The battle of Fredericia
As a fortress town, Fredericia has experienced several wars and has been the setting for both victories and defeats. The most famous victory is the sortie from Fredericia on 6 July 1849 during the First Schleswig War, which is commemorated every year in the city during the Fortress Days.
One of the most decisive victories of the First Schleswig War took place here in Fredericia
As a fortress town, Fredericia has experienced several wars and has been the setting for both victories and defeats. The most famous is the sortie from Fredericia on 6 July 1849 - a night-time surprise attack that turned the tide of the war for Denmark during the First Schleswig War, and which is celebrated in Fredericia every year.
At first glance, things were looking gloomy for the Danes, but a small group of Generals had concocted a bold plan, that would change the fortunes of the outnumbered Danes.
About 22.000 soldiers from the Schleswig-Holstein army had chased after General Rye and his troops who were making their way up through Jutland. By Als in the southern part of Jutland another 22.000 enemy soldiers were facing General de Meza and his troops. What the Schleswig-Holstein army did not know at first, was that General Rye and 4000 of his men had boarded a ship and headed back down the coast of Jutland towards the island of Funen. General de Meza had taken 5000 soldiers and sailed for Funen as well. From the town of Strib on Funen, the two generals and their troops were ferried across the narrow Little Belt directly into the protected town centre behind the ramparts.
The night before the attack, the fortress town’s streets were covered with straw so that neither the sound of horses’ hooves nor the Danes’ preparations could be heard by the enemy, who was positioned just outside the ramparts.
Unfortunately, this clever transportation of extra troops did not go unnoticed by the enemy. However, they underestimated the number of Danish troops that were now present in Fredericia. On top of that, the Danish generals had an extra trick up their sleeve: they would stage an attack at night, which was unheard of at the time.
In the middle of the night on July 6 1849, the Danish troops stormed through the gates and attacked. The surprise attack worked and although both sides suffered great losses, it was a historic victory for the Danish army. The Battle of Fredericia became one of the most important Danish victories. Today you can find squares, streets and monuments in Fredericia that are named after the four most significant figures from the battle: General Bülow, General Rye, General de Meza and Colonel Lunding.
Four historical experiences
Feel the echoes of history right where it all happened.
Learn much more about Fredericia’s fascinating history.
Listen to fascinating stories and historical guides.
Join a guided tour and learn much more about the fortress town by the Little Belt.
Last updated May 2026.