Mindesmærke for Ove Rode, Møllebakketrappen
A life‑size bronze bust of statesman Ove Rode crowns Kalundborg’s Møllebakketrappen, blending political memory, pocket‑park calm and sweeping views over town and harbour.
Set on the terraced slope of Møllebakketrappen above Kalundborg’s main shopping street, the Mindesmærke for Ove Rode is a bronze bust of the influential Danish politician Ove Rode. Framed by a small, manicured park, old trees and flowerbeds, the monument crowns the dramatic stairway that climbs Moellebakken, combining local political history with one of the town’s best urban viewpoints over rooftops, harbour and the five‑towered Church of Our Lady.
A brief summary to Mindesmærke for Ove Rode
- Møllebakketrappen, Kalundborg, 4400, 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
- Combine the memorial with a full climb of Møllebakketrappen and the paths above for the best viewpoints over Kalundborg’s rooftops, harbour and Church of Our Lady.
- Visit on a clear late afternoon to enjoy soft light on the bronze bust and long shadows across the stairway, which make for particularly atmospheric photos.
- Wear comfortable shoes; although the distance is short, the stairway is steep in places and can be slippery after rain or in frosty weather.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and walk from Kalundborg Station
From Kalundborg Station, regular regional trains connect with larger Zealand towns such as Holbæk and Roskilde in about 30–60 minutes at standard Danish rail fares. From the station area, the walk to Møllebakketrappen and the Ove Rode memorial takes around 10–15 minutes through the compact town centre on paved, gently sloping streets. The final approach involves a fairly steep stairway, which may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility.
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Local bus within Kalundborg
Local buses running through central Kalundborg stop close to the pedestrian shopping street near the base of Møllebakketrappen, with typical journey times of 5–15 minutes from residential districts and standard city bus fares in Danish kroner. Services are less frequent in the evenings and on weekends, so check timetables in advance. From the nearest stop, expect a short, slightly uphill walk on paved surfaces before reaching the bottom of the stairway that leads up to the memorial.
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Car from elsewhere in West Zealand
Driving from nearby West Zealand towns such as Slagelse or Holbæk to Kalundborg typically takes 35–50 minutes on main roads. Public parking areas are available around the town centre within walking distance of Kordilgade and Møllebakketrappen; some zones offer time‑limited free parking while others may charge modest hourly fees. From the parking areas, allow 5–10 minutes on foot to reach the stairway and then climb to the landing where the Ove Rode memorial stands.
Mindesmærke for Ove Rode location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Mindesmærke for Ove Rode
A statesman remembered on Kalundborg’s hillside
The Mindesmærke for Ove Rode honours a prominent early‑20th‑century Danish politician, journalist and editor who had close ties to this part of West Zealand. The bust, cast in bronze and mounted on a simple plinth, stands partway up the Møllebakketrappen hillside, marking his role as a leading parliamentarian and long‑time representative for the constituency around Kalundborg. The monument gives a civic face to the town’s political past in a setting that is deliberately open and accessible, rather than formal and remote. Ove Rode’s memorial was originally unveiled closer to the medieval core of Kalundborg before being relocated in the mid‑1900s to Moellebakken, where it could be experienced as part of the everyday townscape rather than a closed ceremonial space. Here, his likeness is encountered by people on errands, children on the stairs and walkers heading for the viewpoints, embodying the idea that democratic history lives in the middle of daily life.The character of the memorial and its small park
The sculpture itself is larger than life, with Rode’s head and shoulders rendered in a naturalistic style typical of Danish portrait art between the wars. The patinated bronze contrasts with the light stone of the pedestal and the surrounding paving. Around it, a modest triangular garden is planted with low flowerbeds and neatly trimmed hedges, softening the hard lines of the stairway. Seasonal blooms add colour in spring and summer, while the bust’s dark surface takes on a richer tone in rain. Benches and a broad landing around the memorial create a small urban pause on the climb up the hill. This is less a grand square than a pocket park, with enough space to sit quietly, read the inscription and look out over Kalundborg’s rooftops. The atmosphere is contemplative rather than solemn, shaped as much by the rustle of leaves and distant harbour sounds as by the statue itself.Møllebakketrappen and the views over old Kalundborg
The memorial is inseparable from Møllebakketrappen, the long stairway connecting the pedestrian street below with the higher ground of Moellebakken. Climbing from the shops of Kordilgade, you pass landings, railings and plantings before reaching the landing where Ove Rode’s bust “presides” over the steps. Above, paths continue into a small park and onward toward the hilltop water tower. From here there are wide views across Kalundborg: over the red‑tiled roofs of the lower town, the harbour area and, in the distance, the waters of Kalundborg Fjord. Looking laterally, you gain a fine angle on the distinctive silhouette of the five‑towered Church of Our Lady and the preserved medieval quarter. The memorial thus becomes both a historical marker and a scenic viewing point in the town’s everyday geography.Layers of history on Moellebakken
Moellebakken itself is a reminder that Kalundborg is built on a series of hills and ridges shaped by the Ice Age and later crowned with mills, towers and fortifications. Close by are traces of the old castle and the historic high town, while modern housing climbs the slopes behind. The Ove Rode memorial sits between these layers, visually linking the medieval skyline with the more contemporary parts of Kalundborg spread out below. Information boards nearby explain elements of the town’s history and the role of key figures, helping to place the monument within a wider story of civic development, parliamentary democracy and urban growth. For visitors with an interest in Danish political life, the site offers a tangible anchor in the landscape rather than an abstract name in a history book.A short, rewarding stop on a Kalundborg walk
In practical terms, the Mindesmærke for Ove Rode is usually visited as part of a short walk combining the shopping street, the stairway, the small park at the top and perhaps the medieval church area. The climb can be moderately steep but is brief, and there is ample scope to pause on landings, including the one at the memorial itself. Simple amenities such as seating and nearby litter bins make it a comfortable pause point. Because it sits right above the town centre, the memorial is easy to combine with museums, cafés and other attractions. It works well as an early stop on a day exploring Kalundborg: a place to get your bearings, enjoy a first panorama of the harbour and reflect for a moment on the people who helped shape modern Denmark from this corner of Zealand.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Gryden
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Vandtårnet på Møllebakken
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Højbyen Kalundborg
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Kalundborg Museum
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Essential places to dine
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La Viva
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Napoli Pizza
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Hop In Cafe
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Grillen I Vænget
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Casual neighborhood grill in Kalundborg serving classic Danish barbecue favorites, ideal for a quick weekday lunch, early dinner or easy takeaway stop.
Mayo
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Bangkok-Thai Restaurant
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SKØL Brygkompagni
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Rhodos Restaurant & Pizzeria
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Kebab Time
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Byens Pizza og Grillbar
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Tk Place
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Great Sushi
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Din Tøjmand Kalundborg
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H&M
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790 Hennes & Mauritz
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Tygesen Women
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Bahne
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CHANGE Lingerie Outlet
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Afrodite
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Better Life
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The Middle East Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Kontoret
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Shooters
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rullen
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Cafe Viking.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
