Mindesmærke for Scandinavian Star
A solemn granite memorial on Frederikshavn’s harbourfront, commemorating the 159 lives lost in the 1990 Scandinavian Star ferry fire beside the waters they once crossed.
Set on the industrial waterfront of Frederikshavn, the Mindesmærke for Scandinavian Star is a sober granite monument commemorating the 159 people who lost their lives in the 1990 ferry fire on the Scandinavian Star. Placed close to the quay where the ship briefly called before the disaster, the memorial offers a quiet, contemplative space amid the bustle of the harbour. Simple lines, heavy stone and the open sky over the Kattegat invite reflection on one of Scandinavia’s most tragic maritime accidents.
A brief summary to Mindesmærke for Scandinavian
- Sydhavnsvej 6B, Frederikshavn, 9900, 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 a quiet 15–30 minutes at the monument to read the inscriptions and reflect without rushing; this is a memorial rather than a typical sightseeing stop.
- Wear windproof clothing, as the exposed harbourfront can feel chilly and gusty even during warmer months.
- Combine your visit with a broader walk along Frederikshavn’s waterfront to appreciate both the working port and its memorial spaces.
Getting There
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Train and walk from central Frederikshavn
From Frederikshavn Station, the harbourfront memorial is typically reached on foot in about 20–25 minutes along generally flat urban streets and port areas. Regional trains connect Frederikshavn with other North Jutland towns and Aalborg several times per day, and a standard adult single ticket within the region usually costs around 40–80 DKK depending on distance. Surfaces near the port can be uneven, and strong winds are common, but the route is otherwise straightforward for most visitors.
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Local bus to the harbour area
City and regional buses in Frederikshavn serve the harbour district from the town centre, with journeys typically taking 10–15 minutes depending on route and traffic. Single tickets within the local zone generally cost about 20–30 DKK when purchased on board or via regional transport apps. Services are less frequent in the evenings and on weekends, so checking timetables in advance is advisable. From the nearest bus stop, expect a short walk through an industrial waterfront environment to reach the monument.
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Car or taxi within Frederikshavn
Travelling by car or taxi from central Frederikshavn to the harbourfront usually takes around 5–10 minutes. Taxis are metered, with typical short urban journeys starting around 50–70 DKK and increasing with time and distance. Access roads run through active port areas, so speed limits are low and heavy vehicles are common. Parking options can vary depending on port operations on the day, and visitors should follow any posted restrictions when leaving a vehicle nearby.
Mindesmærke for Scandinavian location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Mindesmærke for Scandinavian
A harbourfront memorial to a maritime tragedy
At the edge of Frederikshavn’s working harbour, the Mindesmærke for Scandinavian Star stands as a stark reminder of one of Scandinavia’s darkest maritime disasters. The memorial marks the 1990 ferry fire aboard the passenger ship Scandinavian Star, in which 159 people lost their lives during a night crossing between Norway and Denmark. Its placement near the quay where the vessel briefly docked in the days before the fire ties the abstract horror of the event to a precise, physical point on the map. Surrounded by cranes, warehouses and the low hum of port activity, the monument feels both exposed and intimate. The sea that once carried the ship forms a shifting backdrop, and the smell of salt and diesel hangs faintly in the air. This juxtaposition between everyday work and solemn remembrance gives the site a quiet, powerful tension.Granite, weight and the language of remembrance
The monument is carved from solid granite, chosen for its permanence and gravity. Rising to around human height and several metres in width, the block has the presence of a shoreline boulder shaped by time but clearly arranged by careful human hands. Its weight and simplicity discourage spectacle, instead suggesting endurance and the long arc of grief. Details are restrained: clean planes, subtle angles and inscriptions rather than figurative sculpture. The polished surfaces catch the light off the harbour, while rougher sections keep a tactile, almost raw quality. Names, dates and dedicatory text are set at a height that encourages you to come close, to read slowly and stand still for a moment.Remembering the night of the fire
The Scandinavian Star tragedy unfolded in the early hours of 7 April 1990, when fire broke out on the ferry en route between Norway and Denmark across the Skagerrak. In dense smoke and confusion, with many passengers asleep in their cabins, evacuation became chaotic and incomplete. In the aftermath, investigations raised serious questions about safety procedures, ship ownership and the possibility of arson. The memorial in Frederikshavn does not reconstruct the event in detail, yet the date and number of victims are central to its message. Standing before the stone, it is easy to imagine the invisible lines connecting this quay, the route across the dark sea and the lives cut short that night. For relatives and maritime workers alike, the monument has become a focal point for annual commemorations and quiet personal visits.A place for quiet reflection by the industrial seafront
