Klosterlund Museum
Stone Age artifacts and industrial heritage converge in a beautifully restored peat factory overlooking Lake Bølling.
Klosterlund Museum showcases the rich history of Central Jutland, from Stone Age settlements to the industrial peat era. Housed in a beautifully restored 120-year-old boulder farm, the museum features original archaeological finds including the renowned Hammerum girl's 2,000-year-old dress, alongside authentic peat-working machinery. A large nature playground overlooks Lake Bølling, and visitors can encounter heritage farm animals. Summer demonstrations reveal traditional peat-harvesting techniques.
A brief summary to Klosterlund Museum
- Kragelundvej 6A, Engesvang, 7442, DK
- +4596261930
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during summer weekends to witness volunteer demonstrations of traditional peat-harvesting techniques, which bring the industrial heritage to vivid life.
- Allow time to explore the nature playground and interact with heritage farm animals; families should plan 2–3 hours for a complete visit.
- The museum is closed Mondays and Fridays; plan visits for Tuesday through Thursday or weekends during the April–October season.
- Combine your museum visit with a walk around Lake Bølling's scenic shoreline and nearby forest trails for a full day of exploration.
- Children enter free; the museum shop offers small souvenirs and the café provides refreshments with both indoor and outdoor seating.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Silkeborg
Drive approximately 20 kilometers south from Silkeborg town center via Route 16 toward Engesvang, following signs to Klosterlund Museum. Journey time is roughly 25–30 minutes. Free parking is available on-site. The museum is accessible year-round by car, though winter access (November–March) is limited to special opening hours during holiday periods.
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Bus from Herning
Regional bus services connect Herning to Engesvang, with journey times of approximately 45–60 minutes depending on route and connections. Services operate regularly but are less frequent on weekends. Check local transport schedules for current timetables. The museum is a short walk from the Engesvang bus stop.
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Bicycle from Lake Bølling
The museum is accessible via regional cycling routes around Lake Bølling, approximately 5–8 kilometers from the lake's main recreational areas. Journey time by bicycle is 20–30 minutes depending on starting point. Routes are generally flat and suitable for leisure cycling. Bike parking is available at the museum.
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Walking from Engesvang village
From Engesvang village center, the museum is approximately 2–3 kilometers away via local roads and forest paths. Walking takes 30–40 minutes depending on route and fitness level. The final approach follows Kragelundvej, which has limited pedestrian infrastructure; exercise caution on this section.
Klosterlund Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Klosterlund Museum
From Ancient Hunters to Industrial Heritage
Klosterlund Museum tells the compelling story of human settlement in Central Jutland spanning thousands of years. The narrative begins with Stone Age hunter-gatherers who lived along the shores of Lake Bølling, continues through the medieval period, and culminates in the region's transformation into a major peat-production center during the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum's collections reveal how successive generations adapted to and exploited the natural landscape, particularly the extensive bog systems that once defined the local economy. The archaeological exhibitions feature finds of exceptional significance, including pottery, tools, and textiles that illuminate daily life in prehistoric times. Among the most prized artifacts is the Hammerum girl, whose grave contained one of Denmark's best-preserved ancient textiles—a nearly 2,000-year-old dress that provides rare insight into Roman Iron Age craftsmanship and fashion. Northern Europe's oldest wheel is also displayed, underscoring the site's archaeological importance.The Peat Industry and Mechanical Innovation
The museum's second major theme explores the industrial transformation of the landscape. From the 1800s onward, peat extraction became the economic lifeblood of the region, attracting entrepreneurs and laborers who transformed the bogs into productive industrial zones. The exhibition showcases original machinery—from hand tools to steam-powered equipment—that powered this extraction. Visitors encounter the stories of local figures like Martin Anchersen, a peat producer who accumulated wealth during the 1930s boom and became instrumental in establishing the museum itself. During summer months, volunteer demonstrations bring this industrial heritage to life, recreating the physically demanding work of hand-digging and machine-powered peat extraction. These performances offer visceral understanding of the labor that sustained the regional economy for generations.Architectural Setting and Restoration
