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The spectacular Ladybird Spider emerge in Spring

Niels Lisborg
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The spectacular Ladybird Spider emerge in Spring

Can spiders be beautiful? There are probably divided opinions on that, but a reasonable candidate would be the male ladybug spider.

The Ladybird Spider (Eresus sandaliatus) is one of the Denmark’s rarest and most spectacular spiders among the about 500 species of spiders in Denmark. It most often lives on heaths and sandy, open slopes. You won’t find it in the shady forest.

Ladybird Spiders spend most of their lives in burrows in the ground, which are vertical, silk-lined and crowned with a canopy of silk – but in the spring they emerge from their underground burrows. It is mating season for the ladybird spider (Eresus sandaliatus).

The mature male, on his final moult, transforms into the charismatic form with a striking red abdomen. Credit: Niels Lisborg.

The ladybird spider lives on warm, south-facing slopes with short vegetation. Here it has its underground tunnel, where it lives most of its life, but in the spring the males emerge into the light and can be seen crawling around in search of females. That is why in the spring you can best experience Denmark’s most beautiful spider.

The Ladybird Spider is a member of the Eresidae family known as “velvet” spiders. The mature male, on his final moult, transforms into the charismatic form with a striking red abdomen with pairs of black spots – the reason for the name “ladybird”. This transformation is likely to be predator protection during his day time search for a female. Red is nature’s warning color.

Denmark’s most beautiful spider? Credit: Niels Lisborg.

A powerful bite that pierces the carapace of dung beetles

The ladybug spider has a powerful bite that can bite through the hard carapace of beetles that unsuspectingly crawl across the spider’s web. When the spider down in the burrow senses activity at the entrance, it rushes up and grabs the prey with its powerful bite. Occasionally, the spider’s secret burrow is revealed by the remains of prey lying around the entrance.

And the size? The males are about 8-10 mm long plus legs, while the females’ bodies are slightly larger, 10-16 mm long.

The article is translated from Naturmagasinet. Coverphoto: © Herlinde Noppe | Dreamstime.com

The area of ​​Danish forests is growing

Marianne Riis
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The area of ​​Danish forests is growing
Denmark has the objective of increasing its total area of forest to approx. 20-25% before the end of this century. Credit: NaturGrafik.dk.

The history of Danish forests, from 2 % to now 15 % of the land area.

Did you know that most of Denmark originally was covered by forest, but after centuries of uncontrolled felling and clearance for agriculture, just 2-3% of Denmark was covered by forest around 1800.
Since adoption of the Danish Forest Act in 1805, forest clearance has been banned in Denmark, and at the same time great efforts were initiated to plant more forests. The overall area of Danish forests has therefore increased significantly, and it is still increasing.

The forest area in the latest forest statistics is calculated at 651,757 ha, which constitutes 15.1 percent of the total Danish area.
The forests are unevenly spread, with much forest along the high ridge of Jutland, in northern Zealand and on Bornholm. There is a lot of smaller forestland near large towns and cities.

Objective of increasing the total area of forest

Denmark has the objective of increasing its total area of forest to approx. 20-25% before the end of this century. This means that more CO2 will be prevented from release into the atmosphere, groundwater will be protected from fertiliser resides from agriculture, and a more varied natural landscape will be created, with a high degree of biodiversity.

Most species of deciduous tree, such as oak and beech, are indigenous to Denmark, while conifers have been imported over the past 200-300 years. One of the most common tree species in Denmark is the Norway spruce, imported from other European countries like Sweden and Germany, while other species such as Sitka spruce and Douglas fir have been imported from North America.

Source: The Danish Environmental Protection Agency, klimatilpasning.dk, danskskovforening.dk. Cover photo:© Smileus | Dreamstime.com.

Does Denmark have wild bears?

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Does Denmark have wild bears?

We receive a lot of questions about Denmark’s nature. A frequent question is whether there are bears in Denmark?

