Updated Statement: Europa Nostra expresses concern about the serious threats to the integrity of the Nyborg Castle in Denmark

Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage civil society network, covering over 40 countries, and working closely with the European Union, the Council of Europe and UNESCO, expresses its grave concern over the intention by the Danish authorities to build a new information centre at Nyborg Castle at a listed archaeological courtyard, and hence undertake an invasive construction project which will irreversibly alter the integrity of the Nyborg Castle and ruin the authenticity of its 14th century tower, which will be elevated by several metres.

For the above-mentioned reasons, the Danish heritage association “Kultur & Arv” (a new Member Organisation of Europa Nostra), supported by other important organisations, including the Danish National Society for the Preservation of Ancient and Historic Buildings (a long-standing Member Organisation of Europa Nostra) and prominent heritage conservationists, nominated the Nyborg Castle for the 7 Most Endangered Programme 2025, a civil society initiative run by Europa Nostra in partnership with the European Investment Bank Institute. The shortlist of the selected 14 sites will be made public on 30 January 2025.

On the initiative of the Minister of Culture, the Danish Parliament unfortunately adopted, on 19 December 2024, a special law (which is normally used to allow works on vital infrastructure) to authorise the construction of this new information centre at Nyborg Castle, in spite of the fact that this project had earlier been rejected by the relevant body, the “Board of Complaints”. In our view, this constitutes a serious breach of the rule of law since it transgresses the decision by a relevant public body having judicial authority. Furthermore, this particular case does not justify the need for overriding the Danish law on heritage protection, and for giving such large powers to executive authorities.

Europa Nostra does not object to the construction of an information centre, provided that it is located in an alternative more suitable place. Several NGOs and experts have already made very sensible proposals with this aim which deserve to be taken into account and further studied by the authorities concerned. Such an information centre will indeed be very useful to provide a better understanding of the rich history and importance of the Nyborg Castle and to increase the tourist attractiveness of the site.

In the light of the above, Europa Nostra remains ready to provide its expertise to help find a win-win solution that respects Denmark’s laws and heritage, aligns with European and international standards and ensures a viable and sustainable future of this outstanding site, for the benefit of Denmark’s and Europe’s citizens.

More information

Updated Statement published on 20 December 2024 (PDF)
Statement published on 7 November 2024 (PDF)
Photos