Fællesgravene på toppen af Dybbøl Banke
A modest field of shared graves crowns Dybbøl Banke, where simple stones, open sky and rolling hills commemorate the fallen of Denmark’s fateful 1864 battlefield.
At the crest of Dybbøl Banke, the common graves form one of the most solemn points on Denmark’s most famous battlefield. Here, beneath simple stone markers and low mounds, fallen Danish and Prussian soldiers from the 1864 war lie side by side, buried close to where they fought. Surrounded by open fields, hedgerows and distant views towards Sønderborg and Als, the site combines quiet countryside with the heavy symbolism of national defeat, reconciliation and remembrance.
A brief summary to Fællesgravene på Toppen af Dybbøl Banke
- Dybbøl Banke 25, Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 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
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light over the fields and more tranquil conditions around the graves.
- Combine a quiet stop at the common graves with a walk along the nearby redoubts to understand their position in the defensive line.
- Dress for wind; the exposed ridge can feel significantly cooler than the town below, even on sunny days.
- Allow time to read the inscriptions carefully; some stones mark named individuals, others entire units or unknown soldiers.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Local bus from Sønderborg
From central Sønderborg, use the city bus line serving Dybbøl Heights; typical journey time is 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Services run regularly during the day but may be less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so check timings in advance. A single adult ticket usually costs around 20–30 DKK within the local zone system. The bus stops within walking distance of the Dybbøl battlefield area, from where gently sloping paved and gravel paths lead up towards the common graves.
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Bicycle from Sønderborg town
Cycling from Sønderborg to Dybbøl Banke takes about 20–35 minutes each way for most riders, with a noticeable but manageable climb as you approach the ridge. The route follows public roads and local cycle paths typical for Danish small towns. There is no fee to use the paths, but bring lights and reflective gear in low light. The final approach to the graves is on shared pedestrian paths over grass and compacted earth, which are easy to walk with a locked bike nearby rather than riding directly to the grave area.
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Taxi or rideshare within Sønderborg area
Taxis from central Sønderborg to Dybbøl Banke typically take 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact starting point. Fares for this short town journey are commonly in the range of 120–200 DKK, varying with time of day and waiting time. Vehicles can drop passengers close to the main battlefield facilities, from where it is a short, gently uphill walk on paths and grass to reach the common graves on the top of the ridge.
Fællesgravene på Toppen af Dybbøl Banke location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Fællesgravene på Toppen af Dybbøl Banke
Silent graves on Denmark’s famous battlefield
On the highest part of Dybbøl Banke, where artillery once thundered across the hills, the common graves form a stark, low-key memorial in the grass. Modest stone markers and simple inscriptions hint at the scale of loss during the assault of 18 April 1864, when Danish positions on these heights were overrun after weeks of bombardment. Many of the dead were buried quickly near where they fell, and over time these hurried burials became formalised as shared graves. Standing here today, it is the absence of spectacle that is most striking. There are no grand arches or triumphal statues, just carefully tended turf and stones that sit almost flush with the ground. The simplicity reflects a shift from glorifying victory to mourning human cost, regardless of flag.War, defeat and the story of two nations
The common graves cannot be separated from the broader landscape of Dybbøl Banke. These rolling morainic hills were chosen by Danish engineers in 1861–62 as a defensive line of ten redoubts stretching from Vemmingbund to Als Sund. When Prussian and Austrian forces attacked in 1864, the heights became the scene of intense bombardment and close combat that reshaped the map of Denmark. After the defeat, large parts of Schleswig came under Prussian control, and Dybbøl turned into a potent national symbol. The graves at the top of the bank commemorate not only individual soldiers but also a turning point that reduced Denmark’s territory and helped forge modern identities on both sides of the border. That layered meaning hangs in the still air around the mounds.A landscape restored to 1864
