Victories and defeats shaped the Denmark we know today. Both as a great power and a small state, we have gone to war. So is war normal?

In the exhibition 'Denmark at war', you will get up close to the 21 most important wars Denmark has participated in since the 16th century. Some of these battles have drawn the Danish borders and still define our self-image today.

Highlights

1.

A Dane for a Dime

In the 18th century, Danish sailors were sold as slaves in Algeria. They had been captured by Algerian pirates. Denmark had not paid enough protection money to the ruler of Algeria to keep the pirates at bay. This led to a war. Gifts were exchanged to improve relations – see the Algerian saddle that the Danish king Frederick VI received.

New Century, New Technology

General Rye's bloody glove from the First Schleswig War

2.

Everything Was Upside Down in Just 6 Minutes

On April 9, 1940, Denmark woke up to the sound of German boots marching in the streets and planes in the sky. Denmark had been occupied by Nazi Germany. See the the 37 mm infantry gun from the skirmishes in Haderslev in the exhibition. It neutralized three German armored vehicles before it was overrun. The entire battle lasted only 6 minutes.

3.

Terrible Tyrant or Mighty Majesty?

Blood flows in the streets of Stockholm. Swedish nobles are being cut down one by one. In the midst of the carnage stands Christian II, who in his thirst for revenge has lured them into a trap. For they have refused to elect Christian as king of Sweden. But the massacre in 1520 ends disastrously for him. See his rare armor in the exhibition.

1 / 3
Lose an Arm or Lose Your Life?
During the war in 1864, many soldiers lost arms and legs. Amputation was often the only treatment for wounds - unfortunately it was also a uncertain and painful operation.

2 / 3
No Leg, Lots of Worries
War invalids had a hard time in 19th century Denmark. The state didn't provide much help, so many earned money by playing the barrel organ.

3 / 3
An Amputated Nation and Self-Esteem
Parts of Denmark were cut off. But also our self-understanding was damaged and we had to redefine ourselves as a nation once again.

4.

From Enemy to Ally

Once, Sweden was not a holiday destination for the Danes like it is today, but rather a place where they went to war. Borders have been moved, expanded and shrunk to the Denmark we know today. In 1659, Denmark was close to being annihilated when the Swedes stormed Copenhagen. See more items from the Dano-Swedish wars – including the 2 kilo heavy executioner's sword used by a Swedish soldier.