Beth – King of Scandinavia

At the entrance to most ports you will find a statue, some symbolic, some of a dignitary or of a seafaring hero.  The DFDS Seaways ports are no exception.

Man meets the sea at Esbjerg

Esbjerg has the big sculpture of four seated men called ‘Man meets the Sea’ which look out across the harbour.

Newcastle has Admiral Collingwood, a naval hero who rose to the highest rank within the Royal Navy and was friends with Admiral Nelson.

Lord Admiral Collingwood, ready to greet you as you enter through the breakwater at Newcastle

My favourite by far however is the statue on the dock in IJmuiden.  It’s of a fisherman standing tall in his fishing boots with his oil wax coat blowing in the wind that is always present in Ijmuiden.  He overlooks the sea day and night, year in and year out.

I love this statue because it makes me smile every time I see it due to its gull companion that regularly sits on top of it.  It reminds me of one of my favourite jokes from when I was small.  What do you call a man with a seagull on his head? ….Cliff.

'Cliff' standing tall.