The large anchor sculpture at Nyhavn is a memorial called "Mindeankeret," which means Anchor of Remembrance, or Memorial Anchor.
It commemorates the over 1,700 Danish sailors who died in service during World War II, serving in the Navy, merchant fleet, or Allied forces.
The monument was inaugurated in 1951.
An official ceremony is held at the anchor every year on May 5th to commemorate the fallen sailors.