King's Redoubt (Kongeskansen)
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
King's Redoubt is a historic military fortification in Sønderborg, Denmark, built during the Second Schleswig War (1864). This earthen redoubt served as a crucial defensive position and remains one of Scandinavia's best-preserved examples of 19th-century military architecture. Today, it stands as a monument to Danish resistance and is part of the broader Dybbøl Banke historical site, offering visitors insight into the region's turbulent past.
A brief summary to King's Redoubt
- Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the ramparts and landscape views. The open-air nature of the site means weather conditions directly affect the experience.
- Combine your visit with other attractions at Dybbøl Banke, including the history centre and museums, for a comprehensive understanding of the 1864 conflict.
- Wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven earthen ramparts and terrain, especially after rain when surfaces may be muddy.
- Check for special commemorative events and guided tours that may be scheduled throughout the year, particularly around historical anniversaries.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Walking from Sønderborg Station
From Sønderborg Station, walk approximately 2 kilometers to King's Redoubt. The journey takes 25–30 minutes on foot through the town and toward the Dybbøl Banke area. Follow signage toward Dybbøl Banke or use a map application for precise directions. The route is accessible year-round, though winter conditions may affect walking comfort.
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Bus from Sønderborg Town Centre
Local buses serve the Sønderborg area with connections to Dybbøl Banke. Journey time is typically 10–15 minutes depending on the specific route and service frequency. Fares are modest (approximately 20–30 DKK). Check local transport schedules as service frequency varies by season and day of week.
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Bicycle from Sønderborg Centre
Cycling is a popular option in the region, with a journey of approximately 2 kilometers taking 10–15 minutes. The route is relatively flat and suitable for standard bicycles. Bike rental is available in Sønderborg town centre at modest daily rates (approximately 50–100 DKK). This option is weather-dependent and most practical during mild months.
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Private Vehicle or Taxi
By car or taxi from Sønderborg town centre, the journey takes 5–10 minutes covering approximately 2 kilometers. Parking is available at or near the Dybbøl Banke site. Taxi fares from the station or town centre typically range from 100–150 DKK. This option provides flexibility and is practical year-round regardless of weather.
King's Redoubt location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about King's Redoubt
A Fortress Born from Conflict
King's Redoubt, known locally as Kongeskansen, was constructed during the Second Schleswig War of 1864 as a key defensive fortification protecting Danish interests in the contested border region. The redoubt's strategic position overlooking the landscape made it a vital stronghold during the conflict. Though the war ultimately resulted in Danish territorial losses, the fortification itself survived and has become a symbol of Danish determination and military heritage. The site's name commemorates the Danish monarchy's connection to the region and its historical significance in the nation's collective memory.Earthen Ramparts and Military Engineering
The redoubt's distinctive design features characteristic 19th-century military engineering, with sloped earthen ramparts and defensive positions that once housed artillery and troops. Unlike stone fortifications, the earthen construction allowed for flexibility in design and provided effective protection against cannon fire of the era. The preserved ramparts and trenches offer a tangible connection to the soldiers who once manned these positions, and visitors can walk along the fortifications to appreciate the strategic layout and defensive capabilities. The landscape itself tells the story of warfare and preparation, with the terrain shaped by military necessity.Integration with Dybbøl Banke Historical Site
King's Redoubt is part of the larger Dybbøl Banke historical complex, which encompasses multiple museums, monuments, and preserved military structures. The site functions as an open-air museum where visitors can explore the physical remnants of the 1864 conflict alongside interpretive displays and educational resources. The broader Dybbøl Banke area attracts history enthusiasts, school groups, and families interested in understanding this pivotal moment in Danish and regional European history. The integration of multiple attractions within the site creates a comprehensive historical experience.Commemoration and National Memory
The redoubt has evolved from a military installation into a place of remembrance and national identity. Significant commemorative events, including the major reunion celebration in 1920 marking the reunification of southern Jutland with Denmark, have taken place at the site. These gatherings transformed Kongeskansen into a symbolic location where Danes could celebrate their heritage and reflect on the sacrifices made during the war. The site continues to host ceremonies and educational programs that connect contemporary visitors with the historical narratives embedded in the landscape.Landscape and Visitor Experience
The redoubt's setting within the Sønderborg region provides visitors with both historical immersion and natural surroundings. The elevated position offers views across the landscape, allowing visitors to understand the strategic importance of the location. Walking the ramparts and exploring the fortification's layout provides a physical understanding of 19th-century military life and defensive strategy. The site's open-air nature means visitors can experience the location in its natural context, with seasonal changes adding depth to the historical narrative.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
King's Redoubt
0.0 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
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.
