Vejen-Skodborg

Selected experiences on the stage

Freedom Bridge
To cross the Kongeå River from Københoved to Askov, you must traverse the Freedom Bridge, a concrete bridge from 1924.

On the Freedom Bridge, you can witness history continue to live through the distinctive red-and-white railing colors, symbolizing the sense of Danishness in the area from 1864 to 1920. It was at Foldingbro and Skodborg Hus where the official border crossings were located.

The Freedom Bridge originated from the nearby cobblestone house, Friheden, built in 1870 by H.D. Kloppenborg. He was one of the leading figures in the Southern Jutlanders' struggle to maintain their affiliation with Denmark. With the house came the need for a bridge, as the original ford was located further to the west and did not pass by the house.

The Freedom Bridge actually consists of three bridges: Furthest to the north is the bridge over the Kongeå River itself. In the middle, there is a bridge over a spring, where the water flow heads east, opposite the direction of the Kongeå River. The southernmost bridge leads over an irrigation canal, which contributed to increased harvest yields and better survival prospects for the local community.

Freedom Road 6B, 6630 Rødding

The Kongeå River
When you stand by the Kongeå River, you can feel the sweep of history. Although today the river meanders peacefully through the landscape and has done so since the last ice age, it has played a dramatic role in the history of Denmark.

In the old days, the Kongeå River marked the border between the Duchy of Schleswig and the Danish kingdom and served as a customs border until 1850. From the incorporation of the Duchy of Schleswig into the Prussian Empire in 1864 until 1920, the river acted as a national border, where the duchy chose to become part of Denmark through a referendum.

The Kongeå River originates from small tributaries between Vejen and Vamdrup and stretches for about 60 kilometers before it flows into the Wadden Sea at Gredstedbro. The river has retained its original course and, unlike other rivers, has not had its flow regulated. You can almost hear that even the name, Kongeå River, reflects its history as a border and source of customs revenue.

The Kongeå River is a unique natural and cultural landscape, and today the river is protected along the stretch between Gredstedbro and Knagemøllen. The Kongeå Trail is a footpath that closely follows the river's course, and on a section south of the river, the Kongeå Trail and the Ancient Road (Hærvejen) coincide. You will see that the area is visited by many anglers hoping to catch salmon.

If you wish to combine other experiences with your hike, from the Freedom Bridge (Frihedsbroen) you have the opportunity to take a canoe trip on the unregulated Kongeå and then walk back to the Ancient Road along the Kongeå Trail.

The Kongeå River has always held a central place in both the landscape and the consciousness of Danes, and today stands as a clear symbol of past struggles and reunification.

Freedom Road, 6630 Rødding

Skodborghus Memorial Site
On a low hill in the middle of the Kongeå Valley lay Skodborghus, which was once one of the royal border fortresses between Denmark and the Duchy of Schleswig. Today, you can embark on a journey to the past as you explore the remnants of Skodborghus.

Although the year of construction for Skodborghus is unknown, we know that the fortress was in royal possession during the Middle Ages. At that time, Skodborghus stood proudly as an important border stronghold, guarding the nation's frontiers. In the 16th century, the castle was used as a hunting lodge and customs point for cattle trade. Around 1700, the castle's role was played out, and over time it fell into decay, and in 1862 it was finally demolished.

In 2018, a series of archaeological investigations were conducted around the site believed to be the location of Skodborghus. Timber was found that could be dated back to the year 1392.

Today, you can still discern the contours of the fortress mound and traces of the canal that once led water to the moat. In 1932, it was decided to place a memorial stone over Skodborghus. The memorial stone is made of old monk bricks, granite blocks, and a granite window casing from the original Skodborghus. Although the Kongeå River is now just a historical boundary, the memorial stone will remind you of the many important roles the site has played over time.

Skodborghusvej 15, 6600 Vejen