The museum occupies a former peat factory building—a 120-year-old boulder farm that has been meticulously restored and modernized by dedicated volunteers. The renovation maintains the authentic character of the original structure while providing modern exhibition spaces and visitor amenities. The careful restoration work reflects the community's commitment to preserving both the physical heritage and the stories embedded within these walls. The surrounding landscape, with views toward Lake Bølling and the forested terrain, creates an immersive context for understanding how geography shaped local history.Interactive Experiences for Families
Beyond exhibitions, the museum offers extensive outdoor spaces designed for active engagement. A large nature playground provides free play opportunities with panoramic views of Lake Bølling and the surrounding forest. Children can interact with heritage farm animals—horses, rabbits, geese, pigeons, and chickens—representing traditional agricultural breeds that once populated the region. These living connections to the past complement the artifact-based learning inside the museum building.The "Face to Face" Exhibition
A distinctive exhibition titled "Face to Face" presents the museum's most invaluable archaeological treasures through a contemporary lens. Rather than displaying artifacts in isolation, the exhibition pairs ancient finds with personal narratives and photographs of present-day Central Jutlanders, creating dialogue between past and present. This approach transforms archaeological objects into windows onto human experience, allowing visitors to recognize continuity and change across millennia.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bølling Lake
1.8 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
11.1 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Silkeborg Water Tower
12.3 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
12.5 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Lovisehøj
15.0 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Ilva
19.9 km
Experience contemporary art in a repurposed 1950s vending machine at Vejle's innovative Kunsthal Vejle.
Herning Turist
19.9 km
Experience panoramic views of Vejle's landscapes from the accessible Udsigtstårn observation tower.
Store Troldhøj
21.3 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
22.2 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Randershøj
22.3 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Himmelbjerget
22.4 km
Denmark's iconic sky mountain: where democracy was born and panoramic lake views stretch endlessly.
Himmelbjergtårnet
22.4 km
Discover panoramic views and Danish history atop Himmelbjerget, the iconic 'Sky Mountain' in the heart of the Lake District, offering hiking, boat trips, and cultural experiences.
Herningsholm Museum
22.5 km
Experience Central Jutland’s aristocratic past and local history in a beautifully preserved manor house surrounded by serene gardens in Herning.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
22.5 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Dynæs voldsted
22.6 km
Medieval fortress ruin commanding Juulsø lake, where 14th-century power and water strategy converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Den mystiske troldesten
0.8 km
A mysterious stone formation within a woodland dog park, blending folklore, nature, and outdoor recreation.
Stenalderens Jægere
2.4 km
A quiet rural stop near Silkeborg where fields, woods and wetlands hint at the lives of Stone Age hunters who once moved through this Jutland landscape.
Vandskellet
2.7 km
Stand on Denmark’s quiet continental divide, where raindrops choose between the Skjern Å to the west and the Gudenå to the east in softly rolling farmland.
Murermester Rasmus Nielsens Mindesten
2.9 km
Discover modern art masterpieces, Danish expressionism, and international talent at the heart of Silkeborg’s creative scene in Jutland’s premier contemporary art gallery.
Funder Ruin
9.1 km
A colossal Ice Age boulder quietly resting in the fields near Silkeborg, where ancient geology, rural calm and subtle Danish folklore meet in one modest landmark.
Scandic Silkeborg
10.1 km
Scandinavian comfort by the lake: a pool, forest paths and flexible spaces on Silkeborg’s tranquil green edge.
Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
10.9 km
A towering recycled-wood troll by Thomas Dambo, hidden in Silkeborg’s lakeside forest, where fairytale art, playful exploration and peaceful nature meet.
Vinderslevholm
11.0 km
Late Gothic manor on a lake peninsula, where red-brick gables, still water and open Jutland fields create a quietly dramatic snapshot of Danish manor heritage.
MOSES
11.0 km
Discover leading Danish and international contemporary art in the heart of Silkeborg, with exhibitions, events, and a welcoming, creative atmosphere at Galerie Moderne.
Museum Silkeborg, Blicheregnen
11.1 km
Historic vicarage museum in Thorning exploring Blicher’s life, Jutland heath society, the Battle of Grathe Heath and a quirky global animal collection.
