Monument for Frederik den Syvende, Halkevad Mindelund
A modest 1881 granite tribute in a rural memorial grove, linking Frederik VII’s constitutional legacy with the quiet landscapes of West Zealand.
Set just outside Slagelse in the small memorial grove of Halkevad Mindelund, the Monument for Frederik den Syvende is a modest yet atmospheric granite tribute to Denmark’s 19th‑century king. Erected in 1881 by local blacksmith and writer Johannes Vedel, it stands among trees and simple plantings, marking the start of a whole tradition of memorial stones in this quiet corner of West Zealand. Today it’s a serene pause on rural drives and bike rides, ideal for a contemplative stop rather than a long visit.
A brief summary to Monument for Frederik den Syvende
- Slagelsevej 23, Slagelse, 4200, 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
- Plan this as a short stop of 15–30 minutes, combined with other attractions around Slagelse for a fuller day out.
- Wear sturdy shoes; the ground in the grove can be uneven or damp after rain, especially around the monument itself.
- Bring a light jacket in cooler months, as the tree cover and open setting can feel breezy even on mild days.
- Read a brief overview of Frederik VII and Denmark’s 1849 constitution beforehand to deepen your appreciation of the monument.
Getting There
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Car from central Slagelse
Driving from central Slagelse to the monument typically takes 10–15 minutes, using local country roads through the rural outskirts. Roads are paved but narrow in places, with occasional farm traffic. Parking is informal and limited to small roadside areas near the memorial grove, so be prepared to manoeuvre carefully and avoid blocking access for residents or agricultural vehicles. There is no parking fee.
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Bicycle from Slagelse town
Cycling from Slagelse centre to the Halkevad area generally takes 30–45 minutes at a moderate pace, following minor roads and stretches with light traffic. The route is mostly flat with gentle inclines, suitable for casual cyclists in fair weather, but there may be no dedicated bike lanes on some segments. Surfaces are asphalt, with occasional rough shoulders, so lights and reflective gear are advisable in low‑light conditions. There are no costs involved beyond any bike rental you might arrange in town.
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Regional bus plus walk
Regional buses connect Slagelse with small communities in the surrounding countryside, with journey times of around 15–25 minutes depending on route and stops. Services generally run hourly or every couple of hours on weekdays, with reduced frequency in the evenings and on weekends. A single adult ticket is typically in the range of 20–35 DKK, valid within the local zone system. From the nearest rural stop, expect a short walk along country roads on uneven verges; this approach is less suitable for visitors with very limited mobility.
Monument for Frederik den Syvende 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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Hot Weather
Discover more about Monument for Frederik den Syvende
A king remembered in a quiet Danish grove
The Monument for Frederik den Syvende stands in the leafy setting of Halkevad Mindelund, a small memorial park in the countryside near Slagelse. Here, away from busy roads and town centres, a single granite stone honours the monarch who helped usher in Denmark’s constitutional era. The surroundings are simple: grass underfoot, trees forming a loose canopy, and the gentle sense that this is a place made for pausing rather than passing through. Frederik VII ruled Denmark in the mid‑19th century and is closely associated with the 1849 constitution, which shifted the country from absolute monarchy towards democracy. In rural Zealand, his name carried symbolic weight long after his reign, especially among people who valued national identity and local self‑determination. The decision to commemorate him here, in a modest landscape, says as much about local pride as it does about royal history.Johannes Vedel and the birth of a memorial landscape
This particular monument dates back to 1881, when blacksmith and author Johannes Vedel from nearby Høve took the initiative to have a stone raised in Frederik VII’s memory. Rather than choosing a grand statue or elaborate plinth, he worked with what the land itself offered: a substantial boulder from the local area, set upright and inscribed. That choice linked the royal story to the soil and stones of West Zealand. The monument later inspired the creation of Halkevad Mindelund as a broader memorial grove. Over time, additional stones were added here, turning a lone tribute into a small, coherent landscape of memory. The Frederik VII stone, however, remains the starting point – the first gesture that transformed a patch of countryside into a place with a narrative.Granite, inscriptions and the feel of the place
The stone itself is hewn but not over‑polished, retaining a natural, slightly rugged surface that catches light and shadow differently as the day moves on. An inscription notes the dedication to Frederik VII, combining royal reference with spare, almost understated wording. You won’t find elaborate sculpture or ornate railings; the statement is quiet, relying on the weight and permanence of granite. Around it, simple plantings and low stones help define the monument’s space without enclosing it. The effect is more like a forest clearing than a formal city square. Wind in the trees, birdsong and the occasional passing car on nearby country roads make up the soundscape. It is easy to stand here alone for a moment, read the inscription, and imagine how deliberate this simplicity must have felt in the late 19th century.From 19th‑century politics to modern reflection
