Harald Klak in the 9th century was the historical ruler of Jutland, from before the unification of Denmark. The meaning of the nickname is unknown; it is probably derogatory. Harald prevented the only attempt by the Franks to conquer Denmark. In 826, influenced by the mission of Bishop Ansgar, he became the first Scandinavian ruler to adopt Christianity (in Mainz). In 827, he left Denmark and settled in Friesland. 1)
Idiots is Lars von Trier's first film made according to the principles of the Dogma 95 manifesto, and the second in the so-called “Golden Heart” trilogy, which also includes Breaking the Waves (1996) and Dancing in the Dark (2000). 2)
Zealand is the largest island in the Baltic Sea. The area of the Danish island is 2715 sq mi. Sweden's Gotland is 1214 sq mi, Denmark's Bornholm is 227 sq mi, and Usedom is 172 sq mi. 3)
Amalienborg is the official residence of Danish monarchs and the Danish royal family in Copenhagen since 1794. Amalienborg Palace is named after Queen Sophia Amelia, who had a summer palace with a garden built on the site between 1667 and 1673. Amalienborg is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Copenhagen. 4)
Sorø Akademi in Sorø, Denmark, is Denmark's oldest school, an early center of Scandinavian Christianity, and the cradle of many famous Danish artists. The roots of the Academy date back to 1140, when Bishop Absalon founded a Cistercian monastery in Sorø. Originally the Academy educated only the aristocracy, today it is open to all. 5)
Under a provision of the Maastricht Treaty, Denmark was exempted from having to introduce a European currency. However, the authorities decided to hold a referendum on the euro in 2000, and the public voted against introducing the new currency. 6)
Denmark's highest natural peak is Møllehøj, and Yding Skovhøj is Denmark's highest point. 7)
The flag of Denmark is rectangular in shape with a white Scandinavian cross on a red background. It is one of the oldest European flags currently in use in Europe. 8)
LEGO bricks were invented by a Dane named Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1947. The name of these building blocks was formed from the Danish phrase “Leg godt”, meaning “have fun”. Lego has its headquarters in Billund. In this city is also located Legoland visited by millions of people every year. 9)
While in Denmark you should try the national beverage called akvavit. The original version is a colorless cumin vodka with a strength of 40-45%. 10)
Under the law, single-sex marriages have been allowed since June 15, 2012. 11)
If you want to say “cheers” in Danish, remember this word - skol. 12)
Denmark is one of the few European countries to have a state religion enshrined in the constitution - Lutheranism. Interestingly, the government also includes a minister for religious affairs. 13)
Copenhagen has more bicycles than inhabitants. When the ride is over, the bikes are often left without any security. 14)
For many years, Denmark has been ranked as the number one least corrupt country in the world. In 2016, it took this honorable place along with New Zealand. 15)
Bluetooth technology is named after the first Viking king Harald Bluetooth. 16)
Law of Jante is a concept created for the book to describe the Danish mentality. Its author is the Norwegian writer of Danish origin Aksel Sandemose. In his novella “The Fugitive in the Labyrinth”, he depicts a fictional town of Jante, where the principle of social equality applies. The people who live there cannot consider themselves better than the other person, boast of their wealth, skills, or achievements. 17)