The Birkvej Area Overall

The Railway
The West Jutland Railway Line, reaching Skjern on August 8, 1875, brought development, trade, and improved connections in West Jutland. It was built to transport goods and farm products – bacon, meat, and butter – as well as the large herds of cattle that had previously been driven on foot to Port Esbjerg, which was established after Denmark lost the key port of Altona to Prussia in 1864. The railway was built by Danish, Swedish, and German workers, who were housed at Skjern Brogaard, and who spent their evenings in the inn, where passions could run high!

The Gallows Hill
In the 1600s-1700s, Skjern Bridge Town was part of an independent legal district called Vester Skjern Birk. It had its own court (thing) and judge – and probably an execution site with a gallows on the mound nearby, hanging being a commonly used execution method from the Middle Ages. Court proceedings were previously held at Skjern Brogaard.

The Festival Ground
For many years, the festival ground near Skjern Brogaard was the gathering place for public meetings. After the Danish Constitution was signed in 1849, all local votings took place here, as well as the annual celebrations of the Constitution and similar events. Gradually the area lost its importance: Many administrative functions and institutions moved to the railway town, as did the public meetings and events. The inn and guest house at Skjern Brogaard lost its customer base, and the farm was sold at forced auction in 1884.

Statue of King Frederik 7
Frederik 7, the last absolute monarch, signed the Constitution of Denmark in 1849. In gratitude for this and to remind the population of the importance of democracy, a statue of him was erected on a mound near Skjern Brogaard. It was later moved to a small park in the railway town.