The Greatest Danish Literature
This selection of Danish literature encompasses all literary forms, genres and periods. It includes works acclaimed by readers, writers, critics and scholars in Denmark and around the world.
The Greatest Danish Literature focuses on the country's major creative works—such as novels, novellas, plays, long poetry and collections.
You may also be interested in The Greatest Nordic Literature, The Greatest Swedish Literature or The Greatest German Literature.
This list is updated as new works are discovered and appreciation of older works evolves. Please note the revision date when citing the list.
Latest update: October 20, 2025
The 22 greatest works of Danish literature
1872
Fairy Tales and Stories
by Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark
Story collection
1876
Fru Marie Grubbe
by Jens Peter Jacobsen, Denmark
Novel
1898–1904
Lucky Per
by Henrik Pontoppidan, Denmark
Novel
1900–1901
The Fall of the King
by Johannes V. Jensen, Denmark
Novel, originally Kong ens fad
1908–1922
The Long Journey
by Johannes V. Jensen, Denmark
Novel, originally Den Lange reuse
1934
Seven Gothic Tales
by Isak Dinesen, Denmark
Story collection includes "The Deluge at Norderney", "The Old Chevalier", "The Monkey" and others.
1942
Winter's Tales
by Isak Dinesen, Denmark
Story collection
1958
The Werewolf
by Aksel Sandemose, Denmark
Novel, originally Varulven
Anecdotes of Destiny
by Isak Dinesen, Denmark
Story collection, includes "Babette's Feast", "The Immortal Story" and others.
1964
And Other Stories
by Klaus Rifbjerg, Denmark
Story collection, originally Og andre historier
1967–1970
Slaves trilogy
by Thorkild Hansen, Denmark
Novel series includes Coast of Slaves, Ships of Slaves, and Islands of Slaves.
1969
Anna, I, Anna
by Klaus Rifbjerg, Denmark
Novel, originally Anna, jeg, Anna
1981
In a Fortnight
by Peter Seegberg, Denmark
Story collection, originally Om fjorten dage
1991
Butterfly Valley: A Requiem
by Inger Christensen, Denmark
Poetry collection
1992
Smilla's Sense of Snow
by Peter Høeg, Denmark
Novel, also known as Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow
1996
Bang
by Dorrit Willumsen, Denmark
Novel, subtitled A Novel About Herman Bang, originally Bang. En roman om Herman Bang
1998
Queen's Gate
by Pia Tafdrup, Denmark
Poetry collection, originally Dronningeporten
2000
Dream Bridges
by Henrik Nordbrandt, Denmark
Poetry collection, originally Drømmebroer
2001
The Half Brother
by Lars Saabye Christenson, Denmark
Novel
2006
Baboon
by Naja Marie Aidt, Denmark
Story collection, originally Bavian
2012
The Prophets of Eternal Fjord
by Kim Leine, Denmark
Novel, originally Profeterne fra Evighedsfjorden
2018
After the Sun
by Jonas Eika, Denmark
Story collection, originally Efter Solen
