Egeskov Castle

On our visit today, we got to tour the privately owned and maintained Egeskov Castle. While much of the land shared similar features and characteristics with the other greenspace we have seen, this was one of the few instances that an example of Danish greenspace was a large, privately owned area of land. This is primarily because Denmark, an extremely egalitarian country, is not known for elitist culture. However, I do believe this castle has a place and purpose within Denmark. Though I respect Denmark’s egalitarian culture, and believe that it plays a large role in how and why public greenspace is used and maintained so effectively, I think that private ownership is a just, if not more, effective way to ensure that land is being maintained. 

Additionally, I think that many of the castle's features and purposes fit in with many other models of greenspace we have seen. For example, its gardens resemble both the private suburban gardens such as the round hedges, as well as public parks such as the fortification parks. Though the castle is privately owned, it is open to the public for a fee. While this fee may deter some, It is clear when touring the grounds how much work and money it must take to maintain the land. Unlike public parks, privately owned land does not receive any help with this maintenance from the government. Therefore, I do not believe the fee indicates extortion of a green space for private benefit, but rather a means of maintaining private land the only way that it can be maintained.

Another important factor to consider is the castle's history. Though it may not be entirely fitting or appropriate within Denmark nowadays to designate large areas of land to private owners, the Castle has a large history and has been passed down through generations. I believe that this history grants it a large degree of legitimacy, even in an egalitarian country. Therefore, as a whole, I think that Egeskov Castle, though privately owned, has an appropriate purpose and place within the Danish greenspace culture.

Front view of the castle

Hedges on a lawn outside the castle

Water lilies in a fountain in one of the castle's gardens

Hedges surrounding a garden

Flowers within a garden

View from a small bridge on the outskirt of the castle

Danish Forests

It is an undeniable fact that a large amount of valuable land close to Copenhagen has been given over to forest. When trying to understand the reasoning behind this decision, I believe it is important to consider two things: Denmark’s appreciation of history, and Denmark’s appreciation for nature and the outdoors.

On most of our visits I have seen an appreciation for Danish history. The Hirshsprung collection is an obvious example—with an entire gallery dedicated to honoring and displaying historical works of art that depict the beauty of the Danish landscape. Even sites such as Lejre and the fortification parks display how Copenhagen is dedicated to restoring and protecting greenspace that holds an important place in Danish history. Forests can also be considered important historical landmarks. For example, forests have been used for centuries as hunting grounds for kings and royals. Therefore, giving valuable land over to forest is not just consistent with Denmark’s outlook on historical landmarks, but also explains why this land would be preserved, rather than converted into agricultural land or commercial space.

On the many trips and visits we have made to various greenspaces around Copenhagen, I have witnessed countless examples of how the importance of nature is instilled from a very young age. On our tour around Lejre, our group even saw a group of young children on a similar tour, using the outdoor museum as their classroom. Additionally, touring the parks, you see a high level of care and maintenance for nature as well. Almost all of the greenspace provided in is being used. All of the parks are filled with families, children and adults, and every garden is well maintained and cared for. There are even waitlists that extend for years, just so people can have the chance to own their own plot of green land. All of this signifies that greenspace is entrenched in Danish culture. Therefore, it only makes sense that valuable land has been given up to forests. I do not believe that the Danes, or the Danish government view this land as wasted. On the contrary, I think that protected green areas and forests only further contribute to the happiness and enrichment of the lives of the citizens of Denmark.

Store Hareskov Forest Area

Path Through Store Hareskov 

 

 

Store Hareskov: Next to a lake used for boating on the outskirts of the forest

North Zealand

Yesterday’s visit was to Kongernes Nordsjylland, referred to in English as North Zealand. Over the past couple of years, there has been a consistent and inconclusive dialogue about converting this area into a national park. However, there has been resistance to this idea, particularly by the landowners and farmers of the area. Despite this struggle, North Zealand can in many ways be viewed as an example of a Danish National park, for both its typical Danish landscape and the efforts of the community and government to support its conservation.

When touring the area, I noticed two prominent differences between Denmark’s national parks and the national parks of the United States. The first is that the importance of regulation is stressed much less in Danish National parks. In these areas, people can hike, bike and enjoy other outdoor activities. This is not to say that protecting the environment is not prioritized, but that Danish culture and the views of the agencies protecting these natural areas do not stress restriction of recreational activities for the public,  but rather view volunteer work and public appreciation of natural areas as the basis for conservation.  This might be because in large part, many of Denmark’s national parks were not established until relatively recently, making their claim on an area significantly less strong. The second difference I noticed was that is in terms of the landscape, the national parks of Denmark are beautiful but not particularly drastic or striking. As I quickly learned, Denmark has few mountains or high points of elevation. Additionally, a good portion of the land is flat, which makes sense when considering that almost 60% of the land is devoted to agriculture. While there are few downsides to having land which can promote crop growth, this also means that Denmark’s flat landscape looks almost nothing like many of the national parks seen in the United States. If you compare North Zealand to Yosemite or Yellowstone for example, difference is obvious. While North Zealand is beautiful and natural, its landscape full of greenery and wildlife, it is lacking in what some may see as the wow factor. There are no high mountains, volcanoes or jagged cliffs. There is simply nature, in its purest form.

An area on the grounds provided for campers and visitors of the park

View from the edge of a river over looking the park

The dock located close to a camp site

A clump of forest in the park

The Danish Golden Age of Painting

            Taking a break from all of the outdoor excursions, yesterday’s fieltrip was to the Hirschsprung collection, a museum located in Østre Anlæg—one of the parks we had already visited. On this visit, we specifically explored art created during the Danish golden age of painting.  The Danish golden age of painting is characterized by landscapes. In many of the paintings of this time, artists were interested in capturing Denmark’s many natural settings.

            This age of painting displays how important a role landscape plays in Danish culture. In their paintings, the artists show how Danish landscape has many common themes. What was interesting was that despite the different artistic styles, so many of the paintings of this time showed many of the same lanscapes—rolling grassy hills, Danish burial mounds, shore lines and beaches. Ultimately, these artists effectively show the importance of Denmark’s natural environment on both national identity and individual creativity.

            Of all the artists we studied my favorite was Peder Severin Krøyer. Though, like many of the other painters of his time, he focused on Denmark’s landscape, specifically the shore line, his paintings seemed to have so much emotion. While other paintings focused solely on area and setting, Krøyer uses the setting as a backdrop for human interaction.  For example, His painting, Summer evening on Skagen's Beach was both breathtaking and illuminating. In this painting, the artist and his wife stand side by side on a beach, while staring off into the distance. The mood is melancholy and blue.

Summer evening on Skagen's Beach

            One of the more interesting parts of this visit was seeing how despite the fact that many people view art as based purely on creative self expression, there are common cultural factors which influence the style and themes of art in a certain time period. While all of the art was beautiful in its own way, seeing how each artist focused so heavily on the theme of landscape reinforced the power that nature and culture plays in artisitic creation.

Other examples of art from the Danish golden age of painting:

Christen Købke, View of Lake Sortedam,

P. S Kroyer, Summer Day At The South Beach Of Skagen

J.Th. Lundbye, Autumn landscape

Private Greenspace

When I reflect back on the many places we have visited, some public and some private, I seem to group green spaces into two categories—public parks and private gardens. This cannot be applied to every site we have seen. Generally, public greenspace is so varied that it is hard to assign it a specific identity. For example, public parks do indeed contain many sectioned off garden areas, while other public greenspaces are not parks at all, but rather museums or historical landmarks. However, generally I have found the private greenspace to be much less variable, mostly consisting of private gardens.

