End of an era: Denmark becomes first nation to end letter delivery

Denmark has quietly closed the book on one of its oldest public services. After more than four centuries, the country’s postal operator has delivered its final letter, making Denmark the first nation in the world to end a universal letter delivery service.

State-owned PostNord confirmed that it has stopped letter distribution after 401 years, citing a steep and sustained decline in mail volumes as Danes increasingly rely on digital communication. Danish broadcaster DR reported that the last letters were delivered on Tuesday, bringing to an end a service that dates back to 1624.

“There has been a major decline in letter sending in favour of electronic means of communication,” PostNord said, explaining the decision to abandon physical mail in favour of parcel delivery.

Calling the move historic, PostNord chief executive Kim Pedersen said the company was closing one chapter while opening another. “We are ending letter distribution after centuries, but we are opening a new chapter where Danes need us most: in e-commerce, where parcels now outnumber letters,” he said.

The shift reflects Denmark’s rapid digitalisation. Digital mailboxes, mobile payments and online services have steadily replaced envelopes and stamps. Over the past 25 years, letter volumes have fallen by more than 90%, with an equally sharp drop since 2000. Last year alone, PostNord reported an operating loss of 428 million kroner, or about €57 million.

From 2026, PostNord’s operations will be fully aligned around its parcel business, with the aim of becoming Denmark’s preferred package carrier as online shopping continues to grow.

While Denmark is the first large country to abolish its universal letter service guarantee, officials say written correspondence will not disappear entirely. Private couriers, including DAO, are expected to offer letter delivery at market rates.

“We can still send and receive letters everywhere in the country,” said Thomas Danielsen, even as advocacy groups warn the shift could deepen the digital divide for elderly citizens and people in rural areas.

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