Befrielsesmonumentet i Silkeborg
A powerful World War II memorial in Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where Knud Nellemose’s bronze freedom fighter rises from granite reliefs of occupation, resistance and liberation.
Set among trees and paths in the green area of Indelukket, the Befrielsesmonument in Silkeborg is a striking World War II memorial by sculptor Knud Nellemose. The bronze figure “Frihedskæmperen” (The Freedom Fighter) rises from a rough granite base with carved reliefs depicting the German invasion, the resistance and the liberation. Unveiled on 4 May 1951 and recreated in 2014 after a theft, it remains a quiet, reflective corner and a symbolic landmark in this lakeside park.
A brief summary to Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg
- Silkeborg, 8600, 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 your visit with a longer walk through Indelukket’s paths to experience the monument in the calm, green setting it was designed for.
- Spend a few extra minutes studying the reliefs on each side of the granite base; they narrate the stages of occupation, resistance and liberation.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people in the surrounding park, which enhances the contemplative mood.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from central Silkeborg
From central Silkeborg, use a local city bus toward the Indelukket or lakeside area; most routes take roughly 10–20 minutes depending on stops. Buses usually run several times per hour on weekdays, slightly less often on evenings and weekends. A single adult ticket typically costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. The walk from the nearest bus stop to the monument follows park paths and is mostly flat but on gravel in places.
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Bicycle from Silkeborg town centre
Cycling from Silkeborg’s centre to Indelukket and the Befrielsesmonument generally takes 10–15 minutes at an easy pace. The route uses ordinary town streets and shared paths, mostly level with only gentle inclines. Bring lights and reflective gear in darker months, as some stretches run through wooded areas. Bike parking is informal within the park, so consider bringing a lock and choosing a visible spot near main paths.
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Car or taxi within Silkeborg
Driving from elsewhere in Silkeborg to Indelukket typically takes 5–15 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. A taxi within town often falls in the range of 80–160 DKK for a short ride, varying with distance and time of day. Public parking areas serve the Indelukket recreation zone, but they can become busy on sunny weekends and holidays. From parking, expect a short, mostly level walk along park paths to reach the monument.
Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg
A lakeside memorial in Silkeborg’s green heart
The Befrielsesmonument stands in Indelukket, a wooded recreation area along the lakes and river in Silkeborg. Paths, lawns and boat clubs surround the site, so you encounter the monument almost as part of a leisurely stroll rather than as a fenced-off attraction. The setting feels relaxed and open, with birdsong from the trees and the occasional sound of boat engines or children playing in the distance. The monument’s position near the water and close to the motorboat club gives it a distinctly local character. It is not just a national symbol; it is woven into everyday life in Silkeborg, passed by joggers, dog walkers and families using the park. Yet as you approach, the composition of bronze figure and granite pedestal quickly pulls your attention away from the casual park atmosphere and into a more reflective space.The story behind “Frihedskæmperen”
Soon after the end of World War II, Silkeborg decided to honour the resistance and the years of occupation with a dedicated liberation monument. In 1945 the municipality commissioned sculptor Knud Nellemose, known for his dynamic, muscular figures, to create a work that would capture both hardship and determination. Over the following years he developed the concept that became “Frihedskæmperen”, completed and unveiled on 4 May 1951, exactly six years after the liberation of Denmark. The figure quickly grew beyond its role as a simple monument and came to function as an emblem of the town itself. Its combination of physical tension and upright stance mirrored national narratives of standing firm under occupation. For Silkeborg, which had its own wartime stories, this gave the city a powerful, tangible focal point for remembrance ceremonies and commemorations held each May.A dramatic theft and a careful return
