denmark: history, flag, sights, information for tourists

Each child in childhood read the stories of Hans Christian Andersen and dreamed of finding himself on the magical streets of Copenhagen with a box of matches or with his own eyes to see the fragile mermaid, sad looking at the gray waters of the bay. The Kingdom of Denmark is the smallest state of Scandinavia, but, unequivocally, one of the most interesting for travelers. This country is filled with the breath of meadows, salty sea spray, the aroma of sun-warmed stones of ancient castles and surprising technical inventions, which are nowhere else in Northern Europe. Today, our article is devoted to the Kingdom of Denmark, which we look at with the 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 many interesting things await him on the territory of this state. Denmark is an amazing country, offering tourists a unique combination of historical monuments and modern technology, which turn the kingdom into the most fashionable and stylish piece of Northern Europe.

Denmark can safely consider itself an island country, 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. In the kingdom they speak two languages: Danish and German. Among the religious preferences of the inhabitants of the island are Catholicism and Lutheranism.

The Kingdom of Denmark claimed about itself in the eighth century AD. It was during this period that the future Danes celebrated themselves with numerous military campaigns and adopted Christianity, which contributed to the consolidation and development of state power.

Flag of the Kingdom of Denmark

Anyone who once visited the northern kingdom, knows for sure that the Danes are very fond of their flag. He even has a name - Danneborg, and the inhabitants of the country sincerely believe in the mythical history of his appearance. It is noteworthy that in Denmark there is even a special holiday of the flag, 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 who lived next to today's Tallinn. These tribes were pagans, and Waldemar II planned to convert them to the Christian faith to help the colonists from Germany. However, the bloodthirsty Estes of June 15 made an unexpected attack on the troops of the king, who already in the first moments of the battle significantly thinned. Then several bishops ascended the hill and began to pray. In response to their conversion to God, a red cross with a white cross fell from the sky. Inspired soldiers that day were able to defeat the enemy. From that moment 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. Approximately in the sixth century tribes of dans came here who settled firmly on this land already by the eighth century. Tribes united in clan unions, where everyone had the right to bear arms. It is worth noting that the dan were quite warlike and until the eleventh century, together with Vikings participated in military raids.

Since the eighth century the penetration of Christianity into the territory of Denmark began, after three hundred years, the first archbishopric was formed here. By the end of the fourteenth century, thanks to a successful monarchical union, almost all Scandinavia fell under the rule of the Kingdom of Denmark. Approximately in the same period of time Copenhagen received the status of the place where the king lived.

The new time is connected with the constant confrontation of Sweden, which was considered the main military opponent of the kingdom. Armed conflicts led to the fact that in the early nineteenth century Denmark was forced to cede part of its territories to Sweden and 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 constitution of Denmark 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 demonstrative executions that triggered mass protests began.

To date, the Kingdom of Denmark, a photo of which tourists of all ages can not ignore, is a constitutional monarchy. In the government of the state, the unicameral parliament helps the king. 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 is 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 hand over the necessary package of documents. Also, you can get a visa in eighteen Russian cities, where the relevant centers have already been opened.

It is noteworthy that any active Schengen is suitable for traveling to Denmark. The visa processing deadline does not exceed ten days. However, many Russians argue that obtaining permission to enter the kingdom is much more difficult than in other countries. Of course, this is just a purely personal opinion of travelers, so do not tune into failure by submitting a document to the visa center of your city.

Museums of Denmark

Attractions of the Kingdom of Denmark are very diverse. It's amazing how rich this land is at historical monuments, ancient architectural structures and unusual places interesting for tourists of any age. In Denmark you can go tuning for a romantic trip, a big noisy company, wanting to spend time in an unusual atmosphere, or with a child who can show here all the diversity and beauty of our world. But every tourist must visit at least a few museums of the kingdom. There are incredibly many of them here, but those who are located in Copenhagen deserve more attention:

• National Museum. The main exposition is divided into three parts. Here you can see rare specimens of ancient weapons, works of art and objects found during archaeological research. Regularly in the museum building unusual exhibitions are held, which will be interesting to get to.
• The State Museum of Arts. In this place it will be interesting to people who are fond of art in any of its manifestations. In the walls of the museum unique masterpieces of the great masters of Europe are collected. The Danes are especially proud of the paintings of Rembrandt and Matisse.
• Ordrupgard. This museum is dedicated to the works of impressionists of French origin. If you consider yourself a connoisseur of such art, then the exposition will make an indelible impression on you.
• Museum of wax figures Louis Tussauds. He is rightfully considered one of the best in Europe. Before the tourists will appear more than two hundred figures in an intricate design. Here you can choose a room for horrors or, for example, politicians. But most visitors prefer to go through the whole museum.
• The Parliament of Denmark. Do not be surprised that you will be offered an excursion to this realm of politics. Here you will get an incredible pleasure from contemplating caricatures of politicians of different eras placed on the walls of the building. It is noteworthy that tours here are held regularly and many tourists see the parliament as a museum.

Naturally, the museums listed by us are not the only ones in Copenhagen. Therefore, if you want during your trip you can visit at least another dozen 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 widespread in Copenhagen, and the Danes themselves consider the pensive beauty a symbol of their country.

Monument "Little Mermaid" was created in the early twentieth century. He was ordered by the son of the owner of the brewery Carlsberg. The young man had a weakness from this childhood to this Andersen's fairy tale, and having looked at the ballet with the same name, literally fell in love with a ballerina dancing the main character. Ellen Price, so called the take, was invited to posing as a prototype. But the sculptor planned to portray the girl naked, which she opposed. As a result, for the sculpture "Little Mermaid" posed two women: for the head - Ellen Price, and for the body - Eline Erickson.

Now the bronze monument is located above the harbor of Copenhagen. Tourists and locals come here to make a wish and see with their own eyes a sad fairy-tale beauty who gave away almost everything she had for her unrealizable dream of love.

Eressun Bridge

This creation of modern engineers is considered one of the European miracles. The bridge connects Sweden and Denmark and has an extent of eight kilometers. And all the way motorists will lie among the water. Many travelers who happened to drive along the Eressun Bridge, were told that this trip made an indelible impression on them. But do not forget that this kind of entertainment is not cheap, for a one way car it is necessary to pay about fifty euros.

Legoland: an animated fairy tale for children

If you came to Denmark with a child, then be sure to go to Billund, where the most incredible park is located, entirely created from the details of the "Lego" designer. What is there not! On the territory of one hundred and forty square meters there are nine thematic zones for children of different ages and their parents. Walking, tourists can enjoy the landscapes of Denmark and Europe, assembled from the designer, pirate ships and incredible water attractions. Children will spend time in the knight's zone with pleasure, and they will visit the aquarium. Time in Legoland flies absolutely unnoticed, and your child will necessarily want to come back here again.

Kronborg Castle

It was in this magnificent structure that Shakespeare's Hamlet lived, so tourists try to visit the ancient castle without fail and make a couple of photos against it. In fact, there is no reliable information that Shakespeare at least 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 first stone in the foundation of the structure was laid in 1420, since then it has been repeatedly subjected to alterations and reconstructions. Now the tourists are presented with a castle, as it became in the late eighteenth century.

It is difficult to list all the sights of Denmark, because this unique country attracts lovers of adventures and fairy tales. Therefore, be sure to come here yourself, believe me - your trip will be just unforgettable.