Explore the Postcolonial History of Copenhagen with Martin Lemberg-Pedersen
- Martin Lemberg-Pedersen
- Jul 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 27
Copenhagen is a city rich in history, culture, and stories waiting to be uncovered. While many visitors flock to its picturesque canals and vibrant neighborhoods, there is a deeper narrative that often goes unnoticed. This narrative is rooted in Denmark's postcolonial history, a complex tale that intertwines with the city’s identity. With Martin Lemberg-Pedersen and LpExeriences, you can embark on a journey that reveals this hidden history, exploring the impact of colonialism on Denmark and its former colonies.
In this blog post, we will take you through the fascinating aspects of Copenhagen's postcolonial history. We will highlight key sites, share stories, and provide insights into how this history shapes the present. Whether you are a history buff or a curious traveler, this exploration will enrich your understanding of Copenhagen.
The Colonial Legacy
Denmark's colonial past is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. However, Denmark was once a notable player in the colonial game, establishing colonies in the Caribbean, Greenland, India and parts of Africa. The legacy of these colonies is still felt today, influencing everything from architecture to cultural practices.
Copenhagen served as the administrative center for these colonies. The buildings and monuments in the city and along the harbour tell stories of trade, power, influential corporations and families, racialized exploitation, and cultural exchange. Understanding this legacy is crucial for grasping the complexities of modern Danish society.
Key Sites to Visit
When exploring Copenhagen's postcolonial history, several key sites stand out. Each location offers a unique perspective on Denmark's colonial past.
The West Indian Warehouse
The West Indian Warehouse is a must-visit for anyone interested in Danish-Norwegian colonialism. Currently hosting a unique cast collection of European statues, its facade also shows I Am Queen Mary, an interactive statue experience by two activist-artists commemorating rebellions on the former Danish West Indies. Presently, the Warehouse is a contested site, torn between those wanting to convert it into Denmark’s first and only colonial museum, those who contest that, and some who wants to turn it into highly profitable apartments.
Amalienborg and The Marble Church
Currently an official royal residence, Amalienborg also used to house the academy for sea officers employed in the navy, not least along the transatlantic route of weapons, sugar, rum and enslaved persons, of which Denmark trafficked somewhere between 100.000-300.000 since the 1700s. Amalienborg is also the site of an expensive statue of Frederik V, donated and funded to the royal grounds by the incredibly influential Asiatic Company involved in the Eastern Danish colonial trade.
The Marble church has a history involving the Atlantic colonies, especially Greenland, and the statue of the munk Hans Egede has been the site of several activist protest, urging more Danish awareness of the brutal colonization of Greenland, and its ongoing ripple effects.
The Schimmelmann Mansion
This mansion is a gateway into the crucial role played by arms production and global trade for Danish and Western colonization and trade in enslaved persons. It’ll allow us to dive into the rivaling family dynasties of arms traders, and how they vied for a place of influence next to different monarchs.
Christianshavn
Christianshavn and its canals is an atmospheric and exciting place of Copenhagen today. But its history can be traced back to a darker past, where it was founded as the military-industrial core of the Danish-Norwegian (and international) transatlantic trade in weapons, sugar, coffee and enslaved persons. To ensure a strategic and growing role for the kingdom, the monarch gave tax exception for traders from the United Kingdom and Netherlands in return for their work to develop the land for these purposes. As a result of this, Christianshavn developed into a key spot for Danish-Norwegian colonialism.
On the tour and the importance of reflection
Martin Lemberg-Pedersen offers guided tours that focus specifically on Denmark’s postcolonial history. He has conducted in-depth academic research, leading to many publications, into colonial encounters and their implications on migration policy, cultural legacies and geopolitics. After experiencing many amazing guided tours on colonial legacies around the world he decided to bring this transnational perspective to Copenhagen as well. His tours take visitors through neighborhoods, monuments and eras which have been shaped by Denmark's colonial past.
Based on his academic research and knowledge of Danish cultural politics, Martin will share stories of the people who lived in these areas, highlighting their impact to Danish society. This personal touch makes the history come alive, allowing visitors to connect with the past in a meaningful way.
As you explore Copenhagen's postcolonial history, it is essential to reflect on what we learn - and what we must try to unlearn. Understanding the past is not just about acknowledging historical facts; it is about recognizing how these events continue to influence the present.
Denmark's colonial history has left a lasting impact on its society. Issues of race, identity, and cultural heritage are still relevant today. By engaging with this history, visitors can better understand the complexities of modern Danish life.
By participating in discussions and events, visitors can contribute to a broader understanding of how history shapes our world. This dialogue is crucial for fostering empathy and promoting social justice. Having travelled the world, Martin ties together and compares various geographies, eras and instantiations of colonialisms, making this Copenhagen-experience a truly global one.
A Journey of Discovery
Exploring Copenhagen's postcolonial history with lpexperiences is more than just a sightseeing adventure. It is a journey of discovery that invites you to engage with the past and reflect on its implications for the present.
As you walk through the streets of Copenhagen, take the time to appreciate the stories behind the buildings and monuments. Each site holds a piece of history that contributes to the rich tapestry of Danish culture.
By understanding this history, you not only enhance your travel experience but also become part of a larger conversation about identity, heritage, and the impact of colonialism. So, pack your bags, meet up with Martin and Lpexperiences, and get ready to explore a side of Copenhagen that is often overlooked. Your journey awaits!
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