Our Adaptable Adventure - If you are still interested in history

Not far from the old border near Christiansfeld, there is a “kro”. A “kro” is an inn, where you cannot only have a meal, but usually also rent a room. This one is called “Den Gamle Grænsekro”, literally The Old Border Inn. This charming building dates back from the 16th century. According to the website of the hotel, “this royally licensed inn has been the background for historical events, royal visits, and festive moments throughout generations.” Part of the building was actually used by Danish customs when the old border between Denmark and Germany (Prussia/Austria) still existed.

Kong Christian d. X (Photo credit: Nationalmuseet)

At the other side of the road is the Genforenings- og grænsemuseet. This museum is dedicated to the history of the German – Danish border, especially the events in the 19th and 20th century, which I mentioned in the previous post. Most of the exhibition is dedicated to the moment of the Reunification, which is the moment that South Jutland was reunited with the rest of Denmark. This happened on 10 July 1920, when the Danish king Christian X rode on horseback across the old border. The photo you see here is of the king riding a horse in Copenhagen.

Not only does the museum possess images, maps and other objects connected with these events, it also has a short video of Christian X riding on his horse across the border. And although I am not Danish myself, I found it actually thrilling to see this video!

This museum is only open during summer and school holidays. In winter you can only visit it in group. The only thing that disappointed us is the fact that no explanation is available in German or English. The persons who received us in the museum were very friendly and helpful, but unfortunately none of them mastered any English.

Anyway, this museum is very interesting if you would like to know more about the Reunification of Denmark and if you are accompanied by somebody who masters the Danish language. I certainly don’t regret my visit here; I found it very fascinating!

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