Høgdal: A Living Museum of Rural Danish Heritage
Step back in time at Høgdal, Central Jutland’s idyllic open-air museum, where authentic farm life, heritage crafts, and Danish rural traditions come vividly to life.
Nestled in the scenic heartland near Them in Central Jutland, Høgdal is an immersive open-air museum that breathes life into Denmark's rural history. Visitors discover beautifully preserved farm buildings, vibrant flower gardens, and peaceful woodland surroundings. The site offers a tangible glimpse into the daily rhythms, traditions, and craftsmanship of Danish country life from past centuries. It’s a tranquil step back in time, perfect for families and lovers of culture and nature alike.
A brief summary to The Uncovered Bridge
- Vestbirkvej 2, Braedstrup, 8740, DK
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring cash or a Danish debit card, as small rural museums sometimes have limited card facilities.
- Check the event calendar—seasonal festivals and hands-on craft days offer an extra memorable experience.
- Comfortable footwear is recommended; some paths are uneven or grassy, especially after rain.
- Consider packing a picnic—outdoor tables by the pond make for a peaceful midday break.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Regional buses connect towns like Silkeborg and Them with stops in the rural outskirts. From the bus stop near Høgdal, a 10–15 minute walk along country lanes, past open fields and woodland edges, brings visitors to the museum entrance. Single adult tickets typically range from 24 to 36 DKK depending on distance. Be mindful that service frequency may be reduced on weekends or public holidays.
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Driving
Approaching Høgdal by car is straightforward from the Silkeborg area, with the countryside unfolding into gentle farmland as purpose-built brown heritage signs indicate the museum’s proximity. Free parking is available near the entrance, though spaces may fill quickly during special events. There are no tolls or permit charges along the final approach.
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Taxi
Taxis from Silkeborg or central Them offer a quick and convenient route to Høgdal, with the drive typically lasting 10–15 minutes and costing between 130 and 180 DKK each way. Taxis can access all the way to the museum’s main gate, making this option especially suited for small groups or those with limited mobility.
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Cycling
The quiet lanes and gently rolling landscape between Silkeborg, Them, and Høgdal make cycling a rewarding option for active travelers. The route passes woodland and farmland, offering a scenic leisurely ride of around 30–45 minutes from Silkeborg. Equipped racks are available for securing bicycles at the site.
Discover more about The Uncovered Bridge
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ejer Bavnehøj
8.8 km
A modest Danish hill with a mighty horizon, Ejer Bavnehøj blends reunification history, beacon legends and big-sky views into an easy, rewarding countryside stop.
Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj
8.8 km
Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
11.3 km
Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
Jættestuen grønhøj
12.8 km
5.000 år gammel jættestue midt i det østjyske kulturlandskab – et stille møde mellem bondestenalderens stenkonstruktioner, skov, marker og Bygholm Sø.
Årtusindeskifte Eg
13.9 km
An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.
Horsens Tourist Information Centre
14.3 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter unite in the vibrant city center.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
14.6 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
15.2 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Bilka Horsens
16.3 km
Experience the rich theatrical heritage of Odense at the historic Comediehuus, a cultural landmark since its inception.
De Små Fisk
20.2 km
Discover De Små Fisk near Silkeborg: a serene lakeside escape with a child-friendly beach, scenic trails, and primitive camping, perfect for nature lovers and families seeking outdoor adventures.
Knagerne Silkeborg
20.6 km
Explore Knagerne Silkeborg, an untouched ancient forest where time stands still, offering a unique and immersive nature experience in the heart of Denmark's Lake District.
Lovisehøj
20.8 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Det gamle vandtårn
21.0 km
Skanderborg's 41.5-meter castle-style water tower from 1908—a striking symbol of industrial heritage and urban progress.
Kroghs Bænk
21.3 km
Elevated forest sanctuary with panoramic lake views and 19th-century heritage
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
21.7 km
Roskilde’s historic main square blends medieval roots with lively markets and café culture, making it an essential stop in the heart of town.
Unmissable attractions to see
Slaggård Banke
3.2 km
Bronze Age barrows, big-sky vistas and a stargazing shelter on a glacial ridge above the Gudenå Valley, just beyond the village of Østbirk in Central Jutland.
Yding Skovhøjs parkeringsplads
6.9 km
Denmark's highest point awaits at this forest gateway, crowned with ancient Bronze Age mounds.
Abbey Mill
7.4 km
Historic monastery mill turned lakeside retreat, where Denmark’s longest wooden building, canoe-filled waterways and big-sky views meet in the Mossø hills.
