| Brief
History about Copenhagen |
Timelines
of Copenhagen's History - Cultural Heritage and some of its Famous
Citizens |
Copenhagen
is the largest city in Scandinavia |
Copenhagen
is the largest metropolis in Scandinavia and considered as
a centre of culture and arts with plenty of sightseeing and
entertainment activities to offer visitors - together with
multitude of shopping facilities and the longest pedestrian
street system in the world. Copenhagen is the seat of the
National Parliament (Folketinget) - the Royal Residence and
Supreme High Court. Photo Kåre Thor Olsen. |
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Copenhagen
Coat of arms from 1661. Probably with Absalon's Castle from
1167 in the middle of the image. |
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Copenhagen
is the capital of Denmark and
the biggest city in Scandinavia. Copenhagen
is placed on the east coast of Sealand and alongside the Sound
(Øresund). A bridge and tunnel called “Øresundsbroen”
- connects Copenhagen with Sweden
- and its metropolitan areas is named the Oresund Region. |
Native
name: København (Copenhagen)
Urban Area: 1980 Km²
Population: 1,8 million (Greater Copenhagen and regions)
Danish Parliament: Copenhagen
Royal residence: Copenhagen - Amalienborg
Palace
Currency: Danish Kroner
Airport: Kastrup
Cruise Ports: Langelinie - Nordhavnen
Driving: Right side
Time Zone: UCT+1
Founded: 1167 |
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Bishop
Absalon & Copenhagen |
Copenhagen
and Absalon
Copenhagen was founded in the years 1160-67 by Bishop
Absalon (1128-1201) - who was at that time the
counsellor for King Valdemar I (1131-1182
- Ruled Denmark 1154–57 as Valdemar the Great). It
was King Valdemar I - who gave Absalon the task to build
a city on the east coast of Zealand to protect trade on
the Sound (Øresund). Absalon was
the archbishop of Roskilde in 1158 - once
the capital of Denmark in the 12th century.
Here he initiated the building of Roskilde Cathedral around
1170 - which has been the royal burial
place since the 14th century of Danish
Kings and Queens. Absalon was also the archbishop of Lund
in 1178 - a province in Sweden near Malmø.
Absalon
Absalon died in 1201 - and is buried in
the old monastery at Sorø behind
the High Altar. He donated all of his belongings to the
monastery and property to his twin brother Esben Snare. |
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Bishop Absalon
founded
Copenhagen
around
1160 - 1167
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| Bishop
Absalon's little Castle - 1160- 1167 |
1160-1167
- The little fortress on the isle of "Slotsholmen"
built by Bishop Absalon 1160- 1167 to protect the new city
Copenhagen. The ruins can be seen under the foundations of
the present Christiansborg Castle. |
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Bishop
Absalon was also a great Warrior |
1168
- Bishop Absalon founded Copenhagen around 1160-1167 - but
was also a great warrior - who defeated the Wends and demolished
their temple Arkona in Rügen 1168 (North Germany) to
introduce the Christian religion. |
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1160-1167
- The first fortress to protect the city
In the years 1160-67 - Bishop Absalon built
a little fortress on the Isle of “Slotsholmen”
to protect the new city. This was the first step to found
the Danish capital Copenhagen. The ruins
of Absalon's castle was discovered in 1907 during
the excavation of the present Christiansborg Palace. Today
the remains of Absalon's original castle can be seen under
the foundations of Christiansborg Palace.
1200-1400
- From a fishing village to city status
Copenhagen grew rapidly in the 12th century due to its position
near the sound with good harbour facilities. From being a
little Viking fishing village during the reign of Bishop Absalon
- Copenhagen was given a charter as a city by Bishop
Jakob Erlandsen in 1254. In 1369
Absalon's little castle was attacked and demolished
down to the ground by the German Hanseatic League. In 1397
the Danish Queen Margrethe I (1353-1412 - ruled Denmark -
Sweden and Norway 1375-1412) took the initiative of founding
of the Northern Alliance - formalised as the Kalmar Union.
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1410
- Copenhagen Castle was built around 1410 on the ruins of
Absalon's little castle and was placed where the present Christiansborg
Palace is situated. King Christian IV modernized the Castle
and built the “Blue Tower” as an extension - that
later became a prison, with a horrifying reputation. The first
royal resident in the castle was King
Eric of Pomerania in 1417. |
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The
University of Copenhagen - 1479 |
1479
- The University of Copenhagen was founded by King Christian
I in 1479 - and is among the oldest Universities in Europe.
The University had faculties for theological learning as well
as the study of law - medicine - and philosophy. In 1801 most
of the buildings were destroyed under the bombardment of Copenhagen
in 1807 - and a new University was built in 1836. |
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Copenhagen
expands by
building the first
Royal Castle
in 1410
and the first
University in 1479
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1416-1443
- The Royal city and Capital
A new castle called Copenhagen Castle was
built on the ruins of Absalon's Castle
and the first resident was King Eric of Pomerania
(ruled Denmark 1396-1439) - who declared the rights of the
castle in 1417. In 1443
Copenhagen replaces Roskilde as the Danish
capital. Copenhagen's
centrally placed location in the region was central to its
succeeding growth as a trading port as well as a strong
military and political centre.
1448 - 1479 - First King crowned of the Oldenborg Dynasty
King Christian I (1426-1481 - ruled Denmark - Sweden and
Norway) was the first King to be crowned in Copenhagen in
1449 and was the founder of the dynasty
of the Royal House of Oldenborg - who remained
on the Danish Throne until 1863. King Christian
I was also the founder of Copenhagen University
in 1479 - the first university in Denmark.
