Johannes Larsen Museum, Kerteminde
An intimate artist’s home on a hill above Kerteminde, where luminous bird paintings, preserved interiors, garden paths and sea views bring Funen’s coastal light to life.
Perched on a low hill above the water in Kerteminde, the Johannes Larsen Museum is both an art museum and a time capsule of early 20th‑century Danish coastal life. Housed in painter Johannes and Alhed Larsen’s beautifully preserved home and studios, it showcases luminous nature and bird paintings, original interiors, an old mill and a lush garden that spills towards views of the Great Belt. A modern exhibition wing, tranquil grounds and a cosy coffee house round out this intimate, atmospheric museum.
A brief summary to Johannes Larsen Museum
- Møllebakken 14, Kerteminde, 5300, DK
- +4565321177
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 1.5–2 hours so you can see both the historic house and the modern exhibition wing, and still have time to wander the gardens and mill hill.
- If you enjoy context, read a short introduction to the Funen painters beforehand; it adds depth when you encounter Larsen’s bird and coastal motifs.
- Bring a light layer even in summer—the grounds can feel breezy due to the exposed position above the water.
- Check current exhibition information for special shows in the modern gallery, which can change the focus and works on display during your visit.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Kerteminde’s old streets and harbour to see the coastal environment that inspired much of Larsen’s work.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Regional bus from Odense
From Odense city centre, take a regional bus towards Kerteminde; the journey typically takes around 40–50 minutes depending on the service. Buses run several times per hour during the day, with reduced frequency in the evening and on Sundays. A one-way adult ticket usually costs in the range of 40–60 DKK and can be purchased from ticket machines or via local transport apps. From Kerteminde’s central bus stops, expect a pleasant walk of about 10–20 minutes through town streets to reach the museum on Møllebakken.
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Car from Odense and Funen
Driving from Odense to Kerteminde generally takes about 30–40 minutes along main roads across northeastern Funen. The route is straightforward and suitable for all standard vehicles. Parking is available in Kerteminde near the museum area, but spaces can be in higher demand on sunny weekends and school holidays, especially in summer. Fuel and any applicable bridge or road costs will depend on your starting point elsewhere in Denmark, but there are no special vehicle requirements for reaching the town or the hill where the museum is located.
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Combined train and bus from elsewhere in Denmark
If you are coming from other Danish cities such as Copenhagen or Aarhus, travel first by train to Odense, a major rail hub with frequent intercity services. Journey times vary from roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on route and departure, and standard adult fares typically start in the low hundreds of DKK for second-class tickets when bought in advance. From Odense, change to the regional bus towards Kerteminde, adding about 40–50 minutes of travel. Factor in transfer time at the station and check timetables, as evening and weekend services may be less frequent.
Johannes Larsen Museum location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Johannes Larsen Museum
An artist’s home overlooking the Great Belt
The Johannes Larsen Museum sits on Møllebakken, a gentle hill in Kerteminde with sweeping views towards the Great Belt and the Kattegat. Here, in the early 1900s, painter Johannes Larsen and his wife Alhed created a combined home, studio and gathering place for the circle of Funen painters. The whitewashed buildings wrap around sheltered courtyards, with red roofs, small-paned windows and paths that lead out into the garden and down towards the sea light that inspired so much of Larsen’s work. Step inside and you move from the bustling streets of a harbour town straight into an artist’s private world. The creak of wooden floors, low ceilings and tiled stoves all speak of a prosperous yet unpretentious bourgeois home shaped around creativity and nature.Rooms frozen in an artist’s morning
One of the museum’s most striking qualities is how lived-in the house still feels. Canvases lean against walls, easels stand by windows, and personal objects sit on tables as if the family has just stepped out for a walk. The dining room, with its painted decorations and carefully laid sideboards, hints at long evenings of conversation among painters, writers and friends. In the studios you can trace Larsen’s working process: sketchbooks, bird studies and coastal landscapes show the path from quick observation to finished canvas. Alhed Larsen’s presence is equally strong in the domestic spaces, where she combined her own artistic practice with running a household that welcomed visiting artists for decades.Nature, birds and the art of Funen
