Tordenskjold Statue

Bronze tribute to Scandinavia's most audacious naval hero, forever standing guard in Frederikshavn's heart.

4.6

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Home
Denmark
Frederikshavn
Tordenskjold statue

A striking bronze monument in central Frederikshavn honoring Peter Wessel Tordenskjold (1690–1720), the celebrated naval hero of Denmark and Norway. Standing in the pedestrian zone since 1990, the statue depicts the young admiral in military dress beside a cannon, commemorating his legendary exploits during the Great Northern War. The figure remains a symbol of courage and cunning in Scandinavian maritime history.

A brief summary to Tordenskjold statue

Søndergade 1, Frederikshavn, 9900, DK
Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Visit during Frederikshavn's annual summer festival dedicated to Tordenskjold for special events, historical presentations, and cultural celebrations honoring the naval hero.
The statue is located in the pedestrian zone on Søndergade, making it easily accessible and ideal for combining with a walking tour of Frederikshavn's town center.
The monument's expressive bronze craftsmanship rewards close inspection; take time to observe the fine details of the military dress and the cannon beside the figure.
The statue serves as an excellent starting point for learning about Dano-Norwegian naval history; consider visiting local museums or information centers for deeper context about the Great Northern War.

Getting There

Public Bus

Local buses serve Frederikshavn's town center with regular service throughout the day. Journey times from surrounding areas typically range from 15–45 minutes depending on origin point. Fares are approximately 24–48 Danish kroner for standard single journeys. The statue is a short walk from the main bus terminal in the town center.
Train

Frederikshavn Railway Station connects to regional and national rail networks. Journey times from Copenhagen are approximately 5–6 hours; from Aalborg, approximately 1.5 hours. Standard single fares range from 150–400 Danish kroner depending on distance and booking. The statue is located approximately 800 meters from the railway station, accessible via a pleasant walk through the town center.
Private Vehicle

Frederikshavn is accessible via the E39 motorway and regional roads. Parking is available in the town center near Søndergade, with several public car parks within 100–200 meters of the statue. Parking fees typically range from 20–50 Danish kroner per hour, with daily rates around 100–150 Danish kroner. The pedestrian zone itself is car-free.
Walking

The statue is centrally located in Frederikshavn's pedestrian zone on Søndergade. From the railway station, the walk takes approximately 10–15 minutes via flat, paved streets through the town center. The route is fully accessible and well-signposted.

Tordenskjold statue location weather suitability

Any Weather

Discover more about Tordenskjold statue

A Naval Legend Immortalized in Bronze

The Tordenskjold statue stands as a tribute to one of Scandinavia's most celebrated military figures. Peter Wessel Tordenskjold (1690–1720) was a Dano-Norwegian naval commander whose audacity and seamanship earned him legendary status across both Denmark and Norway. Ennobled by King Frederik IV in 1716 and given the name Tordenskjold—meaning "Thunder Shield"—he rose through the ranks with remarkable speed, ultimately achieving the rank of vice admiral before his death at just 30 years old. The bronze sculpture, positioned prominently in Frederikshavn's pedestrian zone, captures him in military garb standing beside a cannon, a visual representation of the warrior who became a national symbol.

The Battle That Saved a Nation

Tordenskjold's greatest triumph came in July 1716 during the Great Northern War, when he orchestrated a daring attack on the Swedish transport fleet in the harbor of Dynekilen, near the Norwegian border. This audacious strike destroyed or captured the majority of Sweden's supply vessels, forcing King Charles XII to abandon his invasion of Norway and lift the siege of Fredriksten fortress. The victory earned Tordenskjold the title "Saviour of Norway," a designation that would echo through the centuries and cement his place in Scandinavian folklore. His exploits demonstrated that courage and tactical brilliance could overcome superior numbers and resources.

From Controversy to Canonization

Tordenskjold's career was not without controversy. Early in his service, he faced court-martial after an encounter with a Swedish privateer, accused of disclosing military information to the enemy. He was acquitted, and his reputation only grew stronger. In 1720, following the peace treaty between Denmark and Sweden, Tordenskjold embarked on a Grand Tour of Europe. His life ended tragically that same year when he was killed in a duel at the age of 30. Despite the circumstances of his death—dueling was illegal under Danish law—his legacy only expanded in the decades that followed.

A Transnational Memory Site

In the nineteenth century, Tordenskjold experienced a remarkable cultural revival. Both Denmark and Norway claimed him as a national hero, and his image was cultivated extensively through art, literature, and public monuments. Statues were erected in Copenhagen (1876), Trondheim, Stavern, Oslo, and Haakonsvern, while artists such as Otto Bache and Christian Mølsted immortalized him on canvas. Streets, squares, parks, schools, ships, and even Denmark's most popular brand of matches were named after him. This widespread veneration reflected a deeper need: as the Dano-Norwegian Union dissolved in 1814 and Denmark's power waned following the Napoleonic Wars, Tordenskjold was revived as a symbol of the "little guy" outsmarting far more powerful adversaries—a myth-making process that resonated deeply with both nations.