In 2012 the story of the monument took an unexpected turn when the bronze statue was stolen overnight, cut away from its base and removed. For a time only the granite plinth and its reliefs remained, a stark reminder of absence that drew considerable local attention. The theft triggered a determined effort to recreate the work, using surviving models and documentation to restore Nellemose’s original concept as faithfully as possible. On 4 May 2014 the renewed “Frihedskæmperen” was unveiled on its original site in Indelukket, this time in front of a large crowd and with national significance underscored by the presence of Denmark’s monarch. The re-creation re-established the monument as a central symbol, now carrying not only memories of war and liberation but also a more recent story about cultural loss and community commitment to preserving heritage.Reading the symbols in bronze and granite
The monument consists of a bronze figure approximately 2.65 metres high mounted on a roughly hewn, light granite pedestal. The freedom fighter is depicted in a tense, forward-striding pose, muscular yet lean, suggesting vigilance and readiness rather than triumph. The body language feels concentrated, as if holding a moment of resistance in a single gesture. This sense of movement is typical of Nellemose’s style, which often emphasised physical action and inner resolve. Around the sides of the granite base you find carved reliefs that expand the story beyond the single figure. One scene represents the sudden assault of occupation, another hints at clandestine resistance work, while a final panel symbolises the liberation and the lifting of fear. Inscriptions explain that the monument is raised in memory of the liberation after five years of occupation, violence and terror, anchoring the imagery in a specific historic context.A quiet place for reflection and remembrance
Visiting the Befrielsesmonument is usually a short but thoughtful stop rather than a long outing. Many people simply incorporate it into a wider walk through Indelukket or a day by the lakes, pausing for a few minutes to take in the sculpture and read the text. Benches and open grass nearby invite you to sit for a while and let the story settle, with the sound of wind in the leaves softening the weight of the subject. Although the monument references national events, the experience on site feels intimate. You can move close to the granite, trace the outlines of the reliefs with your eyes and observe how the bronze catches shifting light through the trees. The contrast between tranquil surroundings and the harshness of the themes encourages quiet reflection, making this a small but resonant stop in Silkeborg’s cultural landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Silkeborg Water Tower
1.1 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
1.5 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Lovisehøj
1.8 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
3.5 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
9.4 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
9.8 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Store Troldhøj
10.4 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Randershøj
10.7 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Bølling Lake
11.7 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
13.5 km
Discover Denmark's automotive history at Jutland's Automobile Museum in Gjern, showcasing vintage cars and motorcycles from the early 1900s to iconic post-war models, offering a unique glimpse into the nation's motoring heritage.
Abbey Mill
15.5 km
Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.
Øm Klostermuseum
16.6 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Mossø
19.2 km
Discover the serene beauty of Mossø, Denmark's third-largest lake, offering hiking, watersports, and historical sites in the heart of the Danish Lake District.
Jutland
20.1 km
Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.
The Uncovered Bridge
22.1 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Indelukkets Friluftsscene
0.1 km
Historic open-air theatre hosting rock festivals, concerts, and cultural events in scenic Silkeborg parkland.
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
0.4 km
Riverfront modern art sanctuary in Silkeborg, uniting Asger Jorn’s bold legacy, CoBrA masterpieces and hands-on creativity in an intimate, light-filled museum.
Dronningestolen
0.6 km
A modest forest hill with a royal name, Dronningestolen offers a framed Silkeborg panorama, woodland quiet and a sense of history above the lakeside town.
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
0.6 km
Freshwater worlds, playful otters and splash-filled playgrounds come together in Silkeborg’s lake-district aquarium and Danish wildlife park.
Aboretet Silkeborg
0.8 km
A quiet world of global trees in a 200‑year‑old Silkeborg forest, where wetlands, wildlife and easy woodland paths create a free, low‑key escape close to town.
Birkehøj Silkeborg
0.9 km
A modest Silkeborg hilltop with wide woodland views, Birkehøj offers a simple, quiet pause above town for walkers, cyclists and anyone craving a breath of open sky.
Odderpassager
1.1 km
A low wooden boardwalk skimming Almindsø’s surface, Odderpassager lets you drift between forest and lake at Østre Søbad, half pier, half tranquil nature trail.
