Den tapre Landsoldat

Den tapre Landsoldat is a bronze sculpture in Fredericia depicting a standing soldier holding a rifle and wearing a mid-19th century military uniform. The work stands in a central plaza where visitors can examine the detailed craftsmanship and read informational plaques about its significance.

The sculpture was inaugurated in 1858 to commemorate Danish soldiers who fought in the First Schleswig War from 1848 to 1850. It marked a turning point in how soldiers were publicly remembered in Denmark.

The monument takes its name from a military song that symbolized Danish patriotism during the Schleswig-Holstein conflicts. Visitors can sense how this connection between the song and the statue honors ordinary people rather than elites.

The sculpture stands on a public plaza in central Fredericia and is therefore easily accessible and visible at any time of day. Visitors can view the monument from all sides and read the accompanying informational plaques without any special requirements.

This is the first public monument in Denmark dedicated to a common soldier rather than a commander or member of the royal family. This choice reflected an important shift in who was deemed worthy of lasting public remembrance in society.