Middelfart, Denmark

Middlefart
MIDLLEFART MUSEUM

Middelfart means central passage - referring to one of three ferry links formerly connecting the island of Funen with the peninsula of Jutland, in this case, the link between Strib and Føns. The settlement dates back to1231. The local dialect shortened the name to Melfar, a short form still popular.

From the Middle Ages till the end of the 19th century, whale hunting was important. . The whale blubber was used for lamps, indoors and outdoors, and the coming of electricity made whale hunting uneconomical.

In the 20th century, the hunt was resumed during the two world wars. Two memorial stones now stand where the hunters landed the whales and where blubber was prepared.

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