The surrounding area has been carefully managed to echo its wartime appearance. Hedgerows, open fields and grazing land have been re-established, while intrusive buildings have been removed to preserve the visual connection between the redoubts, the mill and the ridge line. From the graves you can look out across a landscape that, in outline, resembles what soldiers saw more than 150 years ago. Cows and sheep now move where troops once assembled, a deliberate reminder of how thoroughly the land has shifted from front line to pastoral calm. Paths thread gently between memorial stones and earthworks, inviting unhurried wandering and reflection rather than dramatic re-enactment.Moments of reflection among stones and sky
Visiting the common graves is a quiet, contemplative experience. The wind is often present on this exposed ridge, carrying the rustle of grass and distant traffic from Sønderborg far below. In spring and summer, wildflowers appear around the stones, softening the geometry of the plots and attracting butterflies and birds. There is no formal ceremony to observe and no fixed route to follow. Instead, you move at your own pace between markers, reading names where they are known and noting the anonymous numbers where they are not. The open sky above and the long views in every direction lend a sense of scale to what might otherwise feel like a small, tucked-away corner of the battlefield.Connecting with the wider Dybbøl story
Although the graves themselves are modest, they sit within a dense cluster of historic features: nearby redoubts, scattered memorial stones, the iconic Dybbøl Mill and the History Centre that interprets the 1864 war. Together they create a coherent outdoor narrative, but the common graves form one of its most intimate chapters. For many visitors this is the place where dates and diagrams give way to a more personal connection. The knowledge that soldiers from opposing sides share the same earth encourages thoughts of reconciliation and the passage of time. Leaving the site, you rejoin paths that continue across the plateau, carrying the story of Dybbøl Banke into the wider landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tysk skanse X
0.1 km
Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.
King's Redoubt
0.2 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Mindesten for Røde Kors
0.3 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
0.7 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Iskonditoriet
2.4 km
Byparkens Legeplads in Roskilde fuses creative play equipment and green park scenery for a free, family-friendly experience in the heart of the historic Danish city.
Windmill
2.5 km
Denmark's iconic windmill and national symbol of resilience, rebuilt after war and transformed into a living museum of history.
Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
2.5 km
A vibrant family-friendly playground in central Roskilde, Byparkens Legeplads offers open-air fun, creativity, and relaxation in the heart of the city’s beloved Byparken.
Memory stone
2.6 km
A modest monument on Sønderborg’s town-hall square, the Memory Stone offers a quiet pause for reflection amid the everyday bustle of this historic border town.
Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
3.0 km
Hidden beneath Kongevej lies Sønderborg’s former Cold War nerve center, an underground command bunker built to keep the city running in times of crisis.
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
3.0 km
A modest stone on Sønderborg’s former shooting range honouring two fallen wartime servicemen, inviting a brief but powerful pause for remembrance and reflection.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
3.7 km
Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
5.3 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
Foundation country Schäferhaus
28.4 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Bregninge Kirke
35.9 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Forladt skorsten
36.6 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Genforeningstavle på Dybbøl tysk skanse X
0.2 km
A modest reunification plaque on Dybbøl’s former German Redoubt X, linking the 1864 battlefield to the peaceful border changes of 1920 in a quiet, open landscape.
Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke
0.4 km
Step onto the ridge where Denmark’s fate was decided in 1864, with immersive battle films, reconstructed trenches and a living soldiers’ camp on historic Dybbøl Banke.
Dybbøl Mill
0.6 km
Historic Dybbøl Mill: a powerful symbol atop Sønderborg’s battlefield landscape, blending dramatic heritage, immersive exhibitions, and unforgettable views over southern Denmark.
Dybbølstenen
0.8 km
A solitary Ice Age boulder resting in the fields near Dybbøl Banke, Dybbølstenen quietly links deep geological time with South Jutland’s historic landscape.
Mindesten for Løjtnant Rothenborg Muus
0.9 km
Mølleparken in Sønderborg offers green open spaces, shaded paths, and playgrounds—the perfect urban escape for families, picnickers, and those seeking serenity.
Memorial Stone for du Plat, Schau and Rosen
1.2 km
A modest stone on a Sønderborg side street commemorating three resistance fighters, offering a brief but powerful pause for reflection on Denmark’s wartime past.
Mindesten for løjtnant A.P.Dorscheus
1.3 km
A modest roadside memorial stone in Sønderborg, honouring a fallen 19th‑century officer and quietly anchoring the turbulent history of the Schleswig wars in the everyday landscape.
