Mindesten for Røde Kors
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
A solemn memorial stone at Dybbøl Banke honoring Louis Appia and Charles van de Velde, the world's first Red Cross observers who documented the 1864 Danish-Prussian War. Located within the historic battlefield landscape near Sønderborg, this modest but significant monument commemorates the humanitarian pioneers who witnessed one of Denmark's most pivotal military conflicts and helped establish international humanitarian principles.
A brief summary to Mindesten for Røde Kors
- Dybbøl Banke 22, 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 the Historiecenter's open season (April through October) to fully experience the surrounding battlefield landscape and exhibitions, which provide essential context for understanding the memorial's significance.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Dybbøl Mølle and Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke to gain a comprehensive understanding of the 1864 war and its humanitarian dimensions.
- The memorial is freely accessible year-round as part of the outdoor battlefield landscape, making it ideal for self-guided exploration during winter months when the visitor center is closed.
- Bring a camera to document the stone and its surroundings; the battlefield landscape offers numerous vantage points for understanding the military geography of the 1864 conflict.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Sønderborg town center
Drive approximately 5 kilometers south from Sønderborg town center toward Dybbøl Banke. Follow signs for Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke or Dybbøl Mølle. Travel time is approximately 10–15 minutes. Free parking is available at the Historiecenter and surrounding battlefield area. The memorial stone is accessible from the main parking facilities.
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Bus from Sønderborg
Local bus services operate from Sønderborg town center to Dybbøl Banke, with journey times of 15–25 minutes depending on route and stops. Service frequency varies seasonally, with reduced schedules during winter months. Check local transport operator schedules in advance. The memorial is a short walk from the main bus stop near Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke.
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Bicycle from Sønderborg
Cycle approximately 5 kilometers south from Sønderborg town center along regional cycling routes toward Dybbøl Banke. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes on flat terrain. The area is well-served by Danish cycling infrastructure. Bicycle parking is available at the Historiecenter and throughout the battlefield site.
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Walking from nearby attractions
The memorial stone is located within the Dybbøl Banke historical site. If visiting the Historiecenter or Dybbøl Mølle, the stone is accessible via marked walking paths throughout the battlefield landscape. Walking between major attractions on the site typically takes 10–30 minutes depending on your starting point and chosen route.
Mindesten for Røde Kors location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Mindesten for Røde Kors
Pioneers of International Humanitarian Response
The memorial stone at Dybbøl Banke stands as a tribute to Louis Appia and Charles van de Velde, two Swiss observers who made history during the 1864 war between Denmark and the German states of Prussia and Austria. These men were the world's first Red Cross observers, documenting the conflict and bearing witness to the human cost of war. Their presence at Dybbøl marked a turning point in how the international community would approach armed conflict, establishing principles of neutral humanitarian observation that would shape modern conflict response for generations to come.The 1864 War and Dybbøl's Significance
Dybbøl Banke itself was the site of one of Denmark's most decisive military defeats. On April 18, 1864, Prussian forces stormed the Danish defensive positions in a brutal assault that would ultimately lead to Denmark's loss of approximately 40 percent of its territory, including the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. The battle was characterized by intense bombardment and close combat, resulting in thousands of casualties. The wounded soldiers who survived faced years of physical and psychological recovery, their struggles becoming part of Denmark's collective memory of this catastrophic conflict.A Monument Within a Living Historical Landscape
The memorial stone is situated within Dybbøl Banke, a landscape transformed into a comprehensive historical site. The area contains reconstructed military fortifications, including the famous Dybbøl Mølle (mill), which stands as one of Denmark's most iconic national symbols. The Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke, opened in 1992, provides immersive exhibitions, films, and reconstructed soldier barracks that bring the 1864 conflict to life. Walking among these monuments and installations, visitors encounter multiple layers of historical narrative—from the original Danish skanser (fortifications) built in 1861–1862 to the Prussian defensive works constructed after their victory in 1865–1871.Remembering Humanitarian Values Amid Conflict
While the battlefield itself speaks to the devastation of war, the memorial to Appia and van de Velde represents something different: the emergence of organized compassion and neutral observation during armed conflict. Their work laid the foundation for the International Committee of the Red Cross and established the principle that humanitarian workers could operate independently of military objectives. This stone, modest in appearance but profound in meaning, reminds visitors that even in humanity's darkest moments, individuals can choose to document, witness, and advocate for the protection of the wounded and vulnerable.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mindesten for Røde Kors
0.0 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
Tysk skanse X
0.2 km
Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.
