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What is So Special About the Danish Coastlines?

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What is So Special About the Danish Coastlines?

The coast is an integral part of Danish life.

Denmark may be a small country, but its coastlines are among the most captivating in Europe. With over 7,000* kilometers of shoreline, thanks to its more than 400 islands and peninsulas, Denmark offers a wide variety of coastal experiences that are both scenic and culturally rich.

The west coast of Jutland is known for its wide beaches. Credit: Niels Lisborg.

You are never more than 50 kilometers away from the sea

One of the most special aspects of the Danish coastlines is their accessibility. No matter where you are in the country, you are never more than 50 kilometers away from the sea. This proximity fosters a connection between the Danes and their maritime environment. From childhood beach outings to the seaside, the coast is an integral part of Danish life.

Unik coastal protection appreciated by most visitors

Unlike in many other European countries, it is forbidden to build directly on the beach in Denmark. Denmark has a 300-meter-long coastal protection line along which construction is strictly prohibited – specifically to protect the unique coastline. Therefore, the beaches are not privatized by hotels but are publicly accessible to everyone.
Environmental preservation is a high priority. Denmark has made significant efforts to protect its coastal ecosystems, including the creation of national parks like the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with birdlife and unique tidal landscapes.
The natural values ​​and freedom to roam attract many tourists every year.

Peaceful quiet evening on the beach. The Danish beaches are not privatized by hotels like in some European countries. Credit: Niels Lisborg.

Inland Danish waters are still burdened by nutrient discharges from industry, cities and agriculture

Many of the inland Danish waters are still burdened by nutrient discharges from industry, cities and agriculture. The plan for the coming years is to compensate farmers to take out unproductive agricultural areas to reduce the burden. There is great economic value in clean waters with opportunities for fishing and tourism.

Big diversity between the East coast and the West coast and the Inland waters

The diversity of the coastal landscapes is another standout feature. The west coast, especially in Jutland, is known for its dramatic sand dunes and wild North Sea waves, making it a haven for surfers and nature lovers alike. In contrast, the east coast tends to have calmer waters and more sheltered beaches, perfect for family outings and leisurely swims.

Fishing boats on the beach, Thorupstrand, Northern Jutland. Credit: Niels Lisborg.

Denmark’s coastlines are also steeped in history and culture. Ancient Viking sites, historic fishing villages, and picturesque harbors tell stories of seafaring heritage that continues to shape the national identity. The coastal towns often host maritime festivals, showcasing traditional wooden boats, seafood cuisine, and local crafts.

In short, the Danish coastlines are special because they blend natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sustainable living. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a touch of history, the shores of Denmark offer something truly unique.

*) The Danish coastline has recently been measured to be closer to 8000 km, depending on how detailed one follows and measures the coastline.

Wolf population in Denmark reaches highest level in recent times

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Wolf population in Denmark reaches highest level in recent times

Wolf population in Denmark reaches to above 40 wolves. Highest level in recent times.

New survey shows steady progress for Denmark’s wolves, which now number six packs, two pairs and one lone territorial dog, corresponding to around 42 animals – according to the National Center for Environment and Energy at Aarhus University. The wolf now appears to be firmly established in Denmark.

Wolves have become a permanent part of Danish nature with breeding pairs in both Central, Western and Northern Jutland. The development so far shows a population on the rise, supported by immigration from Germany.
Since the first registered puppy birth in 2017 (the first time in 200 years), 13 litters have been documented with a total of at least 84 puppies.

Many farmers, especially sheep farmers, are strongly against wolves and several Danish right-wing politicians want it to be easier to shoot wolves in Denmark. Wolves kill several livestock animals annually.

Afraid of wolves

Lack of knowledge and awareness of wolves among the population means that many Danes are still afraid of wolves – and fear creates resistance. At the same time, one-sided news articles with sensationalist headlines are often published in certain Danish newspapers, which strengthens the resistance against wolves.

A new poll shows that one third feel unsafe about the return of wolves to Denmark. Two thirds believe that wolf protection should be less restricted or completely ended.

Are wolves dangerous to humans?

Wolf attacks on humans in modern Europe are extremely rare. The few documented attacks in Europe over the past 200 years have primarily been carried out by rabies infected wolves. There have been no recorded attacks on humans in Denmark since the wolf’s return to the wild in 2012.

