Bogormen Jesper H Willumsen
A beloved Esbjerg “nerd cave” where towering shelves of second-hand books, vinyl and CDs turn slow browsing into a treasure hunt of cultural leftovers.
Tucked into pedestrian Kongensgade in central Esbjerg, Bogormen Jesper H Willumsen is a wonderfully cluttered den of second-hand culture, where shelves and boxes brim with used books, vinyl records, CDs, comics and curios. Part bookshop, part music store and part treasure trove, it invites slow browsing rather than quick errands. Locals know it as a classic “nerd cave”: narrow aisles, stacked shelves, the faint scent of paper and plastic sleeves, and the thrill of never quite knowing what rare novel, out-of-print album or cult film might appear around the next corner.
A brief summary to Bogormen Jesper H Willumsen
- Kongensgade 3, Esbjerg, 6700, DK
- +4575139977
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least an hour; the narrow aisles, stacked shelves and constant surprises make quick visits difficult once you start browsing.
- Come with a loose wishlist rather than a single must-find title so you can enjoy serendipitous discoveries among the mixed stock.
- If you are searching for something specific, ask the staff; they often know exactly which corner hides a given genre or author.
- Bring a sturdy bag; it is easy to end up with a heavier pile of books and records than you planned.
- Check opening hours in advance, especially for Saturdays and holidays, as the shop keeps traditional daytime trading times.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Bogormen Jesper H Willumsen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Bogormen Jesper H Willumsen
A legendary den of books and music in Esbjerg
Bogormen Jesper H Willumsen is one of those rare old-school shops that feels more like an attic you have been allowed to explore than a conventional retailer. Set on Kongensgade, Esbjerg’s main shopping street, it has spent decades trading in used books, magazines and music under the eye of its eponymous owner, who started the business in his early twenties. Over time it has become a fixture in the city’s cultural landscape, a place where generations have swapped pocket money for paperback crime novels, rock albums and comic books. Step inside and you leave the polished storefronts of the pedestrian street behind. The space quickly narrows into aisles where shelves reach toward the ceiling and improvised stacks fill every gap. There is a quiet rustle of pages as people browse, the muted clack of CD cases being opened and shut, and the low hum of any background music competing with the creak of floorboards. It is the opposite of minimalist design: this is maximalist nostalgia, a visual collage of spines, covers and posters.From student paperbacks to cult vinyl finds
The stock here is wildly eclectic, reflecting what the city brings through the door. One section may be packed with Scandinavian crime fiction; another with battered fantasy sagas and classic literary editions. Children’s shelves mix modern picture books with older titles and well-loved series, while art, history and hobby books line quieter corners. For many visitors, half the pleasure lies in the randomness: you might arrive looking for a specific author and leave instead with an obscure essay collection or a vintage cookbook. Music fans are equally well served. Racks of CDs and rows of vinyl take up much of the floor space, ranging from mainstream rock and pop to heavier genres, jazz collections and the occasional soundtrack oddity. Esbjerg’s rock and metal scene has used the shop as a loose focal point, and it is not unusual to come across albums from local acts alongside international names. For collectors on a budget, the second-hand nature of the shop makes it possible to experiment, picking up unfamiliar artists without paying new-release prices.The joy of slow browsing and chance discoveries
Bogormen rewards time and curiosity. This is not a place for in-and-out errands; it lends itself to slow circuits through the aisles, pulling down whatever catches your eye. The owner and staff tend to know their way around the chaos and can often point you toward a particular genre, author or band, even when the shelving system looks opaque to newcomers. The underlying order only really reveals itself after you have spent a while wandering. There is a distinct sensory atmosphere as you browse. The slightly dusty smell of old paper mingles with the plasticky scent of record sleeves, while the muted daylight from the front windows fades into a cosier glow deeper inside. The shop’s narrowness amplifies small sounds: a page turning, a laugh shared over a bizarre cover illustration, the soft slide of a record being tested in and out of its sleeve. These simple details make it easy to lose track of time.A cultural living room for Esbjerg’s collectors
Beyond the merchandise, Bogormen functions as a kind of informal community space. Regulars drop by to trade in boxes of books from a recent clear-out or to see what has arrived in the latest batch. Conversations start over a shared love of a particular author or band and drift into broader chats about local events, concerts or recommendations. In a city whose newer districts can feel sharply modern, the shop offers a reassuringly analogue counterpoint. Because everything is second-hand, the stock is constantly turning over. A series you saw on your last visit might be gone next time, replaced by something entirely different. That impermanence fuels repeat visits and gives each stop a sense of occasion. Whether you are a dedicated collector, a casual reader or simply curious about Esbjerg’s cultural undercurrent, Bogormen offers a window into the city’s tastes, habits and stories, preserved on paper and pressed into vinyl.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Namaste Esbjerg
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Dronning Louise
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Denmark
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Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Vadehavskysten
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An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Esbjerg Water Tower
0.4 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
1.1 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Begravet bunker
3.0 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Fanø Tourist Office
3.6 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
Fanø Krogaard
3.7 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fano Bed and Boats
3.9 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
Hjerting Badehotel
9.1 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Sønderho Church
12.9 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
13.3 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Kammerslusen Ribe
19.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
24.2 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Christian IX statue, Esbjerg
0.3 km
A regal symbol at Esbjerg’s main square, the Christian IX Statue celebrates the city’s royal origins and serves as a key gathering point in Denmark’s vibrant west coast port.
