Hjerl Hede Open Air Museum
Step into a living Jutland village where farms, mills, gardens, animals and a steam train bring 150 years of Danish rural life to life on the heath.
Set amid the heathland near Vinderup in West Jutland, Hjerl Hede is one of Denmark’s most atmospheric open‑air museums. Spread across 20 hectares, this living village stitches together historic farms, mills, workshops, gardens and Jutland’s oldest farmstead, Vinkelgården from 1546. On selected summer weeks and pre‑Christmas weekends, volunteers in costume, working animals and even a vintage steam train bring 150 years of rural life vividly back to life, making it an engaging day out for families, couples and culture‑seekers alike.
A brief summary to Hjerl Hede Open Air Museum
- Hjerlhedevej 14, Vinderup, 7830, DK
- +4596115030
- Visit website
- Duration: 3.5 to 6 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan for most of a day; the 20‑hectare grounds, mills, gardens and paths towards the heath and lake take time to explore without rushing.
- Check in advance for summer and pre‑Christmas living‑history dates if you want to see costumed volunteers, working workshops and the steam train.
- Wear sturdy shoes and dress for changeable West Jutland weather; much of the experience is outdoors on natural paths and farmyards.
- Families can make the most of child‑friendly activities and animal areas; dogs on a leash are welcome, making it easy to bring four‑legged companions.
- Bring a picnic or use on‑site food options, and allow time to simply sit by the village pond or historical gardens to soak up the atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Holstebro
From Holstebro town centre, driving to Hjerl Hede typically takes about 30–35 minutes, depending on traffic. The route follows regional roads through open countryside and is straightforward for drivers unfamiliar with the area. Parking at the museum is free and spacious, and there is room for standard cars and campervans. Fuel stations are available in Holstebro and nearby towns; no road tolls apply on this journey.
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Car from Viborg
Arriving from Viborg usually takes around 40–45 minutes by car across inland Jutland. The drive is on paved regional roads that can be busy in holiday periods but remain easy to navigate. At the museum you can park free of charge close to the entrance buildings. The route is suitable for motorhomes as well, and several marked camper spots are provided near the site.
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Regional bus and short walk from Vinderup
It is possible to travel by regional bus to Vinderup from larger towns such as Holstebro or Skive, with typical journey times of 25–45 minutes depending on the route and timetable. From Vinderup, some services run closer towards the museum on school days and selected departures; outside those times, expect a longer walk on rural roads with limited pavements, which can be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. Standard single tickets usually cost the equivalent of a modest local bus fare within the regional tariff system.
Hjerl Hede Open Air Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Hjerl Hede Open Air Museum
A village from another century on the Jutland heath
Hjerl Hede unfolds across a wide sweep of heathland and forest just outside Vinderup, where sandy paths wind between thatched farmsteads, smoky kitchens and creaking barns. The museum recreates a rural Danish village as it might have appeared over several centuries, with buildings carefully relocated here from across the country. Sheep graze in paddocks, geese patrol the lanes and the scent of timber, tar and heather hangs in the air, giving the whole site a distinctly West Jutland character. Rather than a single grand building, this is a patchwork of over 30 historic houses, stables and workshops, grouped into intimate clusters that feel like real neighbourhoods. You move from low half‑timbered cottages to more substantial farm complexes, noticing how architecture, materials and layout evolved as Denmark shifted from subsistence farming to a more market‑oriented countryside.Historic homes, Vinkelgården and everyday craftsmanship
Among the most compelling corners of Hjerl Hede is Vinkelgården, regarded as Jutland’s oldest farm, dating back to 1546. Its heavy beams, soot‑blackened interiors and cobbled yards give a rare glimpse of late medieval rural life. Elsewhere, the pastor’s residence, village school and a traditional inn from around 1750 trace the social hierarchy and institutions that knit a small community together. Workshops and small industries are scattered between the homes: a cooper’s shed, blacksmith’s forge, carpentry shop and bakery all show how much skill was needed to keep a village running. Tools and interiors have been arranged to appear ready for use, with benches, bellows and looms hinting at the rhythms of tasks that once filled the working day.Living history, seasonal revivals and a steam train