The core of the collection is Johannes Larsen’s nature-focused art: flocks of wild birds wheeling over low coasts, marshes lit by winter sun, and intimate studies of owls, swans and seabirds. Paintings, prints and drawings are displayed both in the historic rooms and in a purpose-built modern gallery, allowing you to see small studies beside larger compositions. Alongside Larsen you encounter works by other Funen painters, whose soft light and everyday subjects helped define a distinct regional current in Danish art. Temporary exhibitions delve into themes such as bird art, landscape, or contemporary responses to nature, keeping the museum’s dialogue between past and present alive.Garden paths, mill hill and sea air
Outside, the garden is an attraction in its own right. Sheltered beds, fruit trees and lawns unfold around the house, with glimpses of the fjord and the strait beyond. Sculptures punctuate the greenery, and gravel paths lead to an old mill that helps define the skyline of Møllebakken. From here you can sense how the surrounding coastline, migrating birds and changing seasons fed directly into Larsen’s imagery. On fine days, the garden feels like an open-air extension of the galleries. Benches invite you to pause with a sketchbook, a camera or simply your own thoughts, while the ever-present sea breeze reminds you how close the shoreline lies below the hill.Café hygge and a compact museum experience
Tucked within the grounds, the museum’s coffee house offers a calm break with cakes and light meals prepared from seasonal, often local ingredients. Large windows and a terrace frame the view towards the water and the Great Belt Bridge, making it easy to linger after a tour of the house and exhibitions. The museum is compact enough to explore in one unhurried visit, yet varied in its mix of historic interiors, art displays, garden and mill. Whether you come for Danish painting, for a sense of old Funen coastal life, or simply for a peaceful cultural stop in Kerteminde, the Johannes Larsen Museum offers a rounded, quietly evocative experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Befrielsessten i Skalkendrup
10.6 km
A quiet memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945
Enebærodde
10.7 km
A pristine coastal peninsula where Denmark's largest heath meets the fjord—nature in its purest form.
Rolfshøj
16.1 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
Befrielsessten i Vindinge
16.9 km
A modest village liberation stone in front of Vindinge Church, quietly commemorating Denmark’s 1945 freedom amid the calm of rural eastern Funen.
Nyborg Fortress
17.7 km
Medieval parliament seat where Danish kings shaped a nation's destiny and founded a Nordic empire.
Erik Ballings Plads
17.9 km
Where Danish cinema's greatest visionary is celebrated through iconic characters and cultural memory.
Den Hvide Jomfru
17.9 km
A modest white monument on Nyborg’s old fortress embankment, Den Hvide Jomfru blends legend, landscape and history into a quiet, atmospheric pause.
Nyborg St.
18.1 km
A historic rail gateway on Funen’s east coast, Nyborg Station links castle town charm with fast, modern connections across Denmark via the Great Belt.
Mindesmærke for kaptajn Peter Bredal
18.2 km
A solemn memorial to a 17th-century Danish captain whose frozen fleet became legend.
Nyborg Vold
18.2 km
Stroll the grassy ramparts and mirror-still moats that once guarded Denmark’s medieval power center, now a peaceful green belt wrapping historic Nyborg.
Odense St.
18.3 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
18.4 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
18.4 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Odense City Hall
18.5 km
Red-brick Italian-Gothic elegance and civic life meet at Odense City Hall, the historic heart of Flakhaven square and a key landmark in Hans Christian Andersen’s city.
King's Garden
18.5 km
Lush, centuries-old park near Odense Castle offering tranquil landscaping, rich royal history, summer flower beds, and a vibrant local gathering spot in central Funen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Østfyns Museer
0.7 km
Et levende museumsfællesskab, hvor købstadsgårde, kunstnerhjem, vikingeskib og slotsmiljøer tilsammen fortæller den mangfoldige historie om Østfyn.
The Viking Museum Ladby
3.1 km
Denmark's only Viking ship grave—step into a 10th-century king's tomb and explore a thousand years of Norse history.
The Ship Burial Mound
3.1 km
Step into a reconstructed burial mound above Kerteminde Fjord and gaze down on Denmark’s only preserved Viking ship grave, resting where a 10th‑century king was laid to sail beyond.
Gabet | Lodshuse
8.8 km
Wind, current and big skies at the narrow, stony gateway where Odense Fjord meets the open sea on Funen’s quiet north coast.
Enebærodde Fyr
9.2 km
A modest white tower at the very tip of Enebærodde, where Odense Fjord meets the Kattegat and wide skies, strong currents and heathland create a wild coastal feel.
