Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer, Sønderborg
Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.
Set beside Sønderborg’s harbor at the Multikulturhuset, this discreet memorial stone recalls one of the final, grim episodes of the Second World War. Here a plaque commemorates eleven young German sailors from the minesweeper M612, executed for mutiny in the Als Sound on the night of 5–6 May 1945, just as the war was ending. The simple stone, unveiled in 2020, invites quiet reflection on courage, obedience and conscience.
A brief summary to Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
- Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Take a few minutes to read the full inscription and names on the plaque; it provides enough context to understand the events of May 1945 without additional materials.
- Combine a visit to the memorial with a gentle stroll along Sønderborg’s harbor promenade, allowing time to sit and look across the water toward the Als Sound.
- Visit during daylight for easier reading and photography, but consider returning near dusk for a more contemplative atmosphere by the water.
- If you wish to deepen your understanding, pair this stop with a visit to local museums or cemeteries that address wartime history in Sønderborg.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from central Sønderborg
From Sønderborg’s compact town center, the harborfront memorial is within typical walking distance, around 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point. The route follows level pavements and the promenade, making it suitable for most visitors and pushchairs. Surfaces are generally smooth, but in bad weather the waterfront can be windy and wet, so wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
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Local bus within Sønderborg
Sønderborg’s local buses connect residential districts with the harbor area and Multikulturhuset in roughly 10–20 minutes of travel time. A single adult ticket typically costs in the range of 20–30 DKK and can be bought directly from the driver or via local ticketing apps. Services are less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so check timetables in advance and allow extra time if you need step-free access at bus stops.
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By car from the Sønderborg area
Reaching the memorial by car from elsewhere in the Sønderborg area usually takes 5–20 minutes, depending on traffic and starting point. Expect to pay around 10–20 DKK per hour for parking in central harbor-adjacent zones, with both short-stay and longer-stay options. Spaces can be limited at busy times, so plan for a short additional walk from your parking spot and check local signs for time limits and payment methods.
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Bicycle within town
Sønderborg is well suited to cycling, and the harborfront can generally be reached by bicycle from most town neighborhoods in about 10–25 minutes. The terrain is mostly flat with occasional gentle inclines, and there are mixed-use paths along sections of the waterfront. Bicycles can usually be parked close to the Multikulturhuset; bring a lock and be cautious in wet or windy weather, when gusts off the water can be strong.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer 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 Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
A quiet harbor corner with a heavy story
At first glance, the Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer is easy to overlook: a modest stone with a metal plaque, set on the waterfront beside Sønderborg’s modern Multikulturhuset. The setting is peaceful – water lapping in the harbor, ferries and small boats gliding past, everyday life unfolding nearby. Yet the text on the plaque pulls you abruptly back to the chaotic final days of the Second World War. The memorial was inaugurated in September 2020, deliberately placed in an open, public space rather than within a cemetery. Its calm surroundings contrast sharply with the violence it recalls, inviting visitors to pause in mid-stroll and step into a darker chapter of history.The mutiny on minesweeper M612
The stone commemorates eleven German sailors from the minesweeper M612 who decided, in early May 1945, that they had had enough of a senseless war. North Germany and Denmark had effectively capitulated, and people in towns like Sønderborg were already placing candles in windows to mark the long‑awaited peace. Against this backdrop, the young crew members attempted to steer their ship away from combat and back toward home. Their refusal to continue fighting was interpreted by their commanders as mutiny. The ship, which had changed course after refueling, was intercepted near Sønderborg by other German naval units. What followed was not a lengthy legal process, but a swift and brutal exercise of power meant to restore military discipline in a collapsing regime.Nighttime executions in the Als Sound
On the night of 5–6 May 1945, an improvised court martial was convened aboard ship. Eleven sailors were sentenced to death, others received prison terms and a few were acquitted. The executions took place in the Flensburg Fjord off Sønderborg, at a moment when the wider war was already effectively over. Shots fired in the darkness ended the lives of men barely out of their teens, punished for wanting to survive. The bodies were then wrapped in coarse cloth and weighted with heavy metal parts before being thrown into the Als Sound. It was a deliberate attempt to erase the evidence of what had happened. But the sea did not keep its secret. In the weeks and months that followed, several corpses washed ashore, their gunshot wounds revealing the nature of their deaths.From recovered bodies to memorial stone
Local burial records from 1945 show how the story slowly surfaced. Seven of the executed sailors were eventually recovered and interred at Sønderborg’s Østre Kirkegård, in a section where war refugees were also buried. Over time, researchers and local historians pieced together the events on M612, the summary trial and the executions carried out in the war’s final hours. The decision decades later to create a dedicated memorial by the harbor reflects a broader desire to confront these events openly. Instead of commemorating them solely as fallen soldiers, the text on the plaque presents them as victims of a regime that continued to kill even as defeat was certain. The stone turns the waterfront into a place of remembrance for those who resisted by refusing orders.Reading the inscription and names
The plaque’s inscription summarizes the key facts: the timing just after the capitulation in northern Germany and Denmark, the death sentence for eleven sailors of the minesweeper M612 for mutiny, and the disposal of their bodies in the Als Sound. It notes that seven were later found and buried, anchoring the narrative in precise historical detail rather than abstraction. Alongside this text are the names of the eleven men, individualizing a story that might otherwise remain anonymous. Dates of birth underline how young they were, many in their early twenties. Standing before the stone, it is hard not to imagine the fear and resolve behind their decision to disobey, and the lives and families that lay behind each name.A place for reflection on conscience and war
Today the memorial functions as a small but potent counterpoint to the harbor’s everyday bustle. It is not a grand monument, but its very simplicity encourages personal reflection rather than spectacle. Visitors can sit nearby, look out across the water where the executions took place, and consider how quickly power can be abused when institutions crumble. The stone also broadens the way the war is remembered in Sønderborg. It honors not only civilian victims or local losses, but also those within the German armed forces who tried to step away from violence and paid with their lives. For many travelers, this unobtrusive memorial becomes an unexpected moment of contemplation in the middle of a pleasant seaside walk.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
0.0 km
Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.
