Melstedgård – A Living Farm Museum
Experience authentic Bornholm farm life through hands-on traditions, animals, and local food culture.
Melstedgård is an engaging open-air farm museum near Gudhjem that brings Bornholm's rural heritage and food culture to life. Visitors can interact with farm animals, participate in traditional crafts and cooking workshops, explore the historic farmhouse, and enjoy local specialties at the on-site café and shop. The museum offers hands-on experiences for families, including animal feeding, horse-wagon rides, and demonstrations of traditional skills like mustard-making and bread-baking.
A brief summary to Gaarden: Melstedgård - Madkulturhus - Skafferiet
- Melstedvej 25, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- +4521485598
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on Wednesday through Saturday for the full range of activities and demonstrations; Sunday hours are limited. Check the museum's website for seasonal special events like herb walks and ice-cream workshops, which operate on select dates.
- Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and to have maximum time for animal interactions and workshops. Allow at least 2–3 hours to experience the farmhouse, animals, and activities without rushing.
- Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes, as much of the experience involves walking through fields and outdoor areas. Bring a camera to capture the pastoral landscapes and animal encounters.
- Purchase local Bornholm specialties at Skafferiet before leaving; the selection of regional foods and handicrafts is curated and not easily found elsewhere. Enjoy refreshments in the garden café to extend your visit.
- If visiting with children, inquire about family-friendly workshops and activities upon arrival. The farm is designed for interactive engagement, so encourage children to participate in animal feeding and craft demonstrations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from Gudhjem
Local buses operate from Gudhjem town center to Melstedgård, with travel time approximately 10–15 minutes depending on the route. Service frequency varies seasonally, typically running several times daily during summer months and reduced service in winter. Fares are modest; check local transport schedules for current timetables. This is the most convenient option for visitors without a car.
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Car from Gudhjem
Melstedgård is located 3 kilometers south of Gudhjem via Melstedvej. Driving time from central Gudhjem is approximately 8–10 minutes. The property has on-site parking available for visitors. This option provides flexibility for families and those carrying equipment or supplies.
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Bicycle from Gudhjem
Cycling from Gudhjem to Melstedgård takes approximately 15–20 minutes along local roads. The route is relatively flat and suitable for families with children using standard bicycles. Bicycle parking is available at the museum. This option allows visitors to experience the Bornholm landscape at a slower pace.
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Taxi or ride-sharing from Gudhjem
Taxis and ride-sharing services operate in the Gudhjem area, with typical fares ranging from 80–150 Danish krone for the short journey from town center to Melstedgård. Travel time is approximately 8–12 minutes depending on traffic and exact pickup location. This option suits visitors with luggage or mobility considerations.
Gaarden: Melstedgård - Madkulturhus - Skafferiet location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Gaarden: Melstedgård - Madkulturhus - Skafferiet
A Window into Bornholm's Rural Past
Melstedgård stands as a living testament to the agricultural heritage and food traditions that have shaped life on Bornholm for generations. Located just outside Gudhjem, this working farm museum weaves together the story of rural existence through the centuries, presenting visitors with an immersive experience that goes far beyond static displays. The museum operates as an active farm where traditional practices coexist with modern interpretation, creating an authentic environment where history is not merely observed but actively experienced.Meeting the Animals and Exploring the Farmstead
At the heart of Melstedgård's appeal is the opportunity to encounter the farm's resident animals in settings that reflect historical farming practices. Pigs, sheep, goats, and cats inhabit individual stalls and pastures arranged much as they would have been on traditional Bornholm farms. Visitors are invited to interact gently with these creatures—scratching pigs behind the ears, listening to the bleating of sheep, and observing the curious nature of the goats. The farmhouse itself opens its doors to reveal the daily rhythms of rural life, where costumed interpreters engage visitors in traditional activities. Inside the main house, demonstrations include the preparation of mustard using period methods and the baking of traditional bread, while embroidery and storytelling sessions transport visitors into the lived experience of farm families.Hands-On Workshops and Cultural Activities
The Madkulturhuset (Food Culture House) serves as the museum's creative hub, offering workshops that connect visitors directly to Bornholm's distinctive culinary traditions. These interactive sessions allow both children and adults to engage with historical and contemporary food practices, learning techniques that have been passed down through generations. Beyond the kitchen, the museum grounds host seasonal special events, including herb walks along the coastal paths near Gudhjem and ice-cream workshops for families. On select days, visitors can experience traditional entertainment such as horse-wagon rides across the property and folk music and dance performances on the farmyard plaza. These rotating activities ensure that repeat visits offer new discoveries and deeper cultural engagement.Skafferiet: Café, Shop, and Local Treasures