Silkeborg Bunkermuseum
11.1 km
Step into an original German WWII bunker in Silkeborg and discover how a quiet Jutland hillside became the nerve centre of Denmark’s wartime occupation.
Silkeborg park
11.2 km
A tranquil sculpture‑studded green escape at Silkeborg Bad, where lakeside forest, gentle lawns and contemporary art meet on the edge of Denmark’s outdoor capital.
Silkebog skulpturpark
11.2 km
A quiet corner of Silkeborg where contemporary sculptures and woodland paths blend into an open-air gallery, inviting slow walks, reflection and relaxed art encounters.
Art Center
11.2 km
Contemporary art and nature converge in a historic health resort transformed into Denmark's most distinctive sculpture park experience.
Galerie Moderne Silkeborg
12.1 km
One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant The Grill Silkeborg
12.0 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet with 15+ meat cuts, 50+ salads, and theatrical carving in Silkeborg.
Gusto Silkeborg
12.0 km
Savor delicious sandwiches, pizzas, and salads at Gusto Silkeborg – your culinary stop in the heart of Denmark.
Burger Beast Silkeborg
12.0 km
No-nonsense, juicy burgers with organic beef, soft buns and signature Beast dressing in a relaxed, central Silkeborg burger bar geared for eat-in and takeaway.
Sabel - Restaurant og Bar
12.0 km
Seasonal cooking, crafted cocktails and intimate atmosphere come together at this central Silkeborg restaurant and bar with a cosy basement for private gatherings.
Green Habits
12.0 km
Fresh, fast and colourful bowls, wraps and burgers in central Silkeborg, where everyday “green” eating meets casual café comfort and easy takeaway.
Flamingo Pizza V/Aydin Wahab
12.1 km
Casual, central Silkeborg pizzeria serving generous family trays, classic slices and hearty kebabs in a straightforward, budget-friendly setting on Nygade.
Okkels Silkeborg ApS
12.1 km
Organic Italian-style gelato, eco-conscious details and a warm neighbourhood buzz in the heart of Silkeborg’s cosy Latin Quarter.
VIVI Mad- & Vinbar
12.1 km
Cosy Silkeborg wine bar and kitchen serving shareable plates, pizzas and a well-chosen wine list in an intimate, candlelit setting on Nygade.
Cafe K Silkeborg
12.1 km
Silkeborg's vibrant casual dining hub where quality brunch, cocktails, and community converge.
Restaurant Piaf
12.1 km
Intimate French gourmet dining in the heart of Silkeborg, where southern French roots, seasonal Nordic produce and thoughtful wines create long, lingering evenings.
Restaurant King Buffet (Borgergade)
12.1 km
Big, bustling Asian buffet in central Silkeborg, serving sushi, Chinese classics, Mongolian grill and soft‑ice desserts at fixed prices ideal for families and groups.
Joci Sushi
12.1 km
Casual, central Silkeborg sushi spot with generous platters, warm purple-toned interiors and a strong takeaway culture on lively pedestrian Nygade.
Four Hands Restaurant
12.1 km
Intimate, chef-led dining in central Silkeborg where a daily changing set menu, seasonal Danish produce and warm hygge hospitality turn dinner into an evening-long experience.
Restaurant Spyd
12.1 km
Charcoal-grilled Turkish kebabs and Middle Eastern specialties in casual Silkeborg dining.
Hot Inn
12.1 km
Casual Middle Eastern–inspired comfort food, fresh from the charcoal grill, served in a simple, welcoming space on bustling Nygade in central Silkeborg.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hjemmebryggeren v/Ken Gade Thøgersen
8.9 km
A no‑nonsense Silkeborg homebrewing hub where sacks of malt, fragrant hops and expert advice help turn curious visitors into confident DIY beer makers.
Designa Køkken Kjellerup
10.8 km
Danish kitchen design expertise and 1,000 square meters of inspiration for your perfect home.
SHOPPE LOPPE
11.4 km
A vast indoor flea-market supermarket in Silkeborg with over 400 stands, mixing retro design, antiques, clothing and curios in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Let-Køb (Byens Købmand Kjellerup)
11.4 km
Local grocer with fresh produce, competitive prices, and genuine community service in central Kjellerup.