Visiting today, the monument offers a compact doorway into Denmark’s political and cultural shifts. Frederik VII’s decision to sign the constitution is a textbook moment in national history, yet here it is remembered by a single stone in a rural parish rather than grandiose architecture in the capital. That contrast hints at how constitutional change rippled outward, becoming part of local identity as much as statecraft. The grove also illustrates how ordinary citizens, like Johannes Vedel, helped shape commemorative landscapes. This is not a royal commission, but a community effort that grew over time. As you move around the stone, the modest scale makes it straightforward to take in, yet there is enough historical resonance to reward a lingering look.A brief but meaningful stop near Slagelse
Most visits here are short – a pause on a scenic drive, a detour on a bike route, or a quiet interlude on a longer day exploring the Slagelse area. There are no exhibitions or interactive displays to work through, which makes the experience refreshingly direct. You step into the grove, find the stone, read, reflect and step back out. Because of its size, the monument pairs naturally with other sights in West Zealand: Viking history at nearby fortresses, coastal viewpoints, or town parks. Seen in that context, the Frederik VII stone becomes one piece in a wider patchwork of Danish heritage, offering a small but distinctive chapter in the story of how a rural region chose to remember its past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mindesten for Hans Tausen
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A modest granite stone in a quiet Slagelse green, marking the birthplace of Denmark’s Lutheran Reformation story at the former Antvorskov monastery.
Gammeltorv
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Vandtrappen
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A small yet compelling ceramic water sculpture in Slagelse’s Rosengården, where stepped cascades and quiet sound turn an everyday square into a contemplative urban pause.
Rytterstatue af Christian IX
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Bronze king on horseback surveys Slagelse from Schweizerpladsen—a citizen-honored tribute to Christian IX's enduring reign, sculpted with poised majesty.
Stendysse ved Blæsinge
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A modest Neolithic stone tomb in the fields near Blæsinge, offering a quiet roadside glimpse into western Zealand’s Stone Age landscape and rituals.
Breddysse Stones
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A modest Neolithic dolmen in the fields near Slagelse, where ancient burial stones, open skies, and quiet farmland meet in a quietly powerful landscape.
RAF Memorial Stone
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Small rural monument, big wartime story: a quiet Danish field where seven RAF airmen are remembered with a single steadfast stone.
Genforeningssten i Saltø Skov
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Visit Sydsjælland & Møn
26.2 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads
26.3 km
Medieval market town square where Danish history, culture, and modern commerce converge in southern Zealand.
Næstved Station
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Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Genforeningssten i Næstelsø
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Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.
Nyborg St.
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A historic rail gateway on Funen’s east coast, Nyborg Station links castle town charm with fast, modern connections across Denmark via the Great Belt.
Historiske Vandringer - Slaget ved Nyborg 1659
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Experience the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's serene cultural retreat.
Nyborg Fjord
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Discover Frihedsmonumentet in Frederikshavn—a striking WWII memorial honoring Denmark's fight for freedom, set in a peaceful park just next to the town's iconic church.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gerlev Legepark
4.7 km
A three-hectare open-air playground where traditional Nordic games, Viking-inspired challenges and low-tech fun turn West Zealand’s fields into one huge shared game board.
Skovsgaard Mølle og Bagerimuseum
6.0 km
Step into a 19th‑century village bakehouse where more than 500 tools, ovens and bread wagons tell the fragrant story of Danish baking in rural Zealand.
Antvorskov Klosterruin, Slagelse
6.8 km
Atmospheric monastery and castle ruins on Slagelse’s edge, where low stone walls, open grass and big skies trace the story of a powerful medieval order.
Soldatens Lod
7.1 km
Simple forest shelters, campfires and quiet clearings on the edge of Slagelse’s former military training grounds, ideal for low-key picnics and nights under the trees.
Amphiteater
7.4 km
A small open-air stage carved into the greenery of Slagelse, where local performances, picnics and quiet pauses share the same gently sloping grassy bowl.
Panzermuseum East
7.5 km
Scandinavia’s largest Eastern Bloc Cold War collection, where tanks, helicopters and hands-on adventure turn quiet Danish countryside into a living history playground.