King's Redoubt
0.3 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
0.6 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Iskonditoriet
2.1 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
2.2 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
2.3 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
2.3 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
2.7 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
2.9 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
3.4 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
5.5 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
35.6 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
36.4 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
0.3 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.
Genforeningstavle på Dybbøl tysk skanse X
0.3 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.
Dybbøl Mill
0.3 km
Historic Dybbøl Mill: a powerful symbol atop Sønderborg’s battlefield landscape, blending dramatic heritage, immersive exhibitions, and unforgettable views over southern Denmark.
Dybbølstenen
0.6 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
0.8 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
0.9 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
1.2 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
1.7 km
A peaceful Danish strand where sandy shores meet centuries of history and heritage.
Sønderborg Castle
2.0 km
Centuries of royal drama, borderland wars and Southern Jutland stories unfold inside this waterfront fortress‑turned‑museum on the Alssund.
Genforeningssten i Sønderborg
2.1 km
A monumental tribute to Denmark's 1920 reunification, nestled near historic Sønderborg Castle.
Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig
2.1 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
2.1 km
Pristine Danish beach with family-friendly waters, stunning sunsets, and a diving pier—perfect for seaside relaxation and photography.
Fluepapiret
2.1 km
A compact, unspoiled urban beach where locals gather to swim in the Baltic's gentle waters.
Visselulles Have
2.1 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.
Vægmalerierne på Nørre Havnegade
2.1 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
1.2 km
Experience the best pizza, barbecue, and burgers in Sønderborg at Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl – where flavor meets comfort!
Restaurant Sundhalle V/Eva Iversen
1.8 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.
Grey Ghost ApS
2.1 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
2.1 km
Modern Nordic plates and inventive cocktails come together in a clean-lined, harbor-close restaurant that anchors Sønderborg’s contemporary dining scene.
Restaurant Alsik
2.1 km
Contemporary waterfront restaurant in the Alsik Hotel, blending South Jutland ingredients with classic European flavours in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Syttende
2.1 km
Michelin-starred sky dining on the 17th floor of Alsik, where New Nordic cuisine meets sweeping waterfront views over Sønderborg and Alssund.
Bistro Grand Mère
2.1 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
2.1 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.
Promenaden - Is med udsigt
2.1 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.
Torve-Hallen
2.1 km
Eclectic waterfront restaurant in Sønderborg pairing Italian-inspired comfort food, creative interiors and harbour views from morning coffee to late-night dinners.
Biehl
2.2 km
Honest Danish comfort food in the heart of Sønderborg's main street.
Restaurant Da Nico
2.2 km
Authentic Italian brick-oven pizza and homemade pasta in the heart of Sønderborg.
Curry Leaves
2.2 km
Authentic Indian flavors and attentive service in the heart of Sønderborg
Fox And Hounds
2.2 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
2.2 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
2.4 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
2.4 km
Compact Danish fashion and lingerie boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, combining everyday practicality with relaxed, personal service.
Jim P.
2.4 km
Curated fashion for discerning shoppers seeking distinctive style beyond the mainstream.
Viller
2.4 km
Independent women’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, one-to-one service.
Tøjeksperten
2.4 km
Denmark's largest menswear chain brings premium brands and accessible style to central Sønderborg.
Kop & Kande
2.4 km
Welcoming Danish homeware and gift shop on Sønderborg’s main street, stocked with practical kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and thoughtful presents.
Gundtoft Sønderborg
2.4 km
Classic women's fashion since 1957, nestled on Sønderborg's charming pedestrian street.
Juhl Bolighus A / S
2.4 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
2.5 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
2.5 km
Danish fashion boutique celebrating bold colors, unique prints, and Scandinavian design excellence.
JACK & JONES
2.5 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
2.5 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
2.5 km
Sønderborg's complete shopping experience: 40 stores, dining, cinema, and culture under one roof.
Normal
2.5 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
2.5 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
1.8 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
2.1 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
Visselulles Vinbar
2.1 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
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.
Nebula.dk ApS
2.2 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
2.2 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
2.2 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
2.3 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
2.3 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
2.3 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
2.3 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
2.4 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
2.5 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
2.7 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
2.8 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
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- 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
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly