Effects of Coastscape on Denmark

Denmark has always been greatly influenced by its coastal location. Its strategic location between the North Seas on one side, and the Baltic Sea on the other side has created a connection between Danes and the sea. This connection comes all the way from Viking times, when the Vikings relied on the sea for fishing and sailing. The sea influenced the national foods of the nation, with fish becoming a primary food staple because of it. Going to Gilleleje, it is evident that, although the area has changed throughout the years, the sea has always played a prominent role in shaping its identity.

At first, the town had been a fishing area, where fishermen had access to the waters of the Baltic Sea. Many years later, as the town became easier to access from Copenhagen through roads and railroads, and as summer houses became popularized, Danes of all social classes began purchasing homes along the coast. Primitive houses with thatched roofs and limited space began being built in the plantations surrounding the town. In the meantime, the fishing business remained strong. Vacationing Danes had an innate connection with the sea, using it for fishing and recreational activities. Apartment dwellers and home owners alike purchased homes along the waterfront. During World War II, Danish fishermen saved Jews from the Gestapo by sailing them to Sweden, once again showing how the Danes made use of their coastal location. Later in the 20th century, after the war, as the city was being rebuilt and industrialized, more factories and fisheries were created, drawing in more residents. Shops in the center of the city were established, and tourism the town began to increased. As coastal summer houses became more popular and desirable, they became more pricey. Now, only the rich could afford these houses, creating an exclusive area. In recent decades, as prices of summer houses have gone up, tourism to the area has increased, and numerous business rely on tourism for profit. In the meanwhile, fishing has decreased. However, throughout the years, Gelleleje has managed to maintain its history and simultaneously managed to modernized. Although Gelleleje is only one city out of many coastal towns, it serves as a prime example of how the coastline helps shape Denmark's national identity.