Øen i søen
7.8 km
A tiny green island in a calm lake, Øen i søen offers an easy escape into water, sky and quiet lawns just a short stroll from everyday Slagelse life.
Lystanlægget Slagelse
8.0 km
Historisk bypark med søer, blomsterbede og roligt hverdagsliv – et grønt åndehul med legeplads, stier og plads til picnic, lige ved centrum af Slagelse.
Genforeningssten i Slagelse
8.0 km
Diskret granitsten på en lille jordhøj i Slagelse, hvor genforeningen i 1920 er hugget i sten midt i et roligt, grønt anlæg.
Slagelse Museum
8.1 km
Step into old Slagelse at this intimate town museum, where recreated shops, homes and changing exhibitions bring West Zealand’s everyday history vividly to life.
Restaurant Superbowl & Golfcenter Slagelse
8.2 km
Slagelse's premier entertainment complex blending bowling, golf, dining, and games for unforgettable family fun.
Vægmaleri
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Experience the fusion of history and modern art at Slagelse's vibrant street mural by Peter Skensved.
Kong Slags Dysse
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Experience Denmark's largest organic vineyard with award-winning wines and scenic tours in Karrebæksminde.
Vægmaleri - VestsjællandsCentret
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A splash of urban colour on the side of VestsjællandsCentret, this open-air mural adds creative flair to everyday shopping streets in the heart of Slagelse.
Slagelse Model Jernbane Klub
8.8 km
An attic above Slagelse Station where Danish railway history is reimagined in detailed 1:45 scale, run by passionate model train enthusiasts.
Essential places to dine
Carl's Jr. Slagelse
6.9 km
Flame-grilled American-style burgers, free refills and family-friendly seating beside Bilka make Carl’s Jr. Slagelse a convenient, casual pit stop in West Zealand.
Sunset Boulevard
7.1 km
Modern Danish fast-food stop in Slagelse offering burgers, sandwiches and quick, casual meals with long opening hours and convenient takeaway options.
Roll 'n Eat - Slagelse
7.2 km
Denmark's first kebab drive-thru serving fresh shawarma and quality fast food in Slagelse.
Grill-letten
7.7 km
Casual Danish grill bar in central Slagelse serving smørrebrød, burgers and hearty grill plates in a simple, no-fuss setting with generous portions.
PIZZA FACTORY
7.7 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and grill in western Slagelse serving generously topped pizzas, kebab, burgers and family-friendly fast food at moderate prices.
Restaurant Flammen
8.1 km
Big‑hearted grill buffet in the center of Slagelse, where glowing grills, generous spreads and cozy interiors make easy work of family dinners and celebrations.
Viking Pizza
8.2 km
Straightforward Bredegade pizzeria in central Slagelse, serving classic Danish‑style pizzas, burgers and grill dishes for quick, budget‑friendly meals and easy takeaway.
Café Korn - Slagelse
8.2 km
Scandi-style café on Slagelse’s historic Gamle Torv, serving generous brunches, casual classics and good coffee in bright, social surroundings all day.
Rib House
8.2 km
Hearty ribs, steaks and burgers served in a relaxed steakhouse atmosphere right on Slagelse’s historic Gamle Torv, ideal for families, groups and casual nights out.
Det Mexicanske Bøfhus
8.2 km
Hearty steaks and Tex-Mex favorites in a casual upstairs restaurant overlooking Slagelse’s historic Gamle Torv.
Grill Mania
8.2 km
Casual central Slagelse grill joint serving hearty fast-food favorites, ideal for quick lunches, easy dinners, and takeaway on the go.
Restaurant Siang Jiang
8.2 km
Authentic Chinese buffet dining with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality in central Slagelse.
Alt in Sushi
8.2 km
Modern all-you-can-eat and à la carte sushi in the heart of Slagelse, pairing digital ordering with a broad menu of maki, nigiri, sticks and takeaway boxes.
Kantine
8.2 km
Unfussy, canteen‑style dining on Karolinevej in Slagelse, serving hearty everyday meals and coffee to locals, workers and curious visitors on a budget.
Joci Sushi Slagelse
8.2 km
Casual, light-filled sushi restaurant above Fisketorvet square, pairing classic rolls and running sushi with central Slagelse views and easy dine‑in or takeaway.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dansk
7.4 km
Straightforward, family-focused fashion in Slagelse, with seasonal styles and familiar brands for kids, teens and adults gathered under one practical roof.
Frede's Neat Things
7.7 km
Curated vintage and antique treasures in the heart of Slagelse for collectors and design enthusiasts.