Today there are 8 universities and higher
educational institutions in Copenhagen. |
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Copenhagen
became the
Royal City
in 1417
The Protestant
Reformation
started in
Copenhagen in
1536
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In
1449 King Christian I - was the first Oldenborg King to be
crowned in Copenhagen - and was also the father of the Royal
House of Oldenborg and the dynasty that lasted from 1449 -
1863. |
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Altar
painting from 1561 - after the Reformation in 1536 - showing
the three most important acts of the Danish Lutheran Church
- Baptism - Holy Communion and Sermons. |
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Bakken
Amusement park - 1583 |
The
world's oldest amusement park Bakken was established in 1583-
and is still an active and very popular venue for city-weary
Copenhageners - who enjoy outdoor life. |
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1536
- The important Reformation era
The Protestant Reformation reached Denmark and Copenhagen
in 1536. When Lutheranism became the official
religion in Denmark the Evangelian Lutheran Church
was declared State Church, which it still is up to date,
with 86% of the Danes as members. It was King Christian
III, (1503-1559 - ruled Denmark and Norway - 1534-1559)
who was so foresighted to introduced the Protestant
movement in Denmark that reformed the Danish Church and
brought Catholicism to the fall.
1583 - The world's oldest amusement park “Bakken”
The world's oldest amusement park “Bakken”
located north of Copenhagen in Klampenborg started humbly,
when a natural spring called “Kirsten Piils
Kilde” was discovered at the "The
Deer Park" better known as “Dyrehaven”.
The first amusement park was completed with rides, games,
and restaurants under the reign of King Christian
IV. “Bakken” still exists today as
a popular amusement park with plentiful of rides and entertaining
activities. |
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The
Prominent Architect of Copenhagen |
King
Christian IV - 1588-1648 |
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The
Royal Summer Residence - 1606 |
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Many remarkable
and historical
buildings were
constructed
during the
reign of
King Christian IV
1588 - 1648
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King Christian IV's
buildings are great
Tourist attractions -
and are historic monuments of a enterprising and
inventive Monarch
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The
Old Danish Chamber of Commerce - 1640 |
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Old
Stock Exchange - 1620 |
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1626
- "Kastellet" - The Old Citadel
King Christian IV started the building
of the fortification called “Kastellet”
to protect the city. The ramparts consist of five
bastions and were a part of the de fence barrier of Copenhagen
named “Citadellet Frederikshavn”. The fortress
was used in the defense of Copenhagen with
England in the Battle of Copenhagen 1807.
The old fortification area is open to the public. The
Old Citadel |
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The
Old Citadel “Kastellet” - 1626 |
1626
- King Christian IV started the building of the fortification
called “Kastellet” - The Citadel. The area is
a popular venue for Copenhageners. The English Church is seen
at the bottom left. |
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In
1673 the Royal Library was established in an appropriate building
- just opposite Christiansborg Castle and The Danish Parliament.
The building is full functional today and is still the National
Library. |
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The Royal
National Library
was founded
in Copenhagen by
King Frederik III
in 1648
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1634
- Rosenborg Castle
The new summer residence of King Christian IV
(1577-1648 - ruled Denmark and Norway 1588-1648) -
Rosenborg Castle - is finally completed after undergoing
construction in stages over a period of almost 22
years. Rosenborg Castle is King Christian IVs Castle
- He built Rosenborg - He lived all his life at Rosenborg
- He died at his beloved Rosenborg Castle in 1648
at the age of 70. Rosenborg
Castle
1648 - The Royal Library
The Royal Danish Library was the first library founded in
Copenhagen by King Frederik III (1609-1670
- ruled Denmark and Norway 1648-1670) around 1648
- and later in 1673 the library
was established in a suitable building - just opposite Christiansborg
Castle and The Danish Parliament. The
King acquired four private libraries and their book collections
formed the basis of the present Royal Danish Library. The
Royal Library |
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1700-1810
- Wealth - Fires - Plague and Bombardment of the City |
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The
British Bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807 lasted 4 days -
targeting the civilian population and major government buildings.
More than 2,000 civilians were killed during the heavy fire
plus many buildings were destroyed during the battle. The
painting illustrates the outskirts of Copenhagen during the
bombardment with Rosenborg Castle illuminated by the heavy
fires. Oil painting by C.W. Eckersberg - on display at Frederiksborg
Castle.
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Copenhagen's
Economy and Trade
In the 18th century Copenhagen’s economy
benefited largely due to the intense traffic through the sound
and revenues from taxes increased heavily as well as trade
also grew extremely during the period. |
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1711
- After the capital was hit by the bubonic plague
in 1711 - nearly one-third of the
population had died from this highly infectious disease. |
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1728
-
Several destructive fires destroyed the city in 1728
and Copenhagen was totally damaged and ruined. Rebuilding
and reconstruction work began and the medieval part of Copenhagen
had changed permanently when the reconstruction was complete
by 1737. |
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The Bubonic Plague
- 1711 |
In
1711 - Copenhagen was hit by the bubonic plague - wiping out
20,000 of its 60,000 inhabitants. The plague was brought in
by ships from Europe and Prussia - carrying infected vermin.
