the biggest shipyards in Denmark and attracted multitudes of workers until its closure in 1987. In more recent years, Lolland has been famous for erecting the first offshore wind farm, commissioned by Ørsted near Vindeby, which powered 2,200 homes.
New ventures However, it is the latest two ventures that are bringing internationals back to Lolland. It cannot get more significant than the Fehmarnbelt link, an 18 kilometre long immersed tunnel comprising four lanes of motorway and two electric rail tracks. It will be the world’s longest tunnel of its type. The project’s success relies on the partnership of experts from around the globe. For this to be viable, Lolland’s municipality, with the support of outside investors and businesses, has built the first public international school in Denmark to provide an educational and communal hub for internationals and locals. The school is founded on diversity, open-mindedness, and community and will provide bilingual education. So, with new industry, new school, cost-effective housing, plenty of space, and beautiful surroundings, Lolland is set to remerge onto the international stage. THE-INTL
“Copenhagen is not that far away if we want to attend events, but often our cultural needs are covered locally.” After relocating twice between the city of Copenhagen and countryside Lolland, my husband and I missed nature and the local people so much that we eventually found our forever home in Gulborg. - Lise Ravnkilde -
Photographer: Ingrid Riis
wines from Frederiksdal, and craft beers from Krenkerup, which has, in fact, been home to the same Danish family since 1367. In addition, there are sweet apples and pears from the tiny sister island, Fejø, just to mention a few gastronomic delights. There is a steady tourist business including summer house hire, especially from our German neighbours. However, the backbone of industry has been and continues to be wheat, rapeseed, and sugar beet farming. The sweet beet industry has deep roots with Polish seasonal farm workers. They supported Denmark in elevating its sugar production, which has resulted in a lucrative sugar industry. First arriving in 1870, it was hard, physical labour that paid little but provided steady work from April to December. The workers were housed in barracks and had a simple existence. However, in 1908, a law improved working conditions by ensuring workers were given a standardised contract, certain benefits, and reasonable accommodation conditions. As such, the workers continued to work in Lolland until 1929, and a large number decided to remain long term and integrate into Danish society. The barracks, known as ‘Polakkaserne’, is now a museum designed by Henrik C. Glahns, a renowned Danish architect, so that the Poles’ legacy and contribution is not forgotten. The Santa Birgitta church in Maribo is also a relic of the roman catholic religious provision for the Poles and churches built in Naskov and Nykøbing. And it is not only the Polish that has links with Lolland. Lolland stretched its tentacles as far as Asia through its connection with the East Asiatic Company owned by H.N. Andersen, who founded the shipyard in Nakskov. The company was involved in the movement of passengers and freight between Copenhagen, Bangkok and the Far East and the development of large, commercial motor ships. It was one of
HISTORY
Femern A/S
www.the-intl.com
9