On selected weeks in summer and over the three weekends before Christmas, Hjerl Hede transforms into a fully animated village. Volunteers in period dress carry water, light fires, bake, sew and tend animals, following routines based on historical sources. Children sit at wooden desks in the schoolroom, the innkeeper moves between tables and the sound of hand tools, clogs and laughter spills into the lanes. During these revivals, a more than century‑old steam locomotive runs along the museum’s short line, chugging past fields and forest edge. Its carriages and whistle add another layer of atmosphere, evoking an era when railways started to connect remote communities to the wider world, yet life in the village still turned on the seasons and the soil.Mills, gardens and the surrounding landscape
Two mills anchor the museum’s skyline: the red watermill by the stream and the distinctive stub mill on higher ground. Both are classic half‑timbered structures that once powered local production. On special days, the watermill is put into operation to grind flour, demonstrating how harnessing energy from wind and water transformed rural work and diet. Around many of the houses, historical gardens have been recreated using period‑appropriate plants. Ornamental beds near the pastor’s house contrast with strictly practical kitchen plots at the farmsteads, where cabbages, herbs and berries grow in neat rows. Beyond the built village, paths lead towards heath and Denmark’s largest heath lake, Flyndersø, where birch, pine and open moorland frame wide Jutland skies.Animals, film locations and a day in the open air
Domestic animals are an integral part of Hjerl Hede. Heritage breeds of horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep and poultry live across the 20‑hectare site, reinforcing how closely human lives were once tied to livestock. Their presence, along with wagons and simple machinery, helps make sense of barn layouts, fodder storage and the constant labour behind each harvest. The museum has also lent its authentic setting to film productions, including scenes for the historical drama "The Bastard", shot in and around Hedegården from 1818. For today’s visitors, the same courtyards, fields and interiors offer an atmospheric backdrop for unhurried wandering, picnics by the village pond and slow exploration of Denmark’s rural past in the fresh West Jutland air.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Museum Salling
7.1 km
Dive into Denmark's past at Museum Salling, where Limfjord's heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, ancient artifacts, and engaging storytelling in scenic Skive.
Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup
25.4 km
A modest countryside liberation stone near Viborg, quietly commemorating Denmark’s freedom in 1945 amid open fields and a peaceful village setting.
SOLTEGNET af billedhugger og professor Bjørn Nørgaard
31.0 km
A radiant sculpture of oyster shells celebrating art, sustainability, and fjord culture.
Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads
33.1 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Viborg View
33.3 km
Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.
Vi er Viborg
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Mindesten for Jens Vejmand
34.1 km
A windbreak memorial to a stoneworker whose life inspired Denmark's most beloved folk song.
Befrielsessten i Gullestrup
35.6 km
A 1949 liberation stone honoring Denmark's freedom in the quiet village of Gullestrup.
Fuglsang Lake
36.7 km
Discover Fuglsang Lake in Herning: a man-made oasis offering swimming, recreation, and natural beauty, perfect for a refreshing escape and outdoor adventures in Denmark.
Baboon City
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Experience panoramic views of Vejle's natural landscapes from the Udsigtstårn in Østengård.
Fur Museum
38.1 km
Discover Denmark’s prehistoric wonders at Fur Museum—home to some of Europe’s finest fossils and a lively hub of natural and local history in the heart of Limfjord.
Mors
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Discover Mors, the Limfjord's largest island: Explore dramatic cliffs, charming towns, rich history, and savor fresh seafood in a tranquil Danish paradise.
Herningsholm Museum
38.5 km
Experience Central Jutland’s aristocratic past and local history in a beautifully preserved manor house surrounded by serene gardens in Herning.
Herning Rocker
39.0 km
Experience panoramic vistas of Vejle's landscapes from the Udsigtstårn in Østengård.
Fur
39.1 km
Experience the ancient moler cliffs, fossil treasures, and laid-back island culture that make Fur the crown jewel of Denmark’s Limfjord region.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sevel – Mose-stien
3.8 km
A short, accessible boardwalk through Jutland bog and meadow, bringing you close to wetland wildlife, open skies and quiet rural landscapes near Sevel.