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The
Royal Danish Theater
- 1892 |
1748
- The second Royal Danish Theater in 1892 at "Kongens
Nytorv" the Kings Square - with the first electrical
street lights in Copenhagen. The theater building was inaugurated
in 1874. |
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The bubonic plague
killed over 20,000
Copenhageners
during the
widespread endemic disease in 1711 |
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1748
- The Royal Danish Theatre
Opening of The Royal Danish Theatre with 8 actors
and 4 actresses performing French
comedies. Since the first act in 1748 - The
Royal Danish Theatre has been located on the same spot at
Kongens Nytorv in the very heart of Copenhagen. The
Royal Danish Theatre |
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1748
- King Frederik V (1723-1766 –
ruled Denmark and Norway 1746-1766) The planner and builder
of Frederiksstad, where the Amalienborg
Palaces is the centerpiece of Frederiksstad - a
prominent district at the waterfront that was built to house
aristocrats and noble families as well as to commemorate the
tercentenary of the Oldenburg family's ascent to the throne
of Denmark in 1448. Amalienborg
Palaces |
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King Frederik V
was the planner
and builder of
the fashionable
Frederiksstad
Quarters with
the Amalienborg
Palaces to house
aristocrats and
noble families
in 1750 - 1760
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The
Amalienborg Complex
- 1748 |
1748
- The Amalienborg complex in the center of Frederiksstad -
with the Marble Church in the back. The entire Amalienborg
project was completed in 1758 - and has since 1794 been the
prime royal residences for Danish Monarchs. |
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The
Liberty Memorial - 1797 |
1797
- The Liberty Memorial was erected in 1797 outside the ramparts
of Copenhagen - here shown in 1863 on Vesterbrogade opposite
the Grand Central Station and at its original location - with
Copenhagen's Cathedral at the back. |
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1757
- The first free hospital
The first hospital in Denmark, with free treatment
was inaugurated in 1757 by King
Frederik V (1723-1766 - ruled Denmark and Norway
1746-1766) on his birthday and named The Royal King
Frederik’s Hospital. The Hospital was located
on Bredgade (Broad Street) in inner Copenhagen
and the rococo mansion was a part of the many fashionable
properties around King Frederik V’s prominent Frederiksstad
district from 1750 - with the Amalienborg
Palace. The former hospital building is
currently housing the Danish Museum of Decorative Art and
has been replaced by Copenhagen University Hospital.
Rigshospitalet
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1775
- Royal Danish Porcelain Factory
Royal Copenhagen (Den kongelige Porcelænsfabrik) was
founded in Copenhagen 1775 by chemist Frantz
Heinrich Müller. The first dining ware produced was “Flora
Danica” for the royal family in 1790
and later Royal Copenhagen became famous for its collection
of the “Blue Fluted” (Musselmalet)
dinner service. The corporate logo and brand-mark is three
blue waves symbolizing Denmark’s three straits;
Oresund - The Great Belt and
The Little Belt. |
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The
royal Frederiks Hospital
- 1757 |
1757
- The royal Frederiks Hospital in 1805 located on “Bredgade”
with Amalienborg Palace as their backyard neighbor - offered
free care and cure to patients and every citizen without means. |
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The
Flora Danica Dinner Service - 1790 |
1775
- The Royal Porcelain Factory was founded in Copenhagen and
in 1790 - Royal Copenhagen brought out its now famous Flora
Danica dinner service - with gilded edge and Danish flora
motifs. |
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In 1790 the Danish
Crown Prince Frederik
ordered the
Flora Danica
dinner set
as a gift for Russian Empress Catherine II
The Empress died
in 1796 and
never received it
The Dinner Set
has since been
on display at
Rosenborg Castle
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1794
- In 1794 the first Christiansborg Palace
was razed by a heavy fire that nearly damaged
the entire four winged palace complex and the residing King
Christian VII (1749-1808 - ruled Denmark and Norway
1766-1808) and his family had to move to Amalienborg
Palace that later became the permanent residence
for all royal families up to our time. Christiansborg
Palace - Amalienborg
Palace |
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1797
- The Liberty Memorial was erected
in 1797 outside the ramparts of Copenhagen
to commemorate the abolishment of adscription in 1788.
Prince Frederik - later King Frederik VI
(1768-1839 - King of Denmark and Norway 1808-1839) had laid
the foundation stone in 1792. The Liberty
Memorial is placed on Vesterbrogade opposite the Grand Central
Station on its original location and is also a symbol of a
germinating democratic movement
in Denmark from 1788 to 1849.
Liberty Memorial |
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1801-1807
- The Battle of Copenhagen
The naval battle of Copenhagen against England took place
in 1801 - where the Danish fleet suffers
heavy losses and Danes lost almost 2000 casualties as well
as a similar number of men was captured. In 1807
the British attacked Copenhagen with a heavy
bombardment of the city in connection with the Napoleonic
wars. |
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Many
devastating
fires in
Copenhagen
from 1794 to 1807
destroyed
the City and
its many buildings
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Christiansborg
Palace
on fire - 1794 |
1794
- The first Christiansborg Palace was raised by a fire
in 1794 and nearly burnt down to the ground. The residing
King Christian VII moved to the new Amalienborg Palaces
together with the rest of the Royal family and Court.
During the 1800s - the second Christiansborg Palace
was rebuilt again and inaugurated in 1828. |
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The
Naval battle in 1801-1807 - Copenhagen |
1801-1807
- The Naval battle in 1801-1807 was a disaster for Copenhagen
with many heavy bombardments of the city - where the
Danish fleet suffers heavy losses and Danes lost almost
2000 casualties as well as a similar number of men was
captured. The painting shows Copenhagen’s Cathedral
burning beside the Round Tower. |
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Evolution
up to the 21 century |
1813
- In the beginning of 1813 - and under the reign
of King Frederik VI (1768-1839 - King of
Denmark 1808-1839 and Norway 1808-1814) - the country went
bankrupt and Denmark had to cede Norway
to Sweden after Norway had been a part of
the Danish-Norwegian kingdom for more than 450 years!
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1814
- First schools with compulsory education
A new education Act in 1814 under the reign
of King Frederik VI (1808-1839) was the very
first birth of the Danish "Folkeskole" -
Peoples School - introducing free primary schools with compulsory
education for all pupils in the country between age
7 and 14 years. “Folkeskole” |
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1819
- First Danish Steamship
The first Danish steamship SS Caledonia began
its route between Copenhagen and Kiel on 1 July - 1819. |
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Under
the reign of King Frederik VI - 1768-1839 -
the country went bankrupt and Denmark
had to cede Norway to Sweden in 1813. |
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Physicist
and chemist Hans Christian Ørsted
- who
discovered electromagnetism - founded the College of Advanced
Technology in 1829. |
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The Industrial
Revolution
Started Slowly
in Denmark in
the middle of
1800's - evolving
new labor laws
and a definite
transition
from a country
dominated by
Agriculture to a
country dominated
by Industry
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1829
- College of Advanced Technology - Later DTU - Danish Technical
College
In
1829 Hans Christian Ørsted (1777 -
1851) a prominent Danish physicist and chemist - who discovered
electromagnetism and shaped post-Kantian philosophy as well
as advances in science throughout the late nineteenth century
- founded the College of Advanced Technology
with the first MSc programme in Engineering
at a high academic level - to make use of
scientific progress in the service of society by applying
technology. The College changed its name to Danish Technical
College in 1933 and finally became the Technical
University of Denmark (DTU) in 1994.
