Open Heath at Kallesmærsk Heath

Close to the machinery

Open Heath is the day when Kallesmærsk Heath changes character from a closed military training area to a public venue with tanks, artillery, mortars and other equipment lined up in rows. This is not just about looking from a distance: many vehicles are open to the public, and the live firing at the end of the day is part of the experience itself.

Bang, dust and safe distance

The hallmark of the event is the contrast between closeness and control. The Danish Artillery Regiment describes the principle as “as close as possible, as far away as necessary”, and that makes good sense in a place where heavy weapons systems are fired. In 2022, the display began with two F16 aircraft flying low over the audience before the vehicles took over with rifles, cannons and the heaviest firepower from a CAESAR howitzer.

The heath outside the event day

Kallesmærsk Heath is the original part of the Oksbøl Shooting and Training Area and is not an ordinary natural area for free movement. The terrain may be closed due to firing, and the heath itself is permanently fenced off because of the danger from unexploded ammunition. When access is possible, it is indicated by information boards and the Armed Forces’ information about firing exercises; red balloons, lights, barriers and guards are not decoration in the landscape, but part of the safety measures.