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Polakkasernen: A Window into Lolland's Past

Discover the untold stories of Polish seasonal workers in Denmark's sugar beet fields at Polakkasernen, a unique museum preserving their legacy and cultural heritage on Lolland-Falster.

4.5

Polakkasernen, located in Rødby, Denmark, offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of Polish seasonal laborers who toiled in the sugar beet fields of Lolland-Falster during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This preserved barrack, once housing up to 30 workers, now serves as a museum showcasing their arduous working conditions, cultural traditions, and the impact they had on the local community. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring agricultural tools, personal artifacts, and historical photographs, gaining a deeper understanding of the 'sugar beet girls' and their contributions to Denmark's agricultural history. The museum provides a unique cultural experience, highlighting a lesser-known aspect of Danish-Polish relations and the human stories behind the sugar industry's growth. With its informative displays and dedication to preserving this heritage, Polakkasernen is a worthwhile stop for those interested in history, cultural exchange, and the stories of ordinary people who shaped the region.

A brief summary to Polakkasernen

Local tips

  • Check the museum's opening hours in advance, as they vary seasonally. The museum is typically open from July to September and during Easter.
  • Consider visiting during one of the museum's special events or guided tours for a more immersive experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Rødbyhavn and Lalandia for a day of history and family fun.
  • Take time to explore the surrounding countryside and appreciate the agricultural landscape that shaped the lives of the Polish workers.
  • Look for Polish surnames in the local area as a reminder of the lasting impact of the Polish community on Lolland-Falster.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rødbyhavn, take bus 723 towards Maribo. Get off at the Lolland-Falster Airport (Højbygaardhuse) stop, which is approximately a 4-minute walk from Polakkasernen. Check local bus schedules for accurate times, as services may vary. A single bus fare costs approximately 24 DKK.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Rødbyhavn, a taxi or ride-share to Polakkasernen will take around 10-15 minutes. Expect to pay approximately 150-200 DKK, depending on traffic and the specific service used.

  • Driving

    From Rødbyhavn, follow signs towards route 291/Højbygårdvej. Continue on Højbygårdvej until you reach number 34. Free parking is available at Polakkasernen. Note that parking directly at Polakkasernen is limited; overflow parking is available at Tågerup Church and on Tågerupvej.

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Discover more about Polakkasernen

Polakkasernen, situated in the small village of Tågerup near Rødby on the island of Lolland, is a unique museum dedicated to the Polish seasonal workers who came to Denmark to work in the sugar beet fields. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Denmark experienced a shortage of agricultural labor due to the expansion of its sugar industry after losing access to sugar cane from the Caribbean. To meet this demand, thousands of young Polish women, often referred to as 'sugar beet girls,' were recruited from impoverished regions of Galicia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, to work the fields of Lolland-Falster. The term 'Polakkasernen' translates to 'Polish Barracks,' referring to the simple living quarters constructed to house these seasonal workers. These barracks were typically built on the outskirts of farms, separate from the local Danish population, reflecting the social distance maintained between the two groups. The Polakkasernen in Tågerup, built in 1911 by the Lungholm estate, is one of the best-preserved examples of these structures, offering a tangible connection to this chapter of history. Inside the museum, visitors can explore exhibits that detail the recruitment process, the journey to Denmark, the working conditions in the fields, and the cultural lives of the Polish workers. The displays include original tools and equipment used in sugar beet cultivation, photographs documenting the daily lives of the workers, and personal belongings that offer intimate glimpses into their experiences. Informational panels provide historical context and shed light on the social and economic factors that drove this migration. The museum also addresses the challenges faced by the Polish workers, including language barriers, cultural differences, and the physical demands of the work. Despite these hardships, the Polish women brought with them their own traditions, customs, and religious beliefs, which they maintained within their community. The museum highlights the ways in which they preserved their cultural identity, often through music, religious practices, and the wearing of traditional clothing. Over time, many of the Polish seasonal workers chose to remain in Denmark, integrating into the local community and contributing to the cultural fabric of Lolland-Falster. Today, traces of their presence can still be found in local surnames and family histories. The Polakkasernen serves as a reminder of their contributions and a testament to the enduring legacy of Polish-Danish relations. The museum's collection includes a variety of artifacts donated by descendants of the Polish workers, providing a personal and authentic perspective on this history. Visitors can view examples of traditional Polish clothing, religious icons, and handcrafted items that reflect the cultural heritage of the workers. The museum also features a collection of 'papercuts,' intricate paper designs created by the Polish women during their leisure time, showcasing their artistic talents and cultural traditions. In addition to the exhibits, the Polakkasernen hosts events and activities throughout the year, including guided tours, lectures, and cultural performances. These events provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the history in a more interactive way and to learn more about the cultural exchange between Poland and Denmark. The museum is housed in a protected building, carefully restored to preserve its original character. The architecture of the barrack itself offers insights into the living conditions of the Polish workers, with its simple layout and functional design. The surrounding landscape, with its fields and open spaces, evokes the agricultural setting in which they toiled. The Polakkasernen has received recognition for its efforts to preserve and promote this important aspect of Danish history. It has been awarded the prestigious Polish international award 'Witnesses of History' and is supported by the Polish Ministry of Culture, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Polish Embassy in Denmark. This recognition underscores the museum's significance as a site of cultural exchange and historical memory. Visiting the Polakkasernen offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and to gain a deeper understanding of the lives and experiences of the Polish seasonal workers who helped shape the agricultural landscape of Lolland-Falster. It is a place to reflect on the challenges of migration, the importance of cultural preservation, and the enduring connections between people and places. Beyond the historical significance, the museum provides a valuable educational experience for visitors of all ages. It encourages critical thinking about issues of labor, migration, and cultural identity, and it promotes cross-cultural understanding and respect. The Polakkasernen is more than just a museum; it is a living memorial to the Polish workers who contributed to Denmark's agricultural success and a testament to the enduring power of human resilience and cultural exchange. A visit to this unique site is a journey into the past, a celebration of cultural heritage, and an opportunity to connect with the human stories behind the history books.

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