Mosede Fort – A historic fort with a modern story to tell

Beautifully set by the sea, 30 minutes from central Copenhagen, the World-War-I fortress, Mosede Fort, offers visitors a rare combination of historic buildings, thought-provoking exhibitions, and an inviting outdoor landscape.

Built in 1913-16 to defend Denmark against a possible German invasion, Mosede Fort tells the story of the insecurity, fear, and domestic issues caused by war. “Many might connect a war museum purely with bullets and weapons, but our museum explores much more – the effect of war on everyday life and its long-term societal consequences,” explains museum director Mette Tapdrup Mortensen. “It’s a subject which is highly relevant today as we investigate what is at stake when a world conflict falls upon us. It is the question of democracy and independence, of the possibility of maintaining our nation as we know it.”

The museum’s broad reach also attracts a broader audience than your typical war museum. Inside, the visitors can experience the small personnel rooms, the history of the fort and the effect of the war on Denmark and Europe. Through virtual reality experiences, you can even experience what it was like to be on the Western front. “Some of the most influential politicians of the 20th century, including Hitler and Churchill, were active during the war, so if you don’t understand what happened in the trenches of the First World War, you can’t understand how the future of Europe was shaped,” stresses Mortensen. “It’s about understanding the collective trauma caused by the war, and that’s something which is more relevant now than ever.”

Despite the serious topics, the fort offers a lovely experience for everyone from senior travellers to families with children. “Small children may not understand all the issues, but it is a very tactile museum; you can touch a lot of things, and there are many interactive elements,” Mortensen explains.

Moreover, the fort’s green outdoor area, which includes the original dry moat, is perfect for games and exploration. One way to do so is through a self-guided treasure hunt. Finally, the fort is only a scenic coastal walk from the picturesque Mosede harbour and its restaurants, offering the option of extending the visit with a lovely lunch by the water.

Web: www.mosedefort.dk
Instagram: @mosedefort
Facebook: Mosede Fort, Danmark 1914-18