According to a report titled “Wolf attacks on humans: an update for 2002-2020” by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, the risks associated with a wolf attacking a human are “above zero, but far too low to calculate”.

More on the subject?
The key to living with wolves in Europe? Read more at rewildingeurope.com.

Source: nyheder.tv2.dk, dce.au.dk, wikipedia, rewildingeurope.com. Top photo: © Holly Kuchera | Dreamstime.com.

Increasing number of killer whales in Danish waters

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Increasing number of killer whales in Danish waters

Visitors of the large marine mammals have become more frequent.

In recent years, killer whales – also known as orcas, have been seen several times in Denmark. The large beautiful marine mammals have become more frequent in Danish waters.
Killer whales are most often observed from the beach at Skagen. Perhaps because there are many birdwatchers with binoculars here.

Orcas – or “killer whales” have been seen more often in Danish waters in recent years. Credit: © Chase Dekker | Dreamstime.com.

It is believed the name killer whale derives from their original name “whale killers” given to them by sailors who saw them hunting whales. In Danish the killer whale is named “spækhugger” meaning “lard stealer”. Their Latin name, Orcinus orca, also reflects this observation of killer whales feeding on large whales.
The killer whale is the world’s largest dolphin with a global population of approximately 50,000. It is found in almost all the world’s oceans.

The largest males can weigh 10 tons and be 9.8 meters long. Their dorsal fin can be 1.8 meters long.

Did you know that 19 species of whales have been registered in Danish waters?

Killer whales are generally not aggressive towards humans

There have been very few documented cases of killer whales attacking humans in the wild (no fatalities), and these were most likely a result of the animal feeling threatened or mistaking a human for prey.

The age is up to 80 years for females, while males can be up to 60 years old. The species can swim up to 54 kilometers per hour.

The killer whale’s food consists of, among other things, baby whales, seals, fish and seabirds.

Source: naturhistoriskmuseum.dk, hvaler.dk, danawharf.com, natur.gl/arter/spaekhugger. Photo: © Kertu Saarits | Dreamstime.com

Wildlife in Greenland

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Wildlife in Greenland

Greenland’s nature is absolutely wild and breathtaking — it’s one of the last truly untamed frontiers on Earth. About 80% of Greenland is covered by a gigantic ice sheet, second only to Antarctica. It holds about 8% of Earth’s fresh water.

Did you know that there are no ants in Greenland? No ants, no grasshoppers, no dragonflies, but a lot of other things! Beside the magnificent sceneries, Greenland is known for its spectacular wildlife.
There are hundreds of known species of fish and shell fish in the waters surrounding Greenland. Of the sea mammals the most important are the ringed seal, the bearded seal, the harp seal, the hooded seal, the common seal and the walrus. The Greenlandic waters are also habitat for a wide variety of whales. All the whale species of the North Atlantic come to the waters of Greenland at some point or another to breed and eat.

Scandinavian hikers near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Credit: Niels Lisborg.

Greenland’s isolated location has impeded the immigration of wild land mammals. In fact Greenland only has seven species of wild land mammals: the polar bear, the polar hare, the Arctic fox, the reindeer, the musk ox, the lemming and the wolf. Accordingly there is a very scarce selection of small land mammals, and many animal groups are not represented at all – e.g. amphibians and reptiles.

It’s not just snow and ice.

Did you know that people actually farm and grow vegetables in some areas — a throwback to the Norse settlers who once lived there.
The summer temperature in Greenland is normally around 5 to 15 degrees C in the shade.

Danish hiker fishing for trouts. Credit: Niels Lisborg

To read more about the nature and wildlife of Greenland, please go to VisitGreenland.com.

HISTORY: Greenland has been inhabited for at least 4,500 years. They were primarily Arctic peoples who immigrated from Canada. In the early 10th century, Vikings settled in southern Greenland. Their descendants disappeared in the late 15th century.
More than 300 years ago (in 1721) Greenland became a Danish colony, which it remained until 1953. In 1953 amendments were made to the Danish Constitution, and Greenland ceased to be a Danish colony.

In 1979, Greenland went from being a county to being a largely self-governing part of the Kingdom with home rule and a home rule government. Once again in 2009, the authority of the Greenlandic government was extended and the country now covers all spheres of society with the exception of the foreign and security policy areas. In other words, Greenland officially became a self-governed nation within the realm of the Kingdom of Denmark in 2009.

