Christiansfeld: Moravian History and Townscape

Christiansfeld was founded in 1773 as a planned settlement of the Moravian Church. The town is the best-preserved example of a northern European settlement of this community, built around a central church square. Its townscape is defined by uniform yellow brick houses with large red-tiled roofs along straight, densely planted streets. At the centre stands the church, Salshuset. Its church interior is the largest in Denmark without supporting columns.

Town history and a visit to Søstrehuset

Søstrehuset tells the story of Christiansfeld and the Moravian Church. Visitors can also join a historical walking tour through the streets. Another way to learn about the town’s history is the digital tour “Genforeningen i 1920”: using the Vizgu app, it takes you to notable places in Christiansfeld and tells the story of reunification. Admission to the exhibitions at Søstrehuset includes this tour.

For getting around: Søstrehuset is 250 metres from Christiansfeld bus station. There is ramp access at the west gable, as well as a lift providing access to the entire building. Free parking is available throughout Christiansfeld. Bus parking is not permitted in the UNESCO area.

Cemetery and historic sites in the surrounding area

Gudsageren is the Moravian Church cemetery in Christiansfeld. No grave has been removed since it was consecrated in 1774. The arrangement of the burials also follows a set orientation: women are buried on the right, in the east, and men on the left, in the west. The cemetery’s history and its spatial order are among the site’s distinctive historical details.

Nearby, southwest of Christiansfeld, is Christinero, a protected estate laid out in the late 18th century. Bullade, a protected building, is also located nearby at the old vicarage in Tyrstrup. It was built in 1668 and remains in its original location.

Walking and cycling routes

Christines Sti is 1.4 kilometres long and leads from Christiansfeld to nearby Christinero. The route runs through fields, meadows and woodland, crosses two streams and passes beneath the Omfartsvejen bypass. Another nearby route passes through Smedeholm Forest from Christinero to the old vicarage in Tyrstrup.

For a longer cycling route, Christiansfeldruten is on a different scale: it is 25 kilometres long, intersects National Cycle Route 8, the Østersøruten, and is 60 percent asphalt and 40 percent gravel. The information about its length and surface helps you plan a cycling trip differently from a walk on Christines Sti.

Gardens and honey cakes

Comeniushaven is a public demonstration garden in Christiansfeld, established in 2015. It offers a place to relax and information about the original gardens. Combining a public garden with interpretation of garden history, it adds another facet to the town’s historical themes.

Xocolatl is the Moravian Church’s honey cake bakery in Christiansfeld, dating back to 1783. Original honey cakes from Christiansfeld are made there every day; Xocolatl also produces chocolate products. The town’s history is thus linked to its baking tradition.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Egtved, Agtrup, Viuf, Frørup, Lejrskov, Frydenborg, Hejlsminde, Kolding

For the broader travel overview: Kolding Municipality.