The Viking Museum Ladby
Denmark's only Viking ship grave—step into a 10th-century king's tomb and explore a thousand years of Norse history.
Denmark's only preserved Viking ship grave awaits at this atmospheric museum on the shores of Kerteminde Fjord. Step into the burial chamber of a 10th-century king, surrounded by his horses, dogs, and treasures, then explore interactive exhibitions about Viking life in Northeast Funen. Dress in authentic Viking clothing, watch reconstructions of ancient rituals, and in summer, see the full-size replica ship rocking in the fjord where the original was hauled ashore over 1,000 years ago.
A brief summary to The Viking Museum Ladby
- Vikingevej 123, Kerteminde, 5300, DK
- +4565321667
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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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
- Visit in summer to see the Ladby Dragon ship reconstruction moored in the fjord below the museum, positioned exactly where the original was hauled ashore in the 920s.
- Arrive early or mid-week to avoid peak crowds; the museum is small and intimate, and quieter periods enhance the atmospheric experience of the ship grave.
- Try on Viking clothing in the museum's wardrobe section—replicas are based on archaeological finds and available in sizes for children and adults.
- Allow extra time if visiting during school holidays; the museum offers hands-on activities such as archery, javelin throwing, and Viking combat demonstrations.
- The walk from the museum building to the burial mound involves gravel and dirt paths; wear appropriate footwear and use the benches provided along the route.
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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Bus from Odense
Regional bus service operates from Odense to Kerteminde, with the museum located approximately 15 minutes' walk from the Ladby stop. Journey time from Odense is approximately 45–60 minutes depending on connections. Service runs regularly throughout the year; confirm current schedules locally. No entrance fee required for bus travel.
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Car from Copenhagen or Odense
From Copenhagen, take the E20 motorway toward Odense, then follow regional roads to Kerteminde and Ladby (approximately 2 hours total). From Odense, drive northeast via Route 9 toward Kerteminde (approximately 30 minutes). The museum is located at Vikingevej 123, Kerteminde, with on-site parking available. No parking fee. Road conditions are generally good year-round.
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Train and bus combination
From Copenhagen, take a train to Nyborg or Odense (approximately 1.5–2 hours), then connect to regional bus service toward Kerteminde and Ladby (additional 45–60 minutes). The final leg involves approximately 15 minutes' walking from the bus stop. Combined journey time is 2.5–3 hours. Train and bus tickets available through Danish transport operators.
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Bicycle from Kerteminde town centre
Kerteminde is approximately 5 kilometres from the museum; cycling takes approximately 15–20 minutes via local roads. The route is relatively flat and suitable for standard bicycles. Bicycle rental is available in Kerteminde town centre. No entrance fee required for bicycle access.
The Viking Museum Ladby location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Viking Museum Ladby
The Ladby King's Final Voyage
In the year 925, a Viking king of unknown name but considerable power was laid to rest in a 21.5-metre dragon ship on the shores of what is now Kerteminde Fjord. The vessel, hauled ashore from the water with immense effort, became his tomb—filled with the trappings of his status: eleven horses, three or four hunting dogs, weapons, jewellery, and precious goods destined to accompany him into the afterlife. For over a thousand years, the ship lay buried beneath a mound of earth until archaeologists uncovered it in 1935, revealing one of Northern Europe's most significant Viking Age discoveries. The museum, built in 2007 around this extraordinary find, preserves what remains of the Ladby ship: approximately 2,000 iron rivets and the ghostly imprint left by wooden planks long since rotted away. Displayed within a glass case in carefully controlled darkness, these remnants create an almost sacred atmosphere, inviting visitors to contemplate the rituals and beliefs that shaped Viking society.Stepping Into the Darkness
The centerpiece of any visit is the ship grave itself, reconstructed as it would have appeared on the day of burial. Walking into the darkened chamber, you encounter a full-size replica of the Ladby ship, complete with recreated figures of the dead king resting on a bed, surrounded by his loyal animals and grave goods. This immersive experience transcends typical museum display, transporting you across a millennium to witness the solemn ceremony of a warrior-prince's departure. The exhibition "King and Warrior" explores the material culture of power in the Viking Age, presenting original artefacts alongside artistic renderings that illuminate daily life in early 10th-century East Funen. Metal detector finds—gold, silver, and bronze objects discovered locally—tell stories of gods, trade, and the spiritual world that shaped Viking belief systems.Living History and Interactive Discovery
