The Gunpowder Tower

Experience the historic yellow Powder Tower in Fredericia.

The Gunpowder Tower in Fredericia - A Part of the Unique History

The iconic yellow building is located near Østerstrand beach and Fredericia Health Center and is part of the old military hub in the fortress town.

Fredericia’s Oldest Military Building

The Gunpowder Tower is Fredericia’s oldest military building and one of the city’s oldest structures. The tower was constructed in 1675 in a typical Baroque style, modeled after the gunpowder tower in the Citadel, Copenhagen, which stood until 1741.

The tower is built on two floors with shutters facing the Little Belt, allowing the fortress to be monitored and defended in case of hostile intrusion from the waterside.

Storing Gunpowder in the Fortress Town

The Gunpowder Tower was used to store the fortress’s ammunition, such as gunpowder, hand grenades, cannonballs, musket balls, torches, and more. The explosive contents meant that great emphasis was placed on safety in and around the building. To minimize the risk of sparks, all floor planks and most other timber in the building were assembled with wooden pegs instead of iron nails.

"No Swearing Allowed"

At the same time, there were rules about behavior in and around the building. Notices encouraged the fortress’s soldiers to be cautious around the explosive materials, and it was explicitly forbidden to use “improper language,” such as swearing or cursing near the gunpowder.

The Gunpowder Tower of Fredericia - Renovations Over Time

The Gunpowder Tower has undergone several renovations since its construction (in 1746, 1865, and 1992). While the tower has been closed to the public, in late 2024, preparations were completed to make it ready for opening in the spring of 2025.

The Gunpowder Tower Opens in 2025

From spring 2025, the Gunpowder Tower will be open to the public for a fee. Inside the tower, visitors will be able to experience exhibitions that tell the story of Fredericia’s exciting and unique history.

The Gunpowder Tower is part of the Museums in Fredericia.