Vild Emil af Thomas Dambo
10.5 km
A giant wooden troll napping in a forest nest, Vild Emil turns orderly Tinkerdal Skov into a playful treasure hunt of art, nature and imagination near Holstebro.
Mid and West Jutland Railway Museum
16.5 km
A compact railway museum in Struer’s former freight office, where locomotives, archives and an old command post reveal how the rails transformed Mid and West Jutland.
Daugbjerg gamle vandmølle
16.8 km
A 17th-century water mill and miniature village preserving Denmark's rural heritage in the scenic Mølleådalen valley.
Daugbjergskiltet
17.1 km
Historic papermaking brought to life in a working 19th-century mill on Viborg’s outskirts, with hands-on workshops and authentic industrial atmosphere.
Kalk Kaminoen
17.3 km
A 30 km limestone-inspired hiking trail through heath, forests and rural Jutland, weaving geology, bats and farming history into one long day’s walk.
Daugbjerg Kalkgruber
17.4 km
Step into a cool underground maze where ancient miners, outlaw legends and hibernating bats share Denmark’s oldest hand‑cut limestone mine.
Limfjords Camping & Vandland I/S
17.7 km
Family-friendly fjordside campground with indoor waterpark, playgrounds and cabins on the tranquil shores of the Limfjord near Spøttrup in Central Jutland.
Spøttrup Borg Velkomstcenter
17.9 km
Modern welcome hub, compact museum and comfort stop at the edge of Denmark’s best‑preserved medieval castle in the West Jutland countryside.
Mønsted Kalkgruber
18.5 km
Venture into the world’s largest limestone mines, where cool echoing tunnels, bat-filled caverns and a reborn lime works reveal Denmark’s underground heritage.
Tvis Abbey
18.7 km
Foundations in a “Safe Valley”: subtle ruins, a historic mill and a peaceful river landscape reveal the long, quiet story of medieval Tvis Abbey near Holstebro.
Gråkjær Arena
19.6 km
Compact, modern and atmospheric, Gråkjær Arena is Holstebro’s handball hot spot and multi-purpose indoor stage for sport, community events and live entertainment.
Birkesø Telt Plads
19.9 km
Simple lakeside tent camping on a grassy lawn by Birkesø, offering quiet, back-to-basics overnights in rural Viborg for cyclists, hikers and nature lovers.
Trylleklippen
20.8 km
A car-sized “magic rock” in Holstebro’s pedestrian heart, blending sculpture, play and everyday life in the middle of a busy shopping street.
Kongenshus Mindepark
21.0 km
Sweeping Jutland heathland and a granite‑etched tribute to Denmark’s heath farmers, where open skies, violet heather and quiet trails turn history into landscape.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Pavillonen
9.1 km
Relaxed marina-front restaurant on the Limfjord, pairing light Scandinavian interiors and broad sea views with seasonal Danish comfort dishes.
Restaurant Ved Fjorden
17.0 km
Harborfront dining in Struer where local seafood, fjord views and a modern Danish setting come together at one of Limfjorden’s most atmospheric culinary addresses.
Venø Kro
17.2 km
Fjord-facing island inn on Venø, serving Limfjord seafood, classic Danish dishes and the famous Venøbøf steak with unforgettable sunsets over the water.
King's House Inn & Hotel
20.2 km
Traditional Danish country inn on the Viborg heath, combining homely cooking, simple hotel rooms and flexible spaces for celebrations, meetings and rural getaways.
Silvio's Ristorante
21.0 km
Authentic Italian cooking with Danish hygge in the heart of Holstebro, pairing thin-crust pizzas, handmade pastas and a welcoming, relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere.
Restaurant JA
21.1 km
Industrial heritage meets modern Nordic cooking in Holstebro’s former iron foundry, where seasonal West Jutland produce and a walk‑in wine cellar shape relaxed, refined evenings.
HOTEL Tambohus Inn - By Limfjorden in Jutland
23.9 km
Waterfront Danish inn with celebrated restaurant and fjord views in peaceful Jutland countryside.