Although located in an active port area, the immediate surroundings of the monument are relatively calm. There is space to pause, look out across the water and listen to the rhythm of waves against the harbour wall. The wind off the Kattegat can be sharp, even in summer, reinforcing the sense of exposure that often accompanies remembrance sites by the sea. There is no elaborate landscaping or ornamental garden; instead, asphalt, concrete and steel set a minimalist frame. This lack of embellishment steers attention back to the granite and the story it carries. The mood is contemplative rather than dramatic, making it a suitable place for those who prefer understated memorials to more theatrical expressions of grief.Contemporary relevance and the culture of safety at sea
Beyond honouring the dead, the Mindesmærke for Scandinavian Star points to ongoing debates about safety culture in maritime transport. The disaster prompted changes in regulations, inspections and emergency procedures throughout the region. For a town with deep roots in shipbuilding, ferry connections and fishing, the memorial is also a reminder of the responsibilities carried by those who work on and around the sea. Visitors with an interest in maritime history or industrial landscapes will find that the monument adds a human dimension to Frederikshavn’s docks. It encourages a slower pace in an environment usually defined by schedules and logistics, and it brings into focus the cost of neglect when lives depend on vessels, crews and systems functioning as they should.Visiting with respect and awareness
A visit to the Mindesmærke for Scandinavian Star rarely takes long in terms of time, but it can leave a lasting emotional impression. This is not a site for loud conversation or rushed photography; it rewards quiet observation, perhaps a short reading of the inscriptions and a moment spent looking out to sea. Many visitors combine it with a broader walk along the harbourfront or a short stop while exploring other parts of Frederikshavn. Because the memorial sits in a working harbour area, awareness of surroundings is important, and the atmosphere can change with the movement of ships and weather. On a grey, windy day the site feels especially stark, while in bright sunlight the granite takes on warmer tones. In all conditions, it remains a small but significant place of remembrance woven into the fabric of an everyday industrial landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fisketorvet
0.3 km
A modest central square in Frederikshavn where everyday small-town life, summer tourist hosts and a hint of maritime character quietly meet by the harbor.
Frederikshavn Church
0.4 km
Frederikshavn’s red-brick landmark church, blending National Romantic architecture, a Michael Ancher altarpiece and war graves into one evocative town centre stop.
Frederikshavn St.
0.5 km
Compact, coastal rail terminus linking Frederikshavn’s harbor, ferries and town center, and a relaxed stepping stone to beaches, bunkers and northern Jutland landscapes.
Port of Frederikshavn
0.6 km
A deep-water working harbour where ferries, shipyards and offshore giants share the waterfront, shaping the maritime heart of Frederikshavn.
Cafe' Feen
0.9 km
Aalborg’s beloved Kildeparken blends music, art, and green tranquility, offering a vibrant escape in the city center for relaxation, exploration, and community events.
Frederikshavn Sogn
0.9 km
A grand Romanesque church and living parish at the heart of a North Jutland port town, where seafaring history, sacred art and everyday Danish life meet.
Bunker Ved Palmestranden
2.6 km
Second World War bunkers half-buried in the dunes behind Frederikshavn’s palm-lined city beach, blending coastal history with a relaxed seaside setting.
Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen
10.5 km
A modest roadside stone in rural Vendsyssel, the Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen quietly links a single life story with the open fields and farm roads of Gærum.
The Lady From The Sea
11.6 km
A towering harbour figurehead where Ibsen’s sea‑bound heroine, medieval Mary and hundreds of children’s symbols merge into one evocative coastal landmark.
Mindesten for Klitplantør Thygeson
30.8 km
A modest granite stone in Skagen Klitplantage honouring the dune inspector who planted millions of pines and transformed the shifting sands south of Skagen.
Kiosk v / The Buried Church
30.8 km
Delve into Esbjerg’s evolution from coastal hamlet to harbor city at this immersive museum, blending archaeology, wartime history, and lifelike local scenes in Denmark’s West Jutland.
Skagen Havn
31.0 km
A bustling North Sea harbour where fishing fleets, cruise liners and a cosy marina meet under Skagen’s famous northern light.
Enjoy Skagen
31.6 km
Esbjerg Museum reveals the city’s story through immersive exhibits on maritime legacy, archaeology, and daily life—offering an interactive journey into Danish west coast history.
Galleri Bo
31.8 km
Explore Denmark's vibrant west coast heritage at Esbjerg Museum, where local history, archaeology, and immersive exhibits bring Esbjerg's dramatic story to life.
Skagen Station
32.1 km
Denmark's northernmost railway station, where historic yellow architecture meets the gateway to two seas.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tordenskjold statue
0.3 km
Experience the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's cultural gem.
Krudttårnet
0.4 km
A 17th‑century gunpowder tower turned harbourfront museum, where naval history, bold engineering and Frederikshavn’s maritime story meet in one compact landmark.
Frihedsmonumentet
0.4 km
Frihedsmonumentet is a tranquil memorial park in Frederikshavn, honoring Danish resistance and World War II victims in a peaceful, central garden beside the main church.
