Flakfortet, a historic Danish fortress on an artificial island in the Øresund strait, has hit the market for 75 million kroner. The 30,000 square meter property includes 10,000 square meters of indoor space, a marina with capacity for 200 boats, restaurant facilities, and a helicopter landing pad, all located eight kilometers from Copenhagen Harbor.
A Fortress With Ocean Views and Unique Features
The listing for Flakfortet reads like something out of a dream. The property features 360-degree ocean views and comes with its own marina. For commercial real estate broker Stig Lintrup, who is handling the sale through Lintrup & Norgart, this represents a completely new challenge.
This isn’t just any property transaction. The fort sits in the middle of Øresund, making it one of Denmark’s most unusual real estate offerings. Lintrup admits he has never sold anything quite like it before.
The price tag of 74,750,000 kroner might seem steep, but the package includes far more than just buildings and land. Buyers get restaurant facilities and a helipad thrown into the deal. The property’s unique location and history make it stand out in the Danish property market.
Over a Century of Military History
Flakfortet was built between 1910 and 1916 on an artificial island as part of Copenhagen’s defensive fortifications. The Danish military used the fort until 1968, after which it was abandoned and fell into significant disrepair over the following years.
From the mid-1970s, Københavns Sejlerunion leased the island. Its central location in Øresund made it a popular destination for recreational sailors. In 2001, the Danish state sold Flakfortet for three million kroner to Swedish company Malmökranen AB, owned by businessman Tore Svensson.
Svensson undertook a comprehensive renovation of the fort. Since then, the island has operated as a restaurant and activity center. However, maintaining the property’s historical integrity has not always been straightforward.
Protected Status Creates Constraints
Flakfortet has been protected as a historical monument since 2002. This designation means any modifications must receive approval from Slots- og Kulturstyrelsen (the Agency for Culture and Palaces). The Swedish owner learned this lesson in 2018 when authorities ordered him to remove several additions that conflicted with the site’s historical character.
These unauthorized changes included a miniature golf course, a sauna house, and a modern kitchen that clashed with the fort’s heritage. The protection status ensures the fortress maintains its connection to Denmark’s military past, even as it serves new purposes. Similar Danish royal heritage sites like Valdemarsslot also operate under strict preservation guidelines.
Who Might Buy a Fortress?
After 25 years of ownership, Tore Svensson now wants to sell Flakfortet. But who exactly would purchase a former military installation in the middle of Øresund?
According to broker Stig Lintrup, several types of buyers make sense. International and national foundations top the list, along with private investors, event companies, and restaurants. Interestingly, the Danish state itself could be a logical buyer given current times.
Lintrup points to Denmark’s ongoing military expansion as creating new opportunities for properties like Flakfortet. The fort’s strategic location and existing infrastructure could serve defense purposes again.
Comparing Similar Sales
Denmark has sold several historic forts over the years. Middelgrundsfortet sold in 2002 and again in 2015. Today it operates as Ungdomsøen (Youth Island), serving as a gathering place for young people. Dragørfort also sold in 2002 and remains privately owned, hosting private events. More recently, Charlottenlund Fort sold in 2024 to Gentofte Municipality for development as part of Charlottenlund Strandpark.
The sale of Middelgrundsfortet to Nordea-fonden and A.P. Møller Fonden provides an interesting model. These major family foundations bought the neighboring fort as a gift to Denmark’s youth. Lintrup sees similar foundations as potential buyers for Flakfortet.
Large corporations looking for training facilities also represent promising prospects. Many companies purchase properties specifically to operate continuing education programs. Flakfortet has the necessary facilities to serve this purpose, Lintrup notes.
Overwhelming Market Response
Since the broker posted the listing online and discussed it with the press, interest has exploded. Lintrup says he has never seen a property downloaded so many times within 24 hours.
Whether all this attention comes from serious buyers or merely curious dreamers remains unclear. The heavy press coverage attracts many people who simply want to look at the unusual listing. Sorting through genuine prospects presents a challenge.
Despite this difficulty, Lintrup reports many promising leads that his team is following closely. The enormous interest suggests Flakfortet will likely find a buyer, though at what price remains to be seen.
Growing Interest in Danish Islands
The Flakfortet sale fits into a broader trend of Danish island properties coming to market. Multiple islands are currently for sale across Denmark. Masnedø Kalv, spanning over 23,000 square meters in Storstrømmen between South Zealand and Falster, carries a price tag of 10 million kroner. Half of Store Svelmø near Faaborg, covering over 110,000 square meters, is listed for 5.8 million kroner.
Other private islands on the market include Eskilsholm near Holbæk and Barneholm in Nakskov Fjord. These properties appeal to buyers seeking exclusivity and natural settings. Denmark has over 1,400 islands, with 443 named and 72 inhabited, creating significant opportunities for those interested in island ownership.
For foreign buyers interested in Danish property, including unique offerings like islands, understanding local regulations is essential. Resources on buying property in Denmark can help navigate the process.
Future Possibilities for Flakfortet
The fort’s extensive facilities create numerous development possibilities. The 10,000 square meters of indoor space could accommodate hotels, conference centers, or cultural venues. The marina already attracts recreational boaters during summer months, establishing Flakfortet as a known destination.
Restaurant operations could expand significantly with the right investment. The unique location offers dining experiences impossible to replicate on the mainland. Event companies could transform the space for weddings, corporate retreats, or festivals.
Given Denmark’s focus on climate and sustainability initiatives, environmental foundations might see potential in using Flakfortet for marine research or conservation projects. The island’s isolation provides opportunities for studies requiring controlled environments.
Meanwhile, the protected status ensures any future development respects the fort’s historical significance. This balance between preservation and adaptation will shape Flakfortet’s next chapter, regardless of who ultimately purchases it. The asking price of 75 million kroner reflects both the property’s unique characteristics and the challenges that come with maintaining a historic fortress in the middle of the sea.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Valdemar’s Castle: Step Inside a Danish Royal Heritage Site
The Danish Dream: Buying Property in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Dansk ø sat til salg – landingsplads og lystbådehavn følger med
