The story goes that this little town was established in 1650 by Danish King Frederick III as a new capital city for Denmark, but it never became so. Fredericia Denmark, a small but charming cruise port, is located on the eastern part of the Jutland peninsula and you will likely land here for a day trip after visiting the metropolitan city of Copenhagen. The town likely relies on tourist traffic to their little town and, like on our occasion, will likely greet you with festive folk music as you de-board the ship. It was a warm welcoming. We suspect that the pop up street vendors set up shop for the special occasion as well, and the prices and busy square will show for it, but its worth a stroll. Believe us you’ll have the time to spare.

A Charming Fortress

Travel Tip >> Skip the cruise’s shore excursion, unless you want to venture outside of the city, just take the map and enjoy walking around on your own. You’ll find everything you need to see and have enough time to do so.

If you’re not prepared for what to expect in this port then you will likely be extremely underwhelmed. Keep in mind this sleepy town gives you more of a small village feel and breather from the big city ports that ships tend to land in and you don’t need to rush. A few friends attested to this after spending the money on those brightly colored stickers and celebrity paddle sign and proved it to be true. The town and its people have their own special charm that is worth checking out as long as you’re there for six to eight hours. Unless of course you want to venture outside the city to destinations like Egeskov Castle, Denmark’s Oldest Town of Ribe, Viking Age Monuments, or Fairytale Island for a whimsical experience every kid at heart can enjoy.

Before the city was named by King Frederick III, King Christian IV built a large fortified encampment that gave the town the military identity and history we know today. The old walls are easy to walk to and the green park space around them offers a relaxing and peaceful light walk. We loved walking along the waters of the moat surrounding the fortress, even on a cloudy day the scene was delightful and had its own unique charisma that mixed strength and romance. There are some stairs to climb to get back to the top of the fortress but it’s worth the view. You’ll find old military cannons scattered around the hills and the path will lead straight to the White Water Tower that is shaped like a single round castle. All the guides recommend climbing to the top, though I believe we didn’t because there was a small fee and the view was decent enough from the hilltop where we stood.

Halloween in May?

Travel Tip for Parents of Teenagers >> If you’re traveling with a saucy teenager and find yourself in the town during a high school finals week keep an eye on them because you might lose them to partying with the locals. Let us explain…

When we got to the White Water Tower it was difficult to not be distracted by the crowds of fumbling teenagers getting enjoying some spirits in the middle of the park while wearing what we would immediately think of as Halloween costumes. We saw everything ranging from a cow, fireman, wizards and witches, and everything in between. Our first guess was that maybe here they celebrate Halloween in May? But nope! After asking a large chicken walking upright down the street, we learned that apparently this tradition happens during a school’s finals week, and it doesn’t particularly matter if you still have a test to take or not, the festivities must go on! To their credit, it did look like a good time.

Other Historic Sites in Fredericia

Travel Tip >> Keep your eyes open and you’ll find little things along the way to appreciate, like the Jewish Cemetery that can be seen as you walk down the hill from the White Water Tower. Here are a few other gems my feet found their way to.

As you walk down the hill from the White Water Tower you’ll run straight into the famed Landsoldaten, or “The Foot Soldier,” statue of Fredericia. It stands homage to the military heritage of the town, and the Battle of Fredericia, which is commemorated with a full festival held annually on July 6th. I vaguely remember it being relatively similar in purpose to The Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington National Cemetery for the United States. A few short steps from there, through the trees, you’ll find the Jewish Cemetery located on the street corner that you can look down into from the hillside. I didn’t realize what it was at the time, but even walking past it you can feel its history and importance. It’s the largest of its kind outside of Copenhagen and is located at the corner of Slesvigsgade and Jyllandsgade. And on my way back to the ship I could not help but be drawn to a beautifully tarnished bronze steeple atop a brick church which turns out to be the catholic church of St. Knud, so fitting for my faith. For most it may blend right into the rest of the brick-and-red-roofed architecture but its a pleasant surprise if you appreciate such things.

Fredericia At-a-Glance

Here is a list from of these and a few other travel sites to consider when walking around the city:

• Fredericia Vold – The park area, with moat waterway, and battle cannons scattered about
• The White Water Tower – A nice view of the city from atop the fortress
• Landsoldaten “The Foot Soldier” – Statue commemorating the Battle of Fredericia celebrated each year on July 6
• The Jewish Cemetery – Jewish burial ground with about 500 graves on the corner of Slesvigsgade and Jyllandsgade
• St. Knud Catholic Church – Beautifully simple brick building with tall tarnished bronze steeple
• Madsby Parken – A park that your kids can play out or just lounge by the water
• Trinatatis Church – A beautiful church that holds a piece of Danish history