Windmill
1.5 km
Denmark's iconic windmill and national symbol of resilience, rebuilt after war and transformed into a living museum of history.
Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
1.5 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.
Memory stone
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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.
Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
1.7 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.
Iskonditoriet
1.8 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.
Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
3.4 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Mindesten for Røde Kors
3.4 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
Tysk skanse X
3.7 km
Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.
King's Redoubt
3.7 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
3.8 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.
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
8.6 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
Foundation country Schäferhaus
30.8 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Bregninge Kirke
32.4 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
33.1 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fluepapiret
1.5 km
A compact, unspoiled urban beach where locals gather to swim in the Baltic's gentle waters.
Sønderborg Beach
1.5 km
Pristine Danish beach with family-friendly waters, stunning sunsets, and a diving pier—perfect for seaside relaxation and photography.
Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig
1.5 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.
Panorama
1.6 km
Historic windmill and museum overlooking the 1864 battlefield, Dybbøl Mill stands as a powerful monument to Danish resilience and a unique window into national history.
Genforeningssten i Sønderborg
1.7 km
A monumental tribute to Denmark's 1920 reunification, nestled near historic Sønderborg Castle.
Rådhustorvet
1.7 km
Historic town square with a 16th‑century former town hall, Rådhustorvet is a compact, atmospheric hub in Sønderborg’s old quarter.
Sønderborg Castle
1.8 km
Centuries of royal drama, borderland wars and Southern Jutland stories unfold inside this waterfront fortress‑turned‑museum on the Alssund.
Dybbøl Strand
1.8 km
A peaceful Danish strand where sandy shores meet centuries of history and heritage.
Visselulles Have
1.8 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.
Sønderborghus
1.8 km
Cosy cultural house in central Sønderborg, blending live music, creative workshops and a welcoming café into one relaxed, community-focused venue.
Spanske trappe
1.8 km
A once-grey stairway turned into a colourful nature mural, the Spanske Trappe is Sønderborg’s playful urban shortcut and small-scale landmark between two city streets.
Selfiebænken - Big yellow
1.9 km
Sønderborg's cheerful yellow bench—a playful symbol of local creativity and the perfect photo moment.
Kongevejsparken
1.9 km
A small historic neighborhood park in central Sønderborg, where former hospital gardens, mature trees and a playground create a relaxed everyday green escape.
Ringridermuseet i Sønderborg
1.9 km
Danmarks eneste ringridermuseum i et bindingsværkshus fra 1643, hvor lanser, medaljer og lokale fortællinger bringer Sønderborgs festlige tradition til live.
Rønhaveplads
2.0 km
A peaceful, local-favorite park offering tranquil ponds, leafy lawns, and family-friendly relaxation just outside Sønderborg’s city center. Free, welcoming, and authentic.
Essential places to dine
Café Marina
0.6 km
Relaxed waterfront café at Sønderborg Marina, serving hearty brunches, seaside comfort food and drinks with wide‑open views of boats and the sheltered sound.
Bella Italia
1.6 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and small hotel in Sønderborg’s historic heart, pairing brick-vaulted charm with classic pizzas, pasta, and relaxed evening dining.
Hotel Bella Italia
1.6 km
A cozy Nordic-style boutique stay with a lively Italian trattoria downstairs, set right in the historic heart of Sønderborg.
Sushi & More... Sushi
1.6 km
Central Sønderborg spot for easygoing sushi, Asian hot dishes and reliable takeaway, ideal for a quick lunch stop or relaxed, no‑fuss dinner.