See year 1933. |
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1830-1840
- Vesterbro - Nørrebro and Østerbro
The city slowly recovers after the bankruptcy in 1813
and from 1830-1840 it slowly grew beyond
the ramparts into the new working class quarters such as Vesterbro
- Nørrebro and Østerbro that
became a part of Copenhagen. |
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| 1843
- Tivoli is established by Georg Carsten
and opened on August 15 - 1843. There were
3.615 visitors on the opening day. On the first
year in 1843 there were over 175,000
guests visiting Tivoli. More than 2,6 millions
persons visited Tivoli in 2010. Tivoli
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1847
- World famous Carlsberg Brewery
was founded in 1847 outside of Copenhagen
and the first Carlsberg Beer was distributed 10 November
1847 - as a Lager beer. Carlsberg
was founded by J. C. Jacobsen (1811-1887)
- who also was a philanthropist and the founder of the Carlsberg
Foundation (Carlsbergfondet) in 1876 that owns 51% of the
entire Carlsberg Group. The foundation runs the museum at
Frederiksborg Castle and the New
Carlsberg Glyptotek as well as involvement in other
social and cultural engagements beneficial to the society.
The brewery from 1847 is open for tours - showing visitors
a modern industrial plant and beer production followed up
by tasting many of the sorts of beers Carlsberg markets around
the world. The Carlsberg Group is the 5th
largest brewery company in the world with over 30,000
employers spread around the globe.
Carlsberg’s promotional slogan "Probably
the Best Beer in the World" appeared in corporate
advertising from the 1980s and is synonymous with the brewing
of high quality ales for over two centuries. Carlsberg
Brewery |
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The First
Amusement Park
in Copenhagen
in 1843 -
and the first
Central Station
in the City
in 1847
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1843
- The Tivoli head entrance on inauguration day in 1843.
The new amusement park was named “Tivoli & Vauxhall”
and was a grand success from the very first day - where
3.615 visited the park. |
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1847
- The first Central Station in Copenhagen from 1848 was
built in 1847 to serve the very first 30 km. railway line
in Denmark from Copenhagen to Roskilde and visa versa. The
Station at Roskilde from 1849 is still operating. |
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1847
- First Central Station in Copenhagen
The first Central Station in Copenhagen was built in 1847-1848
to serve the very first 30 km. railway line in Denmark from
Copenhagen to Roskilde and visa versa.
Central Station |
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1849
- New Constitution signed in Copenhagen
Denmark
became a constitutional monarchy on June 5 - 1849
and the day is celebrated as Danish National Holiday - The
Constitution was signed by King Frederik VII (1808-1863
- King of Denmark 1848-1863) at the Danish Parliament (Christiansborg
Palace) in Copenhagen. |
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The
Danish Constitution from 1849 |
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1848
- The National Constitutional Assembly - painted by Constantin
Hansen - at their first meeting in 1848. The new Danish Constitution
was signed by King Frederik VII in 1849 that finally put an
ending to the absolute monarchy from 1660. |
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Søren
A. Kierkegaard 1813 - 1855 |
Søren
A. Kierkegaard (SAK) was a Danish philosopher and religious
thinker who wrote literary and philosophical essays - plus
the founder of modern existentialism. Søren A. Kierkegaard
was born in Copenhagen in 1813. |
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The Danish
Constitution
is signed in
Copenhagen on
June 5th - 1849
by
King Frederik VII -
and the
Constitution Day
is a National
Public Holiday
that is celebrated
all over Denmark
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1855
- Søren A. Kierkegaard
Philosopher
Søren A. Kierkegaard dies in Copenhagen - November
11 - 1855. Considered to be the founder of
existentialist philosophy.
CPH-SAK.htm
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1859
- Copenhagen Zoo
Copenhagen Zoo (Zoologisk Have) is inaugurated in 1859
with a handful of animals. On opening day visitors could see
chickens - ducks - owls
- rabbits and one fox. In
a tub was also a little turtle.
Copenhagen Zoo
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1861
- The last execution
The last official execution is conducted in
Copenhagen on ”Rødovre Mark”. The person
that was beheaded was named Ane Andersdatter
and was also the last female that was executed in Denmark. |
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As the
population of
Copenhagen
grew over the
ramparts
of the City
in the mid 1850's -
there
was an
increasing demand
for public transport
systems
in the new
urban areas
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Horse driven Tram Car - 1863 |
1863
- The first horse driven Tram Car line in Denmark and Copenhagen
was established in 1863 and called The Copenhagen Railway
Company. The Tram Car was the first of its type in Europe
with 36 sitting passengers. |
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1888
- Danish emigrants at Larsen's Plads leaving for America together
with their relatives - saying goodbye. The steamship at the
pier is "SS Thingvalla" equipped with one funnel
and three masts. Painting by Edvard Petersen. |
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1863
- First Tramcar in Copenhagen
The first Tramcar service and line no
1. is established in Copenhagen 1863.
The horse driven Tramcar is the first of its type in Europe
and the route went ”Sankt Annæ Plads” to
“Frederiksberg Runddel”. |
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1863
- First King of the House of Glücksborg
In 1863 - the House of Glücksborg succeeded
the House of Oldenborg by King Christian IX
(1863-1906) - and the present Royal Family are the direct
descendants of the House of Glücksborg. See
Yellow Palace |
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1871
- The Danish Women’s Society - founded
The Danish Women’s Society is founded in 1871 - and
was particularly active in the struggle to improve women’s
educational and financial position. |
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1875
- Hans Christian Andersen
World famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen - dies
in Copenhagen August 4 - 1875 and his funeral
takes place at Copenhagen's Cathedral.