Today, there is close cooperation between Denmark and Greenland in many ways. An increasing number of Greenlanders are applying for higher education in Denmark and many Danes go to Greenland to work e.g. craftsmen and researchers.
Regarding free health care The Capital Region of Denmark has a formal cooperation agreement with Greenland regarding treatment at the Capital Region’s hospitals of patients residing in Greenland. This concerns treatments where all or part of the treatment cannot be provided in Greenland.
There are about 56,000 people living in Greenland. Approximately 7-8 percent are ethnic Danes.

The ice sheet is melting. The Greenland ice sheet has been one of the largest sources of sea level rise since the early 2000s. Credit: Niels Lisborg.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Region Hovedstaden, visitgreenland.com, greenland-travel.dk.

Foraging in the Wild

Niels Lisborg
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Foraging in the Wild

Foraging in Denmark – gathering wild food in nature’s pantry. You can find tasty wild plants, berries and mushrooms in the Danish nature.

Foraging is popular in Denmark. Here, elderberries are picked for juice, syrup and elderberry soup.

Where to forage?

Foraging in the wild is a great way to discover natural habitats. Foraging compels a greater awareness of the surroundings, and in addition you might get great nature experiences.
In private forest areas, you cannot leave the trails or roads and go foraging with out seeking permission from the landowners, however in the public government-owned forest (look for the red pole, see image below) roaming freely is allowed.

There is generally public access to publicly owned land such as state forests (marked with a crown on a red pole) or municipally owned nature areas.

Foraging – only for personal use!

Foraging for mushrooms, nuts, berries etc. are in Denmark normally only permitted for personal use. In other words is it not legal to forage for commercial purposes and sell to shops, restaurants, road stalls etc.
This rule was adopted as early as 1241 with the Jutland Act (Jyske Lov). Back then, it was described that one must gather what one can carry in a hat. The same principle applies today. You must – for private consumption – pick and collect what you can have in a basket or bag. This of course does not apply to protected and endangered plants, shrubs and trees.

Collecting plants and herbs. It is popular in Denmark to flawor snaps and liquor with wild herbs and fruits.

How to forage responsibly?

Here are a couple of key foraging guidelines:

When foraging for wild food in Danish natural areas, you must be able to correctly identify what you are picking, otherwise you should not eat it! The wild Danish nature also contains deadly poisonous berries, plants and fungi!

  • Always be sure you can positively identify what you are picking, and never eat any plant, flower, berry or mushroom you are unsure of!
  • Pick with respect. Only collect moderate amounts for you and your family, and not for commercial use.
  • Never completely strip an area as this could damage the species and deny another forager the chance to collect.
  • Be mindful. Take care of our natural habitats. Avoid disturbing or damaging. Do not leave your garbage and trash!

Mushrooms

Edible mushrooms are found in most Danish wooded areas. Main season is from July (starting with chanterelles) to November. Foraging for wild mushrooms can be a great outdoor experience. But make sure you do it safely!

The yellow chanterelles are popular because of their delicious taste. Credit: NaturGrafik.dk.

In fact, some highly toxic mushrooms can unfortunately also be highly present. It is always important to be able to recognize and distinguish both edible and toxic mushrooms.
Some inexperienced foragers can put themselves and the people they share meals with in danger. If you are foraging for mushrooms, it’s of course imperative that you know the details of the mushroom you are looking for.

Some common Danish mushrooms like Death cap (Amanita phalloides), Destroying angel (Amanita virosa) and Deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) are all considered to be capable of causing fatal fungal poisoning.

 Only eat mushrooms you are absolutely certain are safe!

Death cap (Amanita phalloides). Although causing the most fatalities this deadly fungus (and Destroying angel) has no known antidote. Credit: Igor Kramar, Dreamstime.com.
Destroying angel (Amanita virosa). Credit: Jolanta Dabrowska, Dreamstime.com.

Rights of way and accessing land.

Marianne Riis
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Rights of way and accessing land.

In Denmark, there is a more restricted freedom to roam on privately held land compared to Norway and Sweden. All dunes and beaches and all publicly owned forests are open to roaming. Uncultivated, unfenced areas are open to daytime roaming irrespective of ownership status. Privately owned forest have access by roads and tracks only.

Access to privately owned land.

The largest part of Denmark is agricultural land with fields, grazing areas, field paths etc., which are mostly privately owned. Everywhere you have to respect the private property rights (e.g. agricultural production) and respect the signs that you encounter on your way.

