Red Svendborg

An atmospheric city walk through Svendborg’s rebellious roots

"The red ketchup is spreading across the city"

Comments like the one above, and similar expressions of discontent, could be found in the letters-to-the-editor section of *Fyns Amts Avis* in the 1970s. It was a major thorn in the side of many city council members and business owners in Svendborg when numerous left-leaning and activist young people from Copenhagen—many with roots in the Hellerup collective “Maos Lyst” —invaded Svendborg in the 1970s and turned the provincial idyll upside down. 



The beginning of a trend that still shapes Svendborg

Conversely, the town’s young people embraced the newcomers’ rebellious initiatives and activities with great enthusiasm. This marked the beginning of a development that left an indelible mark on Svendborg, and continues to do so to this day, with many of the city’s diverse cultural offerings tracing their roots back to that time.

The “Red Svendborg” city walk offers you a unique insight into this fascinating chapter of the city’s history.

Stories about the history of the communes

Plydsen – Svendborg’s alternative “city council chamber” in the 1970s

Free Funen from the EU – quote: The Collective, October 2

"Take on Your Social Worker" – a course at Den Røde Højskole

Book the "Red Svendborg" tour

Copenhageners, communes, culture, and mandarin collars

Fueled by the fire of youth rebellion and resistance to the EEC, these forces drove young people whose initiatives created a cultural movement that changed the city forever. Opposition to the EEC manifested itself, among other things, in a somewhat unrealistic desire to raise funds to buy Denmark out of the EEC. 
The newcomers were not deterred by local political opposition, mistrust, and a lack of support—quite the contrary. Among other things, they managed to establish a theater, a socialist high school, concert venues, and a socialist book café. The seeds were sown for the vibrant cultural life Svendborg is known for today, with a creative energy that extends far beyond the city’s size and a unique music scene featuring over 700 concerts annually.
The city’s vibrant cultural scene, combined with Svendborg’s attractive location, is one of the reasons why the city is once again drawing many people—especially younger families from Copenhagen.
Book experiences with Understory

Youth Rebellion and Opposition to the EEC

Fueled by the fire of youth rebellion and resistance to the EEC, these forces drove young people whose initiatives created a cultural movement that changed the city forever. Opposition to the EEC manifested itself, among other things, in a somewhat unrealistic desire to raise funds to buy Denmark out of the EEC. 

A lack of support was not an obstacle

The newcomers were not deterred by local political opposition, mistrust, and a lack of support—quite the contrary. Among other things, they managed to establish a theater, a socialist high school, concert venues, and a socialist book café. The seeds were sown for the vibrant cultural life Svendborg is known for today, with a creative energy that extends far beyond the city’s size and a unique music scene featuring over 700 concerts annually.

A unique cultural scene and an exceptional location

The city’s vibrant cultural scene, combined with Svendborg’s attractive location, is one of the reasons why the city is once again drawing many people—especially younger families from Copenhagen.
Allan Mariager talks about "Red Svendborg"
7 Klosterplads, Svendborg
The Book Café is being painted
The Socialist Folk High School

Svendborg—from a provincial idyll to an innovative cultural city

Moster Abbey

The venue, which was run as a collective, put Svendborg on the musical map of Denmark, and the big names of the music scene at the time were lining up to play in the legendary basement on Klosterplads. Kloster Moster is no more, but Svendborg is still buzzing with new and experimental music.

The Socialist Folk High School

A folk high school with a Marxist foundation and BZ courses on the curriculum. A progressive outlook, and the women’s rights movement of the time was also a central part of the school’s course policy.

Baggaard Theatre

Community-based performing arts with an international outlook, reaching out to local audiences with the ambition of becoming one of the country’s most innovative and experimental theaters.

The Book Café

A book café with an attached laundromat. Here, you could do your laundry, have a cup of coffee, discuss politics, and study Marxist literature. From time to time, the place also featured live music.
The Red Folk High School, Education
Kloster Moster, unloading of sound equipment

The past and the present are intertwined

Svendborg’s cultural scene is characterized by a large, vibrant community that serves as Funen’s creative hub for music, literature, visual arts, and performing arts. Through a “bottom-up” approach, local talents create numerous niche initiatives and activities that strengthen the cultural ecosystem and promote the city.


Book the "Red Svendborg" tour

The language selector in the upper-right corner of the field below shows the guide language on different dates.
Book experiences with Understory
Thank you for a wonderfully exciting and educational tour of Svendborg, where we were guided through the story of “Red Svendborg.” The story and anecdotes about this important period in the city’s history were shared in a fun and inspiring way, and we all took home some new and valuable insights.
On behalf of the City Council Group
John Arly Henriksen

Practical information

We offer guided tours in Danish, German, and English. Along the way, the guide will share great tips on the city’s best pubs, restaurants, and museums.
  • Clothing: Clothing appropriate for the season and the weather
  • Footwear: It is important to wear appropriate footwear for the season and weather
  • Length of the route: approx. 1.5 km
  • Duration: approx. 90 min.

FAQ - Practical Information

  • Meeting place: The tour starts and ends at Wessel's Stairs, Torvet, 5700 Svendborg
  • The tour lasts about 1.5 hours
  • Dressing for the weather
Tourguidefyn.dk

5700 Svendborg
CVR-44898640
Links
Contact Persons
Allan Mariager
Tel. 6120 8110
allan@tourguidefyn.dk

Karen Elberg
Tel. 6160 1103
karen@tourguidefyn.dk