The answer is no – but was once upon a time…

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) migrated to Denmark about 13,500 years ago. The warmer climate caused the seas to rise, and the previously large mainland area that included what is now Denmark was transformed into an island kingdom that resembles much of the Denmark we know today. This also meant that the bears’ hunting grounds were reduced, while the possibility of new immigration from outside was limited.

Human hunting of bears continued – and contributed to drive the bear from the land we know today as present-day Denmark.
The youngest, known bone finds from – presumably – “Danish” bears come from two settlements on Djursland – about 6,500 years ago.

Bears in Denmark have thus left no trace on Danish soil for 6,500 years.

Source: Naturmagasinet. Coverphoto: © Michal Masik | Dreamstime.com.

Denmarks national flower: The marguerite – also a symbol of the national tourist route

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Denmarks national flower: The marguerite – also a symbol of the national tourist route

Denmarks National Flower

The ox-eye daisy, Leucanthemum vulgare, also known as the marguerite, is Denmark’s national flower. This perennial herbaceous plant belongs to the family Asteraceae and is characterized by its striking white ray florets surrounding a central cluster of yellow disc florets. The flower is native to Europe, it thrives in meadows, grasslands, and along roadsides, where it plays a role in supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The Danish Marguerit Route

In Denmark, Leucanthemum vulgare is not only admired for its delicate beauty but also cherished as a symbol of the country’s natural heritage and cultural identity. The Danish Marguerit Route (in Danish: Margueritruten) is a scenic tourist driving route that winds through Denmark, highlighting some of the country’s most beautiful and culturally significant places. Named after the marguerite daisy, which is Queen Margrethe II’s favorite flower and a national symbol, the route is marked by brown signs with a white marguerite flower.

Key Features:

  • Length: Around 3,600 kilometers (2,237 miles).
  • Type: It’s a loop, so you can start and end at any point along the way.
  • Purpose: To guide tourists through natural landscapes, historic sites, charming towns, manor houses, beaches, and cultural attractions.

What You Can See:

  • Castles and Palaces (like Frederiksborg or Kronborg)
  • UNESCO Heritage Sites (e.g., Roskilde Cathedral)
  • Viking heritage sites
  • Coastal cliffs and beaches (e.g., Møns Klint)
  • Quaint villages and rolling countryside
  • Museums, art galleries, and local farms

How to Follow the Marguerit Route:

You don’t need a special map—just look for the distinctive signs along the road. However, there are also apps and digital maps available that provide detailed guides, suggestions, and GPS help for travelers.

It’s a perfect option if you want a leisurely road trip and a deep dive into Denmark’s countryside and culture—especially if you enjoy spontaneous stops and scenic detours.

Source: Naturmagasinet.dk – Denmarks Nature and Outdoor Magazine.

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 57,000 people living in Greenland. 7-8 percent are ethnic Danes. Approximately 1/4 of ethnic Greenlanders live in Denmark.

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.

Introduction to the wild of Denmark

Marianne Riis
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Introduction to the wild of Denmark

The Wild About Denmark – in short.

Denmark consists of the peninsula of Jutland, north of Germany, and more than 400 islands, about 80 of which are inhabited. View from Bulbjerg, Northern Jutland. Credit: Niels Lisborg

Nature and wildlife

Denmark occupies 43,094 square kilometers and is the smallest of the Nordic countries. The landscape of Denmark is formed by the movement and melting of Ice Age glaciers thousands of years ago.

Denmark is situated between the Atlantic region and the European continent, between the saline North Sea and the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea. Because of the very changeable climate with considerable regional differences, wildlife in Denmark is plentiful and multifarious as Danish nature is the natural home for a large number of plants and animals – estimated around 40,000 species in total according to DanBIF – Danish Biodiversity Information Facility, University of Copenhagen.

Denmark consists of the peninsula of Jutland, north of Germany, and more than 400 islands, about 80 of which are inhabited. Zealand is the largest and most populated island in Denmark. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is located partly on the eastern shore of Zealand and partly on the island of Amager.