Propelmessen Flyvestation Karup
26.8 km
Long-running base canteen at Denmark’s largest air station, serving hearty, no-nonsense meals amid the everyday rhythms of Flyvestation Karup.
Hjarbæk Kro 2021 Aps
28.1 km
Modern Danish inn cuisine and candlelit hygge on the edge of Hjarbæk Fjord, where classic kromad meets wide water views and glowing Jutland sunsets.
Konge Buffet
30.7 km
Relaxed all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Viborg, blending Chinese dishes, Mongolian barbecue and sushi in a spacious, family-friendly setting.
Niels Bugges Kro
30.7 km
Historic countryside inn by Hald Sø, where refined seasonal cuisine, intimate rooms and forest-framed views create a slow, indulgent escape near Viborg.
Limfjordens Pizzaria og Grill
30.9 km
Authentic waterfront pizzeria with harbor views and warm Danish hospitality in charming Glyngøre.
Carl's Jr. Viborg
31.0 km
Flame-grilled American burgers and crispy chicken in the heart of Viborg's shopping district.
Danish Oyster Bar - Østersbar & Glyngøre Shellfish
31.0 km
A tiny Limfjord-side oyster bar where wild Danish shellfish, working harbour life and fjord views come together in a quietly memorable tasting experience.
Kjøwenhavner Kokken
31.0 km
Casual harborfront barbecue and Danish comfort food with generous portions, sea air and Limfjord views in the small coastal town of Glyngøre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sinnerup ApS
20.8 km
A bright Nordic lifestyle universe in downtown Holstebro, where design, furniture, kitchenware and women’s fashion come together as one inspiring home-focused store.
ONLY
20.9 km
Central Holstebro’s go-to women’s fashion stop, mixing Danish denim heritage with trend-led everyday styles in a compact, easy-to-browse high-street boutique.
sexshop-midt.dk
30.3 km
Discreet rural sex shop in central Jutland offering toys, lingerie and accessories in a calm, low‑profile setting on the outskirts of Havredal.
NORMAL Viborg, Viborg Storcenter
30.8 km
Bright, budget-friendly and packed with everyday essentials, NORMAL Viborg in Viborg Storcenter offers a quick, quirky shopping stop inside a modern Danish mall.
Dansk
31.0 km
Accessible, family-focused fashion in Viborg, offering practical Danish everyday clothing, outerwear and basics for all ages under one roof on Livøvej.
COW CONCEPT I / S
31.1 km
A cozy Viborg showroom where an online design shop comes to life through tactile bags, jewelry and accessories in a calm, curated studio setting.
The Old Garage
32.5 km
Characterful little vintage store in a former Viborg garage, where retro Danish furnishings, quirky curios and nostalgic finds wait behind an unassuming suburban door.
Danmission Op Shop
32.6 km
Spacious Viborg charity thrift warehouse where bargain-hunting, reuse and global-minded giving come together under one practical, volunteer-run roof.
Red Cross Op Shop
32.7 km
Spacious Red Cross thrift store in Viborg, where second-hand fashion and homeware meet Danish volunteer spirit and every bargain supports humanitarian work.
Eleganza Eterna
32.8 km
A compact Viborg fashion boutique blending Scandinavian simplicity with elegant, curated womenswear and accessories just off the city’s historic heart.
Rashed
32.9 km
A straightforward neighborhood store on Jernbanegade in central Viborg, offering everyday essentials and a quick, no-fuss stop amid the town’s lived-in streets.
Viborg Stjerne Marked
33.1 km
Compact neighborhood mini‑market and halal butcher in Viborg’s historic center, blending everyday Danish staples with Middle Eastern flavors and friendly local service.
Søsterne Grene
33.1 km
A calming Scandinavian treasure trove in central Viborg, filled with affordable décor, crafty inspiration and small everyday joys tucked inside Sct. Mathias Centret.
Rituals
33.1 km
Luxury wellness rituals inspired by Eastern traditions, transforming everyday self-care into meaningful moments.
