Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke
Experience the dramatic 1864 war through immersive reconstructions and sensory storytelling on Denmark's most significant battlefield.
Step into the dramatic events of Denmark's 1864 war at this immersive history centre located on the battlefield of Dybbøl Banke near Sønderborg. Through historically accurate reconstructions, sensory storytelling, and interactive exhibits, visitors experience life as a soldier during one of Europe's most pivotal conflicts. The centre features barracks, fortifications, and a cinema, with seasonal programming that changes throughout the year. Typically requires 2–3 hours to explore fully.
A brief summary to Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke
- Dybbøl Banke 16, Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- +4574489000
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the main season (April–October) for the full range of daily activities and storytelling sessions. Winter visits are possible but offer limited programming and require warm clothing since activities occur outdoors.
- Purchase a combined online ticket for both Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke and Dybbøl Mill to save money and experience the complete historical narrative of the 1864 war and its symbols.
- Allow 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. The sensory experience and multiple exhibits require time to fully absorb the emotional and historical weight of the site.
- Note that tours are primarily in Danish. English-language information cards are available at key exhibits, but non-Danish speakers may benefit from reading about the 1864 war before visiting.
- Dogs are welcome on-site on a leash, making this an accessible option for visitors traveling with pets, though they cannot enter the cinema building.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Bus from Sønderborg Town Centre
Local buses operate from central Sønderborg to Dybbøl Banke with service several times daily. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on the route. Check local transport schedules (Sydtrafik) for current timetables and fares, typically in the range of 25–50 DKK per journey. Buses stop near the site entrance, though the final approach may require a short walk.
-
Car from Sønderborg
Dybbøl Banke is located approximately 5 kilometres north of Sønderborg town centre. Drive time is roughly 10–15 minutes via local roads. On-site parking is available at the history centre. No toll roads are involved. GPS coordinates: 54.9066, 9.7545.
-
Walking from Dybbøl Mill
Dybbøl Mill stands approximately 400 metres from the history centre. A walking path connects the two sites with a journey time of about 5–8 minutes. The terrain is relatively level and suitable for most fitness levels. This option allows visitors to experience both major sites on foot.
-
Cycling from Sønderborg
Sønderborg has a well-developed cycling network. The route to Dybbøl Banke is approximately 5 kilometres and takes 15–25 minutes depending on fitness level and route selection. Bike parking is available at the centre. The route follows regional cycling paths with minimal traffic.
Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Cold Weather
Discover more about Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke
The Battlefield Transformed into Living History
Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke occupies the exact location where one of Denmark's most significant military battles unfolded in 1864. Rather than presenting history behind glass, this centre immerses visitors directly into the dramatic events of the Second Schleswig War through reconstructed soldier camps, authentic fortifications, and period-accurate barracks. As you move through the grounds, the sensory experience intensifies—the thundering noise of cannons mixes with the screams of wounded soldiers, creating an emotional connection to the soldiers who fought and died here. The centre's approach transforms a historical site into a visceral encounter with the past.A Turning Point in European History
The war of 1864 marked a watershed moment not only for Denmark but for the entire European political landscape. The conflict resulted in Denmark losing 40 percent of its land area and approximately 38.5 percent of its population, fundamentally reshaping the nation's borders and identity. The battle at Dybbøl Banke became a symbol of Danish military courage and sacrifice, and the site itself evolved into a powerful national monument. Understanding this battle provides crucial context for comprehending modern European history, as the territorial changes and political consequences rippled across the continent for generations. After World War I, Denmark recovered part of the lost territory in 1920, establishing what is now South Jutland.Immersive Exhibits and Seasonal Programming
The centre features multiple themed experiences that rotate with the seasons, ensuring that repeat visitors encounter fresh narratives and activities. Exhibits include soldier weaponry demonstrations, explorations of the entrenchments and fortifications, and storytelling sessions that bring individual soldiers' experiences to life. A cinema presents historical narratives, while the barracks behind the frontier lines reveal the exhausted reality of young men between bloody engagements. The daily programme varies significantly during holiday periods—winter holidays feature activities such as "Soldatens våben" (The Soldier's Weapon), "Skanserne på Dybbøl" (The Fortifications), and "Kanonfortælling" (Cannon Stories). This seasonal variation means the experience differs depending on when you visit, with summer offering the most comprehensive programming.Practical Considerations for Your Visit
The centre operates from April through October with extended hours from 10:00 to 17:00 daily. Winter holiday weeks (such as week 7 in February) offer limited programming from 10:00 to 15:00 on weekdays, with activities held outdoors in the cold—visitors are advised to bring warm clothing and sturdy winter boots. Tours are conducted primarily in Danish, though English-language materials and cards provide explanations of key exhibits. Dogs are welcome on-site if kept on a leash with proper waste management, though they cannot enter the cinema due to loud noise levels. A combined ticket for both Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke and the nearby Dybbøl Mill is available online during the main season, offering savings compared to purchasing separate tickets.Connection to Dybbøl Mill and Regional History
Adjacent to the history centre stands Dybbøl Mill, one of Denmark's most iconic national symbols. The mill itself became a powerful emblem of Danish resilience during the 1864 war and remained a symbol of Danish-minded resistance during the subsequent German occupation period (1864–1920). The mill operated as a functional grain mill until 1990 and now houses exhibitions about its own history and its role as a national monument. Visiting both sites together provides a more complete understanding of how the 1864 conflict shaped Danish national identity and regional memory.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mindesten for Røde Kors
0.1 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
Tysk skanse X
0.3 km
Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.