At the heart of Melstedgård lies Skafferiet, a combined café and shop that celebrates Bornholm's artisanal heritage. Here, visitors can refresh themselves with cold cider and local beverages while browsing an curated selection of regional delicacies, handicrafts, and food products. The café garden provides a peaceful setting to enjoy refreshments while absorbing the rural atmosphere, and the shop offers an opportunity to bring home authentic Bornholm specialties—from preserved foods to handcrafted items—that extend the museum experience beyond the visit itself.Seasonal Rhythms and Visitor Experience
The museum's operations reflect the natural cycles of farm life, with opening hours concentrated on Wednesday through Sunday during the warmer months, allowing visitors to experience the property in its most vibrant season. The landscape itself—with its fields, gardens, and pastoral vistas—forms an integral part of the experience, inviting exploration and contemplation. Whether walking the marked routes through the grounds, observing seasonal agricultural activities, or simply absorbing the quiet rhythms of rural Bornholm, visitors encounter a place that prioritizes authentic engagement over superficial tourism.Cultural Significance and Educational Value
Melstedgård functions as more than a museum; it serves as a living archive of Bornholm's identity. The farm preserves and communicates knowledge about traditional food production, animal husbandry, domestic crafts, and the social structures that sustained island communities. By maintaining active farming practices and involving visitors in real activities rather than staged performances, the museum honors the dignity of the heritage it presents while making it accessible and meaningful to contemporary audiences. The emphasis on family participation and intergenerational learning reflects a philosophy that cultural heritage belongs to everyone and is best understood through direct experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
0.3 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Louisenlund
9.2 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
14.0 km
A modest stone cairn marking the highest point of Paradisbakkerne, Midterpilt is a quiet waypoint on Bornholm’s wildest woodland and heathland hiking routes.
Domen
14.5 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Klintebakken
16.1 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Vang Pier
16.5 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Slemmegrav
18.8 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
20.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
20.8 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
St Nicholas Church
21.3 km
Harbor-top parish church of Bornholm’s capital, where a medieval seafarers’ chapel evolved into the island’s largest Lutheran landmark of stone, music and light.
Ronne Lighthouse
21.3 km
A slender white cast-iron lighthouse above Rønne’s harbour, once a vital guiding light and now a simple, elegant symbol of Bornholm’s maritime gateway.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
21.4 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Destination Bornholm ApS
21.4 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Snogebæk Havn
21.6 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
22.5 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kobbeådalen
1.1 km
A dramatic rift valley where granite cliffs, cascading waters, and ancient woodland create Bornholm's most enchanting natural sanctuary.
Gudhjem Hostel Cafe-Bar
1.3 km
Historic harbor-side hostel and laid-back summer café-bar in the heart of Gudhjem, offering relaxed rooms, communal spaces and breezy Baltic Sea views.
Oluf Høst Museum
1.5 km
An intimate artist’s home and hillside garden where Oluf Høst’s paintings hang exactly where they were created, overlooking the sea and rooftops of Gudhjem.
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
1.6 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Røverborgen
1.7 km
A windswept granite outcrop on Gudhjem’s edge, Røverborgen pairs Baltic sea views with a playful “Robbers’ Castle” legend in a compact, atmospheric stop.
Hestestenene
1.8 km
Four ancient standing stones on a Bornholm cliff-top, where sea views, coastal wind and enduring legends of horses and sacrifice animate a quiet historic stop.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
2.0 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Stavehøl vandfald ved Kobbeå
2.5 km
Bornholm’s Kobbeå river plunges in a nearly seven‑metre drop through a wooded gorge at Stavehøl, blending rugged rock, forest calm and subtle traces of railway history.
Bornholms Middelaldercenter
3.2 km
Step into a re‑created medieval Bornholm of manors, mills, craftsmen and archers, where hands‑on history, island scenery and family‑friendly storytelling meet.
Østerlars Church
3.6 km
Denmark’s largest round church, Østerlars blends 12th‑century stone fortification, vivid medieval frescoes and Viking rune stones in a single atmospheric Bornholm landmark.
Helligdomsklipperne
5.1 km
Dramatic granite cliffs, sea-carved caves and centuries of pilgrimage history meet art, light and Baltic horizons at Bornholm’s atmospheric Sanctuary Cliffs.