Triaden sculpture
0.4 km
Discover Mindesten in Frederikshavn: A serene memorial honoring local history amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.
Mindesten
0.5 km
A modest granite memorial on Frederikshavn’s church square, Mindesten quietly commemorates Denmark’s World War II liberation and invites a moment of reflection.
Versorgungsschiff „EDDA BOREAS“
0.6 km
A cutting-edge offshore wind support vessel occasionally moored at Frederikshavn’s working harbour, showcasing hydrogen-ready technology, cranes and gangways for the future of offshore energy.
Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum
0.6 km
Small in scale but rich in ideas, Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum og Exlibrissamling fuses contemporary art, ex libris treasures and a lively cultural calendar in one intimate venue.
Nordre Skanse
1.6 km
Grassy historic earthworks overlooking Frederikshavn’s harbour and the Kattegat, where simple ramparts, sea views and open sky tell a quiet coastal story.
Bangsbo Botaniske Have
2.7 km
Denmark's premier botanical garden where English-style elegance meets Northern Europe's largest alpine crevice garden.
Palmestranden
2.7 km
Denmark’s only true palm-fringed urban beach, blending soft white sand, safe shallows and playful seaside activities with views over Frederikshavn’s working harbor.
Mindesten for de 3
2.8 km
A modest war memorial in Frederikshavn honoring three local lives lost during World War II, inviting a brief, thoughtful pause amid the town’s everyday rhythm.
Boolsens Stenhave
2.8 km
A quiet stone garden in Frederikshavn where an author’s lifelong passion for geology now unfolds as an open-air story of ice, rock, and deep time.
Pikkerbakken
2.9 km
Forest-framed hilltop with a striking airwalk, sweeping Kattegat views and quiet wartime relics above the harbor town of Frederikshavn.
Kystmuseet Bangsbo
2.9 km
Historic Bangsbo manor turned coastal museum, where medieval ships, wartime stories and a 1900s cultural salon meet in lush parkland on Frederikshavn’s edge.
Mindesten for V. VANGSTED
2.9 km
Explore the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's cultural gem.
Essential places to dine
STED1
0.2 km
Elevated Nordic dining with sweeping harbour views from the top of Hotel Jutlandia, blending contemporary cuisine with Frederikshavn’s working waterfront.
Hotel Jutlandia
0.2 km
Waterfront landmark hotel overlooking ferries and the Kattegat, steps from shops and the train station.
Tordenskjoldskroen
0.2 km
A quintessential Danish beer hall in Frederikshavn blending hearty local flavor, maritime heritage, affordable drinks, and genuine social atmosphere.
Moby Dick
0.2 km
Hearty Danish comfort food with a maritime twist in the heart of Frederikshavn, where generous plates and warm lighting create a cozy harbor-side evening.
Maestros Steakhouse Frederikshavn
0.2 km
Relaxed Angus-focused steakhouse in central Frederikshavn, serving generous cuts, burgers, pizzas and pasta all day in a warm, casual neighbourhood setting.
Bone's Frederikshavn
0.2 km
Harborfront American BBQ and hearty comfort food with a salad bar, soft-ice and plenty of space for families, groups and hungry travelers in Frederikshavn.
California American Restaurant
0.2 km
Hearty burgers, ribs and American comfort food served in a casual, family‑friendly grill house in the centre of Frederikshavn.
Restaurant Frida
0.3 km
Harborfront, family-friendly buffet in Frederikshavn serving classic Danish dishes and a generous grill selection in a relaxed, social setting.
Hyttefadet
0.3 km
Casual seafood and Danish comfort dishes in a cozy, harbor-near townhouse with a leafy, sun-catching terrace in the center of Frederikshavn.
Valentino
0.3 km
Casual Italian restaurant in central Frederikshavn, serving generous pizzas, pastas and European comfort dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Milan Pizza
0.3 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzas with creative toppings in casual, family-friendly Frederikshavn setting.
Scandic The Reef
0.3 km
Caribbean-style water world and relaxed family resort vibes in the heart of Frederikshavn, steps from the harbour, beaches and North Jutland’s coastal adventures.
Buffet Restaurant The Reef
0.3 km
Family-friendly buffet dining inside Frederikshavn’s tropical water-park hotel, blending Nordic comfort food with a relaxed Caribbean-inspired resort atmosphere.
Jerry’s
0.3 km
Retro American diner meets craft brewery in Frederikshavn's vibrant heart.
Bai Sheng
0.3 km
Interactive Mongolian BBQ and sushi buffet where chefs grill your selections before your eyes.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
dansk Frederikshavn
0.2 km
Harborfront, budget-friendly clothing store in Frederikshavn, stocking practical styles for babies, kids, tweens, women and men under one bright, efficient roof.
