“Denmark’s freedom fighters faced execution here.” That stark reality echoes within Mindelunden. This memorial park in Hellerup honors those Danish heroes who died during World War II. They were executed here or elsewhere or perished in German concentration camps.
Mindelunden is located on the former military training grounds of Svanemøllen Barracks. The Germans seized the grounds on August 29 1943. They used it to house troops. They also used it as an execution site for the Danish Resistance.
After the war 197 freedom fighters’ bodies were found here. The Danish public then understood the terrible events that had occurred. You can stroll through Mindelunden. Reflect at the three memorials and original execution sites.
The Great Grave Field features Danish sculptor Axel Poulsen’s statue. It depicts a mother mourning her slain son. 106 resistance members are buried here. Other resistance members’ names are on a plaque in front of the monument. An inscription by Dane Kaj Munk is at the statue’s base.
To the left of the main entrance is the Memorial Wall. Plaques bear the names of 151 resistance members. Their remains were never found. The concentration camp graves are to the right of the entrance. This rotunda holds the graves of 31 Danes. They died in German labor or concentration camps. Axel Poulsen created a memorial monument in the middle.
Inside Mindelunden, the original shooting range is preserved. Germans used it for executions. Freedom fighters were taken from Vestre Prison early in the morning. They were driven to Mindelunden, tied to a pole, and shot. The original wooden poles are at the Museum of Danish Resistance. Bronze replicas stand here now.
The Pistol Shooting Range is just outside Mindelunden. The first executions occurred here. Residents nearby could see German trucks arriving with Danish civilians. Gunshots followed. A memorial stands in front of the Pistol Shooting Range.
Each year on May 4 Denmark celebrates its liberation. A ceremony takes place here. Flowers are laid on the graves. It is recommended to visit Mindelunden if you are in Copenhagen that day.
Mindelunden is a state cemetery. Respect is paramount. Playing walking dogs jogging sunbathing and loud behavior are prohibited.
The main entrance features a monumental staircase within a tall concrete structure. Inside the park you will find helpful signs and maps. To the right a small building houses the park office and information panels. Leaflets in multiple languages offer overviews and maps.
To the left the memorial wall is sheltered by a wooden roof. Plaques display names of resistance fighters who disappeared. Dates of birth and death are listed. Some inscriptions offer further details in Danish.
The large field holds graves of those executed between 1943 and 1945. Over a hundred individual graves have red-marble bases. Marble slabs list the victims’ names. A sandstone sculpture of a mother cradling her dead son stands in the center.
West of the graves a newer monument resembles waves with a cross hairs symbol. It honors Danish sailors who served on Allied merchant ships. It is called “Darkened Sea.” Another recent monument east of the burial field is dedicated to Danish soldiers pilots and navy sailors who died in WWII. Etched images of Spitfire planes are visible on the stone.
North of the graves a secluded clearing holds concentration camp victims. A central memorial is surrounded by 31 horizontal tombstones. Names dates of birth and death and camp names are inscribed.
Further south the execution site features a horseshoe-shaped earthwork. Three wooden poles stand at the far end. These are replicas of the bullet-riddled originals. A memorial stone with a Danish inscription marks the opening.
Mindelunden stands as a solemn reminder. It embodies the courage and sacrifice of Danish resistance fighters. Their memory lives on in this tranquil park.