Historic Photographs: Denmark’s Liberation 1945 at Frederiksborg Castle
Frederiksborg Castle opens its doors to a moving photo exhibition featuring iconic images from Denmark’s liberation in May 1945. Get up close to history in the museum’s photo gallery.
A Historic Evening That Changed Denmark
On 4 May 1945, Denmark was changed forever. The BBC announced that German troops in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Northwest Germany had surrendered. Blackout curtains were torn down, Dannebrog flags filled the streets and windows, and thousands of Danes celebrated freedom after five years of occupation. Bornholm, however, had to wait until 5 April 1946 for its own liberation.
King Christian X – A Symbol of Resistance
During the occupation, King Christian X stood as a national symbol of dignity and resistance. A special photo album with images from the days of liberation, created by Elfelt & Co. under the direction of court photographer Poul Johansen, was presented to the king and later donated to Frederiksborg Castle.
Exhibition of Iconic Moments
In the photo gallery on the 3rd floor of the Princess Wing, visitors can experience selected images from the album. The photographs depict everything from jubilant crowds and freedom fighters in the streets to the darker sides of the period: the battles against the Hipo Corps and the remembrance of the fallen.
Tune In – Podcast on the Occupation
The museum is also launching a new podcast episode that further explores the occupation and Denmark’s path to freedom.