Funeral
-
HCA-2005
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1880
- “SS Thingvalla” - Copenhagen - Newcastle - New
York
The first voyage from Copenhagen with the
steamship “SS Thingvalla” to
New York via Newcastle mostly
with Scandinavian immigrants. There was passenger accommodation
for 50-1s - 50-2nd and 900-3rd class. The Thingvalla Line
sold the steam ship in 1900.
Find
Danish Ancestors |
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Timeline for
important
Danish Persons
and Events
in the late 1800's
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1863
- The first Glücksborg King. King Christian
IX. |
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| 1875
- Writer - Hans Christian Andersen dies. |
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1882
- Frederik L. Smidth founded F.L. Smidth &
Co. |
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1892
- The First street lights at “Kongens Nytorv”.
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1901
- The Open - Air museum opens at Lyngby. |
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1882
- FLSmidth & Co
The world’s leading supplier of cement production technology
FLSmidth & Co. A/S, was founded in Copenhagen
by Frederik Læssøe Smidth in
1882. Today FLSmidth & Co is an international
corporation specialising in the development - design and engineering
of complete processing lines to the cement and mineral industry
with headquarters in Copenhagen and subsidiaries all over
the world as well as 7,500 staff members.
As one of Denmark’s major exporters
- the FLSmidth & Co. group has a matchless
global market position and contributes heavily to support
the Danish economy by exporting their unique engineering
competence - high technology - processing
plants and services worldwide. |
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1892
- First Power Plant in Copenhagen
The first Power Plant (Gothersgade Elektricitetsværk)
is established in Copenhagen and for the first time in the
city the street lights around “Kongens Nytorv”
are lit with electricity. |
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1901
- First Kinder Garden established
The very first Kinder
Garden with public support in Denmark is established and inaugurated
in Copenhagen at Enghave Square on Vesterbro
and called “Folkebørnehave”
- The Peoples Kinder Garden. |
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1901
- The Open Air Museum
On one of the world’s largest and oldest public museum
areas - the Open-Air Museum “Frilandsmuseet”
in Northern Copenhagen opened in 1901. The
Museum includes more than 100 rural buildings
from Denmark - spread out over a large scenic area covering
the period 1650 to 1950. All the houses are
fully furnished and visitors you can walk into all farmhouses
and buildings and experience daily life for each era represented.
Free admission all year round. The
Open-Air Museum |
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The
Town hall of Copenhagen |
1903
- The Town hall of Copenhagen around 1903 during construction,
without the tower that is slowly rising at the back and will
reach a height of 107 meters when completed. The Town Hall
was inaugurated in 1905. |
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|
Jakob
Christian Ellehammer |
1906
- Jakob Christian Ellehammer with his aeroplane and crew in
1906 on the tiny isle Lindholm outside of Copenhagen, where
he flew over 50 centimeters over the surface as the first
aviation pioneer in Europe. |
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Copenhageners
got wings
in 1906
and flew for
a few minutes
over the surface
on the Isle of
Lindholm
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1905
- The Town Hall
The building of Copenhagen's Town Hall (Rådhuset) is
completed in 1905 - with a 107 meter high
tower that is open to the public. The
Town Hall and Square |
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1906
- Nordisk Film
Nordisk Film was established in Valby - Copenhagen in 1906
- and is the oldest movie production company in the
world. In 1992 Nordisk Film merged
with the Egmont media group and is the largest producer and
distributor of electronic entertainment in North Europe. The
film company runs the Palads Cinema in Copenhagen with 17
screens. |
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1906
- First flight in Copenhagen and Europe
Danish inventor and aviation pioneer Jacob
Christian Ellehammer (1871-1946) was
the first European to fly an airplane on the small isle of
Lindholm outside of Copenhagen in 1906.
The flight distance of 421 meters at an altitude
of over 50 centimeters was a record in Europe
and conducted 3 years after the world’s
first historical flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903
in North Carolina - USA. |
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1910 - Flush toilets
There are almost 50,000 (WC) flush toilets
installed in Copenhagen. |
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1910 - "Pølsevogn" and the
Danish fast food culture since 1910
The first "Pølsevogn" (Sausage
stand) was established in Copenhagen
around 1910 and today more
than 135 million red "Pølser"
are consumed every year
at the Danish "Pølsevogn" - Hot
Dog Stand.
The Red "Pølse" (Sausage)
also called "wienerpølser"
with
"brød" (bread) has been the
Danes favourite out-door meal and
fast food for generations and
made of tasty pure pork.
On nearly every street corner in
Copenhagen there will be a "Pølsevogn"
(Sausage stand) with a variety of
warm red pork sausages
and various tasty supplements.
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Danish Food Culture
Fast
food since 1910. One red "Pølse"
in 1920 - 25 øre. |
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There
is a sausage stand on nearly
every street corner.
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The
famous Danish red sausage
"Wienerpølse"
with bread. |
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1910
- Bicycle Lanes and paths
The
first separate bicycle paths are established
in Copenhagen around the Lakes in 1910 -
as the existing bridle paths was converted
into isolated Cycle ways - tracks to secure
the heavy growth of cycles on the road at that time. At the
present there are more than 350 km of bicycle
paths in and around Copenhagen and since the first few bicycles
were introduced on the street in 1890s -
nearly every Copenhagener owns a cycle today. |
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1912
- M/S Selandia
The world's first ocean-going diesel-powered ship ever built
was M/S Selandia that started her maiden
voyage in 1912 from Copenhagen to Bangkok with two B&W
four-stroke diesel engines. Burmeister & Wain
(B&W) was a large established Danish shipyard
and leading diesel engine producer with headquartered in Copenhagen.
