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History

The Schooner HALMØ – A Proud Legacy on the Waves

HALMØ is more than just a schooner – it is a piece of living Danish maritime history. Built in 1900 by the renowned shipbuilder Rasmus Møller in Faaborg, the schooner has since sailed Danish waters, first as a cargo ship and later as a charter vessel.

Dimensions

Total length: 32 meters, 105 feet
Hull length: 23 meters, 75 feet
Width: 6 meters, 6 feet
Draft: 2.50 meters

Space on Board

HALMØ accommodates up to 42 guests, with seating for 24 in the salon and approximately 10 sleeping berths.

As Good as New

The former cargo hold has been carefully restored and transformed into an elegant salon with an open galley, a four-person cabin, three two-person cabins, bathroom facilities, and two toilets.

From Cargo Ship to Historic Icon

Ordered by skipper Christen Jørgen Hansen from Ærø and named after the island of Halmø, the schooner initially operated as a domestic cargo vessel, transporting goods such as grain, cement, and wire. In 1927, the ship was refitted as a gaff-rigged galeas and renamed M/S Marie, serving a freight route between Sæby and Nyhavn.

During World War II, HALMØ, then M/S Marie, played a role in the dramatic rescue of Danish Jews and resistance members, ferrying them to safety in Sweden. After the war, the ship resumed its cargo route but was decommissioned in 1970 and left to deteriorate in Sæby.

Today, HALMØ is permanently moored in front of Admiral Hotel, where it has become an integral part of the hotel’s maritime atmosphere. After changing ownership several times, Admiral Hotel fully acquired the schooner in 2022.

With its unique history, elegant lines, and authentic charm, HALMØ offers an unforgettable experience for all sailing enthusiasts. From its time as a cargo ship to its current role as an iconic part of Admiral Hotel, this proud vessel continues to carry its legacy on the waves.

On January 9, 2025, the Danish Ship Preservation Foundation officially recognized HALMØ as a heritage vessel, acknowledging its cultural and historical significance.

HALMØ’s location at Admiral Hotel is a natural continuation of Copenhagen’s rich maritime history. Originally built as a warehouse in 1787, Admiral Hotel stored grain and goods arriving by sea.

In the 19th century, the quay in front of the hotel was a vital trading hub, where ships from around the world docked to unload their cargo. HALMØ, once a cargo ship sailing along the Danish coasts, is now moored exactly where trade once flourished.