Tollundmanden
1.2 km
Meet the Tollund Man, a 2,400‑year‑old bog body whose hauntingly preserved face and story of ritual, death and discovery define Museum Silkeborg’s Iron Age heart.
Badeanstalten
1.3 km
Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.
Silkeborg Archive
1.3 km
Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
1.3 km
Step into Silkeborg’s oldest manor house to meet Tollund Man, explore bog mysteries and trace the town’s journey from Iron Age wetlands to modern Jutland hub.
The Hjejle Agency
1.3 km
Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.
Galerie Moderne Silkeborg
1.3 km
One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.
Vægmaleri
1.3 km
Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
1.4 km
A living paper workshop in Silkeborg’s old factory, where you watch pulp become sheets, learn about banknote paper and try your hand at this quietly magical craft.
Essential places to dine
Resturant indelukket
0.1 km
Modern Danish comfort food on the edge of Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where classic flavors, fresh ingredients and riverside greenery create an easygoing dining escape.
Gl. Skovridergaard
0.4 km
Historic forester’s lodge turned serene hotel, restaurant and conference haven, wrapped in parkland with forests, lakes and Silkeborg’s cultural life close at hand.
Orangeriet
0.4 km
Seasonal Nordic cuisine in a historic orangery surrounded by gardens and natural light.
Skovbakken Silkeborg
1.1 km
Hilltop event restaurant with sweeping river and harbor views, hosting weddings, celebrations and meetings above Silkeborg’s green waterfront.
Ristorante Pizzeria Roma
1.1 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort in central Silkeborg, with stone-oven pizzas, generous pasta plates and a cosy, family-friendly dining room ideal for relaxed evenings.
Restaurant Spyd
1.2 km
Charcoal-grilled Turkish kebabs and Middle Eastern specialties in casual Silkeborg dining.
Tin's
1.2 km
Casual, cozy Vietnamese cooking in central Silkeborg, serving steaming pho, crisp banh xeo and fresh herbs in a relaxed, modern setting ideal for lunch or dinner.
Regatta Sandwich
1.2 km
Freshly baked Italian sandwiches in the heart of Silkeborg—quality ingredients, casual charm.
Asian Restaurant & Café
1.2 km
Cozy Southeast Asian flavors in the heart of Silkeborg, pairing Vietnamese and Thai dishes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
La Casita
1.2 km
Colorful Mexican comfort food, tequila and hygge in a cozy, rustic cantina right on Bindslevs Plads in the heart of Silkeborg.
Daruma Ramen
1.2 km
Cosy Japanese noodle bar on Søndergade in Silkeborg, serving comforting ramen and crisp chicken katsu in a simple, relaxed setting ideal for casual meals.
Madkassen V/allan Petersen
1.2 km
Casual Silkeborg sandwich and tapas kitchen serving generous box lunches, easygoing takeaway and tailored catering from a friendly Tværgade storefront.
BABBA
1.3 km
Mediterranean-inspired social dining, wine and cocktails in a cosy Silkeborg townhouse with a lively bar and atmospheric courtyard terrace.
Marco Polo - Silkeborg
1.3 km
Authentic Italian and Brazilian cuisine in cozy Silkeborg surroundings.
Hot Inn
1.3 km
Casual Middle Eastern–inspired comfort food, fresh from the charcoal grill, served in a simple, welcoming space on bustling Nygade in central Silkeborg.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pindhus.dk
1.3 km
Hand-curated Scandinavian design, gifts, and lifestyle treasures in the heart of Silkeborg.
t.i.n.g.
1.3 km
Scandinavian design paradise in central Silkeborg, offering two floors of curated furniture, lighting, interiors and gifts in a calm, inspiring boutique setting.
Huset Lene Bak Silkeborg
1.4 km
Welcoming women’s fashion boutique in central Silkeborg, specialising in quality jeans, flattering fits and personal styling in a calm, uncluttered setting.