M/S Selandia was owned by (ØK) - The East Asiatic Company
(EAC) - founded by Hans Niels Andersen in Copenhagen in 1897.
In 2008 - Danmarks Nationalbank
issues a new 20-krone coin with the M/S
Selandia as its motif - which is the third coin in
a series with ships as their common motif. |
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1912
- The
world's first ocean-going diesel-powered ship M/S Selandia
- started her maiden voyage from Copenhagen to Bangkok in
1912 and was powered with two B&W (Burmeister & Wain)
four-stroke diesel engines. M/S Selandia was owned by (ØK)
- The East Asiatic Company (EAC). |
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The
A.P. Møller-Maersk Group |
1912
- Ship Owner Arnold Peter Møller better known as A.P.
Møller established the Steamship Company of 1912 with
headquarters in Copenhagen. Today the A.P. Møller-Maersk
Group is the world’s largest container ship operator,
with over 130 offices worldwide and 120,000 employees. |
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The
world's first
diesel powered
ship - M/S Selandia
was Danish
and started her
maiden voyage
from Copenhagen
to Bangkok in 1912
The
world's
largest
Shipping Company
was founded in
Copenhagen
in 1912
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1912
- A.P. Møller
The
legendary Ship Owner Arnold Peter Møller better
known as A. P. Møller - established
the Steamship Company of 1912 (Dampskibsselskabet
af 1912 - Aktieselskab) with headquarters in Copenhagen. The
company stated in 3 rented offices located at the Old Stock
Exchange “Børsen” and later moved in 1915
to a more exclusive address at Kongens Nytorv 8. Today - the
A. P. Møller-Maersk Group is an international
conglomerate with more than 120,000 employees
- and is the largest container ship operator with the biggest
container ships in the world - serving customers from over
130 offices located worldwide. The Maersk
Group’s activities are concentrated over 4 main business
sectors: Container & transport - Shipping
& offshore - Energy & Oil/gas production
- Retail & industrial business - and has throughout
the years had a significant influence on Denmark's export
revenues as well as the economic
and social development of the country.
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1912
- A. P. Møller - legendary ship owner founded the world’s
largest shipping company - involved in energy - logistics
- retail and manufacturing. |
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1925
- Insulin production at Novo in 1938 at the Fasanvej processing
plant and laboratory. Today the company works in 180 countries. |
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1925
- Kastrup Airport was inaugurated as the centre for Scandinavian
and international flights - and the main hub for many European
airlines. |
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1928
- The third Christiansborg Palace was completed after 21 years
of construction - and the Danish Parliament was also inaugurated. |
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1913
- The
Little Mermaid
The statue of the Little Mermaid
is unveiled at Langelinie in 1913. The statue
was commissioned in 1909 by Carl
Jacobsen - founder of New Carlsberg Breweries. The
statue was created by sculptor Edward Eriksen
- who used his wife Eline Eriksen as the
model. The Little Mermaid
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1915
-
Danish women right to vote
Danish women were granted the right to vote on June
5 - 1915. Female enfranchisement was part and parcel
of a major overhaul of the Danish Constitution from
1849. To mark the occasion - more than 12,000
women marched in procession to the square in front of the
Amalienborg Palace - and handed a declaration
to King Christian XI - where the word “thank”
was not used - to emphasise that parliamentary enfranchisement
was a civil right for everyone in Denmark - and not a charitable
act necessitating gratitude. |
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1925
- Novo Nordisk
To brothers and engineers Harald Pedersen
and Thorvald Pedersen started the production
of insulin and named their new company Novo Terapeutisk Laboratorium
(Novo) - which was based in central Copenhagen.
At that time two firms in Denmark were competing to be the
world's leading manufacturers of insulin - namely Nordisk
Insulinlaboratorium (Nordisk) founded in
Copenhagen 1923 and Novo. In 1989
Novo and Nordisk decided to join forces having competed with
each other for more than 60 years and called
the new company Novo Nordisk A/S. In 1999
Novo Nordisk demerged into Healthcare and Enzymes and in 2000
Novo Nordisk and Novozymes began
operating as two separate companies. Today Novo Nordisk is
a world leader in diabetes care and markets its products in
180 countries, with its headquarters in Copenhagen
and 23,600 employees working in 80
countries. The Novo Group pumps billions
of their export revenue into the Danish economy
every year and contributes to keep the country as one of the
worlds leading welfare states by financing a part of the social
security systems, health services
and educational programmes. |
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1925
- Kastrup Airport
Kastrup Airport outside of Copenhagen was inaugurated 1925
as one of first private airports in the world with a grass
runway. In 1932 there were over 6,000
take-offs and landings. Today Copenhagen Airport serves about
55,000 passengers per day and more than
22 million passengers passed through the present
airport facilities with almost 260,000 take-off
and landing operations every year. Copenhagen Airport Kastrup
is the largest airport is Scandinavia and functions as the
main hub for many European and Nordic airlines.
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1925 - Tango Jalousie - Jacob
Gade
Tango Jalousie was composed in Copenhagen
by the Danish composer Jacob Gade
(1879-1963) and performed for the first
time at the Palads Cinema
in Copenhagen on 14th September
1925 - as an accompaniment to a silent
film.
Tango Jalousie is one of the best known
music pieces in the world - and has the
firm record to be played every minute
of the day somewhere on this planet.
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Jacob
Gade composed
in 1925 Tango Jalousie in Copenhagen. |
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Mille
Gade -
swam over the English Channel - as
the first Danish woman in 1926. |
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1926
- Mille Gade
As a curiosity – Jacob Gade’s
sister - Mille Gade was
the first Danish woman - who swam over the
English Channel in 1926
(France to England) in 15-3/4 hours.