Randkløve Skår
5.2 km
A dramatic granite gorge on Bornholm’s east coast, where a deep cleft in the cliffs frames raw Baltic seascapes, rugged trails and quietly powerful coastal nature.
Dry Oven CAVE
5.5 km
A narrow sea cave tucked into Bornholm’s dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs, where ancient granite, crashing Baltic waves and old legends meet in a dark, echoing chamber.
The Sanctuary Rocks
5.6 km
Dramatic granite sea cliffs, myth-tinged caves and coastal paths above the Baltic, making Helligdomsklipperne one of Bornholm’s most unforgettable natural landmarks.
Våde Ovn
5.6 km
A deep, wave-filled sea cave carved into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, echoing surf and shifting light reveal the drama of the Baltic coast.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
0.9 km
Hearty portions and classic Danish comfort food on the sunny slopes above Gudhjem’s harbour, ideal for a generous lunch or relaxed, no‑nonsense dinner.
Spektakel-bar
1.1 km
Leafy courtyard dining in central Gudhjem, where a focused menu, good drinks and only-outdoor seating create one of Bornholm’s cosiest evening hangouts.
Norresan
1.5 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Stammershalle Badehotel
8.2 km
Historic 1911 seaside bathing hotel on Bornholm’s wild north coast, pairing Baltic Sea panoramas and rocky swims with refined Nordic dining and quiet coastal charm.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
9.2 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
10.1 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
11.3 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Svaneke Røgeri
12.6 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
12.6 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
12.7 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Restaurant Pakhuset
12.7 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
12.8 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
12.8 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
13.7 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
13.9 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Janne K
0.9 km
Intimate Scandinavian clothing and lifestyle boutique on Gudhjem’s main street, pairing Nordic style with a Bornholm coastal sensibility in a calm, curated space.
Lifestone
1.0 km
A cosy seaside boutique on Gudhjem’s main street, blending relaxed Scandinavian fashion with the everyday charm of Bornholm’s most dramatic harbour town.
Førder Bornholm
1.1 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Baltic Sea Glass
1.9 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
3.7 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
4.1 km
Spacious Bornholm farm shop on the rocky east coast, mixing English country fashion, Italian dresses and homey gifts in a cosy countryside setting all year round.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
8.6 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Art Box Bornholm
12.7 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Reflax
12.8 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
12.8 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
13.4 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
My Home Furniture Ronne
14.8 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
15.1 km
Quirky flea market, art gallery and cosy café gathered on one floor above Aakirkeby’s town square, mixing retro treasures, local creativity and relaxed Bornholm hygge.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
15.6 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Torvehal Bornholm
20.1 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Provianten
1.2 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
10.6 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Cabaret Bornholm
12.2 km
Intimate cocktail and tapas bar bringing a touch of cabaret flair and late‑night atmosphere to the quiet coastal town of Allinge on Bornholm.
Søllings Bodega
12.7 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
12.7 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Pilen bar & bodega
13.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
14.1 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
14.9 km
Seasonal seaside craft beer bar and burger spot in a former smokehouse on Bornholm’s Aarsdale harbour, pairing inventive taps with relaxed Baltic Sea views.
Buddha Bar
15.1 km
Relaxed, Asian‑tinged bar on Aakirkeby’s central square, ideal for casual drinks, simple bites and unhurried people‑watching at the heart of inland Bornholm.
Dagligstuen
15.1 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Underbar
15.3 km
Intimate cliffside bar beneath Hotel Nordlandet, where Nordic cocktails, candlelight and big Baltic horizons turn Bornholm’s wild north coast into your living room.
Ølhuzed ApS
17.5 km
Cosy craft beer bar in the heart of Hasle, pouring Bornholm brews and European favourites with simple tapas, nachos and an easygoing neighbourhood vibe.
The Golden Rooster
18.3 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
18.5 km
Ultra-casual harbor bar in Nexø with quirky décor, cheap drinks and a cozy, lived-in atmosphere that feels more like a local living room than a polished pub.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
19.9 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
20.6 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
20.8 km
No‑frills late‑night disco bar in central Rønne, mixing local bodega charm with loud music, dancing and affordable drinks on Bornholm’s main island.
Musikhuzet
21.0 km
Bornholm’s Musikhuzet in central Rønne offers an ever-changing lineup of live concerts, cultural performances, and community events in a buzzing local landmark venue.
After Dark
21.2 km
Compact weekend nightclub bringing big-city beats, DJ-driven dancing and a lively bar atmosphere to the otherwise quiet island town of Rønne on Bornholm.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Scenic
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Organic Farm
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly