The Day the Soldiers Came: A Self Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour

Copenhagen, Denmark
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Duration1h - 1h 15m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Denmark’s World War II story began in darkness, with an invasion that caught a nation asleep.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll follow the dramatic events of April 9, 1940 – the day Nazi Germany seized Copenhagen in a lightning-fast operation that unfolded in just a few hours. From the first German troops disembarking silently at the harbour to the final stand at the King’s palace, you’ll experience this pivotal moment in Danish history as it happened, location by location.

This tour starts at the memorial to Danish civilian sailors who died in World War I. You’ll trace the steps of German soldiers as they advanced in the dark from Langelinie quay to capture the historic Citadel fortress. Walking through Churchill Park, you’ll hear how Danish defenders were at first taken completely by surprise but quickly rallied to stage a dramatic fight back. At the same time you’ll find out how tragic this moment was for Denmark.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation

What to expect

  1. Seafarers monument
    Pass by
    A bronze winged female stands atop a white stone block on which there is a sculpted frieze depicting seafaring calamities. It is a memorial to the Danish civilian sailors who perished in World War One.
  2. Kastelle. Kapellet i horsholm
    Pass by
    The large fortress grounds, enclosed by a pentagon shaped high grass embankment, are one of the best preserved of their type, filled with historic barracks and other buildings. The listener on this tour will walk right through it and hear about its dramatic capture by German troops.
  3. Churchillparken
    Pass by
    A green space next to Kastellet with lawns, trees and memorials. The listener will walk through this park and learn how it commemorates the fight back to come against German occupation.
  4. Museum Of Danish Resistance
    Pass by
    This museum tells the story of life in Denmark under German occupation and how acts of resistance to German rule developed. The listener walks past this museum on the route and is encouraged to visit it after the tour.
  5. Amalienborg
    Pass by
    The four fine Rococo mansions from the late 1700s enclose a square to form Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal Family for over 200 years. It is here that the listener stands right in the middle of the dramatic final battle before Denmark surrenders to the Germans.
  6. Christian X Statuen
    Pass by
    An equestrian statue of King Christian X, King during the German occupation of World War II, showing him in military uniform mounted on a marble pedestal. The listener will hear at this spot how he becomes a symbol of Danish identity by his daily rides on horseback through the streets of Copenhagen during the years of occupation.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Maritime Monument, Copenhagen. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends at the Christian X statue.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$7.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator
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