Background

Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934

Where global faith leaders stood against tyranny in 1934, commemorated by a solemn waterfront stone.

5

A solemn memorial stone on Fanø's waterfront commemorates the historic 1934 Ecumenical Conference, a pivotal moment when international church leaders gathered to challenge Nazi Germany's religious policies. Located at Fanø Bad, this modest but significant monument marks where theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer and other Confessing Church representatives secured unprecedented global support for their resistance.

A brief summary to Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934

  • Strandvejen 52, Fanø, 6720, DK
  • Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit during mild weather months (May–September) when the coastal setting is most pleasant and the memorial's surroundings are fully accessible.
  • Combine your visit with exploration of Fanø Bad's broader history; the nearby resort area retains much of its early twentieth-century character.
  • Bring a camera or journal; the waterfront location offers contemplative space and the stone's inscription rewards close reading.
  • Consider reading about Bonhoeffer's life before visiting to deepen your appreciation of the conference's historical context and significance.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Ferry from Esbjerg

    Take the Fanø Ferry from Esbjerg Havn (approximately 15 kilometers south). The crossing takes 12–15 minutes. Ferries operate year-round with multiple daily departures; service is frequent during summer months (May–September) and reduced in winter. Standard passenger fare is approximately 60–80 DKK one-way. Upon arrival at Fanø Havn, the memorial is a 10–15 minute walk or short taxi ride to Strandvejen 52.

  • Car via ferry

    Drive to Esbjerg Havn and board the vehicle ferry to Fanø (12–15 minute crossing). Vehicle fares vary by car size, typically 200–350 DKK one-way. The ferry operates daily year-round. Upon arrival, follow signs to Fanø Bad; the memorial is located directly at Strandvejen 52, with nearby parking available.

  • Bicycle from Esbjerg

    Cyclists can board the passenger ferry from Esbjerg (12–15 minutes, approximately 60 DKK). Fanø is a popular cycling destination with flat terrain and dedicated cycle paths. The ride from Fanø Havn to Strandvejen 52 is approximately 3–4 kilometers and takes 15–20 minutes on well-maintained paths.

  • Bus and ferry combination

    Regional buses serve Esbjerg from surrounding towns. Connect to the Fanø Ferry at Esbjerg Havn (12–15 minute crossing). Bus fares vary by origin; ferry passenger fare is approximately 60–80 DKK. Service frequency is highest during summer months.

Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934 location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Clear Skies

Unlock the Best of Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934

A Watershed Moment in Church History

In August 1934, the Danish island of Fanø hosted one of the most consequential ecumenical gatherings of the twentieth century. The World Conference for International Friendship through the Churches convened at the Fanø Bad resort, drawing representatives from Protestant denominations across Europe and beyond. This nine-day assembly became a turning point for the Confessing Church—the resistance movement within German Protestantism opposing Nazi ideology and the state-controlled Reich Church. The memorial stone at Strandvejen marks this pivotal location, standing as a quiet testament to courage and international solidarity during one of history's darkest periods.

Bonhoeffer's Peace Speech and Prophetic Vision

Among the conference's most memorable moments was theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer's address during morning devotions on August 28, 1934. Speaking before the assembled delegates, Bonhoeffer delivered words that would echo through decades: "There is no path to peace on the path of security. Peace must be ventured, is the one great venture, and can never ever be secured." His message challenged the ecumenical movement to take bold action against injustice, rejecting the false comfort of neutrality. Though controversial at the time, Bonhoeffer's speech articulated the moral imperative that would define his life—ultimately leading to his execution in 1945 for his involvement in plots against Hitler.

International Recognition for the Confessing Church

The conference proved transformative for the Confessing Church's international standing. For the first time, this German resistance movement received formal recognition and support from the global Christian community. The gathering's resolution expressed deep concern about the international situation and implicitly condemned the Reich Church's alignment with Nazi policies. Bishop George Bell of Chichester and Danish Bishop Valdemar Ammundsen joined Bonhoeffer in representing the Confessing Church, lending ecclesiastical authority to their cause. This international endorsement provided crucial moral legitimacy and protection during the years of Nazi persecution that followed.

The Memorial's Significance Today

The stone memorial at Fanø Bad preserves the memory of this conference for contemporary visitors. Positioned along the island's coastal landscape, it invites reflection on how ordinary places can witness extraordinary historical events. The monument serves not merely as a historical marker but as a reminder of the power of international cooperation in defending religious freedom and human dignity. For those interested in twentieth-century history, the Confessing Church's resistance, or the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this modest stone offers a tangible connection to events that shaped both church and world history.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934

Popular Hotels near Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934

Select Currency