Yding Skovhøj
7.5 km
Ancient Bronze Age burial mounds, gentle forest trails and a long-running “highest point” debate meet atop this modest yet characterful hill in East Jutland.
Møllehøj
8.5 km
Stand on Denmark’s highest natural point atop a quiet Jutland farm hill, marked by a lone millstone and wide views across the gently rolling Ejerbjerge.
Møllehøj, DK's highest hill
8.5 km
A modest hill with a millstone marker, Møllehøj turns Denmark’s highest natural point into a gentle countryside detour packed with quiet geographic significance.
Genforeningstårn på Ejer Bavnehøj
8.8 km
Step inside a living time capsule at Mølholmgård Købmandsmuseum, where the charm of Denmark’s rural merchant life is preserved in a historic village setting.
Møllehjulet
8.8 km
Compact circular kiosk and information hub on Denmark’s rooftop at Ejer Bavnehøj, combining refreshments, facilities and landscape insight amid sweeping views.
Mossø
9.1 km
Jutland’s largest lake, where wide horizons, protected birdlife and easygoing outdoor adventures meet in the rolling Danish Lake Highlands.
Øm Klostermuseum
9.6 km
Atmospheric monastery ruins and a specialist museum in skeletal archaeology, set between Jutland’s lakes with herb gardens, graves and traces of medieval monastic life.
Kallehave bålhytte
10.2 km
A modest grill shelter tucked into the Kallehave woods near Gl. Rye, perfect for unhurried campfire cooking and a quiet break on forest hikes.
Justenborg Vin & Juletræer
11.3 km
Cut your own Christmas tree and taste estate-grown Danish wine in Skanderborg's countryside.
Tåning Å
11.8 km
A serene stream through Denmark's lake highlands, perfect for canoeing and wildlife observation.
Ulvedalen
13.7 km
A small, forested ravine on Horsens’ edge where woodland paths, gentle hills and playful “Naturetales” walks turn an ordinary outing into a quiet, story-filled escape.
Ry havn
13.9 km
Quiet lakeside marina in Ry, offering relaxed waterfront life, boat trips into the Silkeborg Lakes and easy access to the gentle hills of Denmark’s lake district.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Møllebæk
10.7 km
Rural Danish restaurant and events venue near Gedved, renowned for hearty stegt flæsk evenings and relaxed, homely celebrations in a countryside setting.
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
11.3 km
Intimate family-run hotel and seasonal restaurant in Ry, where garden-driven Danish cuisine, good wine and quiet countryside surroundings create a cosy Jutland escape.
Amalielund Mad - Horsens
13.1 km
Relaxed Danish dining and flexible catering in green surroundings by Horsens Golf Club, combining classic smørrebrød, hearty comfort food and seasonal menus.
Café Himmelsk
13.8 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
KobKun
13.8 km
Tiny Thai kitchen in the heart of Ry, serving fragrant curries and stir-fries in an intimate 13-seat space with a strong local takeaway following.
Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
13.9 km
Casual neighborhood pizza and chicken takeaway in Ry, serving hearty portions and familiar flavors for easy, budget‑friendly dinners after a day outdoors.
Restaurant Kystens Perle
13.9 km
Lakeside skovrestaurant by Bygholm Sø serving hearty, traditional Danish comfort food in relaxed, old‑school surroundings with wide views of water and forest.
Umisushi
13.9 km
Neighbourhood sushi and takeaway in the lakeside town of Ry, serving fresh rolls and casual Japanese favourites in a relaxed, modern setting.
Ry Gastropub
13.9 km
Relaxed gastropub heart of Ry, serving comforting pub favourites, modern Danish flavours and easygoing drinks in a warm, social setting from lunch to late evening.
Hotel Ry
13.9 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
13.9 km
Intimate hotel brasserie in lakeside Ry, pairing French‑inspired comfort food, seasonal Danish ingredients and candlelit evening ambience in the heart of Søhøjlandet.
Restaurant Da Angelo
14.0 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
Lakeside Ry - Restaurant
14.0 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
Svejstrup Præstegård
14.3 km
Historic rectory garden transformed into a seasonal summer restaurant and cultural venue.
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
14.5 km
Casual hilltop cafeteria at Himmelbjerget, serving classic Danish comfort food and ice cream with wide views over the Silkeborg lakes and surrounding forests.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
3.5 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in Østbirk where low-priced fashion, furniture and curios support both local community life and international humanitarian work.
Anne & Lotte
3.8 km
A cozy little gift shop on Østbirk’s main street, filled with Scandinavian-style homewares and thoughtful presents in a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
McCabe's Riding / McCabe's Tack & Feed
5.2 km
Rural Jutland’s one-stop equestrian hub, combining a working riding centre atmosphere with a well-stocked tack and feed store for riders and horse lovers.
Christys Festtøj
10.5 km
Gedved's premier boutique for bridal gowns and elegant occasion wear.
Ville vintage
10.6 km
Discover timeless treasures and unique vintage finds at Ville Vintage in Skanderborg.
Deko Home - Danish Recycling Furniture
10.7 km
Timeless Danish furniture crafted entirely from recycled wood in a working studio.
Else Rønne Keramik
10.8 km
Handcrafted Danish ceramics emphasizing minimalist design and functional beauty in a rural Jutland workshop.
Shell / 7-Eleven Ejer Bavnehøj West
10.9 km
24/7 motorway pit stop at Ejer Bavnehøj, combining Shell fuel and a compact 7‑Eleven shop for coffee, snacks and essentials on the E45 through Jutland.
Dagli'Brugsen Gl. Rye
11.4 km
Community-owned supermarket where every purchase strengthens local bonds and supports sustainable living.
Made by Ella
11.5 km
Intimate goldsmith’s studio in Ry, where local jewelry artist Julie Ella Jappe handcrafts custom designs and contemporary pieces in a calm, small-town setting.
Boserup Keramik
12.0 km
Intimate countryside ceramics studio in East Jutland, where handcrafted stoneware cups, vases and sculptures are created and sold directly from the potter’s own workshop.
Provence Antik
12.1 km
Curated Provençal antiques and vintage treasures in the heart of Skanderborg.
Nordic Yarn - a woolly affair
13.8 km
A cosy, family-run Nordic wool shop on a Jutland farm near Ry, where Icelandic and Norwegian yarn fill the shelves and horses graze just outside.
by Diana
13.8 km
An intimate Ry lingerie boutique offering personal fittings, Scandinavian style and a carefully curated selection of everyday essentials and special-occasion pieces.
Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik
13.8 km
Historic farm shop in a mill building, selling wild game from estate forests with uncompromising quality and sustainability.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sprutskuret I/S
3.8 km
A cosy, no-fuss neighborhood bar on Østbirk’s main street, where simple drinks, local life and unhurried conversations create a classic small-town Danish atmosphere.
Høkeren
13.9 km
Possibly Denmark’s smallest pub, Høkeren in Ry distills classic Danish tavern culture into 18 sociable square meters of wood, warmth and well‑poured drinks.
La Vinya
13.9 km
Chic wine bar and tapas lounge in Ry, offering curated wines, local bites, and cozy ambiance—perfect for unwinding after your Himmelbjerget adventure.
Ambolten Ry
13.9 km
Cosy neighborhood bar and social hub in the heart of Ry, mixing cold beers, live music and small-town charm in a laid-back, living-room atmosphere.
Kom Tit
15.0 km
Smoky, old-school Horsens pub in a yellow 19th-century building, with cheap beers, billiards, darts and a laid-back local crowd from midday to late night.
Værtshuse
15.4 km
A compact, traditional Danish bar on Allegade in Horsens, serving simple drinks and everyday atmosphere for those who enjoy classic brown‑pub charm.
The Long Field Road
15.4 km
AC Horsens’ Irish-inspired fan pub, where yellow-and-black passion, cold beer and stadium buzz come together in one lively Horsens clubhouse.
Horsens Sport og Pool Bar
15.5 km
Central Horsens sports bar with 23 screens, pool tables, and competitive games in a welcoming, energetic atmosphere.
Stalden
15.6 km
Relaxed pool and sports bar in central Horsens, blending cue sports, big-screen matches, board games, casual bites and easygoing drinks in one social hangout.
Hemingway's Horsens
15.6 km
Late-night bar and nightclub in central Horsens, delivering cocktail-fueled weekends, loud music, and a packed dance floor until the early morning hours.
Morzybitten
15.6 km
Cozy Danish pub‑brasserie in central Horsens, pairing classic smørrebrød and hearty dishes with a remarkably broad beer list and occasional intimate live music.
Restaurant Wulff ApS
15.6 km
Late-night bar and nightclub-style hangout in central Horsens, turning quiet Rædersgade into a lively social hub on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Vores lille Vinbar
15.7 km
An intimate Horsens wine bar where candlelight, jazz and personal guidance meet a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass and bottle.
The Golden Horse
15.7 km
Unpretentious local bar in central Horsens, pouring affordable drinks from morning to late night amid slot machines, sports on TV and easygoing neighborhood chat.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Horsens A/S
15.7 km
High-energy Alpine after-ski bar in central Horsens with big beer steins, Schlager singalongs and a late-night dance-floor party vibe.
