Relations between Switzerland and Denmark are very good. The two countries both have a high standard of living and similar policies to ensure the well-being of their citizens in the future. They are also like-minded states at the multilateral level.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Denmark
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
On conflict prevention, democracy, human rights, international humanitarian law and development cooperation, Switzerland and Denmark share common values and interests in many respects. Denmark's strong commitment to the environment and sustainable development opens up many opportunities for cooperation.
Economic cooperation
Denmark is Switzerland's second-largest trading partner in Scandinavia. In 2023, the volume of bilateral trade was CHF 2.5 billion. Switzerland and Denmark have a similar business landscape, facilitating economic exchange.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Danish–Swiss Chamber of Commerce
Country information, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Switzerland and Denmark both have a dual vocational education and training system geared to the labour market. Denmark is among Switzerland's longest-standing strategic partners in vocational education and training, an area where the two countries regularly discuss common challenges and interests.
Swiss and Danish universities have a strong and long-standing tradition of cooperation in climate research in Greenland.
On 20 March 2024, Switzerland and Denmark signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, research and innovation. Priority areas include quantum sciences, life sciences and artificial intelligence.
Cultural exchanges
The Swiss embassy fosters cultural cooperation. Its current priorities in this area include architecture, the French-speaking and Italian-speaking worlds, and promoting Swiss design.Thanks to funding support from Pro Helvetia, the embassy has also been able to organise a number of concerts showcasing Swiss musicians as well as events in the visual and performing arts.
The famous Lion Monument in Lucerne was designed by the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, reflecting the long tradition of cultural exchange between the two countries.In Denmark, this work is known as the Schweizerløven.
Swiss nationals in Denmark
At the end of 2023, there were 3,720 Swiss citizens living in Denmark.
History of bilateral relations
The first official contact between Switzerland and Denmark dates back to the 17th century, when the Swiss Federal Diet, i.e. the early executive and legislative council, intervened in support of Huguenot and Piedmontese emigrants wishing to settle in Denmark.With bilateral trade relations burgeoning, Denmark opened a consulate in Bern in 1850, in St Gallen in 1854, in Geneva in 1866, then in Zurich, Basel and La Chaux-de-Fonds.
At the conference in 1864 that launched the Red Cross movement, Denmark expressed the wish for a trade agreement with Switzerland. This led to the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Establishment, signed in 1875.
To protect its commercial interests, Switzerland opened an honorary consulate in Copenhagen in 1887, which was transformed into a consulate general in 1921. Up to 1945, Switzerland's interests were represented by its legation in Stockholm. After being converted into a legation in 1945, the consulate general in Copenhagen was upgraded to an embassy in 1957.
In 1918, the Danish chargé d'affaires took up his post in Bern and in 1920, with the full establishment of diplomatic relations, he was accredited as minister plenipotentiary.