Esbjerg Art Museum
0.4 km
Denmark's experimental art laboratory where modernist masterpieces meet cutting-edge contemporary vision.
Esbjerg Bypark
0.4 km
A vibrant artistic green oasis where poetry, performance, and nature converge in the heart of Esbjerg.
Esbjerg Museum
0.5 km
Compact city museum in central Esbjerg, tracing the port town’s rapid rise, amber treasures, and wartime stories through evocative rooms and focused exhibits.
Esbjerg Byhistoriske Arkiv
0.5 km
A quiet but vital city archive where Esbjerg’s transformation from windswept harbour town to modern North Sea hub is preserved in maps, photos and personal stories.
Landgangen
0.5 km
An elevated corten-steel promenade that sweeps between Esbjerg’s city streets and working harbour, blending everyday mobility with harbour views and urban design.
Mosaicvæg “Verdensarven Vadehavet”
0.5 km
A 27‑meter community-created mosaic in a hidden Esbjerg courtyard, bringing the colours, tides and birdlife of the UNESCO Wadden Sea into the city centre.
Brunnen Park
0.6 km
A small fountain-side green space on Kirkegade, offering a quiet pause of trees, lawns and benches in the very heart of Esbjerg’s urban grid.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
0.6 km
A modest harbor footbridge with big-city harbor views, Gangbroen over Toldbodvej links central Esbjerg to its working docks in a few scenic, elevated minutes.
Borgmesterhaven
0.7 km
A small, low-key neighborhood park in central Esbjerg, offering simple greenery, benches and a brief escape from the surrounding streets and apartment blocks.
Skulptur “Kobberkors”
1.6 km
Explore Esbjerg Museum and discover the fascinating tale of Denmark’s west coast, from bustling port origins to maritime heritage and daily life exhibits.
Swimming Stadium Denmark
1.8 km
Denmark’s largest indoor swim and water park: 10,000 m² of slides, waves, competition lanes and wellness under one roof in Esbjerg’s sports district.
Skulptur “Frihedskæmpere”
1.9 km
Step into Esbjerg’s past at this hands-on city museum, featuring a recreated historic street, archaeological treasures, and stories of seafaring ambition.
Fish Auction for tourists
2.0 km
Bid on fresh catches at Denmark's largest fishing harbour in this authentic, working auction.
Vognsbølparken
2.2 km
Esbjerg’s big back garden: 178 hectares of woodland, lakes, lawns and play areas offering easy everyday nature, peaceful walks and relaxed family time.
Essential places to dine
FRÅSERI
0.0 km
Modern Italian comfort food and cosy urban atmosphere on Esbjerg’s main pedestrian street, blending Nordic simplicity with indulgent pizzas and pastas.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.1 km
Modern, mall-side café in central Esbjerg serving generous brunches, comfort food and barista coffee in a relaxed, Scandinavian-style setting.
Restaurant Flammen
0.1 km
Hearty grill buffet and cozy corners inside Esbjerg’s Broen center, where families, friends and colleagues gather for relaxed, all-you-can-eat evenings.
Mammas Pizza
0.1 km
Cosy Italian-style pizzeria hidden just off Kongensgade, serving generous stone-baked pizzas and comforting pastas in a relaxed, family-friendly Esbjerg setting.
Delicious Sandwich & Juice - Esbjerg
0.1 km
Bright, casual sandwich and juice bar on Kongensgade serving made-to-order combos, crisp salads and fresh juices for a quick, healthy-minded daytime meal.
Hos Ingeborg
0.2 km
Homemade Danish comfort food in an intimate neighbourhood setting where tradition, warmth, and generous portions reign supreme.
The Burger
0.2 km
Casual, central Esbjerg burger joint serving brioche‑bun burgers, fries and shakes all day in a modern, family‑friendly space with strong takeaway focus.
