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Beautiful old photos capture Denmark back in 1934

Ian Smith

Denmark’s history has particularly been influenced by its geographical location between the North and Baltic seas, a strategically and economically important placement between Sweden and Germany, at the center of mutual struggles for control of the Baltic Sea (dominium maris baltici). Denmark was long in disputes with Sweden over control of Skånelandene and with Germany over control of Schleswig (a Danish fief) and Holstein (a German fief).

 

These beautiful photos were taken sometime in 1934, by the prolific Swedish photographer Berit Wallenberg.  Photos belong to Swedish National Heritage Board.

A cyclist in Ny Kongensgade (_New King Street_) in Copenhagen. The house in the middle is in 5, Ny Kongensgade
A cyclist in Ny Kongensgade (_New King Street_) in Copenhagen. The house in the middle is in 5, Ny Kongensgade

 

A street in Hellebaek at Sjaelland (Zealand), by Øresund channel
A street in Hellebaek at Sjaelland (Zealand), by Øresund channel

 

Boat in Korsoer harbour
Boat in Korsoer harbour

 

Buildings at Torvet (_The Square_) in Maribo on the island of Lolland
Buildings at Torvet (_The Square_) in Maribo on the island of Lolland

 

Cars, a house and the tower of St. Bendt's church (inaugurated in 1170, then a monastery church) in Ringsted
Cars, a house and the tower of St. Bendt’s church (inaugurated in 1170, then a monastery church) in Ringsted

 

Children in Præstegade street (Priest street) in Kalundborg. In the background to the left is a medieval house with stepped gable roof
Children in Præstegade street (Priest street) in Kalundborg. In the background to the left is a medieval house with stepped gable roof

 

Half-timbered house in Helsingoer
Half-timbered house in Helsingoer

 

Hesselagergaard Renaissance manor on the island of Funen
Hesselagergaard Renaissance manor on the island of Funen

 

Kronborg Castle in Helsingoer, known to be the castle where Shakespeare's play _Hamlet_ is enacted. The Renaissance castle was built in 1574–1585
Kronborg Castle in Helsingoer, known to be the castle where Shakespeare’s play _Hamlet_ is enacted. The Renaissance castle was built in 1574–1585

 

Market in Nakskov on the island of Lolland
Market in Nakskov on the island of Lolland

Eventually, Denmark lost these conflicts and ended up ceding first Skåneland to Sweden and later Schleswig-Holstein to the German Empire. After the eventual cession of Norway in 1814, Denmark retained control of the old Norwegian colonies of the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland. During the 20th century, Iceland gained independence, Greenland and the Faroese became integral parts of the Kingdom of Denmark and North Schleswig reunited with Denmark in 1920 after a referendum. During World War II, Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany, but was eventually liberated by British forces of the Allies in 1945, after which it joined the United Nations. In the aftermaths of World War II, and with the emergence of the subsequent Cold War, Denmark was quick to join the military alliance of NATO as a founding member in 1949.

People, cars and the Town Hall from 1726, in Viborg
People, cars and the Town Hall from 1726, in Viborg

 

Sølvgade Barracks in Copenhagen, built in 1765-1771, designed by Nicolas-Henri Jardin. A military barrracks at Sølvgade 40, that in 1926 became headquarters for DSB, the Danish State Railways
Sølvgade Barracks in Copenhagen, built in 1765-1771, designed by Nicolas-Henri Jardin. A military barrracks at Sølvgade 40, that in 1926 became headquarters for DSB, the Danish State Railways

 

Stone Age dolmen by a road in Bregninge on the island of Lolland
Stone Age dolmen by a road in Bregninge on the island of Lolland

 

The building _Vartov_ in Copenhagen, at the corner of Farvergade and Vester Voldgade streets. The building, which is from the 18th century, was a hospital until 1934
The building _Vartov_ in Copenhagen, at the corner of Farvergade and Vester Voldgade streets. The building, which is from the 18th century, was a hospital until 1934

 

The Odd Fellow Palae _ Palace at 28, Bredgade street in Copenhagen, built in 1751-1755 as a private home for a noble family
The Odd Fellow Palae _ Palace at 28, Bredgade street in Copenhagen, built in 1751-1755 as a private home for a noble family

 

The priory church in Viborg, built for the Dominican priory in the 13th century
The priory church in Viborg, built for the Dominican priory in the 13th century

 

To the left at Torvet (_The Square_) in Soroe is the building _Regensen_ from the 17th century. The building was used as a boarding house for students at Sorø Academy
To the left at Torvet (_The Square_) in Soroe is the building _Regensen_ from the 17th century. The building was used as a boarding house for students at Sorø Academy

 

View of Copenhagen harbour from the tower of the Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke)
View of Copenhagen harbour from the tower of the Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke)

 

Vor Frue Kirke (Our Lady's Church) in Kalundborg, built in the 12th century
Vor Frue Kirke (Our Lady’s Church) in Kalundborg, built in the 12th century

 

Ian Smith

Ian Smith is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News