Kings & Queens
8.2 km
Contemporary multi-brand fashion retailer in Slagelse's historic town center, offering affordable style for men and women.
Kræmmerhus ApS
8.2 km
Denmark's finest sweets, artisanal teas, and cozy gift treasures in central Slagelse.
Red Cross charity shop - Slagelse
8.3 km
Volunteer-run second-hand treasure trove in central Slagelse, where ever-changing bargains meet everyday Danish life and each purchase supports Red Cross humanitarian work.
VERO MODA
8.3 km
Compact Scandinavian womenswear store on Slagelse’s central square, offering contemporary outfits, seasonal trends and wardrobe staples in a bright, modern setting.
Kant By K
8.3 km
Cosy women’s fashion boutique in central Slagelse, blending Scandinavian style, personal styling advice and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere on Rosengade.
Carsten P
8.3 km
Premium menswear and tailoring expertise in the heart of Slagelse's city center.
Tygesen Women
8.3 km
Spacious central Slagelse boutique offering Scandinavian-style fashion, outfit advice and seasonal collections tailored to the modern adult woman’s everyday and occasion wear.
Templet
8.4 km
Handcrafted jewellery and watches celebrating life's precious moments in central Slagelse.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
8.4 km
Scandinavian design meets playful discovery in this vibrant Danish gift and lifestyle shop.
Femilet
8.4 km
Central Slagelse boutique specialising in well‑fitting lingerie, underwear and nightwear with a calm, Scandinavian feel and personal, discreet fitting service.
Javahuset
8.4 km
Premium coffee and curated gifts in Slagelse's charming city center.
Tippy
8.4 km
Cozy women’s boutique in central Slagelse, offering comfortable Scandinavian everyday fashion, varied sizes and approachable prices in a compact, easy-to-browse space.
Galleriet Slagelse
8.4 km
Modern shopping mall in Slagelse's city center with diverse retailers and convenient parking.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Slagelse Jazzklub
7.0 km
Intimate jazz evenings in a historic high school setting, where shared meals, swing bands and local community keep Western Zealand’s live jazz tradition thriving.
Café Sepps
8.2 km
Laid-back, smoky student bar in central Slagelse with cheap drinks, alternative music, live jam nights and a relaxed, come-as-you-are neighborhood atmosphere.
Ibs Carport
8.2 km
Unpretentious late‑night bar in central Slagelse, serving generous budget‑friendly drinks and billiards in a compact, sociable setting open on weekend nights only.
Gecco Bar & Natklub
8.2 km
Slagelse's premier late-night cocktail bar and nightclub, serving craft drinks until dawn.
WOODY - Sport
8.2 km
Slagelse's premier weekend sports bar for craft beer, gin, and late-night social entertainment.
The Old Pub
8.2 km
Lively Irish-style pub on Slagelse’s Fisketorvet, mixing late-night live music, casual drinks and dance-floor energy from Thursday to Saturday.
The Upper Hill
8.2 km
Cozy Irish-style pub in central Slagelse, serving generous pub dishes, broad beer and gin selections, live sports and music, plus outdoor tables on Fisketorvet.
Rosen Bodega
8.2 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in central Slagelse, pouring inexpensive drinks and local character in a relaxed, lived-in bar setting.
Cafe Viking.
8.5 km
Unpretentious local bar in central Slagelse, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday Danish pub atmosphere from midday into the late evening.
Teater Cafe'en
8.5 km
Cosy neighbourhood bar in central Slagelse, blending café calm by day with a sociable, theatre-tinged bar atmosphere late into the weekend nights.
Cafe 23
8.7 km
Low‑key, old‑school brown bar in central Slagelse, serving inexpensive drinks and a slice of everyday Danish nightlife in a worn but welcoming setting.
The Red Rubin
8.7 km
Cozy, no‑nonsense neighborhood bar in central Slagelse, serving straightforward drinks and a relaxed local vibe from daytime until the early hours.
Sluk Efter
25.7 km
Unpretentious local pub on Kindhestegade in central Næstved, pouring cold beers and simple drinks in a cozy, social setting from midday to late night.
Humle Ølbar
25.7 km
Cosy craft beer bar in central Næstved, pairing a rotating selection of Danish and international brews with intimate, hygge‑rich surroundings.
Underhuset
25.8 km
A classic Danish bodega on Næstved’s Axeltorv, blending cosy wood-panel charm, cold beer and local live music into a friendly town-square living room.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