Dybbøl Strand
2.0 km
A peaceful Danish strand where sandy shores meet centuries of history and heritage.
Sønderborg Castle
2.2 km
Centuries of royal drama, borderland wars and Southern Jutland stories unfold inside this waterfront fortress‑turned‑museum on the Alssund.
Genforeningssten i Sønderborg
2.3 km
A monumental tribute to Denmark's 1920 reunification, nestled near historic Sønderborg Castle.
Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig
2.4 km
A quiet harbour walk in Sønderborg that traces the invisible footprints of World War I through barracks, memorials and everyday streets in a former borderland town.
Sønderborg Beach
2.4 km
Pristine Danish beach with family-friendly waters, stunning sunsets, and a diving pier—perfect for seaside relaxation and photography.
Visselulles Have
2.4 km
Small in size but rich in stories, Visselulles Have is a tranquil memorial garden that honours Sønderborg’s legendary female dockworker in her old neighbourhood.
Fluepapiret
2.4 km
A compact, unspoiled urban beach where locals gather to swim in the Baltic's gentle waters.
Vægmalerierne på Nørre Havnegade
2.4 km
Colorful gable murals on Sønderborg’s harborfront, where evolving large-scale artworks turn an everyday building into a vivid portrait of local life and heritage.
Essential places to dine
Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl - Sønderborg
1.5 km
Experience the best pizza, barbecue, and burgers in Sønderborg at Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl – where flavor meets comfort!
Restaurant Sundhalle V/Eva Iversen
2.1 km
Relaxed harborfront restaurant in Sønderborg serving hearty Danish comfort food and pub classics in a cozy, down-to-earth bar atmosphere by the water.
Restaurant Alsik
2.3 km
Contemporary waterfront restaurant in the Alsik Hotel, blending South Jutland ingredients with classic European flavours in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Syttende
2.3 km
Michelin-starred sky dining on the 17th floor of Alsik, where New Nordic cuisine meets sweeping waterfront views over Sønderborg and Alssund.
Grey Ghost ApS
2.3 km
Candlelit Danish brasserie in Sønderborg’s old town, blending hygge, seasonal cooking and carefully chosen wines in a warm, intimate setting.
Karikatur Restaurant og Bar i Sønderborg
2.3 km
Modern Nordic plates and inventive cocktails come together in a clean-lined, harbor-close restaurant that anchors Sønderborg’s contemporary dining scene.
Bistro Grand Mère
2.4 km
Harborfront French bistro in Sønderborg, blending classic Gallic comfort dishes, thoughtful wines and a cozy green-paneled setting with views of the lively marina.
Promenaden - Is med udsigt
2.4 km
Casual harbourfront ice cream and hot dogs with wide-open views towards Sønderborg Castle, outdoor seating only and a playful, family-friendly seaside atmosphere.
Restaurant Colosseum
2.4 km
Harbourfront Danish comfort food in a cosy, family-friendly setting with views over Sønderborg’s waterfront and a welcoming slice of Southern Jutland hygge.
Torve-Hallen
2.4 km
Eclectic waterfront restaurant in Sønderborg pairing Italian-inspired comfort food, creative interiors and harbour views from morning coffee to late-night dinners.
Biehl
2.4 km
Honest Danish comfort food in the heart of Sønderborg's main street.
Restaurant Da Nico
2.4 km
Authentic Italian brick-oven pizza and homemade pasta in the heart of Sønderborg.
Curry Leaves
2.4 km
Authentic Indian flavors and attentive service in the heart of Sønderborg
Fox And Hounds
2.5 km
Scottish-style gastropub in central Sønderborg, pairing hearty ribs, burgers and steaks with an expansive beer and whisky selection in a warm, wood-paneled setting.
Niso Sushi ApS
2.5 km
Lively running-sushi and Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Sønderborg, serving endless plates of sushi and Asian bites in a relaxed, central setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mr Klausen Herre-og Drengetøj
2.6 km
Classic Danish mens- and boyswear on Sønderborg’s Perlegade, blending everyday essentials, occasion outfits and local Ringridning traditions in one friendly shop.
