Denmark’s World War II story began in darkness, with an invasion that caught a nation asleep.
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll follow the dramatic events of April 9, 1940 – the day Nazi Germany seized Copenhagen in a lightning-fast operation that unfolded in just a few hours. From the first German troops disembarking silently at the harbour to the final stand at the King’s palace, you’ll experience this pivotal moment in Danish history as it happened, location by location.
This tour starts at the memorial to Danish civilian sailors who died in World War I. You’ll trace the steps of German soldiers as they advanced in the dark from Langelinie quay to capture the historic Citadel fortress. Walking through Churchill Park, you’ll hear how Danish defenders were at first taken completely by surprise but quickly rallied to stage a dramatic fight back. At the same time you’ll find out how tragic this moment was for Denmark.
This tour starts at Maritime Monument, Copenhagen. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
The tour ends at the Christian X statue.
A bronze winged female stands atop a white stone block on which there is a sculpted frieze depicting seafaring calamities. It is a memorial to the Danish civilian sailors who perished in World War One.
The large fortress grounds, enclosed by a pentagon shaped high grass embankment, are one of the best preserved of their type, filled with historic barracks and other buildings. The listener on this tour will walk right through it and hear about its dramatic capture by German troops.
A green space next to Kastellet with lawns, trees and memorials. The listener will walk through this park and learn how it commemorates the fight back to come against German occupation.
This museum tells the story of life in Denmark under German occupation and how acts of resistance to German rule developed. The listener walks past this museum on the route and is encouraged to visit it after the tour.
The four fine Rococo mansions from the late 1700s enclose a square to form Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal Family for over 200 years. It is here that the listener stands right in the middle of the dramatic final battle before Denmark surrenders to the Germans.
An equestrian statue of King Christian X, King during the German occupation of World War II, showing him in military uniform mounted on a marble pedestal. The listener will hear at this spot how he becomes a symbol of Danish identity by his daily rides on horseback through the streets of Copenhagen during the years of occupation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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