Kongelundsfort

Facts

From shore battery to coast-defence fort

Kongelundsfort (Fort Kongelund) was originally built as a shore battery for Copenhagen's Coast Defences in 1914-1916. The battery was part of the third and last extension of the coast defences undertaken in 1909-1918. Kongelundsfort is sited at the southern section of the seaward approach to Copenhagen. Its specific purpose was to protect mine barrages in Køge Bay, to block access to Copenhagen from the south via the Sorte Rende channel, and to prevent the enemy from passing Drogden Lighthouse. The battery did not become a coast-defence fort proper until it was modernised in 1938-39. But just 18 years later it was taken out of active service.

Partly a public place

Selected entry

Copenhagen's defender

Story written by Jens Ole Christensen

Time / Periode 1914 1996

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The fortifications of Copenhagen were built in the late 19th century when the threat came from sea and land. But with World War I, a new threat came from the air. The fortifications were now vulnerable to attack from enemy aircraft, and during the war, the first anti-aircraft defences were deployed at the Kongelund battery. Kongelundsfort was taken out of service as a coast-defence fort in 1957 but was reinstated just two years later as a base for an anti-aircraft missile division. The fort was in use as a military base until 1982 when it was finally decommissioned. In 1996, Dragør Municipality acquired the premises.