Danish Highlands: Unearthing the Highest Mountains in Denmark

A nation sculpted meticulously by the slow crawl of glaciers during the Ice Age, Denmark is better known for its gently rolling hills than any ginormous peaks. Nevertheless, this enchanting country nestled in northern Europe has some topographical surprises in store.

For, in the Ejer Bjerge region within the Skanderborg Municipality one finds the area affectionately dubbed “Denmark’s roof.” And it’s here that Denmark’s highest mountains stand over 550 feet above sea level.

So let’s explore the biggest mountains of Denmark, beginning with the surprisingly intense debate over which is the tallest of them all.

The question of which is Denmark’s highest peak has sparked extensive debate stretching back to the mid-19th century. Man-made and natural elevations, intricacies of geological structures, and the sagas of slowly sinking mountains all contributed to the grand narrative surrounding the tallest mountains in Denmark. After centuries of debates and meticulous measurements down to mere inches, a conclusive list emerged in 2005. Yet even this was not without controversy.

Originally deemed two separate peaks known as Møllehøj and Ejer Bavnehøj, these occupied the ranks of first and third tallest mountains in Denmark respectively. However, international principles determined that these were in fact a single mountain and not independent summits. Thus, at an approximate height of around 560.66 feet, Ejer Bavnehøj Møllehøj is officially the pinnacle of Denmark’s highest mountains.

And atop this gentle giant is a 42.65-foot high memorial tower, established in 1924 to commemorate the reunion of southern Jutland with Denmark. Not just a towering figure in physical terms, but also a beacon of Denmark’s historical landscape.

A step lower but with an elevation that’s still quite impressive at approximately 560.6 feet, Yding Skovhøj in Horsens municipality holds the second spot in the roster of the highest mountains in Denmark. This hill offers more than just height; it carries the weight of history with three Bronze Age burial mounds gracing its summit, inviting visitors to take a walk through the annals of time.

In an unexpected twist in our tale of Denmark’s peaks, we take a detour to mention the remarkable Gunnbjørn Mountain. Positioned in southeastern Greenland, a territory under the Danish realm, this giant overshadows Denmark’s main contenders with a staggering height of around 12,139 feet. While not in mainland Denmark, this behemoth still technically holds the title of the tallest mountain under Danish governance.

And thus, in a land renowned for its picturesque flat terrains and close-knit communion with the sea, Denmark’s highest places stand as testaments to the nation’s rich geological and historical tapestry. These majestic, yet modest peaks are shaped by centuries of natural phenomena and historical deliberations. From the dignified Ejer Bavnehøj Møllehøj to the historic depths of Yding Skovhøj and the towering Gunnbjørn Mountain, the highest mountains in Denmark offer a voyage through time and nature’s splendid canvas, all within the bounds of the fascinating Danish highlands.