- The "Dannebrog" is not only flown during football matches but is also frequently seen in daily life among the Danes. It is, for example, printed on food packaging or hoisted during celebrations. On birthdays, it is found in miniature format on the table – and even on Christmas trees, you can find it.
European Championship match against Germany - 18 fun facts about Denmark to make you smart
Did you know that Denmark has the oldest national flag in the world that is still used by an independent state? The "Dannebrog" was first used in 1219. According to legend, the flag fell from the sky during a battle in Estonia and helped Danish King Valdemar II to victory. So keep an eye out, Germany!
Denmark, Land of Bicycles
- Have you ever bought a pastry from a Copenhagen baker? Delicious, isn't it? But did you know that the sweet pastry in Denmark is called "wienerbrød"? In the 19th century, Austrian bakers settled in Denmark and brought this popular pastry with them. Whether from Vienna or Copenhagen: It always tastes good!
- Did you know that there are no mountains in Denmark? Yding Skovhøj is the highest point in Denmark, and it is only 172.54 meters above sea level. Danes probably ride bikes so often because they don't have to climb mountains. However, it is still debated which point is truly the highest in the country.
- By the way: Denmark has the most bicycles per capita in the world – namely 1.37. On a typical weekday, 1.4 million kilometers are covered on bicycles – and that's just in Copenhagen! In all of Denmark, there are approximately 12,000 kilometers of bike paths.
- When the Danish police conduct speed checks, the British, Americans, or Australians might find it quite amusing. In Danish, this is called "fartkontrol". And in English, "fart" means fart. Hilarious!
- In Denmark, there are more pigs than people! The country has approximately 5.9 million inhabitants and inhabitants, while it has almost twice as many pigs – about 12 million. Pork is a common dish in Denmark – for example, as the national dish "stegt flæsk" (roasted pork) – or in the sausage as "flæskesvær" – fried crackling.
- Denmark has the oldest amusement parks in the world, and both are located in or near Copenhagen! The oldest one is called Bakken. It goes back to the year 1583 and was originally a "Spring Market". The second oldest, Tivoli, is located directly next to the main train station.
In Denmark, it's never far to the sea
- Do you want to go island-hopping on your next vacation? Then travel to Denmark! Our northern neighbor has 444 islands, of which only 76 are inhabited. Particularly popular are Ærø, Rømø, Bornholm, Læsø, and Samsø. The fact that many islands end in ø is not a coincidence: The Danish mini-word "ø" means island. "Holm" means (small) island.
- The most common female name in Denmark is Anne, the most common male name is Peter. The most common surname is Nielsen.
- In Denmark, you are never more than 50 kilometers from the sea! A day at the beach is therefore easily accessible. Probably that's why the Danes are among the happiest people in the world.
- Denmark loves love! It was the first country in the world to recognize registered partnerships for homosexuals in 1989. Since 2012, same-sex marriage has been legal. Denmark is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world.
- Did you know that Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize the sale and purchase of pornography in 1969? The liberalization of pornography is often cited as an example of Danish liberalism.
- Denmark was also a pioneer in another area: In 1971, the kingdom established the first environmental ministry in the world.
Cinnamon Shower for a 25th Birthday
- Let's stick to politics: Did you know that Denmark had the first female minister in an internationally recognized government in the world? Her name was Nina Bang and she became Education Minister already in 1924.
- Absolute fun fact: Many Danes happily pay taxes – despite the fact that they are higher than, for example, in Germany. This is mainly due to the fact that Danish social system offers a high degree of social security. Education and healthcare are free. Danes give a lot – but they also get a lot in return.
- Danes are both football and handball enthusiasts. Handball was invented in Denmark in 1897 by the two teachers R.N. Ernst and Holger Nielsen. Since then, Denmark has won numerous medals and championships in this team sport.
- And finally: Did you know that the 25th birthday of unmarried Danes is particularly "wurzig" (sour) celebrated? This tradition, which is mainly spread in Jutland, provides that the birthday child is showered with cinnamon. This does not appeal to everyone. But there are also other ways to bring cinnamon to the man or woman. For example, as a delicious cinnamon roll. How this tradition originated is not entirely clear. It is believed to be a development of the much older tradition of giving pepper as a gift on the 30th birthday. Only in recent decades has the cinnamon tradition spread. It seems that people couldn't wait until the age of 30.
- If you're in Copenhagen for the European Football Championship, make sure to catch a Denmark match. Their national team has a strong history in European football, having qualified for numerous tournaments.
- After watching Denmark play soccer, consider taking a leisurely bicycle ride around the city. Copenhagen is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, with over 12,000 kilometers of bike paths.
- Before leaving Denmark, visit Tivoli, one of the world's oldest amusement parks. Founded in 1843, it has provided entertainment to millions of visitors and still stands next to the main train station in Copenhagen.
