Few people know that in the first half of the 15th century, King Eric was one of the top European rulers. On the international stage, everyone counted on him, and he did more for the development of Scandinavia itself than any other king in the Middle Ages. He created the first Scandinavian navy under the flag of the Kalmar Union. Its ships defended the kingdoms against the fleets of the Hansa, the Teutonic Order and the Vitalian pirates.

Eric built castles, churches, founded new cities and ensured that the Danish treasury was constantly filled with gold. Although this decision earned him many opponents, he was the first to introduce customs duties in the Danish straits. This meant that every ship entering and leaving the Baltic Sea had to pay him. Interestingly, these fees were the basis of the Danish budget until the mid-19th century! At the same time, he also reformed the Scandinavian coinage and... moved the capital of Denmark to Copenhagen.

He died in 1459 and was finally buried in the Darłowo church.