Koldkrigsmuseum Langelandsfort

About the museum

After Denmark joined NATO in 1949, the straits moved to the center of Western defense, since the Soviet Baltic fleet would have had to pass through them on its way into the Atlantic. In 1951 it was therefore decided to build two permanent coastal forts, Stevnsfortet and Langelandsfortet. Work began at the southern tip of Langeland in 1952, and two years later the fort was fully operational. Four 150 mm coastal guns, anti-aircraft positions, radar and an extensive underground bunker system were intended to block the Great Belt to enemy naval formations in an emergency.

Underground were the operations room, fire control center, radio and encryption rooms, engine rooms and crew quarters, also designed for the event of a nuclear, biological or chemical attack. For decades the fort was staffed around the clock and regularly trained with the navy and air force. Only after the end of the Cold War did it become known that it was on the target list for a Soviet nuclear strike.

The facility was abandoned by the military in 1993, and in 1997 the first museum in the Nordic countries with the Cold War as its main theme opened here. Today it belongs to Langelands Museum. In addition to the original positions and bunkers, it shows heavy equipment from East and West, including the submarine Springeren, the minesweeper MHV 81 Askø, fighter aircraft such as the Draken and MiG-23, tanks and a piece of the Berlin Wall. Themed exhibitions in the bunkers deal with life behind the Iron Curtain, escapes from the East, military intelligence and the crisis areas of that time.

Highlights

• Original 150 mm coastal guns and underground bunkers
• Operations bunker with plotting table and fire control center
• Submarine Springeren and minesweeper MHV 81 Askø
• Fighter aircraft Draken and MiG-23
• Original segment of the Berlin Wall
• Exhibitions on espionage and intelligence services

Permanent exhibitions

• Bunker und Geschützstellungen – The original 150 mm guns, anti-aircraft positions and the operations bunker with plotting table show how the fort was meant to monitor the Great Belt.
• Fahrzeuge, Schiffe und Flugzeuge aus Ost und West – Including the walk-through submarine Springeren, the minesweeper MHV 81 Askø, fighter jets such as the MiG-23, and tanks.
• Spionage und Überwachung – Themed exhibitions in the bunkers on intelligence services, escapes from the Eastern Bloc and life behind the Iron Curtain.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Langelands Museum

Admission & discounts

Tickets only at the entrance, no advance booking necessary. ODM, I-COM, veteran and press cards as well as the membership card of Fortets Venner are also accepted. Payment in cash, by MobilePay, card or in euro banknotes.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Entrance reachable via ramps; wheelchairs and wagons can be borrowed free of charge. The grounds are hilly with asphalt and gravel paths (loop trail about 2 km, in places steep climbs). Several exhibitions are in bunkers with stairs and are not wheelchair-accessible; you can look into the submarine from the side. The aircraft, minesweeper and special exhibitions are in easily accessible halls. A golf cart with driver can be booked for people with limited mobility. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the grounds.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Every year there is a new children's activity, currently the mission "Efterretningsagent for en dag" with tasks on the grounds. Children may explore vehicles, aircraft and the submarine up close; the outdoor grounds have room to run around and a playground. Wagons can be borrowed.

Getting there & parking

By car from Rudkøbing on the country road toward Bagenkop; the fort lies a few kilometers before the town and is signposted. GPS: "Koldkrigsmuseum Langelandsfort" or Vognsbjergvej 4B, 5935 Bagenkop.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

In the entrance building: coffee, ice cream, drinks, books and souvenirs; in high season (weeks 27–32) and on selected days, sausage and sales carts. Picnics with your own food are possible at tables on the grounds.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit