HDMS Sælen

HDMS Sælen is a 1965 Kobben-class submarine preserved as a museum on Nyholm in Copenhagen. Visitors can explore the control room, engine compartment, crew quarters, and galley throughout the vessel's interior sections.

The submarine was built in 1965 as Uthaug for the Norwegian Navy and transferred to Denmark in 1990. It sank during transport near Hesselø but was repaired and returned to service in 1993 before later becoming a museum.

The name Sælen means seal in Danish and represents Denmark's maritime skill during the Cold War. Visitors can see today how naval crew members lived and worked in this confined space with the technology of that era.

The museum is open during school holidays in summer and autumn, with group visits arranged through the Maritime History Museum educational service. The interior features tight spaces and narrow corridors, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a snug experience.

The submarine sank while being transported along the coast but this accident led to its second life as a museum exhibit. The incident made the vessel more famous than it ever was during active naval service.

Inception: 1965

GPS coordinates: 55.68686,12.60545

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43