Christiane Sehested

Getting around

Travel by horse, wagon, and ferry

In 17th-century Denmark, people traveled between towns primarily by horse and wagon, on horseback, or on foot, as no railways or steamships existed during this period. Cross-country travel often required crossing water bodies using established ferry routes to connect the different Danish provinces.

Daily life

Lack of schooling for children

Children in Nyboder received no schooling in the 17th century and were instead made to work away from home.

What people wore

High value of silk fabric

In 1550, a carpenter stole a piece of red silk camlet fabric valued at 20 rigsdaler, illustrating the high financial value of textiles at the time.

Music

Rural instruments included bagpipes and drums

Among the rural population, common instruments included drone instruments like bagpipes and hurdy-gurdies, alongside drums and violin-like instruments such as the gig. These were often played at festivals and life celebrations, such as weddings and births.

At the table

Beer was the standard daily beverage

Ordinary families in Denmark drank beer throughout the day, including children, because fresh water was often not available or unsafe. An adult was expected to consume at least twelve barrels of beer annually.