About Denmark:
Denmark, the southernmost Nordic country in Northern Europe, is a constitutional monarchy comprising the Jutland Peninsula and over 400 islands, with Copenhagen as its vibrant capital on Zealand. Known for its high quality of life and consistently ranking among the world’s happiest nations, Denmark embraces concepts like hygge (coziness) and boasts a strong social welfare system, extensive cycling infrastructure, and leadership in renewable energy.
Denmark is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Maryland, but it becomes the world’s 12th largest nation when including Greenland (Greenland is a self-governing territory with extensive autonomy, handling most domestic affairs while Denmark retains control over defense, foreign policy, and currency.
Copenhagen is the capitol and largest city in Denmark, with a population of roughly 667,000 in the core municipality, but its wider urban area holds around 1.4 million people, and the greater metropolitan/Øresund region reaches over 1.9 million.
An iconic sight in Copenhagen is the Little Mermaid statue by Edvard Eriksen depicting a mermaid becoming human. The history of the statue goes back to the fascination of brewer Carl Jacobsen, heir to the famous Carlsberg brewery, for the fairy tale “The Little Mermaid”. Touched by the beauty of the ballet based on Andersen’s work, he commissioned a statue to honor the story. His wife, Eline Eriksen, served as model for the body, and he used dancer Ellen Price for the face.
Since its installation in 1913, The Little Mermaid has become a fixture in the capital, along with Amalienborg Palace, residence of the royal family, and the lively Christiana district. The sculpture is displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade. Many visitors are surprised that is not very large, standing just 4.1 feet (1.25 meters) tall.
Denmark is predominantly Lutheran (with the Evangelical Lutheran Church as the state church), and Roman Catholics form a tiny minority, making up about 0.7-1% of the population (around 40,000-50,000 registered Catholics) out of a total population of approximately six million.. The entire country falls under the single Roman Catholic Diocese of Copenhagen, which also includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland—one of the largest dioceses by area in the world.Catholicism was suppressed after the Reformation in 1536, but religious freedom was granted in 1849, allowing the Church to re-establish itself.
Approximately one third of all Danish Catholics have been born abroad. In addition, a number of Catholics are born in Denmark of foreign parents. Catholics with a Danish background do, however, constitute the largest single ethnic group, and Mass in the parishes is celebrated in Danish. Where it is needed, the Danish Mass is supplemented by Masses in other languages.
The Catholic Church in Denmark is comprised by a single diocese based in Copenhagen. In addition to the 38 parishes in Denmark, the diocese includes two North Atlantic parishes: Greenland and the Faroe Islands, totalling 40 parishes with memberships ranging anywhere between a few hundred and a few thousand members.
Today, there are Catholic parishes and churches across Denmark, mostly in larger cities, with many serving diverse international communities (Masses often in Danish, English, Polish, Vietnamese, etc.).
The only Catholic cathedral in Denmark is Saint Ansgar’s Cathedral (Sankt Ansgars Kirke) in Copenhagen, located at Bredgade 64. It serves as the seat of the bishop and the principal church of the diocese. Built in the 1840s (with later additions), it’s dedicated to Saint Ansgars, the “Apostle of the North.”
Notable Catholic Churches in Copenhagen include:
Sacred Heart Church (Jesu Hjerte Kirke): One of the largest Catholic churches in the city, located in Vesterbro near the central station. Inaugurated in 1895, it’s known for its accessibility and well-attended Masses.
Saint Augustine’s Church (Skt. Augustins Kirke): On Østerbro, with English-language Masses and youth groups.
Sakramentskirken — On Nørrebro, offers English Masses (e.g., Sundays at 5 pm).
Catholic churches exist in other major cities and towns in Norwat, such as:
Aalborg, Aarhus, Esberg and Odense (e.g., St. Alban’s Church).
Smaller communities may share facilities or have chapels.
For a full list of parishes, Mass times, and locations (including multilingual options), visit the official Catholic Church in Denmark website: katolsk.dk (available in English).