Treaty of Roskilde
Roskilde, Zealand, Denmark
What happened
King Frederick III of Denmark-Norway and King Charles X Gustav of Sweden. In the winter of 1658, Charles X Gustav led his Swedish army across the frozen sea straits of Denmark, from Jutland to the islands, until it was about 22 km from Copenhagen. Frederick III chose to make peace. In the treaty, Denmark-Norway gave up about a third of its land, including Scania, Blekinge, Halland, Bornholm and Trøndelag.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The southern provinces of Scania, Blekinge and Halland have been part of Sweden ever since. Historians have credited the treaty with giving Sweden its 'natural' borders.
What came next
Under the Treaty of Copenhagen in 1660, Bornholm went back to Denmark and Trøndelag to Norway. Denmark tried to win Scania back in the Scanian War of 1676 but failed.
Did you know?
Swedish soldiers marching across the ice wore straw in their hats so they could recognise each other.
Timeline
- 5 June 1657Denmark declares war on Sweden.
- 30 January 1658The Swedish army crosses the frozen Little Belt.
- 11 February 1658The Swedes reach Zealand.
- 26 February 1658The Treaty of Roskilde is concluded.
- 1660The Treaty of Copenhagen returns Bornholm and Trøndelag.