16 Interesting Black and White Photos of Denmark in the 1930s

Denmark had joined the League of Nations in 1920 and had worked for a peaceful solution to international problems during the interwar period. In the 1930s, however, foreign policy was complicated by events in Germany.

When Adolf Hitler came to power and Germany began to rearm, Denmark’s position again became vulnerable. Although Germany had never recognized the alterations in its boundaries as laid down by the Treaty of Versailles, Denmark tried in vain to obtain German recognition of the Schleswig boundary. At the same time, it avoided measures that could offend its powerful neighbor. When in June 1939 Hitler offered nonaggression pacts to those countries that might feel threatened by Germany’s expansionist policy, Denmark, in contrast to the other Scandinavian countries, accepted the offer. In September of that year, at the outbreak of World War II, Denmark—this time together with the other Nordic countries—issued a declaration of neutrality.

Below is a collection of some of interesting vintage photographs that capture everyday life in Denmark in the 1930s:

Sølvgade Barracks in Copenhagen, Denmark

Children in Kalundborg, Denmark

House in Helsingoer, Denmark

Town Hall in Viborg, Denmark

Cyclist in Copenhagen, Denmark

Hellebaek by Oeresund channel, Denmark

Dolmen in Bregninge, Denmark

The building Vartov in Copenhagen, Denmark

Hesselagergaard Manor, Fyn, Denmark

Port of Korsoer, Denmark

View of Copenhagen Harbour, Denmark

Market in Nakskov, Denmark

The Odd Fellow Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark

Our Lady's Church in Kalundborg, Denmark

"Ting" stones in Ringsted, Denmark

At Torvet Square in Soroe, Denmark

(Photos via by Swedish National Heritage Board)