PROMPT: How
has and does Denmark’s coastscape shaped life and identity in Denmark?
The Danes have always had a strong connection to the
sea. Being located between the Baltic
and North Sea, coastal life and the sea have always had a strong influence on
Danish lifestyle and culture. As time
passes it is clear that the role of Denmark’s coastscape in shaping the
country’s identity is changing. Though, some functions of Denmark’s coastal regions have remained the same for hundreds of years.
When visiting Gilleleje, it was obvious that a major way coastscape
has influenced Denmark is through its massive fishing industry. Fish is a staple food of the Danish diet and
many people still rely on the industry’s success to make a living. The water
was full of fishing boats and there were many fresh fish markets. Though
currently the fishing industry is in decline, at its peak, coastal areas would
have attracted many people (for employment reasons).
As time went on, Danes realized it would be a nice idea to
live close to the coast where they could relax away from the city and be close
to an area, which could provide a good source of food, and employment. Also city dwellers began to purchase plots of
land in the forests close to the coasts. Similar to the US, owning a summer
home got to be quite expensive. Now,
summer homes in Gilleleje are sold more commonly to the upper class. The
fishing industry, though declining, is still important on a local, national,
and global level.
Lastly, one of the newest ways coastal regions have helped
influence Denmarks identity is through tourism.
Not only do the summer houses draw in people from all over the country
and world, but people are opening their eyes up to the other great aspects of a small
coastal town. People are also learning
that there is more than just a pretty scene and the fishing industry. Coastal towns (especially Gilleleje) are full
of history. During WWII, fishing boats
played a crucial role in saving the Jews of Denmark. If it weren’t for the fishermen bringing them
to Sweden, Danish Jews might not have been as fortunate.
Without the immense influence of coastalspace on the Danish
people, Denmark wouldn’t be what it is today.
Though fishing, summer homes, and tourism are three very different ways
in which coastalspace influences Denmark, all three make for a very lively and
unique coastal town, like Gilleleje.