The Danish coastline is all together about 8750 kilometers long with beaches, islands, marshland, mudflats, inlets and coastal meadows.

Preserved beaches

Unlike many other countries, it is normally not allowed to build on the seashore in Denmark. This means that Denmark’s coasts and beaches are preserved mostly free from constructions, hotels etc.

Remote areas in the coastal region of Northwest Jutland. Credit: NaturGrafik.dk

A flat fertile country

With the highest natural point in Denmark, about 170 metres above sea level, Denmark is a flat but very fertile country where more than 60 percent of the land is cultivated. Only about 15 percent of the country is covered by forests.
Considering the size of the country and the high percentage of intensive agricultural land (one of the highest in the world), Denmark still leaves space for a rich and diverse wildlife.

Beavers were successfully reintroduced to Denmark in 1999.

Among wolves, beavers, red deers and golden eagles.

In more remote areas the Danish Wildlife includes wolves, migrating Golden Jackals, breeding eagles, Beavers and Red Deers.

88 mammal species have been recorded in Denmark including the whale species in the surrounding Danish sea areas.

Denmark is also home to an impressive number of species of birds that vary from residents, that stay all year around, to breeding birds, that spend a good part of the summer season in Denmark. The list of birds of Denmark includes more than 500 species.

The climate in Denmark is tempered and fairly distinct in four annual seasons.

Sources: birdlist.org, Dansk Pattedyratlas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Allearter.dk.

Snakes in Denmark

Niels Lisborg
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Snakes in Denmark
adder
The European Adder. The only venomous snake found in Denmark.

Once there were four species of snakes in Denmark. The Aesculapian snake and the Smooth snake are today considered extinct. That leaves the two remaining species: European Adder (Vipera berus) and the Grass snake (Natrix natrix).

The European Adder.

Adders are the only venomous snakes found in Denmark. They use their venom to immobilise prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. Adder’s are notoriously shy and will avoid human contact whenever possible. You must be very close to the snake to be bitten. Normally within 25 cm.

Although an adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult human, the bite can be very painful. Adder bites are normally not serious but can be in some cases (eg. for small children)! It is advisable to remain calm and not to panic. The venom is released through the bloodstream and movement such as panicking could increase is spread throughout the body. Medical attention is recommended.

First aid

Consider the following when bitten or helping someone else:

1) Check that breathing is normal and not restricted
2) Loosen tight clothing around the bite area
3) Remove jewellery and watches if swelling becomes a problem.
4) Seek medical attention.

Most cases can be seen to locally by a medical professional if the casualty is breathing fine with only minor symptoms present.

Call 112 if the casualty’s breathing is inhibited.

Adder

Description.
The colour pattern of the adder varies, ranging from very light-coloured specimens with small, incomplete, dark dorsal crossbars to entirely brown ones with faint or clear, darker brown markings, and on to melanistic individuals that are entirely black and lack any apparent dorsal pattern. However, most have some kind of zigzag dorsal pattern down the entire length of their bodies and tails. The lenght of the snake is only about 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in).

The harmless Grass snake is the largest snake in Denmark.

The Grass Snake

The grass snake is the largest snake in Denmark. It can grow up to 140 cm long. The snake is harmless and not venomous.

Description.
The Danish grass snakes are typically dark (black) in colour with a characteristic yellow collar behind the head. However, the colour may range from grey to black. Grass snakes are good swimmers and are frequently found close to fresh water. Grass snakes prey mainly on amphibians.

The Grass Snake very rarely bite in defence

Not being venomous, the snake’s only defence is to produce a bad smelling fluid from the anal glands, or sometimes to feign death by becoming completely limp. The snake may also in some cases perform an aggressive display in defence, hissing and striking without opening the mouth. They very rarely bite in defence.

Sources: Train-aid.co.uk, NaturMagasinet.dk, Wikipedia.

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.

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