Special-butikken Rask A/S
11.5 km
Silkeborg's trusted source for professional tools, equipment, and expert guidance since 1978.
Papirvarer
11.7 km
Functional, businesslike office supply store in Silkeborg, ideal for restocking everyday stationery, paper and packaging when you need reliable essentials fast.
Gimli-Store v/Bjarne Laursen
11.7 km
Denmark's premier archery equipment specialist, serving archers of all disciplines with expert knowledge and quality gear.
Læsehesten Silkeborg
11.8 km
A cosy Silkeborg cave of used books, comics, games and films where collectors, readers and gamers lose track of time among shelves of nostalgic finds.
KiDS Coolshop Silkeborg
11.9 km
Big-box toy wonderland on Brokbjergvej, where Silkeborg families and visitors stock up on games, gifts and playful gear for kids of every age.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
12.0 km
A compact burst of colorful Scandinavian design in central Silkeborg, perfect for quirky gifts, affordable homeware and playful everyday essentials.
Børnenes Kartel Silkeborg
12.0 km
A Scandinavian-style toy and children’s universe in central Silkeborg, where quality play, creative decor and family-friendly service turn shopping into a playful outing.
Boemo
12.0 km
A cozy Silkeborg lifestyle store where Scandinavian interiors, curated fashion and gallery art come together in one calm, design-focused space.
Mr Silkeborg A / S
12.0 km
Refined menswear boutique in central Silkeborg, combining Danish and international brands with attentive, style-focused service for business, casual and occasion wear.
Bog & idé - Silkeborg Vestergade
12.1 km
Silkeborg's beloved bookstore and stationery hub since 1930, offering books, office supplies, and gifts.
Companys Silkeborg
12.1 km
Modern Scandinavian womenswear in a calm, central Silkeborg boutique, ideal for curated wardrobe updates between café stops and city-center strolls.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Marquart Anita
6.5 km
Unpretentious local bar in Bording, serving cold beers, simple drinks and plenty of small-town Danish atmosphere under the watchful eye of host Anita Marquart.
Kaptajnens Slyngelstue
10.3 km
An old-school Danish bodega in Silkeborg where cold beer, warm banter and a hint of maritime mischief create the captain’s cosiest neighbourhood hideout.
Woodys Aps
11.2 km
Experience the warm ambiance and diverse drinks at Woodys Aps, a central bar in Silkeborg.
Kings Pub
11.8 km
Straightforward local bar on Borgergade in Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and a relaxed, sociable pub atmosphere from daytime into late evening.
Butchers Silkeborg
12.0 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
Bifrost Sports Pub
12.0 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Rabalder Bar
12.0 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
12.0 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Kaffebaren
12.1 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
12.1 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Sportspubben Målet
12.1 km
A cozy, no-frills sports pub in central Silkeborg, where big screens, cold beer and local chatter turn every match day into a shared living room.
Roxy Malt
12.1 km
Irish-inspired Silkeborg pub with live music, quizzes, speciality beers and a cosy courtyard, blending retro charm with late-night energy in the town centre.
Bodega Hjørnet
12.3 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
Café Kling Klang
12.3 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
The Admiral Pub
12.3 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
12.2 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Mindegade5
24.2 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
24.4 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.
Vesterbro Pub
29.5 km
Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.
Restaurant Latinerly
29.6 km
A vibrant culinary and nightlife landmark in Viborg, Restaurant Latinerly blends Nordic dining, creative cocktails, and festive energy in a historic setting.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
29.6 km
Lively, affordable bar at Viborg’s historic center—Terminalen offers all-day drinks, local vibes, and Danish hygge for city explorers and socializers.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
30.2 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.
Der Kuhstall Mønsted
30.6 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.
Team Paderborner
39.2 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Jazzens Venner
43.5 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
Scandic Opus Horsens
45.8 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
Sölibat Natklub
47.1 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
Hemingway's Horsens
47.1 km
Late-night disco bar in central Horsens with a mature crowd, classic hits from past decades and a cozy-but-lively atmosphere every Friday and Saturday.
Morzybitten
47.2 km
Experience the essence of Danish 'hygge' at Morzybitten, Horsens' premier barista and beer bar with live music.
PDD
47.3 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access