Fishermen Memorial, Esbjerg
A quiet granite grove on Esbjerg’s windy coast, honoring generations of local fishermen who never returned from the sea.
Set just west of Esbjerg, the Fishermen Memorial is a quiet granite grove dedicated to the many local fishermen who have lost their lives at sea since 1900. Tucked near the coastline and maritime quarter, this simple circular monument bears hundreds of engraved names, turning a small green space into a powerful place of remembrance. It is an open-air site, free to visit at any time, and pairs naturally with nearby maritime attractions and sea views.
A brief summary to Fishermen memorial
- Esbjerg, Esbjerg V, 6710, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Allow at least 20–30 minutes to walk the full circle of the rotunda, read the inscriptions and spend a few quiet moments in the grove.
- Dress for wind and changeable weather; the site is fully exposed to North Sea breezes with limited shelter.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Fisheries and Maritime Museum to better understand the fishing history behind the engraved names.
- Visit around sunrise or late afternoon for softer light on the granite and a more contemplative atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from Esbjerg center
From central Esbjerg, local buses serving Tarphagevej take about 10–15 minutes to reach the stop closest to the maritime museum area, followed by a short, level walk to the Fishermen Memorial. Services typically run several times an hour during the day, with reduced frequency in the evening. A single adult ticket within the city zone usually costs around 24–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines, apps or on board where available.
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Taxi within Esbjerg
Taxis from the train station or city center reach the memorial area in roughly 8–12 minutes, depending on traffic. This is a convenient option in poor weather or for visitors with limited mobility, as vehicles can drop passengers close to the grove. Expect to pay in the region of 120–180 DKK one way, with higher fares late at night or on weekends.
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Cycling from Esbjerg center
Esbjerg is well suited to cycling, and the route from the city center out toward the maritime quarter and coastal attractions usually takes 20–30 minutes on mostly paved, relatively flat paths. Standard city bike rentals are commonly available per day at prices starting around 80–150 DKK. Wind from the sea can make the ride feel longer, so allow extra time on breezy days.
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On foot from nearby coastal attractions
If you are already visiting nearby sites such as the Fisheries and Maritime Museum or the coastal sculptures, you can reach the Fishermen Memorial on foot in about 10–25 minutes. Paths in this area are mostly level but can be exposed to strong wind and occasional puddles after rain. Good footwear and a windproof layer make the coastal walk more comfortable.
Fishermen memorial location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Any Weather
Discover more about Fishermen memorial
A seaside tribute to Esbjerg’s fishing past
The Fishermen Memorial in Esbjerg sits close to the windswept North Sea coast, in a modest grove that contrasts with the busy harbour and modern city beyond. This is not a grand plaza but a small, focused space dedicated to those who took to the water and never came home. Here, the noise of ships and traffic drops away, replaced by the rustle of grass and the steady breath of wind off the Wadden Sea. Esbjerg grew rapidly as a fishing port from the late 19th century, and for decades entire neighborhoods depended on the daily risks of life at sea. The memorial gives that story a physical anchor, inviting you to pause between the harbour, nearby museums and the open shoreline.The granite rotunda of names and years
At the heart of the grove stands a circular granite rotunda, its inner face carved with the names of Esbjerg fishermen who lost their lives at sea from 1900 onwards. Each inscription is spare and factual—name, vessel, date—yet together they form a dense record of storms, collisions and groundings scattered across the North Sea and beyond. Walking slowly around the circle, you see certain years thick with loss, hinting at notorious gales and wartime dangers. The design is deliberately understated. There are no heroic figures or dramatic sculptures, only the steady repetition of names in stone. The effect is cumulative: the further you walk, the more the grove feels like an outdoor archive of the town’s collective grief and resilience.Setting, atmosphere and the rhythm of the sea
