Rødkilde Højskole

In the 19th century, education in Denmark was essentially for the upper and middle classes while farm workers and labourers simply had to learn their trade from their parents.

He aspired to give the peasantry and the lower layers of society a higher educational level through personal development or what he called “the living word”.

The language and history of the country, its constitution and main industries (farming) along with folk songs were the guiding principles for education within a Christian framework.

The basic principles of the folk high school have continued over the years: there are no demands as to previous education or occupation and there are no examinations; the emphasis is on intellect, reflection and creativity, music and commitment; students are encouraged to be aware of their own ideals in order to develop into democratic members of society.

Much of the teaching consists of dialogue between teachers and students and living together as borders encourages stronger relationships and more respect for other people's ideas.

[3] Rødkilde folk high school was founded by Frede Bojsen (1841–1926), an active politician and influential chairman of the parish council in nearby Stege where his father was the pastor.

In order to test out his plans for a high school, on 1 May 1865, Bojsen rented a farmhouse in the village of Tjørnemarke a few kilometres north of Stege.

On 26 July, he married Karen Anker, a Norwegian, and on 26 October he opened the school with some 30 students from the north of Falster and Møn.

They opted for the present site with views over Stege Nor, a stretch of inland water, and the hills of Møns Klint beyond.

An imposing statue of Bojsen (pictured) by Danish sculptor Gunnar Hansen stands on the school grounds.

Initially nature courses were popular and economically successful but as time went by, with the reduction of state support for folk high schools, yet another direction had to be found.