Attractions - Fredericia Ramparts

During the 30 Years’ War the old King Christian IV decided to build a fortification as a threat to the flank of hostile forces. Christian IV died in 1648, so it was his son, King Frederik III, who founded the fortified town of Fredericia in 1650 with completely straight streets at right angles to each other and protected by extensive ramparts.

As early as 1657 the fortifications were attacked and destroyed by the Swedes.The subsequent rebuilding was a long, tortuous process and was supported by an exemption from paying taxes, religious tolerance and an influx of Jews, Catholics and Huguenots. The battle of Fredericia in 1849 is a special milestone in Danish history.

After several months of being besieged by the troops from Schleswig, with the help of a daring sortie from Fredericia during the night of 5 and 6 July 1849, the defenders succeeded in routing the enemy and thereby secured Denmark’s border at the Eider for another few years (until 1864).

The victorious sortie from Fredericia still marks the town in the form of soldiers’ graves and memorials. Every year thousands of Fredericia’s residents and visitors gather on 5 and 6 July for a very special ceremony complete with a torchlight parade and concerts in memory of the fallen and to celebrate the victory.

The fortifications at Fredericia were dismantled in 1909 and later bought by the municipality which scheduled the ramparts and the Citadel.

You can walk along the ramparts with the brochure "Fredericia Ramparts" in your hand and read about their historical sights. The brochure is available at the Tourist Office, price DKK 5,-.

Til toppen

Yderligere oplysninger: Fredericia Tourist Office
Telefon: +45 75 92 13 77
Senest opdateret: 01:18 08-06-2004