Discover our guide with famous Danish authors who have created some of the most magical and exciting stories of the modern world.

With a rich culture and literary history, Denmark is a must-visit destination for aspiring writers and poets. Danish literature has given us the fairytales of Hans Christian Anderson and some of the greatest philosophical and existentialist works ever. Some of the best Danish authors have given the world incredible works of literature that encapsulate the human experience, inspire readers and entertain people of all ages.

Top Famous Danish Authors Ranked

1. Hans Christian Andersen, 1805 – 1875

We all know the fairytale of The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling, but many readers have never asked who the original author of these much-loved stories is. The answer is Hans Christian Anderson – a Danish writer and world-famous author who created some of the most popular stories of the modern world. 

Andersen’s first fairy tale, The Tallow Candle, was discovered in a Danish archive in October 2012. The story is about a candle that didn’t feel appreciated. Despite his first fairy tale never making it to the public during his lifetime, his later works were a great success, like A Journey on Foot from Holmen’s Canal to the East Point of Amager. 

Andersen’s first published collection Fairy Tales Told for Children (First Collection), included several encapsulating tales but best known today, it had the first version of The Princess and the Pea. Andersen continued to publish collections of fairy tales, each containing many original stories behind the much-loved Disney adaptations that our world is so fond of. 

“Just living is not enough,” said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”

Hans Christian Anderson, The Complete Fairy Tales

2. Jens Peter Jacobsen, 1847 – 1885

Jens Peter Jacobsen was a poet and novelist who wrote about the complexities of human relationships. His most famous novel, “Niels Lyhne,” explores the struggles of an artist in a changing society. Jacobsen’s works were influential to the modernist movement in Danish literature.

Jacobsen’s prose was wildly successful in the late 19th century, and his historical novel Fru Marie Grubbe is the first Danish novel that portrayed a woman in a sexual way, which was groundbreaking at the time. In his second novel, Niels Lyhne, he spoke on his atheist beliefs and commented on the tragedies he had witnessed. 

Jacobsen also wrote several successful poems influenced by late romanticism, many of which were wistful, dreamy and naturalistic. Sadly, Jacobsen became very unwell with tuberculosis, eventually leading to his death in 1885 at just 38 years of age.

“For the first time his mind grasped the fact that when life has sentenced you to suffer, the sentence is neither a fancy nor a threat, but you are dragged to the rack, and you are tortured, and there is no marvelous rescue at the last moment, no awakening as from a bad dream. He felt it as a foreboding which struck him with terror.”

Jens Peter Jacobsen, Niels Lyhne

3. Søren Kierkegaard, 1813 – 1855

Søren Kierkegaard was a passionate theologian, philosopher, poet and social critic who wrote many passionate works and critical texts on Christianity and organized religion. Although this might seem more common nowadays, such critical pieces were daring to publish in the early 19th century. 

Kierkegaard published some of his work under a pseudonym; this was a common technique for authors to communicate opinions that were not their own. Kierkegaard used this technique to create indirect communication with his more critical works. His most known writing on religion is Fear and Trembling, The Sickness Unto Death, and Either/Or.

“I see it all perfectly; there are two possible situations — one can either do this or that. My honest opinion and my friendly advice is this: do it or do not do it — you will regret both.”

Soren Kierkegaard, Either/Or: A Fragment of Life

4. Johannes V. Jensen

Johannes V. Jensen was a Danish author known as one of the best Danish writers of the 20th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1994 “for the rare strength and fertility of his poetic imagination combined with an intellectual curiosity of wide scope and a bold, freshly creative style.” He wrote novels, poetry, and essays, often exploring the relationship between humans and nature. Jensen’s works include The Long Journey, The Fall of the King, and Myths.

“His body arches up, resting only on head and heels. He stares in anguish at the ceiling and screams, screams like a woman in labor. Finally he collapses, and his cries begin to subside. Little by little he falls silent and lies quiet.”

Johannes V. Jensen, The Fall of the King

5. Henrik Pontoppidan, 1857 – 1943

Pontoppidan wrote novels and short stories, often exploring the struggles of the lower classes in Danish society. Pontoppidan’s works include Lucky Per, The Promised Land, and The Apothecary’s Daughters. He was born in 1857 in Fredericia, Denmark, and began his writing career as a journalist. He later turned to fiction, and his works often dealt with themes of social criticism and realism.

Pontoppidan is best known for his novel Lykke-Per (Lucky Per), which tells the story of a young man who rises from poverty to become a successful engineer. The novel is considered a masterpiece of Danish literature and is still widely read today.

“Every man’s soul is an independent universe, his death the extinction of the universe in miniature.”

Henrik Pontoppidan, Lykke-Per

6. Karen Blixen, 1885 – 1962

 Dinesen was born in north Copenhagen; her father was a writer and army officer, inspiring her to begin writing herself. She shared a relaxed attitude to life with her father and was interested in the outdoors and hunting. 

Her first novel was a challenge to publish as many publishers refused to work with her, but with the help of her brother, she was picked up by Dorothy Canfield, who published her book, Seven Gothic Tales. Her works often explored the themes of love, loss, and identity. Dinesen’s works include Out of Africa, Seven Gothic Tales, and Babette’s Feast.

“You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.”

Isak Dinesen, Out of Africa

7. Peter Høeg, 1957 –

Peter Høeg is a Danish author of literary fiction. His most famous work is the novel Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow, which tells the story of a woman who investigates the death of a young boy. The novel was a bestseller in Denmark and has been translated into many languages. 