Frederikshavn's Living Monument

The Frederikshavn statue, erected in 1990, stands in the heart of the town's pedestrian zone at Søndergade, serving as a focal point for local pride and historical reflection. Each year, the town honors its most famous son with a summertime festival celebrating his legacy. The monument's central location ensures that both residents and visitors encounter this bronze figure regularly, keeping the memory of Tordenskjold alive in contemporary Scandinavian consciousness. The statue's expressive quality and excellent preservation make it a compelling historical landmark that invites contemplation of an era when individual valor could shape the course of nations.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Fisketorvet

0.0 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.

Frederikshavn Sogn

0.8 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.

Cafe' Feen

0.8 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.

Port of Frederikshavn

0.9 km

A deep-water working harbour where ferries, shipyards and offshore giants share the waterfront, shaping the maritime heart of Frederikshavn.

Bunker Ved Palmestranden

2.5 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

10.3 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

11.7 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

30.7 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

30.7 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

30.9 km

A bustling North Sea harbour where fishing fleets, cruise liners and a cosy marina meet under Skagen’s famous northern light.

Enjoy Skagen

31.5 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

31.7 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

32.0 km

Denmark's northernmost railway station, where historic yellow architecture meets the gateway to two seas.

Unmissable attractions to see

Triaden sculpture

0.2 km

Discover Mindesten in Frederikshavn: A serene memorial honoring local history amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.

Mindesmærke for Scandinavian

0.3 km

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.

Frihedsmonumentet

0.3 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.

Mindesten

0.4 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.

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.

Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum

0.5 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.

Versorgungsschiff „EDDA BOREAS“

0.8 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.

Nordre Skanse

1.5 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

2.5 km

Denmark's premier botanical garden where English-style elegance meets Northern Europe's largest alpine crevice garden.

Palmestranden

2.6 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

2.7 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

2.7 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.

Kystmuseet Bangsbo

2.8 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

2.8 km

Explore the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's cultural gem.

Pikkerbakken

2.8 km

Forest-framed hilltop with a striking airwalk, sweeping Kattegat views and quiet wartime relics above the harbor town of Frederikshavn.

Waterfront landmark hotel overlooking ferries and the Kattegat, steps from shops and the train station.

STED1

0.1 km

Elevated Nordic dining with sweeping harbour views from the top of Hotel Jutlandia, blending contemporary cuisine with Frederikshavn’s working waterfront.

Scandi high-street style, denim favourites and everyday womenswear essentials in a compact, central Frederikshavn fashion store on lively Danmarksgade.

Local gaming den meets casual bar in a low-key Frederikshavn café where slot machines, screens and simple drinks create an everyday, untouristy hangout.

Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.

Happy Friday

74.9 km

Experience Støvring's vibrant nightlife at Happy Friday Cocktail Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.

Skørping Bodega

77.6 km

A friendly local bodega near Rold Skov, Skørping Bodega captures the spirit of Danish bar culture with its authentic charm, inviting atmosphere, and vibrant community.

Rold Skov Orienteringsklub

77.6 km

Embark on an orienteering adventure with Rold Skov Orienteringsklub in Denmark's captivating Rold Skov forest.

Mjølner

78.7 km

Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.

Delirium

86.3 km

Experience the electrifying nightlife at Delirium, Gothenburg's premier night club with pulsating music and vibrant energy.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Tordenskjold statue with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Tordenskjold Statue

A brief summary to Tordenskjold statue

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Public Bus

Train

Private Vehicle

Walking

Tordenskjold statue location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Tordenskjold statue

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Tordenskjold statue

A Naval Legend Immortalized in Bronze

The Battle That Saved a Nation

From Controversy to Canonization

A Transnational Memory Site

Frederikshavn's Living Monument

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Fisketorvet

Frederikshavn Church

Frederikshavn St.

Frederikshavn Sogn

Cafe' Feen

Port of Frederikshavn

Bunker Ved Palmestranden

Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen

The Lady From The Sea

Mindesten for Klitplantør Thygeson

Kiosk v / The Buried Church

Skagen Havn

Enjoy Skagen

Galleri Bo

Skagen Station

Unmissable attractions to see

Triaden sculpture

Mindesmærke for Scandinavian

Frihedsmonumentet

Mindesten

Krudttårnet

Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum

Versorgungsschiff „EDDA BOREAS“

Nordre Skanse

Bangsbo Botaniske Have

Palmestranden

Mindesten for de 3

Boolsens Stenhave

Kystmuseet Bangsbo

Mindesten for V. VANGSTED

Pikkerbakken

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Frida

Fiskebaren Café og Spisehus

Bai Sheng

Milan Pizza

California American Restaurant

Maestros Steakhouse Frederikshavn

Delicious Factory

Hyttefadet

Valentino

Tordenskjoldskroen

Bone's Frederikshavn

Jerry’s

2takt Café & Brasserie

Hotel Jutlandia

STED1

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Rosenborg SHE

Tøjeksperten

Deres Collection

SOLO - Frederikshavn

Knud E

INTERSPORT Frederikshavn

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Marta du chateau Frederikshavn

Zoey

H&M

JACK & JONES