Envision 1940. Nyboder Skole stands before you. But it is not what it seems. This is more than just a school. It has a secret history.
Nyboder Skole is located on Øster Voldgade 15 in Østerbro. It is close to Østerport Station. The school was built between 1918 and 1920. This was due to a large increase in the number of children in the Nyboder area.
During the occupation, German forces seized the school. This lasted from April 10, 1940, to May 21, 1941. Students were taught at four neighboring schools. Next to Nyboder Skole at Øster Voldgade 19, a German command bunker was built. It was deep underground. The bunker had several meters thick walls. It was used to defend Copenhagen. It was equipped with gas locks.
Later, the Germans moved their military headquarters to Silkeborg. Above the bunker, there was a small sports field for many years. Now, a multi-purpose hall has been built. The bunker still exists. Copenhagen’s fire department maintains it. There are three bunkers on the site. There is Nyboder large bunker. There is Nyboder little bunker. Also, there is a reinforced basement connected to the original inspector’s villa.
On October 26, 1942, the school was seized again. This lasted for the rest of the war. It also lasted for a while after liberation. During these years, students and teachers were spread across seven different locations in Copenhagen. On June 25, 1945, Danish military took possession of the school. This lasted until August 9. The military wanted to keep the school and the German bunker facilities. But parents and teachers at the school refused. The school could only reopen on January 21, 1946. The German armed forces had made many changes. They had worn out the buildings and inventory.
After World War II, both Nyboder large and Nyboder little bunkers were established as command bunkers in the 1950s. But they had different tasks.
Nyboder Skole is not just a place of learning. It is a place of resilience. It has a history hidden beneath its foundations. Remember the students and teachers. They persisted through war and occupation. Today, Nyboder Skole stands as a symbol of Copenhagen’s enduring spirit.