Man's role in changing the coastal landscapes in Denmark

Abstract

This article describes the influence of man on the coastal landscapes along the Danish and part of the German west coast. While the tidal coast south of Blavandshuk was formed by man since premedieval times, the northern part of Jutlands coast nearly avoided human influence until the late 19th century when dune plantation and coast protection was begun. At the same time, the first harbours were built by the Danish state, mainly for fishing purposes. The human influence increased through the 20th century, with tourism as a main factor. The article highlights the radical changes and the fragile balance between human action and natural processes on a debris coast. The article summarizes some of the authors contributions in the Danish landscape magazine “Bygd”, of which he is editor.