One of the most interesting features of Copenhagen’s private greenspace, more specifically private gardens, is the extent to which they vary—from the produce they grow, to their shapes, sizes and content. The other day, we visited Frederiksberg Kolonihave. The best way to describe this landmark is to say that it is a conglomeration of small, private gardens in the center of the city. This site takes the word “private” to another level. Tall hedges separate every garden, and stepping into each plot is like effectively cutting yourself off from the rest of the world. It was clear from just the few moments we spent inside the garden walls, that it was an experience to be treasured, a truly private, lush experience.

         Today, we visited De Runde Haver. Like Frederiksberg Kolonihave, this site was composed of various gardens. However, there were so many features that set these two landmarks apart. Firstly, De Runde Haver is set in a suburban area of Copenhagen. Both the entrance and outside streets surrounding the garden are non-commercial private areas. Therefore, while the hedges are not nearly as high as De Runde Haver, there is a natural level of privacy provided. Additionally, one of the most striking features of this garden was its design. Each hedge surrounding individual plots of land was perfectly circular. From a bird’s eye view, the garden appears to be a large rectangle, filled with small, colorful circles.

         Despite their differences, De Runde Haver and Frederiksberg Kolonihave represent an elite, privileged sector of private greenspace. These spaces are used for much more than simply growing produce, but can also be viewed as relaxing, peaceful, private settings. It is important to note that in many other parts of Copenhagen, seen even in a plot just down the street from De Runde Haver, private greenspace simply exists as small plots of land with no lush houses, greenhouses, or even garden sheds to keep supplies in. In so many of these private areas, plots are used not for growing aesthetic flowers, but for growing produce. For this reason, it is nearly impossible to assign a single identity to private or public greenspace. These examples are just some of the many sites that demonstrate how and why Copenhagen’s greenspace is both varied and unique.

Hedge at the entrance of a garden in De Runde Haver

Small private garden down the street from De Runde Haver-- the gardens are not as "elite",  and are primarily used to grow produce.

Side view of De Runde Haver Hedges

Ruse growing on the outside of a private garden shed in De Runde Haver

Tickon

Tikon is unlike anything I had expected. It neither resembles any museum I have ever been to, or any of the greenspace I have spent the last week touring. Rather, it is a unique convergence of art and nature.

             I don’t think my experience at Tickon would have been the same if I hadn’t visited the site with its creator. From the very beginning of the tour, he emphasized a unique characteristic of the art within the park—that it is created solely with the natural materials available within the immediate area. No matter who the artist, no art is allowed to be brought inside the park unless it was constructed there.

As we walked through the area, he was able to stop and point out different art installations—most I wouldn’t have either noticed or understood. These installations ranged from engraved rocks, which stated facts about the nature within the area, to wooden and rock sculptures. Coincidentally, My favorite piece was his own. His sculpture was set in a large expanse between a large red oak and another set of trees. He constructed a hollow, cone-like structure overflowing with rocks. The most surprising yet significant part of his installation was that depending on the angle, his piece completely changed. This characteristic was a consistent feature of many of the other installations in the park. Depending on the distance, and perspective I chose, the sunlight altered the structures entire look. From the base looking in, the sculpture was an intimidating conglomeration of sphere-like lights created by the wooden poles from which it was constructed. However, from a distance, the installation resembled a singular solid object, unaffected by the rays of the sun.

The Creator's Own Installation From a Side View

The Creator's Installation From a Distance

Tickon is one of the few examples of Danish greenspace I have seen that is almost impossible to be replicated—for it is comprised of installations directly linked to a certain area. However, its unique character underscores one of the most important characteristics of greenspace—that it is something that should be protected, respected, and valued.

"Organic Highway" Installation

An Installation Which Resembles the Horn of a Unicorn

Contemporary vs Modern Greenspace

In Copenhagen, greenspace does not merely come in one form. Rather, every park, garden and green area is different. However, historical and contemporary greenspace are two labels that can provide a means of categorizing these types of green urban areas.