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Tango
Jalousie - is played every minute somewhere
around the world |
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original manuscript of Tango Jalousie by Jacob
Gade is the property of the Royal Library
and safely kept here. |
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1928
- Christiansborg Palace and the Danish Parliament
The third Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen was inaugurated
in 1928 - with a lot of festivities and with
the presence of the Royal Family as well as member of the
Legislature Assemble. The Palace is built in Neo-Baroque style
with the highest tower in the city - which exceeded 106
meters. The present Christiansborg Palace is separated
into two main wings. The one half of the Palace houses the
Danish Parliament and offices - and the other
half is
reserved as residential premises for the
Royal Family. Christiansborg
Palace |
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1930
- First indoor public swimming pool and bath
Øbro-Hallen in Copenhagen - also best known
as Østerbro Svømmehal - “Østerbro
indoor public swimming pool and bath” is the first built
public indoor swimming pool in Denmark -
inaugurated in 1930 - by King Christian
X and Prime Minister Thorvald Stauning.
The Østerbro Swimming Pool was renovated and modernised
in 2002. |
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1933
- Formation of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
In
1933 Danish Technical College is formed after
it’s foundation in 1829, as the College
of Advanced Technology (See year 1829). In 1994
the technical university changed its name to the Technical
University of Denmark (DTU). Today DTU
is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks
with the best universities in the world that provides education
- research and innovation at a high
international level. DTU offers a broad line of MSc
and BSc Programs in all categories
such as Doctoral degrees - Master’s degree - Bachelor’s
degrees - Professional degrees etc. From 1962
to 1974 - DTU moved to its current premises
in Lundtofte near Lyngby - north of Copenhagen - with a leading
research environment and other high-technological profile
areas. |
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1940
- Grundtvig's Church
(Grundtvigskirken) was commended in 1921
and completed in 1940. It is known
as the largest public Evangelical
Lutheran church in Scandinavia.
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The
impressive Grundtvig's Church - with
its enormous tower that is around
50 metre high and one of the largest
architectural work of modern time's
in Scandinavia. |
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The
church has cathedral proportions with
an inside length of 76 metre - and
is a real architectural pearl for
visitors with a heavenly nave - simple
interior - and plain altar pies. |
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A
National Monument on Bispebjerg
Hill
The architectural concept is a divided
combination between a cathedral and
old Danish country churches.
Three generations of architects from
the same family have been involved
in building and furnishing Grundtvigskirken.
The main architect P. V. Jensen
Klint - who died in 1930
- was succeeded by his son Kaare
Klint and later his grandson Esben
Klint.
The church is a national monument
over the hymn-writer N. F. S. Grundtvig
(1783-1872) - who also was a Danish
pioneer of folk high schools - philosopher
and social reformer.
It took almost 20 years to
finish this huge building project
at Bispebjerg in the northern part
of the city - which is worth a visit.
It will only take 20
min. by bus no. 6A - 66
or 69 from the Town Hall
Square to Grundtvig's Church at Bispebjerg.
N.F.S.
Grundtvig
Grundtvigs Church
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During the
Nazi Occupation
of Denmark from
1940 to 1945 -
the country was
set on standby
for five long
destructive years
Many young and brave British and American soldiers
lost
their precious lives
to liberate Europe
and Denmark
Thanks to the Greatest Generation ever!
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Denmark
occupied by Nazi troops 1940 |
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The
hideous Nazi occupation of Denmark began on 9 April 1940 -
and lasted until Nazi forces withdrew at the end of World
War II - following their pathetic surrender to the Allies
on 7 May 1945. The Nazi troops left Denmark disgraceful on
foot after liberation day. |
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Denmark
liberated by English troops 1945 |
On
Denmark’s liberation day 5 May 1945 - all along the
roads - everywhere in Denmark - the Danes were cheering -
waving - smiling and saluting the English troops that liberated
the country - and the first glorious weeks of liberation were
celebrated with patriotic loyalty and exuberance. |
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1940-1945
- Denmark Occupied
World
War II - Copenhagen was occupied by Nazi troops
along with the rest of the country from 9 April
- 1940 until 4 May 1945. The development
of Copenhagen was set on standby for five long destructive
years.
Frihedsmuseet
(The Museum of Danish Resistance)
Ryvang Memorial Park
(Established in 1945 - after the Nazi occupation) |
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The
Danish Resistance - and the brave
British and American soldiers |
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In
great honour and remembrance to the courageous
Danish Resistance - plus
the many young and brave British
and American soldiers - who gave
their precious lives to liberate Denmark
- and the rest of Europe
from its Nazi occupiers - as well as those
heroic women and men who fought courageously
and survived - and then left Europe
again - when peace
finally was established around the European
Continent. The editor has selected a video
with Vera Lynn performing - "We'll
Meet Again" - as a never ending
Thanks to the Greatest
Generation ever - including my
beloved Mum and Dad.
In deep respect and great admiration!
George B. Moller
Editor-in-chief & founder
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1946
- Scandinavian Airlines System - SAS
Scandinavian Airlines System - SAS
is founded in 1946 between three Scandinavian
countries - Sweden - Norway
and Denmark by merging their national carriers
into one multi-national Scandinavian Carrier to handle intercontinental
traffic to Scandinavia. AB Aerotransport (Sweden) - Det
Norske Luftfartselskap AS (Norway) and Det Danske Luftfartselskab
A/S (Denmark). |
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1950-1956
- First "Skyscrapers"
Copenhagen’s and Denmark’s first skyscrapers
were built at “Bellahøj” ranging
between 14-16 floors. The highest residential
building in Copenhagen is “Domus Vista”
with its 30 floors and 102 metres. |
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1950
- The first "skyscrapers" in Denmark was built at
"Bellahøj" North West of Copenhagen in 1956.
