25 fun facts about Denmark you should know (2024)

Curious about Denmark? You’re in the right place.

Denmark is more than just a spot on the map – it’s home to the happiest people on earth, LEGOs, and yes, those famous Danish pastries.

As a Dane myself, I’ve got some interesting fun facts about Denmark that might just surprise you.

Let’s get into it!

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Facts about Denmark

1. Denmark ranks as one of the world’s happiest countries

Denmark has been named the happiest country in the world several times by the World Happiness Report, taking first place in years like 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2021.

Why? Because of its great community vibe, high living standards, and strong welfare system.

2. LEGO was invented in Denmark in 1932

LEGO, the beloved building block of your childhood, originated in Denmark.

Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish carpenter, developed these creative building blocks that have sparked innovation and play for decades.

3. Danish pastries came from Austria, not Denmark

Danish pastries weren’t originally from Denmark.

Austrian bakers brought them over, and then the Danes made them their own. Now, they’re a big part of what makes Danish food special.

Read next: 30 best souvenirs from Denmark

4. The Danish flag is one of the oldest

Denmark’s flag, the Dannebrog, is really old. It’s actually one of the oldest flags still being used by any country today.

It’s been around since the 13th century, and the story goes it fell from the sky during a battle in Estonia, giving the Danes a big win.

Now, it’s a big part of Danish pride.

5. Over 400 islands make up Denmark

Denmark’s geography is quite distinctive.

It has more than 400 islands, but only 74 of them are inhabited. The Jutland Peninsula connects to mainland Europe, while the numerous islands dot the surrounding seas.

6. Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens inspired the creation of Disneyland

Walking into Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is like stepping back in time and right into a fairy tale.

Believe it or not, this place actually inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland. Open since 1843, it’s one of the oldest amusement parks that’s still running.

7. Cycling is a way of life in Denmark

Denmark and bicycles go hand in hand.

In big cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, more than half the population commutes by bike daily, making it a central part of Danish life.

8. Denmark legalized same-sex unions first in 1989

Denmark was way ahead of the game in LGBT rights.

Back in 1989, it became the first country to say yes to same-sex unions. Being able to love and marry whoever you want has been important in Denmark for years.

9. Hygge is central to Danish culture

Ever heard of hygge?

It’s the Danish tradition that’s all about coziness and comfort. Light a candle, grab a warm drink, and you’ve got the right idea.

10. Carlsberg, a global brewery, was founded in Copenhagen in 1847

Beer lovers, you’ll appreciate this.

Carlsberg, one of the world’s leading breweries, started pouring pints in Copenhagen back in 1847.

11. The Øresund Bridge connects Denmark to Sweden

Fancy a trip to Sweden?

The Øresund Bridge makes it easy by connecting Copenhagen to Malmö. Opened in 2000, it’s a marvel of engineering that spans 8 kilometers.

12. English is widely spoken in Denmark

You won’t have any trouble getting by with English here.

The Danes learn English from an early age, and they’re quite good at it, so feel free to strike up a conversation.

13. Denmark has Europe’s oldest monarchy

Denmark’s royal family goes way back, all the way to the Vikings.

It’s the oldest monarchy in Europe.

That means Denmark has been keeping the royal tradition alive longer than any other place in Europe. And yes, the royal family is still a big deal there today.

14. Greenland and the Faroe Islands have autonomy within Denmark

While Greenland and the Faroe Islands might seem far-flung, they’re considered autonomous territories within the Kingdom of Denmark.

This means they have their own governments but fall under the Danish realm for foreign affairs and defense.

15. Bluetooth is named after a Danish king

The name “Bluetooth” actually comes from a Viking king, Harald Blåtand Gormsson, from over a thousand years ago.

He’s famous for two things: bringing Denmark and Norway together in 958 and having a dead tooth that was so dark it looked blue, which is how he got his nickname.

16. Wind turbines produce over 40% of Denmark’s electricity

Denmark is at the forefront of wind energy, with wind turbines generating over 40% of its electricity.

This makes Denmark a world leader in renewable energy, significantly cutting down on fossil fuel dependence.

17. Brick houses are a tradition in resource-scarce Denmark

In Denmark, they build houses with bricks mainly because there’s not much wood around, but plenty of clay.

So, bricks became the top choice for building homes, and that’s still how they do it today.

18. Fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen was Danish

Those fairy tales you grew up with, like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling,” come from Hans Christian Andersen, a famous author from Denmark.

He’s especially celebrated in his hometown of Odense. And in Copenhagen, there’s a statue of The Little Mermaid sitting by the harbor, inspired by Andersen’s tale.

19. Folk high schools in Denmark offer unique adult education

Looking for a different kind of school?

Denmark has Folk High Schools that are all about learning without the stress of exams or grades. It’s more for growing as a person and being part of a community.

This really shows how much Denmark values learning at any age and working together.

20. The world’s first environmental law was Danish, established in 1973

Denmark made history with the world’s first environmental law enacted in 1973.

This law marked a milestone in environmental protection and demonstrated Denmark’s longstanding commitment to sustainability.

21. Janteloven promotes community over individual achievement

Janteloven is a concept in Denmark that basically tells people not to stick out or think they’re better than others.

It’s about keeping everyone on the same level to avoid upsetting the community balance. While it aims for equality, it can be seen as discouraging individual achievement.

22. Danish food focuses on simplicity and fresh ingredients

Danish food is all about keeping it simple and fresh, using whatever’s in season. We love our local fish and farm produce.

If you want to eat like a Dane, you’ve got to try Smørrebrød.

It’s an open-faced sandwich with toppings like herring, meat, or cheese. It’s a staple in Denmark.

23. Danes are among the world’s top coffee consumers

We Danes are among the biggest coffee lovers out there, drinking about 8.7 kilograms of coffee per person every year.

This passion for coffee has created a lively café scene all over Denmark.

24. Communal singing is a cherished tradition in Denmark

In Denmark, communal singing is not just for special occasions, it’s a revered tradition that strengthens community bonds.

Don’t be surprised if you’re handed a song sheet at public gatherings—joining in is highly encouraged.

25. The Danish language has no word for ‘Please’

Navigating the Danish language can be curious.

There’s no direct translation for ‘please’. Still, Danes are polite.

They simply express courtesy in other ways through their language structure and societal norms.

FAQ – Denmark facts

What are 5 interesting facts about Denmark?

Here are 5 interesting Danish facts:

Denmark introduced the world’s first legal recognition of same-sex unions in 1989.
It’s home to the oldest continuously used national flag, the Dannebrog, since the 13th century.
The concept of hygge, emphasizing coziness and well-being, originates from Denmark.
Denmark consists of over 400 islands, but only 74 are inhabited.
LEGO, one of the world’s most popular toys, was invented in Denmark in 1932.

What is the most famous in Denmark?

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen is one of Denmark’s most famous landmarks, symbolizing the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

What is Denmark’s favorite food?

Here are some of the best Danish food:

Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches)
Frikadeller (Danish meatballs)
Wienerbrød (Danish pastries)