You are allowed to walk and cycle on roads and paths in the open countryside including private forests. However, the owner is allowed to prohibit traffic if it is a major nuisance to privacy, to production or to protection of nature and wildlife.

On private, uncultivated areas (like heaths) that are not fenced, you are allowed to walk on foot from noon, 6am to sunset, and only stay (e.g. a rest breake) at a distance of at least 150 meters from buildings. 

There are also public access to fenced, non-cultivated areas, if there is no grazing livestock, if you can enter through doors, stents and the like and if there is no signs that prohibit access.

Access to publicly owned land.

There is in generel public access to publicly owned land like state forests or municipal owned nature areas . If you are on foot, you are welcome to go offroad and walk outside roads and paths. If you are on a bike you have to stay on roads and paths. There is public access around the clock.
Driving by car on paths and small roads in the forests is normally prohibited. Please respect the signs.

State forest
Public state forest. Recognizable by the red pole.

Source: The Danish Environmental Protection Agency.

Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm is ready to supply green energy

Marianne Riis
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Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm is ready to supply green energy

The Kriegers Flak’s offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea is expected to supply energy that corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of 600,000 households.

New wind farm strongly contribute to the Danish target of fossil independency.

“Green energy is crucial for the climate-neutral society of the future, and with the power from Kriegers Flak’s offshore wind turbines, Denmark is once again proving to be a pioneer in the use of wind energy”, says Dan Jørgensen, Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities.
In the long term, when all 72 turbines are established, there is an expectation that the park will be able to supply what corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 600,000 households.

This is approximately 50 percent more energy than the largest offshore wind farm so far in Denmark, The Horns Rev III.

The new windfarm is an important contribute to the Danish target of fossil independency in 2050.

The Swedish company Vattenfall is responsible for the establishment and operation of Kriegers Flak Offshore Wind Farm in the Baltic Sea.

Pioneer industry originally developed in Denmark

Ship for wind turbine installation offshore. Archive Image. Credit: Yobidaba, Dreamstime.com.

Offshore wind energy was originally developed on the basis of the Danish success with onshore wind power. Denmark was the first country in the world to install an offshore wind farm, which was the wind farm Vindeby close to Lolland. 

Horns Rev 1, the first large scale offshore wind farm, was installed in 2002. 

Sources: Danish Energy Agency, Energy-supply.dk. Featured image: Archieve photo, Danish Offshore Turbines near Copenhagen. Credit: JacekPlacek, Dreamstime.com.

Denmark put a final end to the fossil era and will phase out oil production

Marianne Riis
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Denmark put a final end to the fossil era and will phase out oil production

Denmark, the European Union’s biggest oil producer, is a net exporter of oil and gas. Now the country will stop offering new licenses in the North Sea and phase out production altogether in 2050 as Denmark takes an historic step toward a fossil-fuel free future.

“If Denmark can do it, so can we”

A broad majority in the Danish Parliament has reached a deal on the future of fossil extraction in the Danish territorial waters of the North Sea. The deal establish a final phase-out date of fossil extraction by 2050. 

An Oil Tanker shipping oil from Denmark. Credit: Magnus Møller/Dreamstime.com

Climate and energy supply minister Dan Jørgensen said he hoped the decision would inspire others to take similar steps. “We hope this can inspire others. We’re the first country with a meaningful production to take such a step. The idea is that others will look at us and say, ‘if Denmark can do it, so can we.”’

 An offshore drilling rig in the North Sea. Credit: Trondur/Dreamstime.com.

For oil and gas companies currently operating in Danish waters, terms and conditions will remain unchanged until production stops in 2050. The decision will cost Denmark about 13 billion kroner ($2.1 billion), according to estimates by the energy ministry. Since 1972, Denmark has made around 541 billion DKK in revenue from the North Sea. In 2019, the number was 5.9 billion DKK (964 million USD).

Protecting the climate

For Denmark, the decision to end its North Sea exploration fits into an agenda that has made protecting the climate a priority. The country targets cutting carbon emissions by 70% in 2030, compared with 1990 levels.

Greenpeace has called Denmark’s decision “a watershed moment” that will inspire other countries to end our dependence on climate-wrecking fossil fuels.
/MR

Source: Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, Blomberg.com, climatechangenews.com, Theguardian.com. Featured image: Danish oil-rig, Jezper/Dreamstime.com.