Cozmo A/S
0.2 km
Innovative Danish cuisine from fresh local ingredients in contemporary Nordic style.
Bone’s
0.2 km
All‑American ribs, burgers and salad bar in a relaxed, family‑friendly diner setting on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, ideal for hearty group meals and casual celebrations.
King Restaurant
0.2 km
Inexpensive Chinese buffet and sushi in central Esbjerg, pairing generous all‑you‑can‑eat spreads with a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere on Skolegade.
Restaurant Xing Yuan
0.2 km
Hearty Chinese buffet, made‑to‑order wok dishes and a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere in the middle of Esbjerg’s central Skolegade dining street.
Döner Deluxe
0.2 km
Generous kebabs, long opening hours and no-fuss takeaway vibes in the heart of Esbjerg’s Skolegade nightlife street.
Pasta di Casa
0.2 km
Casual Italian pizzas and pastas in the heart of Esbjerg, offering a quick, no-frills meal option on lively Skolegade just a short walk from the harbor.
Viet Kitchen
0.2 km
Casual Vietnamese comfort food on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, serving steaming pho, fresh spring rolls and noodle dishes in a simple, welcoming setting.
Streetfood Esbjerg
0.2 km
Vibrant food hall in Esbjerg’s old theatre, blending global street kitchens, craft beer bars and cozy communal spaces under one lively city-centre roof.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bogormen Jesper H Willumsen
0.0 km
A beloved Esbjerg “nerd cave” where towering shelves of second-hand books, vinyl and CDs turn slow browsing into a treasure hunt of cultural leftovers.
BROEN Shopping
0.1 km
Modern indoor mall in the heart of Esbjerg, combining 60+ shops, eateries, cinema and daily essentials under one bright, weatherproof roof.
Monki
0.1 km
Playful Scandinavian fashion in the heart of Esbjerg, where bold prints, easy denim and mood-driven style fill a compact, colorful corner of BROEN Shopping.
Kings and Queens Esbjerg
0.1 km
Multi-brand fashion store in central Esbjerg, bringing popular Scandinavian and international labels for men and women together under one bright, modern roof.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 km
Affordable Scandinavian design meets playful creativity in Esbjerg's beloved gift and lifestyle destination.
Rød og Hvid
0.2 km
Quality children's clothing and expert service in the heart of Esbjerg's shopping district.
Bog & idé Esbjerg
0.2 km
Bright, central book and gift shop on Kongensgade with Danish titles, games and stationery, ideal for a relaxed browsing break in Esbjerg’s main shopping street.
By Lene
0.2 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, offering Scandinavian-inspired clothing and accessories in a calm, modern setting.
Bunkern Esbjerg
0.3 km
Underground gaming and miniatures haven in the heart of Esbjerg's railway district.
Zizzi - Esbjerg
0.4 km
Size-inclusive women’s fashion on Kongensgade, offering modern plus-size clothing, friendly styling advice and a focused wardrobe edit in central Esbjerg.
Only
0.4 km
Trend-forward fashion for young women who refuse to be defined by a single style.
Butts&Buttons
0.4 km
Independent Esbjerg menswear boutique with curated Scandinavian-inspired brands, quality fabrics and modern styling on central Torvegade.
Kaufmann
0.4 km
Polished menswear and attentive styling advice on Esbjerg’s main pedestrian street, offering everything from sharp suits to coastal-ready casualwear for men.
Frandsen
0.5 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, offering classic Scandinavian-inspired styles, outerwear and coordinated outfits in a relaxed setting.
Curvett.dk
0.5 km
Curvett.dk brings dedicated plus-size style to Østergade in Esbjerg, offering flattering, contemporary fashion for women who want clothes designed with curves in mind.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dowdi Pub Bar
0.1 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
0.2 km
Timber-clad, late-opening beer hut on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, serving easygoing brews and shots in a cosy, West Jutland party atmosphere at the heart of nightlife.
Pappi's pub
0.2 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
0.2 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
King George
0.2 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Skræddergården Esbjerg ApS
0.2 km
Adult-friendly dance bar in Esbjerg’s Skolegade nightlife strip, mixing DJ sets, live music nights and easygoing drinks in a former tailor’s house.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
0.2 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
Industrien
0.2 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Kasket Karl
0.2 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
0.3 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
James Bond Esbjerg
0.3 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
HomeRun Esbjerg
0.3 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
Vinbaren
0.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit and disarmingly casual, Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s brown-bar style wine hangout for late-night chats, cheap pours and the occasional close-up concert.
Dokken City Beach
0.9 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Havkatten
1.2 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly