Kongelundsfortet Coastal Fortress
A First World War coastal fort turned green refuge, where concrete ramparts, bird-filled meadows and wide sea views create a relaxed slice of Copenhagen’s defence history.
Kongelundsfortet is a First World War coastal fort on the southern edge of Amager near Dragør, where military history blends with open meadows, forest and sea views. Built between 1914 and 1916 as part of Copenhagen’s sea defenses, it later served in air defence before closing in 1982 and opening to the public in 1996. Today you can wander bunkers and ramparts, climb the platforms for sweeping views over Køge Bay and the protected Kofoed meadows, and enjoy picnic tables, grills and fire shelters amid bird-rich coastal nature.
A brief summary to Kongelundsfortet
- Kalvebodvej 265, Dragør, 2791, DK
- +4520364486
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 2 pm-10 pm
- Tuesday 2 pm-10 pm
- Wednesday 2 pm-10 pm
- Thursday 2 pm-10 pm
- Friday 2 pm-10 pm
- Saturday 7 am-10 pm
- Sunday 7 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes; paths and embankments can be uneven, especially around former gun positions and the moat edges.
- Bring your own food and charcoal if you plan to use the picnic tables and grills, as on-site catering is not normally available.
- Allow time to climb the platforms and tower on a clear day for the best panoramic views over Køge Bay and the surrounding meadows.
- Birdwatchers should pack binoculars; the nearby protected Kofoed meadows and coastal shallows host abundant birdlife in migration seasons.
- In windy or cool weather, pack an extra layer; the exposed coastal position can feel significantly colder than in central Copenhagen.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Public transport from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro toward the airport area and change to a southbound bus serving Kalvebodvej toward Sydvestpynten. The combined journey typically takes 45–65 minutes, with buses running at least twice an hour during the day. A standard adult ticket covering metro and bus within the city zone system costs in the range of 24–36 DKK depending on zones and ticket type. Services operate year-round, but evening and weekend frequencies can be lower, so check departure times in advance.
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Car or taxi from Copenhagen city centre
Driving from Copenhagen city centre to Kongelundsfortet usually takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic, following main routes across Amager toward Dragør and the southern coastline. There is typically informal roadside or area parking near the fort, but spaces are unmarked and can be limited on fine-weather weekends. A metered taxi for this distance commonly costs around 250–400 DKK one way, varying with traffic and time of day. The roads are paved and suitable for any standard vehicle.
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Cycling from Amager or the airport area
For confident cyclists, Kongelundsfortet is reachable via cycle paths and quiet roads across southern Amager in about 30–50 minutes from areas such as Ørestad or near Copenhagen Airport. The terrain is flat but exposed to wind, and sections may pass open fields and coastal stretches with little shelter. There is no specific bike parking infrastructure at the fort, so bring a lock and secure your bicycle to suitable railings or fences. This option is free aside from any bicycle hire costs and is most comfortable in dry, mild weather.
Kongelundsfortet 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
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Kongelundsfortet
From Sea Fortress to Open Green Escape
Kongelundsfortet occupies a low rise on the southern tip of Amager, looking out across Køge Bay and the approach lanes to Copenhagen. Built between 1914 and 1916 as a coastal battery in the Copenhagen Sea Fortress system, it was intended to guard minefields in the bay and close access to the capital from the south. Its position still feels strategic: a slight elevation on an otherwise flat island, with broad horizons of sky, sea and salt meadows. Although guns and barbed wire are long gone, the sense of a defended coastline lingers in the layout. Grass-covered mounds conceal concrete structures, narrow passages link former gun emplacements, and a square moat outlines the heart of the fort. The military geometry now frames a surprisingly peaceful green space, surrounded by beach, scrub and farmland.Cannons, Cold War and Decommissioning
When first completed, Kongelundsfortet bristled with four heavy 29 cm howitzers, supported by smaller 75 mm and 47 mm guns, all aimed at the sailing channels leading toward Copenhagen. In the late 1930s the site was rebuilt from a one-directional coastal battery into a true all-round fort, its original howitzers replaced by naval guns with a range of more than 16 km. During the Cold War the fort changed role again, becoming part of Denmark’s air defence network in 1959. By 1982 the fort’s military importance had faded and the installation was finally closed. In 1996 Dragør Municipality took over the site, preserving key structures but allowing nature to soften the edges. Since then Kongelundsfortet has been managed as an open recreational and historical area, where relics of several defence eras can still be traced in foundations, casemates and observation posts.Walking the Ramparts and Hidden Corners
A visit today is as much about the landscape as the concrete. Paths weave around the moat, over embankments and through copses of trees, linking remnants of gun positions with lookout points. On your own responsibility you can climb the fort’s platforms and tower, gaining a surprisingly expansive view over Køge Bay, the low-lying Kofoed meadows and, in the distance, aircraft on final approach to Copenhagen Airport. Between the ramparts small details tell their own stories: rusting fittings in casemate walls, narrow embrasures cut for rangefinders, and covered positions that once protected crews from shrapnel and spray. The shapes are softened now by grasses and mosses, but the robust concrete forms still speak of an era when the seaward horizon was watched for enemy silhouettes.Nature, Birdlife and Coastal Light
Kongelundsfortet is ringed by beach meadows and protected Kofoed Enge, an important habitat for wading birds and waterfowl. The mix of wet meadows, scrub and shallow shoreline attracts a rich variety of species, especially in spring and autumn migration. Even a short circuit can bring encounters with flocks feeding in the grass, kestrels hovering above the embankments or swans and ducks scattered across the bay. The open setting makes the fort a fine place to appreciate changing coastal light. On clear days the views stretch across the bay, while windier weather brings fast-moving clouds and whitecaps. At the edges of the area, paths lead through small patches of woodland and field, offering more sheltered corners and a sense of how the fort once sat within a broader rural landscape on the outskirts of Copenhagen.Picnic Fires and Slow Afternoons
Kongelundsfortet also functions as a relaxed outing spot for half-day excursions. Around the inner grounds you will find simple facilities such as tables, benches, grills and a covered firehouse, used for campfires throughout the year. Visitors bring packed lunches to enjoy in the lee of the ramparts, then wander the paths or let children explore the grassy slopes and open spaces. Basic toilets are available in the firehouse building, and clearly placed trash cans help keep the area clean. The atmosphere is informal and unhurried: part historical monument, part local green escape. With its mix of heritage, wide skies and easy picnic infrastructure, Kongelundsfortet offers a gentle introduction to Denmark’s coastal defence story within a setting that invites you to linger.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Ristorante Buono
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Enomania
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Restaurant Lola
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Funky Junky
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Tivoli Gift Shop
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A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Artikel København
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Værnedamsvej
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C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
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Souvenir Gift Shop
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Wonderful Souvenirs
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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JOJO
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Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
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The Marble Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- 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
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
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