Hunkemöller
33.1 km
Contemporary lingerie, swimwear and loungewear in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, with personal fitting help and a focused, comfortable boutique atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fox and Hounds
20.8 km
Original Scottish-style pub of Holstebro, pouring quality beers and whiskies in a cozy, wood-lined bar at the heart of this cultural Jutland town.
Seaside v/Thomas rohde
32.2 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in Sunds offering cold beers, simple drinks and a relaxed slice of everyday Danish nightlife in Central Jutland.
Mødestedet Viborg ApS
32.4 km
Cosy local bar and meeting place in Viborg, blending classic Danish pub vibes with flexible space for social events, dance evenings and everyday gatherings.
Roxy Malt Viborg
33.0 km
Cosy Irish-style pub in central Viborg with specialty beers, cocktails, live music and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere for unhurried nights out.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
33.1 km
High-energy après-ski style beer bar in central Viborg, pouring big drafts, loud music and late-night party vibes with free entry and group-friendly seating.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
33.1 km
Unpretentious central Viborg bar with friendly staff, late weekend hours, affordable drinks and occasional karaoke nights in a laid-back pub setting.
CRAVE Bar
33.2 km
Cosy Viborg bodega and karaoke bar where cold beers, pool games and sing-along nights blend into an easygoing, late-night local hangout.
Tema Bar
33.2 km
A loud, late‑night party bar in central Viborg with colorful lights, mainstream beats and no‑frills drinks, perfect for weekend dancing and a casual night out.
Rabalder Bar Viborg
33.2 km
Casual, colorful bar energy in the heart of Viborg’s old town, blending easygoing Danish hygge with lively late-night drinks and sociable weekend parties.
Sportspub Målet
33.2 km
Classic Danish sports bodega in central Viborg, where cold beer, big matches, karaoke and late-night hygge keep the lights on long after the final whistle.
Café Børsen
33.3 km
A long‑standing Viborg café‑bar where Danish hygge, history and late‑night drinks meet in one cozy, central hangout on Gravene.
Ølluminati Brewbar
33.3 km
Microbrewery bar in Viborg’s old town, serving ever-changing small-batch craft beers and ciders in a cozy, quirky setting with a relaxed, music-filled atmosphere.
Mathias Kælderen
33.3 km
Cosy cellar bar in central Viborg offering hygge-filled evenings, rustic charm and relaxed drinks just steps below the historic streets of Sankt Mathias Gade.
Rockabilly Bar
33.3 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Bodega Hegnet
33.4 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Der Kuhstall Mønsted
20.0 km
Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.
East End Holstebro
20.8 km
High-energy disco club in central Holstebro, where DJs, flashing lights, and a packed dance floor keep the party going into the early morning hours.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
30.4 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Fermaten
39.2 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Mindegade5
39.4 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
HQ-CSI
53.4 km
Intimate late-night club in coastal Thisted, where locals bring small-town North Jutland energy to a compact dance floor and an easygoing bar scene.
Dampmøllen Thisted
53.4 km
Late-night Thisted institution in a former steam mill, with multiple dance floors, bars and a distinctly Danish small-town party atmosphere.
Diskotek Showoff
54.1 km
Thisted’s late-night disco club, where colorful lights, loud beats, and a compact dancefloor bring big-city party energy to this small coastal town.
Rabalder Bar
54.6 km
Lively late-night bar in central Silkeborg, known for energetic weekends, diverse drinks, fun music, and a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere for locals and travelers.
Roxy Malt
54.7 km
Retro-chic bar in the heart of Silkeborg offering craft beers, creative cocktails, and regular entertainment, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
54.8 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
54.9 km
Scandinavia’s celebrated Riverboat Jazz Festival: riverside concerts, boat gigs, and open-air revelry set against Silkeborg’s scenic lakes and vibrant summer spirit.
Kedelhuset
54.9 km
Kedelhuset: Silkeborg’s buzzing live music and culture venue, blending industrial heritage with creative energy in the lively riverside Papirfabrikken district.
Buddy Holly
59.2 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Jazz Hobro
59.5 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly