Siege of Nakskov (1659)
| Siege of Nakskov | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Dano-Swedish War (1658–1660) | |||||||||
Copper plate illustration of Nakskov from the 17th century. As seen from the south across the strait separating the inner and outer portions of the Fjord | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
| Swedish Empire | Denmark–Norway | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Carl Gustaf Wrangel Gustaf Otto Stenbock | Joachim Kørber | ||||||||
| Units involved | |||||||||
|
Garde du corps Life Guards von Schwerin's squadron | Nakskov garrison | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| 2,000 men |
1,255 men 43 guns | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
|
Heavy 1 mortar destroyed | Heavy | ||||||||
The siege of Nakskov occurred from 4 May to 15 July 1659, during the Dano-Swedish War of 1658–1660. It began when an army of 2,000 men under Carl Gustaf Wrangel began blockading the roads leading into Nakskov. On 6 May, he would unsuccessfully attack towards Stubbeland and Färgeland after the garrison refused to surrender. Due to the failed attack, he instead began bombarding the city.
On 31 May, Gustaf Otto Stenbock took over the command for the Swedish forces after Wrangel had to leave to defend Funen. He eventually sent a new capitulation request on 6 July. When this was refused once again, the Swedes stormed the Stora Hornverket, swiftly capturing it and leaving only an old rampart between them and the city. Thus, the Danes soon accepted the capitulation terms, and they marched out with full military honours.