Skibene på Holmen

About the museum

The frigate Peder Skram was in service from 1966 and, together with her sister ship Herluf Trolle, served as a command ship of the Danish navy in the Cold War. From here the Danish–West German naval defense against an invasion was to be led. The ship was armed with guns, missiles and torpedoes and, as one of the first larger warships, combined gas turbines and diesel engines. She became famous in 1982 when a Harpoon missile was fired by accident and struck a vacation-home area near Lumsås without injuring anyone. In 1988 the frigate was decommissioned.

In 1992 a consortium bought the stripped ship at an auction and in 1995 transferred her to the Fonden Peder Skram. Volunteers collected hundreds of original or equivalent pieces of equipment and reinstalled them, so that the ship today looks as she did at decommissioning. From 1996 she was intermittently accessible; in 2008 Queen Margrethe II officially inaugurated her as the first Danish Cold War museum.

Today the frigate, together with the Willemoes-class torpedo-missile boat Sehested and the submarine Sælen, Denmark's last operational submarine, forms the museum Skibene på Holmen. Themed rooms on board tell of the ship's naming, her role in the Cold War and the life of the crew.

Highlights

• Frigate Peder Skram, in her 1988 condition, almost entirely walk-through
• Exhibition on the accidental 1982 Harpoon missile launch
• Submarine Sælen, Denmark's last operational submarine
• Willemoes-class torpedo-missile boat Sehested
• Historic mast crane on Holmen

Permanent exhibitions

• Fregatten Peder Skram – Walk-through frigate in her 1988 condition with themed rooms on the ship's history, the Cold War and life on board, plus a model collection of Danish warships.
• Missiltorpedobåden Sehested – Fast Willemoes-class torpedo-missile boat (1978–2000) with cramped quarters for a crew of 25.
• Ubåden Sælen – Submarine built in Germany, taken over from Norway in 1990 and decommissioned in 2004 as Denmark's last submarine.

Founded

2008

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for all three ships, without a tour. Tickets bought online are valid for the whole season and are exchanged at the ticket desk next to the Peder Skram.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Because of many steep stairs and companionways, the ships are only partly and arduously accessible for wheelchair users and not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Service dogs allowed.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities: not available

Strollers can be left at the ticket desk at your own risk (bring a lock). Restrooms without changing tables.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the military grounds of Nyholm (Marinestation Holmen), which is accessible only on foot or by bicycle and open daily 10:00–18:00; access may be restricted at short notice. Follow the instructions of the military police. Dogs on a leash allowed.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

Cold water, coffee and cocoa are available at the ticket desk. Food you bring yourself may be eaten outside the ships; restrooms available.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 30 guests.

Officers' mess (up to 30 people), petty officers' mess (20) and crew cafeteria (approx. 30) aboard the Peder Skram for meetings and family celebrations, each with a tour; Christmas parties on the military grounds not allowed.

Plan your visit