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
0.8 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Iskonditoriet
2.3 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
2.4 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
2.5 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.
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
2.8 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.
Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
2.9 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.
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
5.2 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
Foundation country Schäferhaus
28.6 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Bregninge Kirke
35.8 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
Fællesgravene på Toppen af Dybbøl Banke
0.2 km
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.
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
0.5 km
Historic Dybbøl Mill: a powerful symbol atop Sønderborg’s battlefield landscape, blending dramatic heritage, immersive exhibitions, and unforgettable views over southern Denmark.
Dybbølstenen
0.7 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
0.7 km
Mølleparken in Sønderborg offers green open spaces, shaded paths, and playgrounds—the perfect urban escape for families, picnickers, and those seeking serenity.
Mindesten for løjtnant A.P.Dorscheus
1.1 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.
Memorial Stone for du Plat, Schau and Rosen
1.1 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.
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.
Vægmalerierne på Nørre Havnegade
2.3 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.
Visselulles Have
2.3 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.
Hønekilden
2.3 km
A tiny harbor-side spring where pure water, royal engineering and whispering legends blur into a tranquil urban nook of art and history.
Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig
2.3 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
2.3 km
Pristine Danish beach with family-friendly waters, stunning sunsets, and a diving pier—perfect for seaside relaxation and photography.
Essential places to dine
Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl - Sønderborg
1.4 km
Experience the best pizza, barbecue, and burgers in Sønderborg at Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl – where flavor meets comfort!
Restaurant Sundhalle V/Eva Iversen
2.0 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
2.2 km
Contemporary waterfront restaurant in the Alsik Hotel, blending South Jutland ingredients with classic European flavours in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Syttende
2.2 km
Michelin-starred sky dining on the 17th floor of Alsik, where New Nordic cuisine meets sweeping waterfront views over Sønderborg and Alssund.
Torve-Hallen
2.3 km
Eclectic waterfront restaurant in Sønderborg pairing Italian-inspired comfort food, creative interiors and harbour views from morning coffee to late-night dinners.
Promenaden - Is med udsigt
2.3 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.
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
2.3 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.
Restaurant Colosseum
2.3 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.
Curry Leaves
2.4 km
Authentic Indian flavors and attentive service in the heart of Sønderborg
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.
Fox And Hounds
2.4 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
2.4 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
2.5 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.
2.6 km
Curated fashion for discerning shoppers seeking distinctive style beyond the mainstream.
Viller
2.6 km
Independent women’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, one-to-one service.
Kop & Kande
2.6 km
Welcoming Danish homeware and gift shop on Sønderborg’s main street, stocked with practical kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and thoughtful presents.
Tøjeksperten
2.6 km
Denmark's largest menswear chain brings premium brands and accessible style to central Sønderborg.
Juhl Bolighus A / S
2.6 km
A vast Danish design furniture house in Sønderborg’s historic center, blending showroom and museum to showcase timeless craftsmanship and iconic interiors.
Gundtoft Sønderborg
2.6 km
Classic women's fashion since 1957, nestled on Sønderborg's charming pedestrian street.
Noa Noa
2.6 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
2.6 km
Danish fashion boutique celebrating bold colors, unique prints, and Scandinavian design excellence.
JACK & JONES
2.6 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
2.6 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.
Janne K Sønderborg
2.7 km
Colorful Danish womenswear with Italian-made fabrics in the heart of Sønderborg’s main shopping street on the island of Als.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Caféen
1.9 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
2.2 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
2.3 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
2.4 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
2.4 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
2.5 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
2.5 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
2.5 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
2.6 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
2.9 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
2.9 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kaizen ApS
2.4 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
5.4 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
42.3 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Ærø Jazzfestival
42.4 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
43.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig
44.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.
TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal
45.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.
Ommel
47.3 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
49.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.
Al Capone
56.3 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
56.4 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
57.6 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Kasket karl
61.6 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
62.4 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.
Cheyenne-Club
66.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Cheyenne-Club in Rendsburg, the ultimate disco club and restaurant for an unforgettable evening.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
