Danish–Hanseatic rivalry

Though he failed to seize Scania and Gotland in the Danish–Hanseatic War (1361–1370), his successors continued to put Denmark in a position to challenge the Hansa.

During the age of the Kalmar Union, Danish kings successfully expanded their domain into Northern Germany, directly threatening Hanseatic cities like Lubeck.

They supported Swedish independence on numerous occasions, and funded rebels during the Count's Feud in an attempt to further weaken Denmark.

They monopolized the Baltic trade through the Øresund tolls, and Danish king Christian IV, was likely the richest man of his time.

During the 30 Years War, the Hanseatic League was commonly found torn between a power struggle between the Holy Roman Emperor and the Northern Protestants.