Danish Resistance Museum: A Journey into Wartime Courage

Explore the gripping history of Denmark's WWII resistance movement at this immersive Copenhagen museum, uncovering tales of bravery and sacrifice in the face of Nazi occupation.

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Museum of Danish Resistance

Delve into the heart of Danish resistance during the Nazi occupation at the Museum of Danish Resistance. Located in Copenhagen's Churchill Park, near the iconic Little Mermaid and Kastellet, this museum offers a compelling and immersive experience. Explore the lives of ordinary Danes who chose to resist, and uncover the challenges and sacrifices they faced. Through authentic artifacts, interactive exhibits, and personal stories, the museum sheds light on the political context of the period and the realities of everyday life under German occupation. Discover the ingenuity and bravery of the resistance fighters, and gain a deeper understanding of Denmark's fight for freedom. The museum is easily accessible by public transport and offers a thought-provoking journey into a crucial period of Danish history.

A brief summary to Museum of Danish Resistance

Esplanaden 13, Copenhagen, København K, 1263, DK
+4541206080
Visit website

Local tips

Allow at least 2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits and interactive displays.
Combine your visit with a walk through Churchill Park and a visit to the nearby Kastellet fortress.
Take advantage of the audio guide to gain deeper insights into the historical context and personal stories.
Consider purchasing a Copenhagen Card for free entry to the museum and unlimited access to public transportation.
Visit the museum's café for refreshments and a moment of reflection after your tour.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Museum of Danish Resistance is easily accessible via Copenhagen's efficient public transportation system. The closest metro stations are Østerport and Marmorkirken. From either station, it's a short walk (5-10 minutes) to the museum, located in Churchill Park near Kastellet. Several bus lines also stop near Østerport station, including line 23. A single ticket for local transport within zones 1-4 costs DKK 24. Alternatively, consider purchasing a City Pass for unlimited travel within Copenhagen, starting from DKK 100 for 24 hours.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Copenhagen. A taxi ride from the city center (e.g., Nyhavn) to the Museum of Danish Resistance will typically cost between DKK 80-120, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. Be sure to confirm the estimated fare with the driver before beginning your journey.
Walking

If you are already in the city center, particularly near attractions like Amalienborg Palace or The Little Mermaid, walking to the Museum of Danish Resistance is a pleasant option. The walk from Amalienborg Palace takes approximately 10-15 minutes, following Esplanaden. From The Little Mermaid, it's about a 5-minute walk through Churchill Park. Follow the signs towards Kastellet; the museum is located within the park, near the fortress.
Driving

While driving to the Museum of Danish Resistance is possible, parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging and expensive. Paid parking is available on Esplanaden and in Churchillparken, but spaces are limited. Be aware that it can be difficult to find parking nearby. Consider using a parking app to locate available spaces and compare prices. Expect to pay around DKK 30-40 per hour for parking in this area.

Discover more about Museum of Danish Resistance

The Museum of Danish Resistance, also known as Frihedsmuseet (Freedom Museum), stands as a powerful testament to the courage and resilience of the Danish people during the Nazi occupation of 1940-1945. Situated in the heart of Copenhagen, in the scenic Churchill Park near the historic Kastellet fortress and the famous Little Mermaid statue, the museum offers visitors an immersive and thought-provoking journey into a dark chapter of Danish history. The museum's story began shortly after the liberation of Denmark in 1945, when members of the resistance movement themselves created an initial exhibition titled "The Fighting Denmark." In 1957, it officially became a gift to the Danish state and moved to its current location. After an arson attack in 2013 that severely damaged the building, a new, contemporary museum was built on the same site, reopening to the public with a renewed commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of the resistance. Stepping into the museum is like stepping back in time. A significant portion of the exhibition is located underground, creating a shadowy atmosphere reminiscent of occupied Denmark. The museum masterfully blends original artifacts, historical texts and photographs, and interactive displays to paint a vivid picture of life under Nazi rule. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the political context of the occupation, the daily struggles faced by ordinary citizens, and the diverse forms of resistance that emerged. One of the museum's strengths lies in its focus on individual stories. Visitors encounter five historical figures who each made difficult choices during the occupation. Four joined the resistance, while one became a Nazi collaborator. Through their experiences, the museum explores the complex moral dilemmas and devastating consequences that Danes faced during this period. Learn about the dramatic story of the Jewish medical student, Abraham Steinbock, who with his family sailed to Sweden on a fishing boat in October 1943. An authentic fishing boat is part of the exhibition. The museum showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Danish resistance movement. Visitors can try their hand at printing illegal newspapers, tapping phone conversations, and even attempting to break the Enigma code. These interactive elements provide a hands-on understanding of the challenges and risks involved in resisting the occupying forces. The Danish resistance received support from Britain's Special Operations Executive (SOE). One significant event was the bombing of the Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen with the help of the resistance. The precision bombing was successful, though some bombers mistakenly targeted a nearby school. The British SOE also airdropped containers with weapons and supplies to the resistance. The museum emphasizes that the Danish resistance was not a single, unified movement but rather a collection of diverse groups spanning the political spectrum. It highlights the difficult decision to resist, as many Danes initially believed that adaptation and restraint were the best ways to avoid destruction and dictatorship. The Museum of Danish Resistance is not just a historical archive; it is a place of remembrance and reflection. It serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom, courage, and the human spirit in the face of oppression. A visit to this museum is an essential experience for anyone seeking to understand Denmark's role in World War II and the enduring legacy of its resistance movement. After your visit, take some time to explore the surrounding area. Churchill Park offers a tranquil green space for reflection, while the nearby Kastellet provides a glimpse into Copenhagen's military history. The Little Mermaid statue, a beloved symbol of the city, is also within easy walking distance. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student of World War II, or simply a traveler seeking a deeper understanding of Danish culture, the Museum of Danish Resistance offers a powerful and unforgettable experience. It is a place to learn, to remember, and to honor the brave individuals who fought for freedom in the face of tyranny.

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Danish Resistance Museum: A Journey into Wartime Courage

A brief summary to Museum of Danish Resistance

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Walking

Driving

Unlock the Best of Museum of Danish Resistance

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Museum of Danish Resistance

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Our Fallen

I am Queen Mary

ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael

Iver Huitfeldt Memorial

Amaliegade

Larsens Pl.

Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948

St. Paul's Church

Nyholm Central Guardhouse

Maritime Monument

Hans Christian Andersen plaque

Sankt Annæ Pl.

Bredgade 18

Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn

Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen

Unmissable attractions to see

St Alban's Church

Gefion Fountain

Designmuseum Danmark

Bredgade Kunsthandel

Medicinsk Museion

Langelinieparken

Langelinie Park

Kastellet

Langelinie Pavillonen

Kongeskibet Dannebrog

St. Alexander Nevsky Church

Amalienborg Palace Museum

Rytterstatuen

Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg

Essential places to dine

Kokkeriet

Aoc

Restaurant Rebel

Restaurant Vita

Restaurant Koefoed

Den Lille Fede

La Banchina

Khun Juk

Cap Horn

Reffen - Skøjteøen

Veve

Bistro Royal

Alouette

Restaurant Grønnegade

Frank

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Wilde Shop

Danish Souvenirs & luggages

Storm - design art fashion

Henrik Vibskov Boutique

Magasin du Nord

ILLUM

Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store

Studio Arhoj

Time's Up Vintage

Læderstræde

Strøget

Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen

TorvehallerneKBH

Red Cross Op Shop

Quirky Lane

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Black Swan

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