Beyond passive observation, the museum invites active participation. In the "Vikings' Wardrobe" section, visitors of all ages can don replicas of authentic Viking clothing based on archaeological evidence, experiencing firsthand the garments worn a thousand years ago. Throughout the year, the museum offers hands-on activities including archery, javelin throwing, Viking combat demonstrations, ceramics, and woodworking, led by knowledgeable staff. The exhibition "Ladbykongens Verden" (The Ladby King's World) presents a broader narrative of Viking Age society, exploring settlement patterns, religious practices, and the daily existence of ordinary people alongside their rulers. Interpretive films delve into Norse mythology and funerary rituals, while treasure hunts engage younger visitors in archaeological discovery.The Ladby Dragon Takes to the Water
During summer months, the museum's full-size reconstruction of the Ladby ship—christened the Ladby Dragon—is moored in the fjord directly below the burial mound, positioned exactly where the original vessel was pulled ashore over a millennium ago. Though visitors cannot board the ship, viewing it from the adjacent boat bridge offers a tangible connection to Viking maritime culture and the immense labour required to haul such vessels inland. In winter, the Ladby Dragon is towed ashore and sheltered in a protective tent, where volunteer craftspeople maintain and continue its construction. Free viewing remains available year-round, allowing visitors to observe traditional Viking shipbuilding techniques and the meticulous work of recreation.Landscape and Setting
The museum occupies a hillside location overlooking Kerteminde Fjord, with the burial mound itself accessible via a gravel and dirt path dotted with benches for rest. The setting reinforces the historical narrative: this is the actual place where a king was honoured, where his ship was dragged from water to land, where his memory has endured for over a thousand years. The fjord landscape remains largely unchanged since the Viking Age, providing authentic environmental context for understanding how maritime communities thrived in this region.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Enebærodde
10.2 km
A pristine coastal peninsula where Denmark's largest heath meets the fjord—nature in its purest form.
Befrielsessten i Skalkendrup
11.0 km
A quiet memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945
Rolfshøj
13.8 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.
Odense St.
15.2 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
15.3 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
15.3 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.”
Oceania
15.4 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
15.5 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Tidens Samling
15.8 km
Tidens Samling in Odense brings Danish history to life with interactive rooms, authentic vintage décor, and immersive exhibits tracing daily life from 1900 to 1980.
Munke Mose
15.9 km
Discover Slottsträdgården, Malmö's ecological garden oasis, featuring themed gardens, cultural events, and a charming café, all nestled behind historic Malmöhus Castle.
The Sea Horse
15.9 km
Discover Danish and Nordic artistic heritage at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a leading Copenhagen gallery celebrated for curated exhibitions in the city’s vibrant art district.
Funen Opera
15.9 km
Funen Opera in Odense captivates with cutting-edge performances, Danish premieres, and welcoming vibes—an essential destination for culture and music on Funen.
Befrielsessten i Vindinge
16.6 km
A modest village liberation stone in front of Vindinge Church, quietly commemorating Denmark’s 1945 freedom amid the calm of rural eastern Funen.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
16.6 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
The Funen Village
16.9 km
Experience Denmark's rural past at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and traditional crafts.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Ship Burial Mound
0.2 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.
Østfyns Museer
2.7 km
Et levende museumsfællesskab, hvor købstadsgårde, kunstnerhjem, vikingeskib og slotsmiljøer tilsammen fortæller den mangfoldige historie om Østfyn.
Johannes Larsen Museum
3.1 km
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.
Gabet | Lodshuse
8.6 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
8.8 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.
Jordrummet - et af fem grønne læringsrum
10.5 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.
Seden Strand
10.6 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.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
11.4 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.
Sortehusene
11.8 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.
Hans Hulehånd af Thomas Dambo
12.5 km
Hunt for a hidden giant troll crafted from recycled dreams in Odense's enchanted forest.
Cultural-botanical Garden
12.8 km
A tranquil 10-hectare botanical sanctuary housing 13,000 plant species and Denmark's finest birch and fern collections.
Mårhøj/Snavehøjen
13.1 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.
Davinde Stenmuseum
13.2 km
A cosy countryside museum where glacial boulders, sparkling minerals and ancient fossils from the Tarup–Davinde gravel pits reveal Funen’s deep geological past.
Romsø
13.3 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.
Rosengårdcentret
13.7 km
Funen’s largest shopping centre, blending over 150 stores, 25 eateries and a cinema into a bright, weather-proof hub for everyday errands and relaxed days out.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Rudolf Mathis ApS
2.8 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
12.1 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
13.1 km
Unpretentious Odense grillbar serving classic Danish smørrebrød, hotdogs, burgers and ribbensteg in a casual, everyday setting on Sandhusvej.
Restaurant Aro
13.9 km
Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine where flawless technique meets creative vision in intimate Odense.