Cafe Stjernen
1.7 km
Hearty Danish café classics, candlelit brasserie ambience and specialty beers in the heart of Sønderborg’s compact historic centre.
Restaurant Da Nico
1.7 km
Authentic Italian brick-oven pizza and homemade pasta in the heart of Sønderborg.
Lazy Dog Burgers - Worldclass Burgers from Sønderborg
1.7 km
World-class burgers and cocktails in the heart of historic Sønderborg
Fox And Hounds
1.7 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
1.7 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.
Biehl
1.7 km
Honest Danish comfort food in the heart of Sønderborg's main street.
Mongolian Barbecue
1.7 km
Create-your-own stir-fries on a sizzling grill at this lively Asian buffet in central Sønderborg, mixing Mongolian barbecue theatre with Chinese favourites and casual comfort.
The Burger Concept - Burger i Sønderborg
1.7 km
Casual Danish burger bar inside Sønderborg’s Borgen center, serving classic patties, crispy fries and shakes in a bright, urban fast-casual setting.
Kong Kian Sønderborg
1.7 km
Central Sønderborg fast‑casual spot for roasted chicken, spareribs and build‑your‑own sandwiches, serving from lunchtime through late night right on Rådhustorvet.
The Grand Café
1.7 km
Elegant Danish dining on Sønderborg's main square, where refined cuisine meets genuine hospitality.
Cafe Mauritz
1.7 km
Casual Danish café-brasserie in central Sønderborg, serving generous brunches, burgers, coffee and cocktails in relaxed, candlelit surroundings all day.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kings & Queens
1.6 km
Contemporary multi-brand fashion in central Sønderborg, blending Scandinavian style, casual streetwear, and easygoing boutique vibes for men and women.
Normal
1.6 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.
NEYE Borgen
1.7 km
Modern Danish bag and luggage specialist in Borgen Shopping, offering quality brands, expert guidance and everyday purchases that help fund cancer research.
Borgen
1.7 km
Sønderborg's complete shopping experience: 40 stores, dining, cinema, and culture under one roof.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.7 km
Scandinavian creativity and affordable joy in Sønderborg's premier shopping destination.
JACK & JONES
1.7 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
1.7 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.
Vero Moda
1.7 km
Contemporary Scandinavian women’s fashion inside Borgen Shopping, offering wearable trends, layering pieces and accessories in Sønderborg’s central retail district.
ONLY
1.7 km
Scandinavian high-street style, denim-focused collections and easy everyday fashion inside Borgen Shopping in the heart of Sønderborg.
Butik Gemakker
1.7 km
Intimate Nordic lifestyle store in central Sønderborg, curating timeless homeware, textiles and fashion with a focus on quality, calm aesthetics and lasting design.
Twizt Fashion
1.8 km
Compact Danish fashion and lingerie boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, combining everyday practicality with relaxed, personal service.
Jim P.
1.8 km
Curated fashion for discerning shoppers seeking distinctive style beyond the mainstream.
Viller
1.8 km
Independent women’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, one-to-one service.
Mr Klausen Herre-og Drengetøj
1.8 km
Classic Danish mens- and boyswear on Sønderborg’s Perlegade, blending everyday essentials, occasion outfits and local Ringridning traditions in one friendly shop.
Tøjeksperten
1.8 km
Denmark's largest menswear chain brings premium brands and accessible style to central Sønderborg.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nebula.dk ApS
1.7 km
Atmospheric shisha lounge and cocktail bar in Sønderborg’s historic center, offering intimate lighting, cozy seating and slow-paced evenings for adults.
the tea house
1.7 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
Penny Lane Sønderborg
1.7 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.
Rabalder Bar - Sønderborg
1.7 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Sønderborg
1.7 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.
SKAAL Sønderborg
1.7 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.
Old Danish Pub
1.8 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.
Bar' Vinbar
1.8 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.
Den Lille Vinbar
1.8 km
Cosy fromagerie-style wine bar on Perlegade, pairing carefully selected bottles with generous cheese tapas in an intimate, continental-feeling corner of Sønderborg.
Visselulles Vinbar
1.8 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
Posthuset
1.9 km
Historic post office transformed into Sønderborg's beloved social hub for drinks, conversation, and Danish nightlife.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
1.9 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
2.0 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.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
2.2 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Caféen
2.4 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kaizen ApS
1.7 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Dance All Over
8.6 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
38.9 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Ærø Jazzfestival
39.0 km
Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.
Ela-Ela Schleswig
42.9 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
Ommel
43.8 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.
VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig
43.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.
TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal
44.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.
Discothek Vineta
49.1 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
54.8 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Kasket karl
58.3 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
Langelands Jazzklub
59.1 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Al Capone
59.8 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
59.9 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Orange Club
65.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kiel at Orange Club, where the music is pumping and the dance floor is waiting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
