Befrielsessten i Kallerup
A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.
A Monument to National Liberation
Befrielsessten i Kallerup is a memorial stone dedicated to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, which ended in May 1945 after nearly five years of German rule. Located in the small village of Kallerup in the Kalundborg municipality, this modest monument serves as a physical reminder of one of the most significant moments in modern Danish history. The stone commemorates not only the end of occupation but also the resilience and determination of the Danish people during the Second World War.Historical Context of Danish Resistance
Denmark's experience during World War II was unique among occupied European nations. While the country was under German control from April 1940 onwards, the Danish resistance movement gradually grew in strength and organization. The liberation in May 1945 marked the culmination of years of underground resistance, sabotage operations, and the protection of Danish citizens, most notably the successful rescue of Danish Jews. The Befrielsessten stands as a tangible symbol of this collective struggle and the ultimate victory of freedom over occupation.The Memorial's Significance in Local Memory
As a rural memorial in Kallerup, this stone holds particular importance for the local community. Many small Danish villages erected similar monuments in the immediate post-war years to honor their own contributions to the resistance and to commemorate local victims and heroes of the occupation period. These memorials became focal points for community remembrance, particularly during annual liberation celebrations on May 5th, when Danes throughout the country gather to mark the end of the occupation with flags, speeches, and moments of reflection.Visiting and Reflection
The memorial stone provides a quiet, accessible location for visitors to pause and reflect on Denmark's wartime history. The site's rural setting in the Kallerup area offers a peaceful atmosphere conducive to contemplation. While the monument itself is modest in scale, its historical weight and the stories it represents make it a meaningful destination for those interested in understanding Denmark's role during the Second World War and the broader European experience of occupation and liberation.Local tips
- Visit on or near May 5th to experience the Danish Liberation Day celebrations, when communities gather at memorials like this to commemorate the end of occupation with flags and ceremonies.
- Combine your visit with exploration of nearby Kalundborg, a historic port town with medieval architecture and additional World War II heritage sites.
- The site is accessible year-round and free to visit, making it suitable for self-guided historical exploration at your own pace.
- Bring a camera to document the memorial stone and its surroundings; the rural setting provides peaceful photographic opportunities.
A brief summary to Befrielsessten i Kallerup
- Kallerup Bakkevej 2, 4,4400, Kalundborg, 4400, DK
Getting There
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By Car
From Kalundborg town center, drive northwest on Kallerup Bakkevej toward the village of Kallerup. The memorial stone is located at Kallerup Bakkevej 2, approximately 4 kilometers from Kalundborg center. Journey time is approximately 8–10 minutes. Parking is available along the roadside near the memorial site. No entrance fee is required.
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By Bicycle
From Kalundborg, cycle northwest via local roads toward Kallerup village. The route is approximately 4–5 kilometers and takes 15–20 minutes on relatively flat terrain. The memorial is accessible directly from the road. This is a popular cycling route in the region, and the rural landscape offers pleasant views. No fee required.
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By Public Transport and Walking
Local bus services operate from Kalundborg town center to villages in the surrounding area, including routes toward Kallerup. Journey time by bus is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on service frequency and stops. From the nearest bus stop, a walk of 10–15 minutes on local roads leads to the memorial site. Check local Kalundborg transport schedules for current routes and frequencies. Bus fares are typically 20–40 Danish kroner.