Twizt Fashion
2.6 km
Compact Danish fashion and lingerie boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, combining everyday practicality with relaxed, personal service.
Jim P.
2.7 km
Curated fashion for discerning shoppers seeking distinctive style beyond the mainstream.
Viller
2.7 km
Independent women’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, one-to-one service.
Tøjeksperten
2.7 km
Denmark's largest menswear chain brings premium brands and accessible style to central Sønderborg.
Kop & Kande
2.7 km
Welcoming Danish homeware and gift shop on Sønderborg’s main street, stocked with practical kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and thoughtful presents.
Gundtoft Sønderborg
2.7 km
Classic women's fashion since 1957, nestled on Sønderborg's charming pedestrian street.
Juhl Bolighus A / S
2.7 km
A vast Danish design furniture house in Sønderborg’s historic center, blending showroom and museum to showcase timeless craftsmanship and iconic interiors.
Noa Noa
2.7 km
A small Danish fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main street, showcasing Noa Noa’s feminine, bohemian-inspired style in a calm, easy-to-browse setting.
Masai
2.7 km
Danish fashion boutique celebrating bold colors, unique prints, and Scandinavian design excellence.
JACK & JONES
2.7 km
Straightforward Scandinavian menswear in the heart of Borgen Shopping, ideal for denim, casual basics and smart-casual outfits under one convenient indoor roof.
Zizzi - Sønderborg
2.7 km
Modern plus-size fashion for women in the heart of Sønderborg’s Borgen Shopping centre, combining Scandinavian style, generous sizing and friendly fit-focused advice.
Borgen
2.7 km
Sønderborg's complete shopping experience: 40 stores, dining, cinema, and culture under one roof.
Normal
2.7 km
Bright, budget‑friendly beauty and everyday essentials in the heart of Borgen Shopping, perfect for quick top‑ups and casual browsing between Sønderborg sights.
ONLY
2.8 km
Scandinavian high-street style, denim-focused collections and easy everyday fashion inside Borgen Shopping in the heart of Sønderborg.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Caféen
2.1 km
Lively, low‑priced bar inside Sønderborg’s Alsion complex, where students and locals meet for music, dancing and late‑night drinks by the harbour.
Freia Bar & Lounge
2.3 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
Visselulles Vinbar
2.3 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
2.4 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Nebula.dk ApS
2.5 km
Atmospheric shisha lounge and cocktail bar in Sønderborg’s historic center, offering intimate lighting, cozy seating and slow-paced evenings for adults.
Rabalder Bar - Sønderborg
2.5 km
Tiny in size but big on volume, Rabalder Bar Sønderborg packs sing‑along hits, simple drinks and late‑night energy into one compact old‑town party den.
Penny Lane Sønderborg
2.5 km
Lively late‑night bar in central Sønderborg serving cocktails, beer and loud tunes from evening warm‑up to near‑club energy on weekend nights.
Old Danish Pub
2.5 km
Classic hygge-filled pub near Sønderborg’s main square, with affordable drinks, games, sports on screen and lively karaoke evenings on two cosy floors.
SKAAL Sønderborg
2.6 km
Modern craft beer bar and kitchen on Sønderborg’s main square, pouring rotating Danish brews and serving hearty comfort food in a stylish, urban setting.
Bar' Vinbar
2.6 km
Central Sønderborg’s relaxed corner wine bar, pouring around 50 wines by the glass plus cocktails, coffee and light bites in a warm, informal atmosphere.
Heidi's Bier Bar Sønderborg
2.6 km
Loud alpine-themed beer hall and late-night party bar bringing après-ski energy, big steins and sing-along hits to Sønderborg’s central Rådhustorvet.
Den Lille Vinbar
2.7 km
Cosy fromagerie-style wine bar on Perlegade, pairing carefully selected bottles with generous cheese tapas in an intimate, continental-feeling corner of Sønderborg.
the tea house
2.7 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
3.0 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
3.0 km
Classic brown beer hall on Sønderborg’s main street, serving simple drinks, local atmosphere and everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
