Historical events in Denmark

In the summer of 1657, Denmark

launched hostile actions against Sweden, who at the time was

engaged in a war in Poland, marched his army to Jutland, the

westernmost part of Denmark.The conquest of Jutland was completed

in November 1657, but in the absence of an adequate naval force,

Charles X could not carry his campaign to Zealand, the island on

which Copenhagen is situated.

Unexpectedly, the severe winter of

1657--58 came to his aid.

In February 1658 the Little Belt

(separating Jutland from the island of Fünen) as well as the Great

Belt (separating Fünen from Zealand) froze over completely and,

apparently, to a sufficient depth that the Swedish Army was able to

cross over the frozen sea areas from Jutland to Zealand and force

the Danes to sue for peace.