Denmark ends century-long tradition of PostNord letter service after 400 years
In a disheartening blow for fans of pen-and-paper communications and those averse to our escalating digital age, the Danish postal service, a historical institution with roots dating back over four centuries, is slated to cease letter delivery in 2025. Established in 1624 as a joint endeavor with Sweden, PostNord – Denmark's state-affiliated postal service – now relegated to a partnership, is moving towards a parcel-only service due to a staggering 90% decline in letter volumes over the past two decades. The downward spiral has only accelerated, with a startling 30% drop in the last year alone, bringing the annual letter volume down to a mere 110 million.
Any individuals who have already purchased stamps, costing approximately 29 Danish krone (€3.89), will be granted a refund before a specified deadline in 2026. However, the looming demise of letter delivery resonates with more than just the financial implications for some concerned citizens.
Negative Impact on Elderly and Isolated Populations
Over 100 million letters delivered each year may seem substantial, but critics caution that around 271,000 individuals, including the elderly population, and remote communities will bear the brunt of this decision. Commenting on the issue, Marlene Rishoj Cordes from Aeldre Sagen (DaneAge) shared, "[Letter delivery] is vital for many who are very dependent on letters being delivered regularly, such as for hospital appointments, vaccinations, or home care decisions."
These concerns were echoed by Danish parliamentarian and author Pelle Dragsted, who attributed the shift to privatization of the national postal market in 2024 and the application of VAT to postage, leading to a rise in prices and driving customers towards alternatives.
Cultural Shift Toward Digital Communications
On the other hand, proponents argue that Denmark has made rapid strides in digital commerce. The country ranks among the world's leading users of digital services, with individuals relying on digital devices for carte blanche, ranging from official IDs to cash. This transitional wave carries a stark contrast to the nation's literary savants, such as Charlotta Dorothea Biehl, who forged successful careers through epistolary works. History's intricate details of the relationship between the literary greats Hans Christian Andersen and Charles Dickens, carefully corresponded via PostNord, are now at risk of being lost.
Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen has acknowledged that other private postal providers like distribution firm DAO will continue operating in Denmark, while emphasizing the decommissioning of the country's iconic 1,500 red, semi-capsule, postboxes. About 1,500 out of 4,600 PostNord employees, or nearly a third of the workforce, will lose their jobs in response to the shift.
Overall, the withdrawal of the Danish postal service's letter delivery is poised to create a significant impact on elderly and isolated populations. Concerns include disruptions to essential services, digitalization barriers, economic implications, and reduced social connections.** Possible solutions might involve implementing alternative communication methods, establishing support services, and addressing these challenges through innovative and inclusive solutions.
- The cultural impact of the withdrawal of letter delivery by the Danish postal service is profound, as it poses a threat to maintaining historical connections between literary figures, such as letters exchanged by Charlotta Dorothee Biehl and Hans Christian Andersen.
- The general news about the demise of letter delivery, particularly its effect on elderly and isolated populations, has raised concerns about disruptions to essential services, digitalization barriers, economic implications, and reduced social connections, suggesting a need for alternative communication methods, support services, and innovative solutions.