The memorial is framed by low plantings and lawn, with glimpses of sky and, in places, of the harbour and sea. On bright days, the pale granite and dark lettering feel crisp and clear; in mist or drizzle, the stone darkens and the site takes on a more introspective tone. The marine air carries faint traces of salt and fuel from the port, a reminder that fishing and offshore work are still part of Esbjerg’s identity. Because the grove is open around the clock, the mood changes with the time of day. Early mornings can be almost silent except for seabirds, while evenings may mix the glow of harbour lights with the last colour in the western sky. Many visitors choose to walk the circle slowly, then step back to take in the rotunda as a whole, allowing a moment of quiet before returning to the livelier waterfront.Connections to maritime Esbjerg
The Fishermen Memorial sits within a small cluster of coastal attractions that together tell a broader story. Nearby, the Fisheries and Maritime Museum explores the region’s seafaring heritage, from trawlers and offshore platforms to the wildlife of the Wadden Sea, while the towering white "Man Meets the Sea" sculptures stand further along the coast, gazing toward the horizon. Against these bold, sculptural statements, the memorial grove feels intimate and grounded. Visiting the grove alongside the museum and shoreline paths helps place the engraved names in context. You can move from exhibits on fishing technology and sea life to the quiet of the rotunda, then out again to the open coast where trawlers and service vessels still trace routes similar to those once followed by the men commemorated here.Reflective moments by the Wadden Sea edge
Although the memorial can be seen in a brief stop, it rewards a slower, more reflective visit. Many people choose to walk the circle more than once, first reading names and dates, then letting their gaze drift out toward the distant line of water and sky. The grove’s simplicity makes it suitable for solitary contemplation as well as quiet conversation. In a region where the sea provides both livelihood and danger, this small granite ring acts as a counterpoint to busy quays and modern offshore industry. It keeps the human cost of maritime work visible within the landscape, offering a calm pause between the city and the open water.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Begravet bunker
2.1 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Denmark
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Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Vadehavskysten
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Dronning Louise
2.8 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Esbjerg Water Tower
2.8 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Namaste Esbjerg
2.8 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
2.9 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Fanø Tourist Office
4.0 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
Fanø Krogaard
4.2 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fano Bed and Boats
4.4 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
Hjerting Badehotel
6.1 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Sønderho Church
15.3 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
15.6 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Kammerslusen Ribe
22.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
27.2 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museumsfyrskibet Horns Rev
0.7 km
Historic lightship turned museum at Esbjerg’s harbourfront, preserving the story of Horns Rev and life aboard a floating lighthouse on Denmark’s west coast.
Brillesøerne
0.8 km
A pair of calm urban lakes in Esbjerg V, Brillesøerne offers easy paths, birdlife and open green space for tranquil walks and everyday nature escapes.
Men by the Sea
0.8 km
Four towering white figures gazing over the North Sea, Men by the Sea is Esbjerg’s unmissable coastal icon of humanity’s calm encounter with nature.
Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet
0.9 km
Denmark’s museum of the sea, where Esbjerg’s fishing past, offshore present and North Sea wildlife come together in one immersive waterfront complex.
Esbjerg Havn
1.1 km
A vast working harbour and marina where offshore wind giants, fishing boats and yachts share the docks on Denmark’s windswept North Sea coast.
Skulptur “Frihedskæmpere”
1.2 km
Step into Esbjerg’s past at this hands-on city museum, featuring a recreated historic street, archaeological treasures, and stories of seafaring ambition.
Swimming Stadium Denmark
1.2 km
Denmark’s largest indoor swim and water park: 10,000 m² of slides, waves, competition lanes and wellness under one roof in Esbjerg’s sports district.
Vognsbølparken
1.3 km
Esbjerg’s big back garden: 178 hectares of woodland, lakes, lawns and play areas offering easy everyday nature, peaceful walks and relaxed family time.
Fish Auction for tourists
1.4 km
Bid on fresh catches at Denmark's largest fishing harbour in this authentic, working auction.