Fair Retro
1.4 km
Curated mid-century and retro furniture in a cosy Silkeborg shop, where vintage Danish design, characterful lighting and sustainable home inspiration fill every corner.
Buksecompagniet
1.4 km
Independent Silkeborg fashion store mixing timeless Scandinavian basics, denim and footwear with seasonal trends for both men and women on lively Søndergade.
Femilet
1.4 km
Premium Scandinavian lingerie and intimate wear for women seeking comfort, quality, and perfect fit.
Bivs.dk
1.4 km
Silkeborg's dedicated children's clothing and toy specialist with extended daily hours.
TOFT SHOP
1.4 km
Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.
Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S
1.4 km
Established jeweller on Silkeborg’s main square, blending classic gold and silver pieces, quality watches and attentive service in a calm, central setting.
Normal
1.4 km
Denmark's original discount retailer where treasure hunting meets affordability in quirky, welcoming surroundings.
b.young Silkeborg
1.4 km
A contemporary Danish womenswear boutique in central Silkeborg, offering accessible Scandinavian style, versatile outfits and relaxed, easy-going browsing.
Companys Silkeborg
1.4 km
Modern Scandinavian womenswear in a calm, central Silkeborg boutique, ideal for curated wardrobe updates between café stops and city-center strolls.
Elkjær Lingerie
1.4 km
Intimate lingerie boutique on Silkeborg’s main square, offering personal fittings, classic Scandinavian styles and a calm pause from the town centre’s everyday bustle.
Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S
1.4 km
Family-run multibrand womenswear house in central Silkeborg, combining 400 m² of contemporary fashion, personal styling and Scandinavian labels on lively Vestergade.
Bustedwoman.com
1.4 km
Curated European fashion and personalized styling in Silkeborg's premier women's boutique.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bodega Hjørnet
1.0 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
Cafe' Paradis
1.0 km
A compact, old‑school bodega in central Silkeborg, serving cold beers, local atmosphere and late‑night conversation in an unpretentious, lived‑in bar setting.
Bakkens bodega
1.2 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Århusvej where locals, cold drafts and simple pub fare create a slice of everyday Silkeborg life from late morning to late evening.
The Admiral Pub
1.2 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Café Kling Klang
1.2 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Sportspubben Målet
1.3 km
A cozy, no-frills sports pub in central Silkeborg, where big screens, cold beer and local chatter turn every match day into a shared living room.
Roxy Malt
1.3 km
Irish-inspired Silkeborg pub with live music, quizzes, speciality beers and a cosy courtyard, blending retro charm with late-night energy in the town centre.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
1.3 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
1.4 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Rabalder Bar
1.4 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
Bifrost Sports Pub
1.4 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Butchers Silkeborg
1.4 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
Kaffebaren
1.5 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
1.6 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
The Smoke Pub
2.1 km
A classic Silkeborg bodega on Borgergade, where smoke, cold beer and easy conversation create an unpretentious local living room from late morning to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
1.2 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Team Paderborner
26.5 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Vesterbro Pub
33.9 km
Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
35.5 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Scandic Opus Horsens
35.8 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
Piano Herning
36.2 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant nightlife in a cozy piano bar with live music, great cocktails, and classic Danish hospitality in the center of town.
Murphy's Pub
36.2 km
Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.
Bart
36.3 km
Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.
Mindegade5
36.5 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
36.7 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Sölibat Natklub
37.2 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
Hemingway's Horsens
37.2 km
Late-night disco bar in central Horsens with a mature crowd, classic hits from past decades and a cozy-but-lively atmosphere every Friday and Saturday.
Morzybitten
37.3 km
Experience the essence of Danish 'hygge' at Morzybitten, Horsens' premier barista and beer bar with live music.
Jagtbar Horsens
37.4 km
Horsens' premier nightclub where relaxed cocktails transform into energetic dance nights.
Kokomo Horsens
37.4 km
Three floors of colorful cocktails, big beats and tropical nightclub energy at the heart of Horsens’ weekend nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