The total building complex consists of 1,300 flats. |
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1956
- The first Danish Freeway “Hørsholmvejen”
was inaugurated in 1956 and went up through the northern Copenhagen
area. |
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The increasing
welfare and
economic prosperity
began the
development of a
health insurance policy and
better housing
facilities
in the 1950's
for the improved
living conditions
of working-class
families
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1956
- First Danish Freeway
The
first Danish Freeway “Hørsholmvejen”
opened in the Greater Copenhagen Area from “Jærgersborg”
to “Brådebæk” north of Copenhagen.
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1957
- The Museum of Danish Resistance 1940-1945
- Inaugurated
The museum tells the story of Danish resistance during
Nazi occupation 1940-1945. Free
Entrance!
The
Resistance Museum |
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1962
- The worlds largest Pedestrian Street
The worlds largest Pedestrian Shopping Street called “Strøget”
in central Copenhagen is inaugurated in 1962. |
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1967
- Copenhagen - 800 years
Copenhagen celebrated its 800 year jubilee with
the world’s longest coffee table that exceeded almost
1,300 meter and reached from
to the Town Hall Square. Over 80,000
cups of coffee with tons of Danish pastry
was served that day. “Kongens
Nytorv” |
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1972
- The last Tramcar in Copenhagen
The
last Tramcar no. 5 to run in Copenhagen in
1972. The tramway services were taken over
by busses. The 100 tramcars called “Düsseldorf”
were sold to the city of Alexandria in Egypt
- where all the tramcars still are in activ service.
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Copenhagen
is full of
life and joy
that offers
exciting events
festivals and shows
plus many
cultural arrangements
and sports activities
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1979
- Since its first edition in 1979 the Copenhagen Jazz festival
has grown to be one of Scandinavia's most attractive venues
for international Jazz bands and musicians. The jazz house
“La Fontaine” is one of the venues where jam sessions
continue over several days. |
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1982
- Ever since 1982 - Copenhagen and other cities in Denmark
has been gifted with a Carnival that features thousands of
colourful dancers from all parts of the world. The city Carnivals
is a very popular show during the Whitsun Holidays and over
150,000 spectators follow these vibrant events. |
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1979
- Copenhagen Jazz Festival
The first Jazz Festival in Copenhagen was arranged in 1979
and was a great success even though only a handful of Jazz
bands performed at this new Copenhagen event. Since 1979 the
event has grown to be one of Scandinavia's most attractive
playgrounds for all type of international Jazz musicians
and bands. Today - tourists from all over
the world and Copenhageners can witness and enjoy more than
800-1000 free concerts and
event around the city that starts every first Friday in July.
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2000
- The Oresund Bridge
Official inauguration of the combined tunnel and bridge to
Sweden called The Oresund Bridge (Øresundsbroen)
with presence of the Danish Queen Margrethe II
- and her Swedish counterpart King Carl XVI Gustaf.
The total length of the connection across the Oresund strait
is almost 15,5 km. |
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2000
- The great Oresund Bridge (Øresundsbroen). The combined
tunnel and bridge to Sweden was inaugurated in 2000. |
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2004
- The National Opera House called "Operaen" is situated
at the waterfront on the island of Holmen and inaugurated
in 2004. |
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Denmark and
Copenhagen was connected with
Sweden and
Scandinavia in 2000
And Scandinavia
was linked to
the rest of
the European
Continent for
the first time
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2002
- The Metro
The first Metro line in and around Copenhagen opened in 2002
- and the speedy rail networks system is best known as The
Metro. The metro system will expand with new lines
and the entire network is scheduled to finish in 2017. |
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2004
- The Opera
The New Opera House called - Operaen - at
Copenhagen’s waterfront was inaugurated in 2004. The
Opera House was donated to the Danish state by the A.P. Møller
and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation in August
2000. The New Opera House |
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2008
- Copenhagen no. 1 in the world
Copenhagen is ranked as the best city in the world that offers
its residents - THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE -
by the British Magazine Monocle and furthermore
the Monocle announces that Copenhagen is also the BEST
DESIGN CITY in the world amongst the world’s
top 25 cities for quality life. The editor
of Copenhagen - Portal assures that every Copenhagener is
surprisingly proud of the title and status their city has
obtained by a prominent overseas Magazine. |
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Copenhagen has
turned into
Scandinavia’s
largest Capital
and a modern
vibrant city
with plentiful
of various
Arts & Entertainment
plus an effective
public transport
system.
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The
first Metro line in and around Copenhagen opened in 2002 and
offers a network of lines through the city and its vicinity.
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Copenhagen’s
new Playhouse is beautifully situated by the waterfront and
inaugurated in 2008. It is an architectural pearl and a new
landmark. |
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2008
- The Royal Danish Playhouse
Copenhagen’s new Playhouse is beautifully situated
by the waterfront and inaugurated in 2008. The
building is considered as the new national stage
for the dramatic arts in Denmark. The
Royal Danish Playhouse
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2010
- Copenhagen awarded as Most Liveable City
The British Magazine Monocle awarded
the Danish capital to be the second best
in the world as the "Most Liveable City".
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2011
- New National Monument of remembrance
A new national monument of remembrance for the many brave
Danish soldiers - who lost their young and precious
lives in international peace keeping missions
abroad was inaugurated on September 5th - 2011.
The
Citadel |
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During
the 20th century until today - Copenhagen
has grown into a thriving modern city
and is the Capital of Denmark
with more than 1,8 million
inhabitants living in and around the
greater Copenhagen area. |
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The
Copenhageners just love their easy-going
lifestyle and high taxes that pays
for their well-being. |
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Being the largest city in Scandinavia
- Copenhagen is considered as a centre
of culture and arts
with plenty of sightseeing
and entertainment
activities to offer visitors - together
with multitude of shopping
facilities and the longest pedestrian
street system in the world.
But
Copenhagen has also become an international
city - with a rich commercial
and educational
environment - since Bishop Absalon
planned to build his citadel to protect
the city in the year 1160.
Copenhagen-Onsite
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Great
Danes and Copenhageners |
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