UNESCO’s 80th anniversary marks a significant journey with global cultural heritage and education. Since its founding, UNESCO has worked to promote peace through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. This milestone underscores the organisation’s enduring influence in preserving cultural diversity and promoting sustainable development around the world.

The Augustenborg-UNESCO bond

The Dukes of Augustenborg, the border region, and the German minority are connected to UNESCO’s fundamental idea of cultural understanding, dialogue, and peace through education and culture.

Together, Augustenborg and the entire border region is a perfect example of how cultures can clash – but still learn to live side by side. The Dukes of Augustenborg were part of a time when Danish and German identities intertwined in complex ways. After the wars and shifting borders, the area has developed into a place where we live together with mutual respect and multilingualism.

The UNESCO mission is precisely to build bridges between people through understanding and culture, which is why it makes sense to celebrate UNESCO’s anniversary here – where the world can experience how historical conflicts have turned into peaceful coexistence, living cultural heritage, and educational cooperation across languages and borders.

So, Augustenborg and the border region are not just a backdrop – they are UNESCO’s purpose in practice. And that is precisely why Augustenborg is also worthy of being included on UNESCO’s World Heritage Liste.

Why you should stop by

• • Inspiration, insight and conversations about democracy, culture and community. Topics that are more important than ever in today’s world.
  • Meet more than 50 experts, artists and cultural figures. Hear what they think about the past, the present and probably also the future, and give your own input.
  • Music, exhibitions, community singing and guided tours. History, fun and food for thought.
  • South Jutland culinary experiences – from ringrider sausages to coffee and cake. Together around food history.
  • Activities for both children and adults.

Everything is free – only the Sønderjyske kage-/kaffebord* requires a pre-booked ticket.

* The Sønderjysk kagebord (Southern Jutland cake table) is a traditional Danish coffee gathering famous for its impressive spread of homemade cakes – often 14 or more varieties. It began in the 19th century, when Danish-minded locals in Southern Jutland met under German rule and, forbidden to serve alcohol, instead offered coffee and cakes. Today, the cake table stands as a symbol of hospitality, community, and regional pride.

Practical information

Click HERE to jump to the more practical information for our UNESCO-Dage.