Mapping Denmark’s hidden life

Microflora Danica is a nationwide initiative exploring the hidden world of microorganisms in Danish soils.

By analyzing thousands of soil samples with advanced DNA techniques, the project has created a unique catalogue of bacteria, most of which were previously unknown. Many of these species are named after Danish towns or inspired by the historic Flora Danica, blending science with culture.

The project not only reveals the unseen inhabitants of our soils but also provides a foundation for understanding their role in shaping climate, ecosystems, and food systems in the years to come.

Explore the map to discover where samples were collected across Denmark and the microorganisms they reveal.

Orange markers show entirely new genera, named after Danish towns or parishes, while gray markers indicate new species within already known genera. Since a single sample can contain multiple microorganisms, several markers may overlap at the same location.

Click on a marker to learn the microorganism’s name, its collection site, and the story behind how it was named.

Note: The content on this map is presented in Danish.