Skulptur “Kobberkors”
1.5 km
Explore Esbjerg Museum and discover the fascinating tale of Denmark’s west coast, from bustling port origins to maritime heritage and daily life exhibits.
Dyrehaven
1.6 km
A tranquil deer-filled woodland in Esbjerg’s Nørreskoven, where city life fades into rustling leaves, soft hooves and unhurried forest walks among graceful herds.
Sædding Mellem Fyr
1.9 km
A modest but historic leading light on Sædding’s shoreline, quietly recalling Esbjerg’s maritime navigation heritage beside the sands of the North Sea.
Brunnen Park
2.4 km
A small fountain-side green space on Kirkegade, offering a quiet pause of trees, lawns and benches in the very heart of Esbjerg’s urban grid.
Borgmesterhaven
2.5 km
A small, low-key neighborhood park in central Esbjerg, offering simple greenery, benches and a brief escape from the surrounding streets and apartment blocks.
Mosaicvæg “Verdensarven Vadehavet”
2.6 km
A 27‑meter community-created mosaic in a hidden Esbjerg courtyard, bringing the colours, tides and birdlife of the UNESCO Wadden Sea into the city centre.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Plates Esbjerg
1.0 km
Sky-high Nordic dining and cocktails on Esbjerg’s 17th floor, where harbour panoramas meet shareable plates, seasonal flavours and an easygoing, modern buzz.
Sydvesten ApS
1.1 km
Harbour-side Danish seafood canteen turned local classic, serving hearty fish dishes and open sandwiches beside Esbjerg’s working fishing quay and marina.
Catering i Esbjerg
1.1 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine in the heart of Esbjerg at Spisestuen.
Den Røde Okse
1.1 km
Long‑running Esbjerg restaurant and catering house serving classic Danish menus, festive banquets and sustainable “mad ud af huset” in warm, roomy surroundings.
Restaurant Parken I/S
1.2 km
Classic Danish cooking with park and lakeside views, combining bright modern interiors and a terrace that opens directly onto Esbjerg’s green Vognsbølparken.
ECH Restaurant
1.7 km
Relaxed buffet-style dining inside the ECH Park complex, serving hearty grill dishes and Scandinavian breakfasts on Esbjerg’s leafy Stormgade.
Kanda's Thai Cuisine
1.9 km
Compact, award‑winning Thai takeaway on Strandbygade, serving wok‑fresh curries and noodles that bring Southeast Asian warmth to the heart of Esbjerg.
Asia Restaurant Esbjerg
1.9 km
Lively all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Esbjerg’s northern outskirts, mixing Chinese favourites, sushi and Mongolian grill in a casual, group-friendly setting.
Spyddet Le Grill
2.0 km
Casual Middle Eastern grill in central Esbjerg, serving juicy skewers, build‑your‑own plates and hearty comfort dishes in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting.
Café Danmark
2.0 km
Old-school Danish lunch café in central Esbjerg, serving generous smørrebrød and stjerneskud in a warm, nostalgic dining room with relaxed midday atmosphere.
O-Shi Sushi
2.4 km
Compact, modern sushi spot in central Esbjerg serving fresh rolls and warm Japanese-inspired dishes for both casual dine-in and convenient takeaway.
Rådhuskroen
2.4 km
Traditional Danish kro-meets-pub in central Esbjerg, serving hearty plates and cold beer in a warm, wood-paneled setting filled with everyday local hygge.
Sand's Restauration ApS
2.5 km
Century-old Esbjerg institution serving hearty Danish classics, local seafood and regional specialties in a cosy, wood-accented setting on lively Skolegade.
Restaurant Lyokoi - Japansk Sushi
2.5 km
Compact, lively Esbjerg hotspot where colorful sushi platters meet sizzling Korean barbecue grills in a relaxed, social Skolegade setting.