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
14.7 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Grønttorvet
15.0 km
Centuries-old Danish inn on Odense’s Sortebrødre Torv, serving hearty traditional dishes with a generous dose of hygge in the city’s atmospheric old town.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
15.1 km
Historic timbered inn in central Odense serving elevated Danish classics in candlelit rooms and a charming courtyard, ideal for both intimate meals and celebrations.
Vår
15.1 km
Intimate, light-filled fine dining in Odense, where a Michelin-recognized chef crafts calm, seasonal tasting menus rooted in local Funen produce and thoughtful wine.
Den Lille Kabys
15.1 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a former harbour weighing station, serving generous weekday lunches steps from the water at Odense Havn.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
15.1 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
15.2 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Giraffen
15.2 km
Hearty Danish comfort food and a casual bar atmosphere right inside Odense’s main station, ideal for hungry travelers and locals on the go.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
15.3 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Brasserie Bordeaux
15.3 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Ryan's of Odense
15.3 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Høkeren
2.7 km
Step into a meticulously preserved 1900s general store brimming with authentic period treasures and forgotten everyday objects.
Det Gamle Apotek POP UP - Rosengårdcentret
13.8 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
13.9 km
Sustainable secondhand shopping supporting humanitarian aid in central Odense.
Butik Pulvis
14.0 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
14.0 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
14.1 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.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
14.5 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
aneBane
14.5 km
A cosy women’s boutique and sewing studio in a quiet Odense street, blending curated Scandinavian style with personal, small-scale craftsmanship.
Klassisk Design
14.6 km
An intimate Odense showroom dedicated to restored Danish design classics, where mid‑century furniture by iconic architects finds a new life in contemporary homes.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
14.7 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Baggårdsbutikken
14.7 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Veda Womenswear Denmark
14.7 km
A cozy neighborhood womenswear boutique in Odense C, offering a curated rack of wearable Danish-style pieces in a calm, morning-only shopping atmosphere.
Look At This
14.7 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
ButikZoom
14.9 km
Industrial-chic furniture and décor in a former Odense industrial setting, blending raw materials, moody lighting and Nordic restraint into a compact design showcase.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
14.9 km
A small Odense atelier where Asian tailoring craft, careful alterations and garment repair give your favourite clothes a better fit and a longer life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe
13.5 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
14.8 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
14.9 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.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
14.9 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.
The Flower and the Bee
15.0 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
15.0 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
15.0 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.
Lørups Vinstue
15.0 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.
Sir Club
15.2 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.
June Bar
15.4 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
15.5 km
Urban craft beer sanctuary on Odense’s Gråbrødre Plads, pouring rotating specialty brews, free popcorn and laid-back good times from afternoon until late night.
Den Brølende And
15.5 km
Odense’s roaring dance basement where karaoke Thursdays, sing-along party hits and shared buckets of cocktails fuel carefree, late-night dancing on tables.
City Club
15.5 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Grand Bar & Lounge
15.5 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Champagniet
15.5 km
Intimate champagne bar in Odense’s old town, pairing carefully curated bubbles with cosy hygge vibes and small plates made for slow, sparkling evenings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
13.8 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
BUTCHERS Odense
15.0 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Boogie Dance Café
15.3 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dansebar Odense
15.5 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
15.9 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
KJ's bodel
18.1 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Muzirkus
18.2 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
Juviklubben
39.6 km
Intimate Kalundborg live music hub and youth club, where generations meet for close-up concerts, casual bar nights and a laid-back, community-driven vibe.
Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus
39.7 km
Experience live music and cultural events at Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus, the heart of Kalundborg's entertainment scene.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
41.1 km
Witness awe-inspiring live falconry shows and get up close with eagles, owls, and hawks at Samsø’s premier raptor center, blending living heritage with wilderness spectacle.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
42.7 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Samsø Island Distillery
43.3 km
Experience authentic Danish craftsmanship at Samsø Island Distillery, where local botanicals and sustainable practices fuse to create distinctive gin and aquavit on scenic Samsø.
Garagen
43.4 km
Garagen is Samsø’s beloved island bar, famed for live music, a rustic woodland setting, and its welcoming, laid-back vibe—a true hub for locals and travelers alike.
Ræven
43.5 km
Island spirit and Danish hospitality await at Ræven, Samsø—a cozy neighborhood bar with local brews, lively evenings, and a real taste of authentic island life.
Gecco Bar & Natklub
46.8 km
Loud, colorful, and unapologetically party‑focused, Gecco Bar & Natklub is Slagelse’s straightforward late‑night spot for dancing, drinks, and familiar club hits.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly