Frøslev Camp (Frøslevlejren)

Here is a sad highlight of German / Danish history. The Frøslev internment camp (Frøslevlejren) is located in the middle of the beautiful heath-like landscape and adjacent forest. It was created in 1944, just behind the Danish border in the small town of Frøslev. The dark brown entrance gate is somewhat oppressive, behind it are the barracks. In the middle is the high watchtower with the large spotlight and the roll call area. The original barbed wire is still preserved. Planned for 1,500 prisoners, it was 12,000 prisoners who went through the camp in the coming months until the end of the war. Around 1,600 of these prisoners were transferred to German concentration camps, although there was an agreement with Denmark to prohibit these transfers. 220 of the Danes deported to Germany were murdered. A name plate in the museum commemorates the kidnapped prisoners.
Today, the former camp is a meeting place and museum with various exhibitions (e.g. natural exhibition, Amnesty International exhibition, UNO Museum on peacekeeping measures by the Danish military in crisis areas). The whole nicely laid out with well-kept lawns and a small café that invites you to linger. The barracks painted in ox red. To some it may seem grotesque or ironic to find an idyll in this once inhospitable place. But that too is a confrontation with history and a sign of forgiveness and reconciliation that cheerfulness and community has returned to such a sad, dark place.
To write down the entire history of the camp here is beyond the scope.
Interested go there or visit the homepage: froeslevlejren.dk

Historical location that should encourage reflection

A historical location that not only makes you think and also has a current connection to the Danish army.