Two examples of greenspace that most effectively demonstrate these two categories are Superkilen and Østre Anlæg. Superkilen may not seem to be a typical example of greenspace. However, it offers many features of a modern park. It contains a playground for children, swing sets, bike lanes and pedestrian paths. Walking through the park, you cant help but looks down as the ground changes from blue, to red, to black. Everything about this area feels modern and intentional. It is a space where it is easy to actively enjoy outdoor activities—whether those include a bike ride, a pick-up game of basketball, or a ride on the swings.Østre Anlæg on the other hand is a beautiful, green expanse of land that captures everything that may come to mind when thinking of greenspace. It contains small rose gardens, calm lakes, and large, looming trees.

Swing Set in Superkilen

Superkilen Sidewalk

Superkilen Bike Path

One of the most striking differences between these two areas lies in pure  aesthetics. While Østre Anlæg is green, and all natural, Superkilen seems to be a more fitting for an urban area, colorful and modern. Additionally, walking through Østre Anlæg is both relaxing and calming—it truly feels like an effective escape from a bustling city. On the other hand, Superkilen is anything but calming. Its bright colors, and range of offered activities make an individual feel alive and active. However, while different in many ways, these urban spaces also have many similarities. In both parks people were seen with friends and family, conversing and enjoying the beautiful weather. Conversly, many individuals also chose to remain alone, reading a book or riding the bike through the open areas.

Østre Anlæg Lake

Østre Anlæg Rose Garden

While different, both of these examples of urban greenspace expose the benefits of incorporating greenspace into modern cities. Additionally, these parks exist as a perfect example of how greenspace need not be categorized as one kind of area, fitting for only certain cities or spaces. Rather, whether a city is colorful and bustling, or calming and laid back, greenspace can exist and flourish in all forms.

The Fortification Parks

In general, urban greenspace provides a means through which individuals living in an urban, bustling setting can experience the benefits of nature. Usually, urban greenspace comes in the form of parks and gardens. In these spaces, individuals can relax, engage in physical activities, read, and gather with friends. One of the more obvious and well known examples of urban greenspace is Central Park in New York City. As a native New Yorker, I can confidently conclude that Central Park is viewed as one of the most peaceful, relaxing and beautiful landmarks in the city—no doubt related to the park’s ability to offer each New Yorker a green oasis in which every individual can see and experience many of nature’s benefits.

For the most part, greenspace in Copenhagen offers many of the same benefits as greenspace in other urban settings. When you go to these parks and gardens, you find that people engage in many of the same activities you would expect—running, picnicking, talking with friends, soaking in the sun. However, while greenspace within Copenhagen may serve a similar function to other urban greenspace, the difference lies in the availability of these spaces.  In Copenhagen, there is not merely one main park or green area. Rather, greenspace is so prevalent that it is able to make Copenhagen more than a bustling and concrete urban metropolis, but instead a functioning model of a green, peaceful city.

         In one day, within a span of less than 4 hours, I was able to visit 5 examples of Danish Urban greenspace. These examples included: Ameliehaven, Kastallet, Østre Anlæg, Botanisk Have, and and Ørstedsparken. Using Botanisk Have and Østre Anlæg as examples, it can be seen that the diversity and prevalence of urban green areas within the city allow for a multitude of different experiences. While both of these green spaces are beautiful, they are entirely different. Østre Anlæg is a park which at first glance doesn't seem to belong in a city. Within it lies sprawling lakes, small gardens, and large, looming willows which seem hardly man-made or planned. When walking through this area, the city is effectively forgotten. The beauty of Botanisk Have on the other hand lies in its strict man-made layout. It is a space in which almost every plant is labeled, and every part of nature is placed within the garden purposefully. As you walk down the stone steps, leading from greenhouse to greenhouse, there is an inescapable feeling that you are indubitable gaining a knowledge and appreciation for each individual part of nature.

Ornamental Onion flowers within a small garden in Østre Anlæg

A lake within Østre Anlæg

View from inside Botanisk Have

A set of flowers displayed in the greenhouse

When exploring urban greenspace within Copenhagen, it is clear that there is no one clear function. Instead, the city's abundance of natural settings and greenery allow for each individual to experience nature in diverse ways. While some parks offer a glimpse of preserved history, or perhaps a place to run in the mornings and reflect in the afternoons, other parks offer an escape from the urban setting-- becoming a green oasis capable of both providing a peaceful and educational experience. 

