Gilleleje is a northernmost harbor town of almost 6,500 full time residents. The town includes the 5th largest fishing port in Denmark and acres of summer homes and plantations. When the fishing industry boomed and towns started to develop along the coastline, summer homes and plantations began to form. The plantations provide a wind barrier between the water and homes to prevent erosion and dune creep. Along with summer homes, forests run along the coast and provide new habitats for all sorts of animals, creating a new identity for part of Denmark's land.
The coastline of Denmark has provided so many aspects of the country's history and shaped the country to what it is today. Of course, the trade and retail aspects have always been important, but the water has been a place for recreation and history too. There's an amazing story how during World War II, a fisherman was planned an escape for Danish Jews to travel across the sound to neutral Sweden. Now, part of the keel is currently sitting in Gilleleje's harbor. This story just goes to show how Danes look out for their neighbor - doesn't matter what race, religion, sex - they remain positive and watch out for their neighbors no matter what.
Creating biodiversity with forests, providing income with trade and fishing, the summer homes for Danes and the history are all important pieces to how Denmark received the positive identity it has today.
Summer homes with beautiful gardens
The keel of the boat that helped refugees during WWII
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