Denmark boasts an abundance of historical monuments ranging from grand castles and Viking royal sites to impressive modern skyscrapers.
The Gefion Fountain tells an ancient legend of how goddess Gefion used her oxen to carve out Zealand. With intricate details and captivating storytelling, this monument is one of Copenhagen’s most beloved landmarks.
The Humane Nurse statue serves as a constant reminder of the dedication and care healthcare professionals demonstrate in their work – particularly nurses – while representing Denmark’s cultural and societal values of caring and empathy.
Jelling
The Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church are widely considered the birthplace of Denmark as a nation. Constructed during Gorm the Old and Harald Bluetooth’s rule in central Jutland during the 10th century during their respective reigns – these features consist of two flat-topped burial mounds with identical flat tops housing prominent Viking Age kings’ remains within; similarly shaped runic stones represent some of the earliest known instances of Danish writing on them.
At Jelling, notable examples of pagan Nordic culture such as tumulus funeraires and one of two runic stones stand out. Meanwhile, another runic stone and church illustrate Denmark’s Christianization during the middle 10th century. Additionally, these monuments serve as powerful symbols of its heritage and identity.
Jelling, Denmark is an integral part of its history. Home to Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and other historic structures such as its Church. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is commonly referred to as the birthplace of Denmark; this blog post will explore their significance to Danish culture.
In 1813, architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint won a competition to design a church as a memorial to hymn writer N.F.S. Grundtvig. His creation is still part of the city’s heritage today and can be distinguished by its Expressionist style, featuring influences from northern European Gothic brick churches as well as building styles associated with Danish National Romanticism movement – as well as being notable for using yellow brick – an uncommon color at that time.
Zinkglobal is an iconic monument of Copenhagen’s modern spirit and economy, symbolizing globalization of its city and highlighting its global role. A popular tourist attraction and source of artistic inspiration, Zinkglobal must be seen when visiting this great city!
Kastellet
Kastellet (Citadel), one of the best preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe, features five pentagonal bastions at each corner arranged like an inverted pentagram. Built as part of Copenhagen’s 17th-century Ring of Bastioned Ramparts, it now serves as a public park and popular local hangout spot.
Kastellet can be reached through either of Ruise’s two gates dating from 1663: the southern King’s Gate and north Norway Gate. Both have elaborately decorated garlands and pilasters while Norway Gate features more subdued designs. Once inside, several old buildings such as a church and windmill await visitors as well as military exercises which take place here regularly; it primarily serves as public park and historical site.
As you explore the fortress grounds, you will come across several attractions: a church, several three-story barracks, two large storehouses for food and weapons storage, as well as two windmills that were essential in protecting the city during earlier times.
Kastellet complex comprised numerous buildings, such as a prison. Built at the backside of the church, with eye holes added into its walls so inmates could keep up with sermons and prayers during services, eye holes allowed them to follow them easily.
Kastellet is an iconic landmark that serves as an icon for Danish history and is a favorite attraction of both locals and visitors. Local Danes often spend their summer visiting this landmark building and taking photos. Aside from being historic, Kastellet makes an ideal place for relaxation; its peaceful grounds provide good views of Copenhagen city center. Furthermore, Kastellet hosts many special events throughout the year such as Store Bededag; an event dedicated to honoring all Danish martyrs.
Grundtvig’s Church
Grundtvig’s Church in Copenhagen’s Bispebjerg neighborhood is one of its most iconic landmarks. Constructed over 19 years, designed by Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint who also created residential neighborhoods nearby and combined various architectural styles to give this beautiful building its signature look.
The church draws design elements from traditional Danish churches as well as architecture from the National Romantic Movement. Of particular note is its westwork resembling organ pipes soaring 49 meters into the air – visible throughout central Copenhagen. Constructed using over 6 million yellow bricks, making this building one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive structures.
Built as a memorial to N.F.S. Grundtvig, an influential 19th-century priest and hymn writer from Denmark, and completed in 1940 by designer Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint as part of an Expressionist style popular at this time, which combined Gothic architecture with traditional Danish church design elements while adding some abstract expressionism touches.
Jensen-Klint was heavily influenced by Danish church architecture. He studied several small rural churches to gain inspiration for construction forms, materials and decorations of these structures. Additionally, Jensen-Klint was heavily impacted by Brick Expressionism from late nineteenth century, which used bricks (clinker) as visible building material; combined this style with classical vertical development Gothic architecture to produce his unique church design.
The Copenhagen Church is a popular tourist and local attraction, welcoming both residents and tourists from 10am-4pm daily and admission is free. To reach it easily by Metro from Bispebjerg Station take an express ride and walk up Grundtvigsvej; note it will be closed Monday-Tuesdays between December to January but tickets can still be bought from its ticket office for guided tours of the church.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid stands as one of the most well-known monuments in Denmark. Perched atop Langelinie Promenade on an iconic rock, its design draws its inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale and has since been recognized as a symbol for Copenhagen. A popular tourist attraction and target of vandalism over time, The Little Mermaid serves as a stark reminder that history can be altered by individuals while monuments serve as resources that help us learn about other stories and cultures.
Denmark boasts another stunning historical landmark – Rosenborg Castle was constructed in 1606 and originally served as King Christian IV’s summer residence before becoming a museum displaying Danish Crown Regalia such as crown jewels and other memorabilia.
Frederiksborg Castle in Denmark is another historical landmark. Constructed during the 17th century and famous for its ornate Rococo elements, this castle also hosts one of Scandinavia’s largest domed churches – one so large that 12 support pillars are necessary to prevent it from collapsing!
Kronborg Slot, or “the Castle and Stronghold of Kronborg”, is an impressive castle and stronghold that has long been utilized by Danish royalty, the Swedish army and most recently NATO’s Nordic Forces. Additionally, its setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet makes it a particularly popular tourist attraction – all this can be found only a two-hour train ride from Copenhagen and open for public tours since 1938!
Edvard Eriksen designed the Little Mermaid as a bronze sculpture to stand on Langelinie Promenade in Copenhagen as an iconic reminder of Denmark’s rich culture and storytelling history. Legends and myths surrounding its appearance abound and it remains a popular tourist destination.
Gefion Spring Vandet, built in 1908, depicts Norse goddess Gefion driving her bulls – an exquisite piece of artwork representing Norse mythology located near St Albans Church in Copenhagen.