SOLO - Frederikshavn
0.3 km
Compact, contemporary women’s fashion on Frederikshavn’s main pedestrian street, ideal for a relaxed browse between cafés, errands and harbor strolls.
Knud E
0.3 km
Long-established Frederikshavn womenswear boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired fashion, quality outerwear and warm, personal service in the heart of Danmarksgade.
Marta du chateau Frederikshavn
0.3 km
Scandinavian women’s fashion with a French–Italian twist, set in the heart of Frederikshavn’s pedestrian shopping street.
Tøjeksperten
0.3 km
Premium men's fashion with 365-day exchanges and seamless online integration in central Frederikshavn.
Rosenborg SHE
0.3 km
Intimate women’s fashion and footwear boutique on Søndergade, offering wearable Scandinavian style in the heart of Frederikshavn’s cozy shopping streets.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.3 km
Playful Danish design shop in central Frederikshavn, brimming with colourful gifts, party supplies, stationery and clever everyday items at wallet‑friendly prices.
JACK & JONES
0.3 km
Casual Scandinavian menswear, denim and smart-casual essentials in a compact boutique on Frederikshavn’s main pedestrian shopping street.
Deres Collection
0.3 km
Modern women’s fashion in a relaxed Nordic boutique, set in the walkable shopping streets of central Frederikshavn.
Zoey
0.3 km
Sophisticated plus-size fashion celebrating curves and confident style in Denmark's north.
INTERSPORT Frederikshavn
0.3 km
Central Frederikshavn sports store for footwear, clothing and gear tailored to Danish weather, everyday training, family activities and active coastal holidays.
Søstrene Grene
0.3 km
Scandinavian creativity and design inspiration in the heart of Frederikshavn
Kidsbrandstore
0.3 km
Nordic market leader in curated children's fashion, specializing in quality branded clothing for kids and teens.
Mondo Frederikshavn
0.3 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique in central Frederikshavn, blending Scandinavian style, everyday practicality and friendly, personal service on busy Danmarksgade.
ONLY
0.3 km
Scandi high-street style, denim favourites and everyday womenswear essentials in a compact, central Frederikshavn fashion store on lively Danmarksgade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
John Bull
0.2 km
English-style harbor pub blending maritime character with classic pub hospitality in Frederikshavn's waterfront district.
Freddy´s Bar
0.2 km
Cozy harbourfront bar in Frederikshavn with live music, a generous beer selection, and laid-back Danish pub vibes just steps from the ferry terminal.
JOY´S PUB
0.2 km
Cozy harborfront neighborhood bar in Frederikshavn with affordable drinks, local atmosphere and occasional live music on late-opening weekend nights.
Frederikshavner Kroen
0.3 km
No‑frills Danish pub in central Frederikshavn, pouring cheap beer, late‑night drinks and plenty of local atmosphere in a compact, well‑worn bar room.
Flying Hirsch
0.3 km
High-energy after-ski bar in central Frederikshavn, serving playful drinks, loud music and alpine party vibes late into the night.
Two Step Up v / Brian Jensen
0.3 km
Frederikshavn's legendary late-night bar where locals and travelers unite over live music and Danish drinks until dawn.
Lygten I/S
0.3 km
Old-school Danish "brown" beer hall in central Frederikshavn, serving inexpensive drinks, thick pub atmosphere and local colour from early morning to late night.
Bangsbo Brewing Company
0.5 km
Intimate nanobrewery crafting rotating small-batch Danish beers in a welcoming taproom.
Peder Wessel v/Lisbeth Wagner
0.5 km
Traditional, inexpensive neighbourhood bar on central Søndergade, offering no-frills drinks, cosy maritime character and an easygoing slice of Frederikshavn nightlife.
Sportsbaren Frederikshavn
0.5 km
Lively central Frederikshavn sports bar with wall-to-wall matches, cold beers, betting, slot machines and pool in a relaxed, down-to-earth Danish pub atmosphere.
Café Pitstop Frederikshavn
0.7 km
Relaxed café-bar hybrid on Skippergade blending sports, karaoke and pub vibes in a down-to-earth local hangout in Frederikshavn.
Munken v/Aase Pedersen
0.9 km
Traditional Danish bar in the heart of Frederikshavn, offering straightforward drinks, long opening hours and a cosy glimpse into local everyday pub life.
Le Drink
1.1 km
Cosy neighbourhood cocktail bar in Frederikshavn, serving unfussy drinks and relaxed conversation in an intimate, low‑key setting off the main streets.
Ship Inn ApS
1.2 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Frederikshavn, serving inexpensive drinks and harbor-town vibes in a compact, maritime-flavored setting.
DK-Café
1.5 km
Local gaming den meets casual bar in a low-key Frederikshavn café where slot machines, screens and simple drinks create an everyday, untouristy hangout.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
