Bette Berlin

Southeast of Fræer lies the area that locals called Bette Berlin. During the Second World War, the German occupying forces built an extensive and highly secret facility here, with large radar dishes and antennas on the meadowland.

Only after the war did it become clear what had actually taken place in the area – and how important the radar station had been. The station had a range extending far across the Skagerrak and the North Sea, as well as over most of the Kattegat. From here, the Germans could monitor Allied aircraft and direct their own night flights.

During the war years, the facility was expanded several times, until it eventually covered the entire meadow south of Fræer. The radar station became the largest of its kind in Denmark.

After the war

When the Second World War ended, Bette Berlin took on a new role. The area was converted into a refugee camp for German refugees and expanded with large wooden barracks, enabling it to house more than 2,000 people.

The last refugee did not leave the camp until May 1947.

Traces in the landscape

Today, traces of Bette Berlin can still be found. The remains of the command bunker are still visible, and out in the meadow stands the building where some of the largest radar dishes were once located.

Bette Berlin is a special place in the landscape – a quiet reminder of the history of the war in the local area.