At the Defence and Garrison Museum you can learn about the history of Denmark’s armed forces and the importance of Aalborg as a garrison town. Find original weapons and uniforms and sit in planes and tanks or let the children play outside. Opened in 2002 by a group of volunteers, the museum has over 20 exhibitions, some within a German-built World War II hangar.
One of your first ports of call should be the Occupation Period 1940-45 exhibition. Learn about the time when Germany occupied Europe and look for soldier’s uniforms worn when the occupation began in Denmark on April 9, 1940. Study maps of German military positions and equipment used by the British Special Operation Executive when liberating Denmark in 1945.
Photographs tell the story of Aalborg as a garrison town since 1779. Find the names of the battlefields where the Queens Life Regiment fought. Check out the aircraft engine, machine guns and parachute in The Doomed Squadron exhibit, retrieved from 11 British planes that were shot down.
Outside, both adults and children can sit in armored vehicles. Choose from tanks, motorbikes and planes or climb atop military cannons. Don’t miss the Draken fighter, a Cold War aircraft. Climb the 33-feet (10-meter) tall tower for aerial views of the museum. It’s a replica of the towers built by the Danish Home Guard for spying on enemy air raids.
The reception sells drinks and you may bring a picnic to enjoy lunch in the garden, next to an F-84 fighter aircraft and playground.
Located in the west of Aalborg, the Defence and Garrison Museum is just a 5-minute drive from the city center. Free parking is available for up to 40 cars. Public buses run from Nytorv to Skydebanevej, a short walk from the museum’s entrance.
The museum is open daily, but only from April to October and during school holidays in February. Check the museum’s official website for the exact times, as hours vary. Guided tours in English can be arranged for an extra charge.