Lejre

Lejre is unlike any other place I have ever been. It is essentially an outdoor museum—an expanse of land in which every hill, fort, animal and structure tell a story of a time in history. Lejre’s story is one that touches on several time periods of Denmark's past, starting from the Stone Age and continuing through the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Viking era.

These eras differed significantly in societal structure, architecture, hunting methods, and man-made tools. This change, however, was not brought about instantaneously or unprompted, but was rather a result of a gradual shift in the environment—with natural phenomena governing man’s chosen lifestyle. The environmental factor which had the most prominent effect on both the topography of Denmark, and subsequently the structure of different societies, is the formation and distribution of ice. While Denmark does not have any mountains—its highest point of elevation being only around 172 ft—the various hills, valleys and lakes tell a story about the gradual succession of ice over the land. The last ice age ended around 15,000 years ago. During these ice ages around 90% of Denmark was covered in ice. As this ice began to melt, the landscape began to change. Around the masses of ice that had not melted, rock began to accumulate. Slowly, these accumulations formed hills and valleys. In the areas where the ice took longer to melt, lakes and bodies of water were formed. In addition to changing Denmark's topography, this environmental change also had an effect on the lifestyle of the people living in this region. For example, while the ice was still present and just beginning to melt, the environment became very accommodating to species such as reindeer—which feed off moss but can also thrive in icy environments. Therefore, during this time, reindeer were the primary source of meat for the people residing in Denmark. However, when temperatures rose and the ice began to further melt, the reindeer migrated further north. When this environmental shift occurred, species such as oxen, which thrive in grassy environments, began to take over the land. Therefore, for the communities that stayed within Denmark, their main food source shifted from reindeer to oxen.

            An additional example of nature’s effect on society is the reconstruction of the huts and houses of men during these different points in history. As earlier noted, as the environment changed, different means of survival were utilized by societies residing in these areas. Mainly, as the ice melted and the landscape shifted from ice to grasslands, there was a gradual shift from hunter-gatherer societies to agriculture societies. Based on remnants of different housing structures, many reconstructions of homes and villages have been built. Though many elements of these structures are uncertain—for example the correct height of doors, the raw materials used to construct these homes, and the exact shape of certain roofs—by understanding the resources available during certain time periods, as well utilizing discovered remnants such as wooden stakes, and tools made of minerals such as iron, it has been found that housing structures differed significantly depending on the time period. For example, while early hunter-gatherers resides in small huts that were most likely constructed of oak and animal skin, later societies that began to employ agriculture as their means of food and societal structure resided in larger villages, with homes that were both larger and more complex. The change from hunter-gatherer huts to agricultural sturdy homes further exemplifies how a change in environment can subsequently cause a shift in societal structures. 

            The Lejre experience is truly extraordinary. Its ability to capture the collision of manmade society and the natural environment is a lesson that can be used to confront historical questions of how and why our lands and societies have developed the way they have. However, perhaps more importantly, Lejre’s story can be used as a means of understanding the importance of man’s current relationship with nature. Lejre can truly teach us that while many societies may view their practices as stable and unchanging, an environment that changes drastically throughout time influences every aspect of our world.  Therefore, nothing, not even the structures in which we live, or the means through which we acquire food and organize society, is unchanging.

A Hut from the Iron Age

The preserved door found from the Iron age

Hunter-Gatherer Hut

Pot used in an Agricultural society

Pot of a hunter-gatherer society
The pots used to by hunter-gatherer societies were typically pointed at the bottom, making them easier to lay on top of burning embers. However, the pots used by agricultural societies were typically flat. This suggests that societies that are constantly moving may have greater use for cooking implements which can easily rest on top of fires, while stationary societies may prefer pots which easily rest on tables and shelves.

Forest Land

Grasslands