Romsø
10.3 km
A small, uninhabited Danish island of forest, shoreline and quiet wildlife, Romsø offers a tranquil, car-free escape just a short boat ride from Kerteminde.
Mårhøj/Snavehøjen
11.4 km
Ancient Neolithic passage grave in the fields near Martofte, where you can crawl into a 5,000‑year‑old stone chamber and gaze out over Funen’s serene farmland.
Seden Strand
13.5 km
Modest local beach on Odense Fjord, where quiet swims, big skies and new coastal nature projects meet everyday life at the water’s edge.
Jordrummet - et af fem grønne læringsrum
13.5 km
A modest open-air classroom on Odense’s rural edge, Jordrummet invites hands-on encounters with soil, fields, and quiet green space between town and countryside.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
14.0 km
Historic Fyn manor and restored Romantic landscape garden, where peony-filled paths, quiet pavilions and winding waterways create a gently theatrical escape near Odense.
Mindesten for befrielsen
14.3 km
A modest liberation memorial stone in a small green enclave by Juelsbergvej, offering a quiet moment of reflection on Denmark’s freedom in May 1945.
Sortehusene
14.6 km
Living history museum in Odense where you can step into 19th-century rural Denmark, explore authentic farm buildings, and experience Funen’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Strandvænget Park og naturlegeplads
15.0 km
Sensory-rich nature playground with farm animals, accessible pathways, and beach access on Denmark's Great Belt.
Hans Hulehånd af Thomas Dambo
15.5 km
Hunt for a hidden giant troll crafted from recycled dreams in Odense's enchanted forest.
Åbent skovareal ved Nyborg
15.6 km
An unpretentious open woodland on Nyborg’s edge, ideal for relaxed walks, quiet runs and everyday nature breaks among trees, clearings and birdsong.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Rudolf Mathis ApS
0.8 km
Refined harborfront seafood in a former fisherman’s house, where Kerteminde’s maritime history meets contemporary Nordic-French gastronomy and wide harbor views.
Mona Lisa Pizzeria
12.0 km
Casual roadside pizzeria in Nyborg serving generous pizzas, grills and pasta with daily afternoon-to-evening opening and a strong focus on takeaway and delivery.
Banjo's
16.1 km
Unpretentious Odense grillbar serving classic Danish smørrebrød, hotdogs, burgers and ribbensteg in a casual, everyday setting on Sandhusvej.
Mulles madglæde
16.9 km
Fresh sandwiches and build-your-own salads in a friendly, no-fuss café on Møllervej, offering a reliable, good-value lunch stop in everyday Nyborg.
Restaurant Aro
17.1 km
Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine where flawless technique meets creative vision in intimate Odense.
Nyborg Pizza
17.1 km
Casual pizzeria serving affordable, satisfying fast food in Nyborg's town center.
Asia Restaurant
17.4 km
Casual, all‑you‑can‑eat Asian buffet with sushi and family‑friendly value in a modern, easygoing setting on the edge of Nyborg.
Restaurant Lieffroy
17.5 km
Precise French-Nordic cuisine with Great Belt views in a historic Nyborg setting.
Rosso pizzaria
17.7 km
Crispy-based Italian pizzas with balanced toppings in casual Nyborg setting.
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
17.8 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Den Gode Smag ApS
17.9 km
Central square café-brasserie in Nyborg serving tapas, hearty classics and good wine in a cozy, candlelit setting just steps from the historic castle.
Sneppen
17.9 km
Intimate Nyborg restaurant marrying modern Nordic flavors and excellent bread with a relaxed, candlelit atmosphere on historic Slotsgade.
Restaurant Apoli
17.9 km
Intimate Italian‑inspired café‑restaurant on historic Slotsgade, pairing handmade brunch, antipasti and dinners with one of Nyborg’s most charming castle views.
Central Cafeen
17.9 km
Historic Danish eatery in the heart of Nyborg, serving classic comfort dishes like smørrebrød and æggekage in cosy, unpretentious surroundings.
King's Running Sushi & Wok
17.9 km
Casual all‑you‑can‑eat sushi and wok in the heart of Nyborg, mixing conveyor‑belt plates, tablet ordering and playful robot service in a lively setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Høkeren
0.7 km
Step into a meticulously preserved 1900s general store brimming with authentic period treasures and forgotten everyday objects.
