King’s Redoubt (Kongeskansen), Dybbøl Banke
Open earthworks, fluttering flags and far-reaching views on the Dybbøl Heights tell the story of war, loss and reunification at King’s Redoubt near Sønderborg.
King’s Redoubt (Kongeskansen) crowns the Dybbøl Heights near Sønderborg, overlooking the waters of Als and one of Denmark’s most symbolically charged landscapes. Part of the Dybbøl fortifications from the 1864 war between Denmark and Prussia, this open earthwork and memorial area combines sweeping views with heavy history. Today it is a peaceful grassy redoubt and ceremony site, closely linked with nearby Dybbøl Mill and the history centre, where flags, monuments and quiet paths invite reflection on loss, resilience and reunification.
A brief summary to King's Redoubt
- Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine King’s Redoubt with Dybbøl Mill and the history centre on the same day to understand how the landscape, battle and later reunification all connect.
- Wear sturdy shoes; while the area is gently sloped, you will be walking on grass, uneven earthworks and possibly muddy patches after rain.
- Visit in the late afternoon for softer light over Sønderborg and Als, which brings out the contours of the ramparts and creates atmospheric photos.
- Bring a windproof layer, as the exposed ridge can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than in the town below, even on sunny days.
- If you come during commemorative dates in June, be prepared for ceremonies and flag events that may briefly limit access to specific spots.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and local bus from within Southern Jutland
From towns in Southern Jutland, travel by regional train to Sønderborg Station, which is well connected to places such as Kolding and Tinglev. Typical journey times range from 45 to 90 minutes depending on origin, with standard second-class fares usually around 80–160 DKK. From Sønderborg Station you can transfer to a local bus serving the Dybbøl area in roughly 10–20 minutes; tickets for the bus are generally 20–30 DKK and services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and weekends.
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Car from Sønderborg and nearby towns
Reaching King’s Redoubt by car from central Sønderborg or neighbouring towns in Southern Jutland is straightforward, with typical driving times of 10–30 minutes depending on your starting point. The route uses regular paved roads suitable for all vehicles. There is usually free or low-cost parking available near the Dybbøl Heights area, though spaces can be tighter on days with official commemorations or in peak summer, so allow extra time then.
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Cycling from central Sønderborg
Cycling from central Sønderborg to the Dybbøl Heights area is a practical low-cost option, taking roughly 20–35 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route involves normal roads and some inclines as you approach the ridge, so expect a short uphill section near the end. Renting a bicycle in town is typically possible from around 100–200 DKK per day. This option offers flexibility and scenic views but may be demanding for very young children or those unused to riding on shared roads.
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Walking from the Dybbøl area
If you are already in the Dybbøl area, for example after visiting Dybbøl Mill or the history centre, you can walk to King’s Redoubt in about 15–30 minutes. The approach follows a mix of pavements and grass paths, with gentle but noticeable slopes as you gain the ridge. Surfaces can be soft or muddy after rain, so this option is best for visitors with reasonably steady mobility and suitable footwear.
King's Redoubt location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about King's Redoubt
A hilltop battlefield turned national symbol
King’s Redoubt, or Kongeskansen, sits on the Dybbøl Heights just west of Sønderborg, at the heart of the landscape where Denmark fought Prussia in the war of 1864. From this grassy earthwork the Danish king watched parts of the fighting, giving the position its name. Today the low ramparts, flagpoles and memorial stones are all that hint at the trenches, gun positions and chaos that once filled this ridge. Standing here you look across undulating farmland and out towards the waters separating Jutland from the island of Als. It is a calm scene that sharply contrasts with the artillery duels and infantry assaults that once raged around these slopes. Informal paths and open lawns make it easy to wander, pause and let the historical weight of the place sink in.Traces of the Dybbøl fortifications
Kongeskansen was part of a wider belt of redoubts and entrenchments that lined the heights at Dybbøl, designed to protect the approaches to Sønderborg and Als. The original ramparts have softened over time, but you can still read their outlines in the ground, with raised banks, shallow ditches and strategic viewpoints over the surrounding terrain. Nearby you may glimpse Dybbøl Mill and, slightly further, the modern history centre, which together help explain the broader story of the 1864 conflict. Up here, though, interpretation is subtler: a few stones, plaques and flags, combined with the topography itself, let you imagine lines of soldiers, field guns and observation posts that once dominated this ridge.From defeat to reunification
The defeat at Dybbøl in 1864 led to Denmark losing large tracts of territory, including Sønderjylland. For decades this frontier region remained outside the kingdom, and the landscape around Kongeskansen became closely associated with national mourning and reflection. After the 1920 plebiscite and the drawing of the modern Danish–German border, the area took on a new meaning as a symbol of reunification. Commemorative stones and ceremonies held at Kongeskansen mark this shift from loss to regained identity. The site is still used for official gatherings, anniversaries and flag events, which underline its ongoing role in Danish collective memory. When flags move gently in the wind above the old ramparts, you are witnessing a living tradition rather than a frozen monument.A contemplative green space above Sønderborg
Despite its sombre backstory, King’s Redoubt today is a surprisingly peaceful green space. Simple grass, scattered trees and open sky dominate the experience, with few built structures to distract from the sense of landscape and horizon. The area feels informal and welcoming, more like a hilltop park shaped by history than a strictly curated monument. It is an easy place to linger: you can sit on the grass along the earthworks, take in views towards Sønderborg and Als, or follow short loops that link to other parts of the Dybbøl Heights. The setting makes it well suited to quiet reflection, low-key picnics and unhurried conversations about history, identity and the meaning of borders.Exploring the wider Dybbøl Heights
Kongeskansen links naturally with the wider Dybbøl landscape, including Dybbøl Mill, the history centre and additional redoubts. Spending time here adds a spatial dimension to any museum visit: you can match maps and exhibits with real contours under your feet. Weather plays a big part in the atmosphere; on clear days the views underscore the strategic importance of the ridge, while mist or low clouds add a more introspective mood. Because the site is largely open and unfenced, you can explore at your own rhythm. There is no formal entrance sequence, just gentle slopes leading up to the earthworks. Whether you stay briefly to absorb the view or spend longer walking between related sites on the heights, King’s Redoubt offers a quietly powerful encounter with Denmark’s modern history in the open air.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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
