Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
A solemn memorial stone in the small Danish town of Vester Sottrup, erected to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. Located on Nybølvej in Sønderborg municipality, this stone stands as a tribute to the liberation of Denmark and the sacrifices made during the occupation. The monument reflects the town's significant role in Danish resistance history and serves as a quiet reminder of the nation's struggle for freedom during one of Europe's darkest periods.
A brief summary to Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
- Nybølvej 2, Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during quiet morning or late afternoon hours to experience the memorial in a contemplative atmosphere without crowds.
- Combine your visit with exploration of Vester Sottrup's railway station (opened 1901) and the town's cemetery, which contains war graves from three separate conflicts.
- The nearby Peerløkke archaeological site offers insight into 1,000 years of settlement history in the region, visible through interpretive markers.
- Bring a camera for documentary photography; the stone's inscriptions and surrounding landscape offer meaningful visual records of Danish wartime remembrance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train
From Sønderborg station, regional trains serve Vester Sottrup station approximately 15–20 minutes away. Service runs several times daily with varying frequency depending on the day of the week. The station is centrally located in town, from which the memorial is a short walk. Journey cost approximately 30–50 DKK one way.
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Car
From Sønderborg town center, drive northeast on Route 399 toward Gråsten for approximately 13 kilometers, following signs to Vester Sottrup. The memorial is located on Nybølvej in the town center. Parking is available on local streets near the site at no charge. Journey time approximately 15–20 minutes.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Sønderborg and surrounding towns including Vester Sottrup, with services varying by season and day. Journey time approximately 25–35 minutes depending on route and stops. Fares typically range from 25–45 DKK. Check local transport schedules for current timetables.
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Bicycle
From Sønderborg, cycling routes follow quiet rural roads northeastward to Vester Sottrup, a distance of approximately 13 kilometers. The terrain is gently rolling with moderate gradients. Journey time approximately 45–60 minutes depending on fitness and road conditions. The route passes through agricultural landscape typical of southern Jutland.
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
A Monument to Liberation and Remembrance
The Befrielsessten (Liberation Stone) in Vester Sottrup is a memorial erected by the Historisk Forening for Sundeved (Historical Society for Sundeved) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. This modest yet meaningful monument stands in the town of Vester Sottrup, a settlement on the Sundeved peninsula in southern Jutland, approximately 13 kilometers northeast of Gråsten. The stone serves as a physical anchor for collective memory, marking Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation and honoring those who suffered and fought during the war years.Vester Sottrup's Wartime Significance
Vester Sottrup holds considerable historical weight in Danish military and resistance narratives. The town was a site of military engagement during the Three Years' War (1849) and again during the Battle of Dybbøl in 1864, conflicts that shaped Danish territorial history. During World War II, the region became part of the broader Danish experience of occupation and resistance. The town's cemetery contains war graves from three separate conflicts, testament to the generations affected by warfare. The Befrielsessten stands as one of several monuments across Denmark dedicated to remembering the nation's path to freedom in 1945.The Sundeved Peninsula and Its Historical Layers
Vester Sottrup sits within the Sundeved peninsula, a region rich in archaeological and historical significance. The town's name itself derives from Viking Age origins, meaning "Soti's settlement," indicating continuous habitation from the Viking period through the medieval era. Archaeological excavations in the nearby Peerløkke area, conducted by Haderslev Museum in 1988 and 1990, uncovered approximately 1,000 cultural artifacts spanning the Iron Age, Viking period, and High Middle Ages. These discoveries revealed evidence of permanent settlement structures, including post holes, wall trenches, cooking pits, and wells, demonstrating that this landscape has been inhabited and shaped by human activity for over a thousand years.Modern Vester Sottrup and Community Identity
Today, Vester Sottrup is a modest town with approximately 1,452 residents, maintaining its character as a rural Danish settlement. The town's infrastructure reflects its historical importance: a railway station opened in 1901 as part of the Sønderborgbanen (Sønderborg Railway), connecting the region to broader transportation networks. The Befrielsessten, positioned at a central location in the town, represents not merely a historical artifact but an ongoing part of community identity. It serves as a gathering point for remembrance and reflection, particularly during commemorative occasions when residents and visitors pause to acknowledge the sacrifices of the past and the value of the freedom secured through liberation.Landscape and Setting
The memorial sits within the gentle, agricultural landscape of southern Jutland, characterized by rolling terrain, farmland, and small settlements connected by quiet roads. The Sundeved peninsula is known for its maritime heritage, rural character, and proximity to the German border, factors that shaped its experience during the occupation. The location of the Befrielsessten on Nybølvej places it within the everyday geography of the town, making it accessible to residents and visitors alike. The stone's placement reflects a Danish approach to historical commemoration: integration into the lived landscape rather than isolation in a museum or formal park setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
0.0 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
King's Redoubt
5.2 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Tysk skanse X
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Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.
Mindesten for Røde Kors
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Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
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Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
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Iskonditoriet
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Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
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Memory stone
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Windmill
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Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
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Forladt skorsten
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Unmissable attractions to see
Nøffelskoven med træskulpturer
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Sandbjerg Manor
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Rønhaves museum
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Støvlen
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Mindesten for løjtnant A.P.Dorscheus
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Genforeningstavle på Dybbøl tysk skanse X
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Fællesgravene på Toppen af Dybbøl Banke
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Center for Verdensmål
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Dybbølstenen
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Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke
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Dybbøl Mill
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Memorial Stone for du Plat, Schau and Rosen
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Lysvang Vandtårn
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Gråstenskovene
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Essential places to dine
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Restaurant Alsik
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Syttende
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Restaurant Sundhalle V/Eva Iversen
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Torve-Hallen
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Promenaden - Is med udsigt
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Den Gamle Skomager
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Den Gamle Kro
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Restaurant Colosseum
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Bistro Grand Mère
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Peking Restaurant
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Grey Ghost ApS
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Karikatur Restaurant og Bar i Sønderborg
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Juhl Bolighus A / S
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Mr Klausen Herre-og Drengetøj
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Kop & Kande
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Noa Noa
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Masai
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Butik Schlott
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Twizt Fashion
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Viller
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Jim P.
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Scandinavian Scents
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Gundtoft Sønderborg
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in mood
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Huset Torre
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Tøjeksperten
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tinsoldaten/Kim Jakobsen
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Caféen
6.3 km
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Freia Bar & Lounge
6.4 km
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New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
6.7 km
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Visselulles Vinbar
6.9 km
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Old Danish Pub
7.0 km
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Bar' Vinbar
7.0 km
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Den Lille Vinbar
7.0 km
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SKAAL Sønderborg
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Rabalder Bar - Sønderborg
7.0 km
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Penny Lane Sønderborg
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Nebula.dk ApS
7.1 km
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Heidi's Bier Bar Sønderborg
7.1 km
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Værtshus Chr. Iv
7.1 km
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Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
7.2 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dance All Over
1.0 km
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Kaizen ApS
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Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
46.1 km
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Ærø Jazzfestival
46.2 km
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Ela-Ela Schleswig
46.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig
47.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.
TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal
48.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.
Ommel
51.2 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
Discothek Vineta
52.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.
Al Capone
52.8 km
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P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
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Crazy Daisy Svendborg
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Pitstop
62.4 km
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Jazz 6000
62.4 km
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Mørks Kælder
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Scenic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access