A synthesis is presented of the environmental and climatic variations that are inferred to have occurred in southern Sweden (up to latitude 59"N) and Denmark during the Weichselian Late-glacial (1 4-9 kaBP). The chronology and characteristics of the main phases of deglaciation, sea-level change, periglacial activity, soil development, vegetation cover and climate change are summarised. A curve representing the main changes in temperature, including quantitative estimates based upon beetle data and using the 'mutual climatic range' method, is presented.Journal of Quaternary Science