At the top of the list among the most sustainable countries on Earth

Marianne Riis
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At the top of the list among the most sustainable countries on Earth

Denmark is now ranking number one at the 2020 Environmental Performance Index

Denmark now ranks #1 on environmental performance in the world (2020).

The 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) provides a quantitative basis for comparing, analyzing, and understanding environmental performance for 180 countries.

The Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, in collaboration with Columbia University’s Earth Institute and World Economic Forum, prepares bi-annual the Environmental Performance Index.

The Environmental Performance Index provides a consolidated view of each country’s progress and where they need to improve in terms of sustainability and the preservation of our world’s ecosystems. See the list here (link).

Excerpt from the report

“Denmark leads the world on climate change action, having reduced its CO2 emissions by more than half since peaking in 1996 (World Bank, 2019). Denmark’s capital city of Copenhagen has slashed emissions through investment in wind energy and biomass, adoption of district heating and cooling systems, and expansion of bike lanes to the point that there are now more bicycles on the streets than cars (Cathcart-Keays, 2016; Taylor, 2018). The city aims to become the first carbon-neutral capital by 2025. Denmark sourced 47% of its electricity from wind power in 2019 (Gronholt-Pedersen, 2020), and recently announced a plan to at least triple its offshore wind capacity by 2030 through the construction of two 2GW “energy islands” (Hook, 2020). The project could eventually expand to 12GW, exporting excess energy to neighboring countries. The “islands” represent a central part of the country’s plan to implement a groundbreaking new climate law which aims for 70% emission reductions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The legislation requires the government to set binding emission targets for each sector of the economy every five years, and could serve as a model pathway for other developed nations (de Bellefonds, 2020).”

“We are not there yet”

“It is very nice that Denmark ranks # 1 on environmental performance in the world. We stand in a global nature and biodiversity crisis, where species are disappearing at an alarming rate. Also in Denmark. We still have a long way to go with common global environmental problems, resource consumption, biodiversity, chemicals and climate,” says the Danish Environment Minister Lea Wermelin.

Sources: epi.yale.edu, copcap.com, climate-transparency.org, kefm.dk.

Travelling by campervan in Denmark

Marianne Riis
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Travelling by campervan in Denmark

Denmark is a great place to enjoy a campervan (motorhome) holiday. The roads are well maintained and the countryside is clean and safe.

It has become popular – also among Danes, to go on holiday in a motorhome – in Denmark called “autocamper”.

Parking with you campervan /motorhome

You can normally always pull into a roadside layby (rasteplads in Danish) if you need a rest or break.

Campervans may park in all parking spaces for as long as the campervan can stay inside the parking lot lines. Campervans/motorhomes that are too large to park in regular parking spaces should use special marked parking spaces.

Sleeping in campers

Sleeping and resting in campers at a roadside layby is tolerated for one night, as long as you don’t put up a tent or awning, table and chairs. This will be considered camping which normally is prohibited at rest areas. A few laybys are out of bounds for camper sleeping – please, look out for signs warning against overnight parking. Notice that camping is not the same as resting (sleeping) in your car.
Driving off road into public nature areas or down to the beach to sleep for the night is not legal. Please instead use one of the many campsites. In Denmark, there are many campsites with campervan (motorhome) sites with all the required facilities. See the guide and addresses here: Download (pdf)

Driving by car on paths and small roads in the public state forests is normally prohibited. Please respect the signs.

Explore Denmark with a motorhome. Credit: Charles, (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wikipedia.

Guide for motorhomes

In private areas you can ask the owner (for example, the local farmer) for permission to park your car for the night. You can also buy the Pintrip Guide. The guidebook is exclusively for people who have a motorhome. The more than 245 hosts (season 2020) altogether have more than 620 stops, where you can enjoy the nature and some peace and quiet in wonderful, rural surroundings.

Notice:

Denmark has very strict rules against Drinking and Driving. The legal driving limit is 0.05% BrAC (Breath alcohol concentration). The use of seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers within a vehicle.

Speed limits in Denmark are normally as follows:

50 kph/31 mph in towns and cities,
80 kph/49 mph on open roads in the countryside,
130 kph/81 mph on motorways (some places only 110 kph)

Learn more about Driving in Denmark.

Source: routesnorth.com, fdm.dk.

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