La Scala Ristorante Pizzeria
2.6 km
Long-running Italian pizzeria in central Esbjerg, serving stone-baked pizzas, hearty pastas and relaxed, cosy dinners from Tuesday to Sunday evenings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
dansk Esbjerg
0.6 km
Curated Danish fashion and Nordic design in the heart of Esbjerg.
Gaveshop.nu
0.9 km
Curated corporate gifts delivered with elegance—where business appreciation meets thoughtful selection.
Esbjerg Asian Shop
1.8 km
Compact Asian grocery on Strandbygade, stocking noodles, spices, sauces and snacks that bring East and Southeast Asian flavours to everyday life in Esbjerg.
SLIK FOR VOKSNE
2.4 km
Playful by name and refined in taste, SLIK FOR VOKSNE is Esbjerg’s grown‑up candy store for wine, spirits, chocolate and beautifully wrapped gourmet gifts.
Boutique Elenor
2.4 km
A small, stylish clothing boutique on Kronprinsensgade, offering a curated alternative to big-brand shopping in the heart of Esbjerg’s lively city center.
Kongehuset
2.4 km
Curated fashion and quality outerwear in a handsome historic corner store on Esbjerg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style with international brands.
Collabo
2.4 km
Core skateshop and streetwear hub in central Esbjerg, blending Scandinavian simplicity with global board culture, sneakers and subculturally inspired apparel.
Coast Women
2.4 km
A polished multibrand women’s fashion boutique on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, blending Nordic ease, international labels and attentive personal service.
KORN180
2.4 km
A hidden courtyard workshop in Esbjerg where reuse, upcycling and social enterprise turn ordinary cast-offs into inventive, one-of-a-kind designs.
Greenfriends
2.4 km
Esbjerg's dedicated cannabis retail shop with convenient city-center location and flexible weekend hours.
LE Kirk
2.5 km
Curated women's fashion in Esbjerg's vibrant city center with personalized service and contemporary style.
Flittiglise
2.5 km
A cozy Esbjerg yarn haven where shelves of color, quality fibers and friendly advice invite you to slow down, browse and bring a bit of Danish craft home.
Incado City Roholt
2.5 km
Denmark's premier creative supply destination where artists find inspiration, materials, and community.
Kop & Kande
2.6 km
Bright, central Esbjerg homeware and gift shop specialising in practical Scandinavian design, quality kitchen tools and thoughtfully wrapped presents for any occasion.
Samsøe Samsøe - Esbjerg
2.6 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion where timeless design meets contemporary Nordic elegance.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Corners Pub
1.4 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
1.6 km
A no-frills Danish bodega in central Esbjerg, where wood-panelled warmth, affordable drinks, and local camaraderie capture the city’s everyday pub culture.
Pub Bibas i Esbjerg
1.8 km
A classic brown Danish bodega in Esbjerg’s Sædding centre, serving cold beer, local stories and unpretentious bar life from late morning until late evening.
Havkatten
1.9 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Vinbaren
2.6 km
Intimate, dimly lit and disarmingly casual, Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s brown-bar style wine hangout for late-night chats, cheap pours and the occasional close-up concert.
HomeRun Esbjerg
2.7 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
Riverside Pub
2.7 km
Relaxed neighborhood pub in Ådalsparken, serving cold beer and cozy Danish hygge in a low-key, local setting west of central Esbjerg.
James Bond Esbjerg
2.8 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
Kasket Karl
2.8 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Industrien
2.8 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
2.8 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
Skræddergården Esbjerg ApS
2.8 km
Adult-friendly dance bar in Esbjerg’s Skolegade nightlife strip, mixing DJ sets, live music nights and easygoing drinks in a former tailor’s house.
King George
2.8 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
2.8 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
2.8 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
2.8 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
38.4 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
43.9 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
45.1 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Romo Golf Links
45.2 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Fishi
51.9 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Rotes Kliff
59.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Koldingtivet Engen
65.7 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
66.2 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
66.4 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
66.6 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Jazz 6000
66.9 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Al Capone
67.3 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
67.3 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
70.4 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
