Description:
Restoration of an abandoned marine fort, ensuring its future preservation for public use. The first Marinefort Trekroner in the harbour of Copenhagen was established by deliberately grounding 10 obsolete warships, filled with stones and sand and armed with cannons, in 1713 at a time Denmark had been almost permanently at war. These ships eventually desintegrated and this fort was abandoned in 1731. As the threat of war still remained King Christian VII ordered in 1786 the building of the present-day Trekroner, to defend the town against enemy naval forces. The construction was formed by an trapezoidal earthwork, supported by wooden bullwarks, and was gradually extended and strengthened. Although it changed from being an outpost in Copenhagen's defensive ramparts into part of the city's inner ring of fortifications, it retained its defensive function until 1932, when it was acquired by the Copenhagen Harbour Authority. During the period 1934-1940 Trekroner was leased to the Coastal Artillery Association, but entirely used for peaceful purposes. Public amusements and restaurants were established and events were staged for the enjoyment of the citizens. During the German occupation of Denmark, Trekroner was garrisoned and after that period it became forgotten and disused. In 1984 the fort was made subject of a preservation order and acquired by the state Preservation of Buildings Fund, which since has been engaged in the repair of the fort in order to open it for the public . A small restaurant, toilets and an exhibition room have been installed and it is now possible to visit the island as part of a Harbour boat trip in summer. During the rest of the year the facilities will be available for rent.