 | McLae´s guide to Denmark |  |
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Denmark Internet country code: .dk International telephone prefix: +45  Hans Christian Andersen Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. Denmark consists of the peninsula of Jutland (Jylland) and 405 named islands. Of these, 76 are inhabited, with the largest being Zealand (Sjælland) and Funen (Fyn). The island of Bornholm is located somewhat east of the rest of the country, in the Baltic Sea. Many of the larger islands are connected by bridges; the Øresund Bridge connects Zealand with Sweden, the Great Belt Bridge connects Funen with Zealand, and the Little Belt Bridge connects Jutland with Funen. Ferries connect one to the smaller islands. Main cities are the capital Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg and Odense. The country is mostly flat with little elevation. Denmark is home to the 'lowest-highest' point in Europe; but what that exactly entails is somewhat uncertain. Ejer Baunehøj, in the Lake District region south-west of Aarhus (Århus), seems to be the highest natural point (171m with a large tower built on top to commemorate the fact), although Yding Skovhøj, some 3km away stands 2m higher owing to an ancient burial mound. Either way, the 254m tops of the towers of the Great Belt Bridge are technically the highest point(s) in Denmark! The climate is in the temperate zone. The winters are not particularly cold with mean temperatures of around 0.5° C and the summers are cool with mean temperature of around 16° C. There is a lot of wind, which is strongest during the winter are weakest during the summer. Denmark has an average of 170 rainy days. The greatest rainfall comes in September, October and November. Due to Denmark's location in the northern part of the world, the length of the day with sunlight varies a great deal. There are short days during the winter with sunrise coming around 8 A.M. and sunset 3:30 P.M., as well as long summer days with sunrise at 3:30 A.M. and sunset at 10 P.M. The shortest and longest days of the year are celebrated. The celebration for the shortest day is Christmas. Originally, this day was only about the shortest day, but was later combined with Christianity. The celebration for the longest day is Midsummer Day, which is known as Sankthansaften in Denmark. |
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