King's Redoubt
0.4 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
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
2.0 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
2.1 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
2.2 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
2.2 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
2.6 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
2.8 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.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
3.3 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
28.7 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Bregninge Kirke
35.5 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
36.3 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dybbøl Mill
0.2 km
Historic Dybbøl Mill: a powerful symbol atop Sønderborg’s battlefield landscape, blending dramatic heritage, immersive exhibitions, and unforgettable views over southern Denmark.
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.
Fællesgravene på Toppen af Dybbøl Banke
0.4 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.
Dybbølstenen
0.5 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
1.1 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.
Dybbøl Strand
1.6 km
A peaceful Danish strand where sandy shores meet centuries of history and heritage.
Sønderborg Castle
1.9 km
Centuries of royal drama, borderland wars and Southern Jutland stories unfold inside this waterfront fortress‑turned‑museum on the Alssund.
Genforeningssten i Sønderborg
2.0 km
A monumental tribute to Denmark's 1920 reunification, nestled near historic Sønderborg Castle.
Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig
2.0 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
2.0 km
Pristine Danish beach with family-friendly waters, stunning sunsets, and a diving pier—perfect for seaside relaxation and photography.
Fluepapiret
2.0 km
A compact, unspoiled urban beach where locals gather to swim in the Baltic's gentle waters.
Visselulles Have
2.0 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
1.7 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
2.0 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
2.0 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
2.0 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 Alsik
2.0 km
Contemporary waterfront restaurant in the Alsik Hotel, blending South Jutland ingredients with classic European flavours in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Syttende
2.0 km
Michelin-starred sky dining on the 17th floor of Alsik, where New Nordic cuisine meets sweeping waterfront views over Sønderborg and Alssund.
Restaurant Colosseum
2.0 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
2.0 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
2.0 km
Eclectic waterfront restaurant in Sønderborg pairing Italian-inspired comfort food, creative interiors and harbour views from morning coffee to late-night dinners.
Biehl
2.1 km
Honest Danish comfort food in the heart of Sønderborg's main street.
Restaurant Da Nico
2.1 km
Authentic Italian brick-oven pizza and homemade pasta in the heart of Sønderborg.
Curry Leaves
2.1 km
Authentic Indian flavors and attentive service in the heart of Sønderborg
Fox And Hounds
2.1 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
2.1 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
2.3 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
2.3 km
Compact Danish fashion and lingerie boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, combining everyday practicality with relaxed, personal service.
Jim P.
2.3 km
Curated fashion for discerning shoppers seeking distinctive style beyond the mainstream.
Viller
2.3 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
2.4 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
2.4 km
Danish fashion boutique celebrating bold colors, unique prints, and Scandinavian design excellence.
JACK & JONES
2.4 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
2.4 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
2.4 km
Sønderborg's complete shopping experience: 40 stores, dining, cinema, and culture under one roof.
Normal
2.4 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
2.4 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
1.7 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
2.0 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
Visselulles Vinbar
2.0 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
2.1 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
2.2 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
2.2 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
2.2 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
2.2 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
2.3 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
2.4 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
2.7 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
2.1 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
5.7 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
42.0 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Ærø Jazzfestival
42.1 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
43.1 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig
44.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.
TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal
45.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.
Ommel
47.0 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
49.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.
Al Capone
56.6 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
56.7 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
57.3 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Kasket karl
61.3 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
62.1 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.
Cheyenne-Club
66.4 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
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
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
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
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
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
