Blood, Sweat and Defeat
Denmark was forged through war, gunpowder, and bullets
Step into 500 years of Danish war history and hear the fierce and dramatic stories. You’ll hear about famous battles of the past against Sweden and England, World War II, and today’s modern conflicts. Each story is based on the museum’s unique artifacts, which you can explore on your own afterward.
Practical information
Duration
1 hour.
Number of participants
Maximum 30 participants.
Price
- During normal opening hours: DKK 1,100 plus admission ticket.
- Outside normal opening hours: DKK 1,650 plus admission ticket.
Accessibility
Part of the tour takes place on the 1st floor at the museum and there is no elevator. The floor at ground level is uneven. If you have a disability and difficulty walking, please contact us in advance so that we can accommodate your needs.
Meeting Place
At the ticket sale, Tøjhusgade 3, 1220 Copenhagen.
NOTE: Tours must be booked with at least 7 days notice.
500 years of Danish military history
Get the explanation of how the machine gun forever changed the way war was fought. And hear how Copenhagen became the scene of the world's first terror bombing. All stories are based on things you can see at the museum - and the tour gives a good overview, so you can explore on your own afterwards.
Highlights from the tour
1.
Three days of terror and carpet bombing
Cannonballs and shells rain down over the city's rooftops. Copenhagen is on fire. Back in 1807, the people of Copenhagen are in shock and horror. The English have subjected Copenhagen to the world's first regular terrorist attack against civilians.
Fragment of bomb
2.
The cannon used by Danish soldiers in Haderslev.
Everything Was Upside Down in Just 6 Minutes
On April 9, 1940, Denmark woke up to the sound of German boots marching in the streets and planes in the sky. Denmark had been occupied by Nazi Germany. See the the 37 mm infantry gun from the skirmishes in Haderslev in the exhibition. It neutralized three German armored vehicles before it was overrun. The entire battle lasted only 6 minutes.
The cannon used by Danish soldiers in Haderslev.
“... one of our turret gunners hits someone running across there, and he just explodes in an inferno of blood and flesh...”
3.
Bloody battle on the way to Baghdad
Bullets fly through the air. The Danish soldiers have to duck. In 2003, Denmark participates in the American-led invasion of Iraq. Saddam Hussein is accused of having weapons of mass destruction. Danish soldiers end up in fierce urban fighting in the city of Al Qurna while trying to defend the road to Baghdad.
Uniform belonging to Major Johnnie Korsholm