Høeg’s other works include the novels The Quiet Girl and The Susan Effect. His most famous work, Smilla’s Sense of Snow, explores the life of a woman who investigates the death of a young boy.

8. Tove Ditlevsen, 1917 – 1976

Tove Ditlesvenwas a Danish poet and author who published in various genres; she was well-known in Denmark and is regarded as one of the best-known Danish writers. Diltevsen writes with themes of female identity, memory, and loss of childhood woven into her works. 

Her first volume of poetry was published in her early twenties, and she experienced quick success and popularity with this endeavor. Three of her novels are written to form an autobiographical trilogy – Barndom (Childhood), Ungdom (Youth) and Dependency

“Childhood is long and narrow like a coffin, and you can’t get out of it on your own.”

Tove Ditlevsen, Childhood

9. Klaus Rifbjerg, 1931 – 2015

Klaus Rifbjerg authored an impressive 170 novels, books and essays throughout his successful career; he also co-produced the film 4×4, which is known worldwide. Rifbjerg grew up on the island of Amager and was raised by his parents, who were both teachers. His breakthrough novel Den Kroniske Uskyld was immensely popular after publication and was made into a film in 1985. 

From then on, Rifbjerg published a mixture of novels, poetry and short stories. His works often explored the themes of love, identity, and death. Some of Rifbjerg’s best-known works include The Witness, Anna, and The Death of a Beekeeper.

10. Saxo Grammaticus, c. 1150 – c. 1220

Saxo Grammaticus, also known as Saxo cognomine Longus, was a famous historian, theologian and author thought to have been the main advisor to Valdemar I of Denmark, making him a significant historical Danish figure. 

Saxo Grammaticus wrote the Gesta Danorum, a history of Denmark from its mythological origins to the late 12th century. His work is considered a valuable source of information on early Danish history and mythology.

“Among them was Ladgerda, a skilled amazon, who, though a maiden, had the courage of a man and fought in front among the bravest with her hair loose over her shoulders. All-marvelled at her matchless deeds, for her locks flying down her back betrayed that she was a woman.”

Grammaticus Saxo, The Danish History, Books I-IX

11. Jussi Adler-Olsen, 1950 – 

Jussi Adler-Olsen is a contemporary Danish author known for his crime novels. His most famous work, “The Keeper of Lost Causes,” follows the story of a detective who investigates cold cases.

His most famous series of novels follows the investigations of Detective Carl Mørck and his team at the Department Q police department. The first book in the series, The Keeper of Lost Causes, was a bestseller in Denmark and has been adapted into a film. Adler-Olsen’s other works include the standalone novel The Alphabet House.

“Carl closed his eyes and tried to recall a couple of significant moments in his life. After a few seconds of nothingness, he opened them again.”

Jussi Adler-Olsen, The Keeper of Lost Causes

12. Ludvig Holberg, 1684 – 1754

Ludvig Holberg was a writer and philosopher who wrote plays, essays, and novels. His works often satirized Danish society and politics. He is considered one of the most important figures in Scandinavian literature. 

Holberg’s most famous works include the plays Jeppe of the Hill and Erasmus Montanus, which are still performed today. He also wrote the novel The Journey of Niels Klim to the World Underground, considered one of the first works of science fiction.

“Madness is the characteristic of the true poet. All those who express themselves with clearness, precision and simplicity are deemed unworthy of the laurel wreath.”

Ludvig Holberg, The Journey of Niels Klim to the World Underground

13. Georg Brandes, 1842 – 1927

Georg Morris Cohen Brandes was a Danish scholar who impacted the literary and scholastic world in Scandinavia and Europe from the 1870s to the turn of the 20th century. At 30, he created the principles of new realism and naturalism, which condemned hyper-aesthetic and fantasy writing styles. 

Brandes is known for bringing European literary ideas to Scandinavia and advocated for literature that spoke on contemporary social issues. Brandes’ works include Main Currents in 19th Century Literature and The Romantic School in Germany.

“He who possesses liberty otherwise than as a thing to be striven for, possesses it dead and soulless; for the idea of liberty has undoubtedly this characteristic, that it develops steadily during its assimilation.”

Georg Brandes, Main Currents In Nineteenth Century Literature, Volume 4

14. Martin Andersen Nexø, 1869 – 1854

Martin Andersen Nexø was prominent in Danish and Scandinavian literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a popular novelist who created renowned literary works like his four-volume series titled Pelle the Conqueror, which was made into a film in 1987. 

The story follows the life of Pelle Karlsson, a young boy from a poor family who seeks a better life. It’s a humbling and inspiring story highlighting the struggle of Danish immigrants living in poverty during the 19th century. Nexø’s works often explored the struggles of the working class.

15. Sven Hassel, 1917 – 2012

Pedersen. Hassle often wrote novels set during World War II based on his experiences as a soldier. He has created many popular novels that have a sense of grit, determination and realism through his marvelous storytelling abilities. 

Hassel’s best-known works include Legion of the Damned, Wheels of Terror, Monte Cassino, and Blitzfreeze. His novels reflect on the horrors of war and give insight into the effects on the soldiers and the struggles they faced.

“You must drink lots of wine. We must get you normal again. I don’t want to travel with an imbecile. Not that I’m quite right in the head myself. What have I let myself in for?”

Sven Hassel, Legion of the Damned