St Alban's Church
St. Alban's Church
Our Fallen
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
A solemn bronze monument at the entrance to Kastellet fortress in Copenhagen, honouring Danish and allied soldiers who died during World War II. Created by artist Svend Lindhart and erected in 1957, the statue stands on a limestone pedestal at the Zealand Gate, serving as a powerful tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in service. The memorial is part of Copenhagen's significant war remembrance sites and lies within the historic Citadel complex.
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A brief summary to Our Fallen
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Getting There
Metro and Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro Line M1 or M2 to Kongens Nytorv station (approximately 10 minutes from central Copenhagen). Exit and walk northeast towards Kastellet; the entrance to the fortress is approximately 800 metres from the station, a 10-minute walk through Nyhavn and along the waterfront. The route is flat and well-signposted. No entrance fee required.
Bus
Take bus route 1A or 15 towards Kastellet (journey time approximately 15–20 minutes depending on starting point). The bus stops near the fortress entrance on Churchillparken. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3–4 EUR). No entrance fee to visit the monument.
Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes cycling to Kastellet straightforward. From central Copenhagen, the journey takes 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point. Bike racks are available at Kastellet's entrance. Bicycle rental is widely available throughout the city at approximately 60–100 DKK per day (8–13 EUR).
Walking from Nyhavn
If staying in central Copenhagen, walk from Nyhavn (the famous colourful harbour district) to Kastellet in approximately 15 minutes. Head northeast along the waterfront promenade; the route is scenic, flat, and passes the Gefion Fountain. No cost; the walk is part of Copenhagen's most popular tourist circuit.
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Visit early morning or late afternoon for quieter reflection and softer light that highlights the bronze patina and limestone pedestal details.
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Combine your visit with the nearby Monument for Denmark's International Effort Since 1948 and the Museum of Danish Resistance to understand Denmark's complete wartime and post-war history.
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Allow time to walk the Kastellet grounds; the fortress itself is a beautiful 17th-century star-shaped structure with scenic views and additional historical sites.
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The monument is accessible year-round and free to visit, making it an essential stop for those interested in World War II history and Danish cultural heritage.
Discover more about Our Fallen
A Monument to Sacrifice and Service
Our Fallen stands at the entrance to Kastellet, Copenhagen's historic fortress, as a bronze tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. The monument bears the inscription "Our Fallen in Danish and allied military service 1940–1945—Erected by the Danish people," reflecting the collective memory of a nation marked by wartime loss. Created by renowned artist Svend Lindhart, the statue was erected in 1957 and occupies a prominent position on a limestone pedestal at the Sjællandsporten, also known as the Kongeporten or King's Gate, on Smedelinien.Artistic Vision and Physical Presence
The bronze sculpture embodies Lindhart's artistic interpretation of remembrance, transforming abstract grief into a tangible form that commands respect and reflection. Positioned at one of Kastellet's main entrances, the monument serves as an immediate and unavoidable acknowledgement of sacrifice, greeting visitors as they enter the fortress grounds. The choice of bronze—a material that weathers and develops patina over decades—connects the memorial to the passage of time and the enduring nature of memory itself.Context Within Kastellet's Memorial Landscape
Our Fallen exists within a broader landscape of war remembrance at Kastellet. Nearby stands the Monument for Denmark's International Effort Since 1948, a three-part memorial created by Finn Reinbothe and inaugurated in 2011. This newer monument commemorates Danish contributions to international peace operations and features an eternal flame, walls inscribed with conflict zones and the names of fallen service personnel, and apple trees symbolising life and liberty. Together, these memorials create a comprehensive narrative of Danish military sacrifice spanning from World War II through contemporary international missions.The Fortress Setting and Historical Significance
Kastellet itself is a star-shaped fortress built in the 17th century, and its grounds have become a repository of Danish historical memory. The placement of Our Fallen at the fortress entrance ensures that visitors encounter this remembrance immediately upon arrival. The monument's location within this military stronghold reinforces the connection between institutional defence and individual sacrifice, grounding abstract concepts of duty and service in a specific historical and geographical place.Visitor Experience and Reflection
The monument invites quiet contemplation rather than active engagement. Its position on Smedelinien, within the open grounds of Kastellet, allows visitors to approach at their own pace and spend as much time as they wish in reflection. The surrounding fortress grounds provide a tranquil setting for remembrance, with walking paths connecting Our Fallen to other significant sites including the Museum of Danish Resistance, located just five minutes away on foot.A brief summary to Our Fallen
Use Our Fallen as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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A quick look at seasonal patterns and peak visiting hours.
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