Skovsted Nyborg
15.7 km
A friendly neighborhood toy shop on Fynsvej, Skovsted Nyborg adds a splash of color, games, and playful souvenirs to a family visit in historic Nyborg.
Rosendal Retro
16.7 km
Curated vintage and secondhand treasures in historic Nyborg, Denmark.
Dives Industries
16.9 km
Nyborg's premier diving equipment specialist serving recreational and professional divers exploring the Great Belt.
Det Gamle Apotek POP UP - Rosengårdcentret
16.9 km
A cosy Det Gamle Apotek pop-up in Rosengårdcentret, filling Odense’s biggest mall with Danish Christmas charm, nostalgic décor and atmospheric Scandinavian hygge.
Red Cross Op Shop
17.0 km
Sustainable secondhand shopping supporting humanitarian aid in central Odense.
Butik Pulvis
17.1 km
A cosy Odense vintage shop where estate finds, Danish design and everyday curiosities are carefully curated into a calm, characterful treasure trove.
Den Lille Vandal
17.1 km
A cosy Odense shelf market where local families trade gently used children’s clothes, toys and gear, blending everyday practicality with a sustainable, community feel.
GenbrugsHallerne
17.2 km
A vast indoor thrift hall in Odense where hundreds of private stalls turn second-hand shopping into an urban treasure hunt of everyday finds and quirky curios.
DesignKnap
17.2 km
Discover contemporary Scandinavian fashion at DesignKnap, Nyborg's premier clothing boutique.
Genbrugsbutikker
17.2 km
Spacious charity-run second-hand shop in Nyborg with furniture, clothing, books and everyday treasures, where each find supports Kirkens Korshær’s social work.
Kors Genbrug
17.3 km
Charity thrift shop in Nyborg where changing rails of clothing, homely Danish design and friendly volunteers turn second-hand browsing into a feel-good treasure hunt.
JYSK Nyborg
17.3 km
Straightforward Scandinavian home and garden shopping in a practical big-box store on Nyborg’s edge, ideal for furnishing bedrooms, living spaces and outdoor corners.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
17.5 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
aneBane
17.6 km
A cosy women’s boutique and sewing studio in a quiet Odense street, blending curated Scandinavian style with personal, small-scale craftsmanship.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe
16.6 km
Cozy Odense shisha lounge blending Middle Eastern café culture with Danish hygge, soft music, and long, sociable evenings over fragrant hookah and drinks.
Ungarsk Vinstue
17.9 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Den Lille Kro Odense
18.0 km
A classic Odense brown bar with history in its walls, cold beer on tap and a warmly worn, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar.
Ophav
18.0 km
Nyborg's refined casual dining hub blending bar, restaurant, and café culture with seasonal local cuisine.
Øksendrup Cider
18.0 km
Cosy Nyborg cider bar showcasing organic East Funen apples, slow‑fermented bottles and intimate tastings in the historic heart of Denmark’s former royal city.
Chr. II's Pub
18.0 km
Casual Danish pub in Nyborg's historic centre, where locals gather for authentic neighbourhood hospitality.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
18.0 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
Laboratoriet Nyborg
18.1 km
Atmospheric wine bar and bottle shop in a historic 1824 apothecary laboratory, tucked in a Nyborg courtyard and serving carefully chosen wines, snacks and coffee.
The Flower and the Bee
18.1 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Rabalder Bar Odense
18.1 km
A small, homely Odense bar styled like grandma’s living room, serving easygoing drinks and sing‑along hits in the heart of the city’s weekend nightlife.
Kick Off - Sportspub
18.1 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
Phønix I/S
18.1 km
Cozy, no-frills bar and burger spot in central Nyborg, serving cold beers, simple comfort food, and relaxed local nightlife just off the town’s historic streets.
Lørups Vinstue
18.1 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
Corner Bar
18.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar on Nyborg’s Strandvejen corner, serving cold drinks, easy conversation and a playful weekend wheel of fortune from late morning.
Sir Club
18.3 km
Long‑running Odense beer bar with 27 taps, quiz nights and a relaxed, lived‑in atmosphere where specialty brews and come‑as‑you‑are evenings take the spotlight.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly