Military history of Denmark

In the early Middle Ages, Danish Vikings invaded and conquered parts of the British Isles and Normandy.

Denmark was heavily involved in the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) on the side of the Protestants of the German lands.

During the 16th to 18th centuries, Danish military involvement was also directed against Russia and other Eastern European nations in the series of Northern Wars and subsequent campaigns.

Denmark was brought into the Napoleonic Wars on the French side when attacked by Britain at the Battles of Copenhagen in 1801 and 1807.

As a member of the United Nations and NATO, Denmark has participated in military operations since 1992: in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.

Map depicting the route taken by the Great Danish Army during the Viking invasion of England in the 860s
Dannebrog falling from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse . According to legend, the flag of Denmark originated from this battle.
Depiction of the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1471
Siege of Copenhagen during the Count's Feud , a war of succession for the Danish throne from 1534 to 1536
Depiction of the Battle of Axtorna , a battle that took place in 1565, during the Northern Seven Years' War
Depiction of the Battle of Lutter , which saw members of the Catholic League defeat an army led by Christian IV of Denmark in 1626
Depiction of Christian IV on the flagship Trefoldigheden in 1644, during the Battle of Colberger Heide
Danish ship of the line Dannebrogen on fire in 1710, during the Battle of Køge Bay
Copenhagen in flames in 1807, during the bombardment of Copenhagen by the British
Danish soldiers on the morning of the German invasion of Denmark in 1940