Remember when this field was Copenhagen’s first airfield? Kløvermarken has a rich and varied past. It’s more than just a green space. This area in Amager East holds stories of aviation pioneers and wartime refugees.
Kløvermarken’s history stretches back to its days as part of Christianshavns Fælled. It served as a military training area. The name Kløvermarken first appeared in 1847. At that time, it extended to the Øresund coast.
In 1909, Kløvermarken became central to Danish aviation history. Robert Svendsen set a Danish record in 1910. He reached a height of 84 meters during a flight here. Alfred Nervø, a journalist, made the first flight over downtown Copenhagen. He took off from Kløvermarken. He flew over the harbor and City Hall before landing safely back here. Later that summer, Robert Svendsen made the first flight across the Øresund. He flew from Kløvermarken to Limhamn near Malmö. Count Zeppelin landed his airship Hansa here in 1912. It was its first destination outside Germany. The Royal Danish Army established the Danish Army Air Corps here. They set up an aviation school at Kløvermarken.
During World War II, Kløvermarken became a refugee camp. Thousands of German refugees arrived in Denmark. They had been evacuated across the Baltic Sea. A town of hutments was built here. It housed up to 19000 refugees. Most were women and children. Some sources say thousands of children died here from hunger. It was a humanitarian catastrophe.
In the 1950s, Kløvermarken transitioned to recreational use. Amateur football clubs started using the area. Buildings from the 1930s became changing rooms. Since then, Kløvermarken has been primarily for amateur sports.
In 2005, there were plans to build a large housing block around Kløvermarken. This was to address housing shortages. The plan was met with public protests and later abandoned. In May 2012, Kløvermarken was preserved.
Today, Kløvermarken is covered in lawns. These lawns are used for football and cricket pitches. There are also facilities for other sports. Kløvermarken is home to Naturværkstedet Kløvermarken. It is a nature center for children.
Kløvermarken stands as a testament to Copenhagen’s history. From military grounds to aviation hub, from refugee camp to recreational space. Kløvermarken has played many roles. It remains a vital green space for the city. It offers a place for sports and recreation. It also serves as a reminder of the past.