Nissestyrelsen's focus on Culture

Nisse: Guardians of Our Traditions

Denmark is a small country, but nevertheless rich in history, where a strong community spirit thrives. Central to the culture is the beloved Nisse, who plays a unique and beloved role in Danish life.

These little bearded creatures, often dressed in their iconic red hats, embody the warmth and joy of our heritage, and remind us of the simple pleasures and magic of the seasons.

When we celebrate our Nisse, we also recognize the need for harmony between our people. Denmark is first and foremost a country of people, but it would not remain Denmark without its Nisse!

Nissestyrelsen is dedicated to ensuring that this balance is maintained. We do much more than just regulate nisser activities and ensure that legal requirements are met, we facilitate communication between people and nisse and promote mutual respect.

Our mission is to create a safe environment where both people and nisse can coexist peacefully and preserve the traditions that make Denmark unique.

Join us as we celebrate Denmark's rich traditions and Nisse's beloved role in our cultural identity

Governmental Nisse Academy

The Nisse Academy will be closed at the end of 2024. This means that from 1.1.2025 no courses will be held. Courses scheduled for 2024 or courses that an authority has been offered will continue to be held.

En midaldrende Nisse med mellemlangt skæg står foran tavlen og henvender sig til en klasse fuld af mennesker.

The Nisse Academy was a project of the Danish government for interdisciplinary education and resource sharing between state organizations and municipalities in Denmark in relation to Nisser.

Nisse Studies: A Step Towards Recognition and Equality

In close collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, Nissestyrelsen has helped develop a new 4-year curriculum for students interested in pursuing degrees in the fields of supernatural biology, elven standards and regulation, and fairy social systems.

These courses have met with some criticism in Danish society from extremists who do not want society to be prepared for the supernatural challenges of the future.

Nissestyrelsen's Library

Nissestyrelsen's library of modern and ancient works, dealing with nisser and other supernatural creatures, living in Denmark, Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, which have often been of interest to the Danish government, is one of the largest in Europe

Read More About Our Library

Nissestyrelsen helps both humans and Nisser

Nisser are generally friendly and helpful creatures, but can sometimes exhibit disruptive behavior.

If you have had any problems with Nisse recently

Go to case reporting