Country file · Europe

Cryptids of Denmark

What cryptids are in Denmark? The best-known are Nøkken and Kraken.

Danish folklore knows the nøkke, the shape-shifting water spirit of the Scandinavian tradition. Playing an enchanted fiddle, he lures women and children toward ponds and streams, or appears as a white horse that carries riders into the water. Many beliefs surround him, from steel thrown in the water for protection to the omen of a cry like a loon’s.

  • 2 cryptids

Cryptids reported in Denmark

Spectral · Medieval

Nøkken

Lakes and streams of Scandinavia Nøkken, the shape-shifting water spirit of Denmark and Scandinavia: a fiddler in lakes and streams who lures children and women, and a brook horse. Folklore
Lake & sea monster · 1752

Kraken

Norwegian Sea, off the coast of Norway The island-sized sea monster of Norwegian fishermen’s lore, made famous by Bishop Pontoppidan in 1752 – and probably inspired by the giant squid. Folklore

The legends of Denmark

Denmark’s coastal waters also feature in kraken lore, shared with Norway and Iceland.

Hotspots

  • Danish lakes and mill ponds

    Settings for the nøkke tradition.

Nearby

Norway4 cryptidsGermany3 cryptidsNetherlands1 cryptidBelgium1 cryptidCzech Republic1 cryptidSwitzerland1 cryptid