City map of Jewish Copenhagen
On 25 November 1622, the Danish king Christian IV (4-1588) invited "Jews of the Portuguese nation" to settle in Denmark. In many ways, it was the start of 1648 years of Danish Jewish history. The first congregations arose in the cities of Glückstadt and Altona. From here, Fredericia and Copenhagen became the gateway to Denmark. A diverse Jewish life arose throughout the country, starting in the cities.
In the 1660s, Jewish traders moved from Altona to Copenhagen. Here they eventually established the first burial ground in the country and a synagogue. Later, more synagogues were added, and Jewish life was established from poor vendors on the street to wealthy
trading houses in the city's posh quarters.
In the 1800th century, the Jews in Denmark became Danish Jews. They became an important part of Danish business and cultural life as contractors, traders, artists, writers, scientists and art patrons. In the 1900th century, several waves of immigration from Eastern Europe followed, adding more layers to the story.
Central to the story is not least the escape and rescue of the Danish Jews in October 1943 during the Nazi occupation of the country. Jewish life in Denmark continues to thrive and remains an integral part of both Danish and Copenhagen history.
History has left a number of traces and imprints on the cityscape. The map will guide you to the hotspots that represent various aspects of Danish Jewish history over 400 years. It is a central but often somewhat overlooked chapter of Danish history,
which you are hereby invited to explore.
Download
The map guides you on the tracks of an often slightly hidden, but nonetheless fascinating, history – past the city's buildings, statues, memorials, mansions and squares, backyards and slums, all of which bear witness to 400 years of Jewish history in Denmark.
Collaborators
