Rudkøbing during the occupation – walking tour with museum curator Jeppe Jøhn Hørsholm

Rudkøbing during the Occupation – a walking tour in historical footsteps

A new account of the war on Langeland

For many years, the story has been that not much happened on Langeland during the Occupation. But the reality was quite different. The war also left its mark here – in everyday life, in the townscape and in the choices people had to make. On this walking tour of Rudkøbing, the story unfolds based on specific locations in the town where events took place and where the traces can still be felt.

Stories from the streets of Rudkøbing

The tour takes you through Rudkøbing’s charming streets, where tales of blackouts, rationing and air raid sirens come to life. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into both the small and the grand stories – from the challenges of daily life to dramatic events with links to the rest of the country. The tour also focuses on the people from Langeland who were involved in the war – on the Danish, German and Allied sides.

Based on new local history

The walking tour draws on new knowledge and stories gathered in the book about Langeland during the occupation. This provides a more nuanced picture of the island during the war, painting a more vivid and realistic picture of the period. This lends a special depth to the tour, where places and stories are linked together.

Nearby experiences

Once the tour is over, it’s a great idea to explore Rudkøbing further. The town offers charming cobbled streets, small shops and a harbour setting with views of the archipelago. Rudkøbing is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark ‘The South Funen Archipelago’, where nature, culture and history are closely intertwined. Here, there is plenty of time for contemplation and tranquillity – both in the town and along the coast.

Practical information

The tour takes place on foot at a leisurely pace through Rudkøbing town centre. The surface is mainly cobblestones and tarmac, which can be uneven in places.

Geopark Days in the South Funen Archipelago Geopark

The event is part of Geopark Days during the Ascension Day holiday, when we celebrate the South Funen Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark every year with a large, community-wide festival. Here you can take part in outdoor activities, sample local food and learn more about the area’s nature, culture and geology.

See the full programme for Geopark Days

See the full programme for Geopark Days on Langeland