The Bishop's House (Bispegården), Kalundborg
Historic bishop’s residence turned intimate art venue, where medieval brickwork, vaulted cellars and changing exhibitions bring Kalundborg’s past into quiet focus.
Tucked into Kalundborg’s medieval quarter, The Bishop’s House (Bispegården) is a beautifully preserved complex of historic buildings that now hosts changing art exhibitions. Behind the timbered façades and old brick walls you’ll find intimate gallery rooms, vaulted cellars and a calm courtyard atmosphere that feels far from modern traffic. Entry is free, making it an easy cultural stop to pair with a stroll around Kalundborg’s old streets and the nearby churches.
A brief summary to The Bishop's House
- Adelgade 6, Kalundborg, 4400, DK
- +4559516276
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check current exhibition details and opening days in advance, as shows are temporary and the house is generally open only from late morning to late afternoon.
- Allow time to explore the vaulted cellar from the 1200s; bring a light layer, as temperatures can feel noticeably cooler underground.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Kalundborg’s medieval streets and nearby churches to appreciate how The Bishop’s House fits into the historic townscape.
- Admission is free, so consider making a small donation to the local art association if you enjoy the exhibition and want to support future shows.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Copenhagen
Take the regional train from Copenhagen Central Station to Kalundborg Station; the journey usually takes about 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 45 minutes and runs at least once an hour during the day. A standard adult one-way ticket typically costs around 120–160 DKK in standard class. From Kalundborg Station, expect an easy 10–15 minute walk through the town centre on mostly flat pavements, suitable for most visitors but with some cobblestone sections near the old quarter.
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Regional bus within Kalundborg area
If you are staying elsewhere in the Kalundborg area, use a regional bus service heading toward Kalundborg centre and alight at a central stop near the pedestrian streets, with a total travel time often between 15 and 40 minutes depending on your starting point and route. A single adult ticket on regional buses usually costs about 24–36 DKK, with tickets purchased via ticket machines or mobile apps. From central bus stops, allow around 5–10 minutes on foot along town streets to reach The Bishop’s House.
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Car from western Zealand
Driving from other towns on western Zealand, such as Holbæk or Slagelse, typically takes 30–50 minutes on main roads leading into Kalundborg. There is no entrance fee for The Bishop’s House itself, but you should budget for town-centre parking, which can range from free time-limited spaces to paid zones at roughly 10–20 DKK per hour depending on location. From nearby public car parks, expect a 5–10 minute walk through the compact centre, with some gentle gradients and occasional cobblestones.
The Bishop's House 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 The Bishop's House
A historic bishop’s residence in the heart of old Kalundborg
The Bishop’s House, or Bispegården, sits on Adelgade among Kalundborg’s oldest streets, a short walk from the town’s distinctive churches and hilltop skyline. Once the residence of the local bishop, it formed part of the ecclesiastical power centre that shaped this coastal town in the late Middle Ages and early modern era. Thick brick walls, steep roofs and small-paned windows speak of a time when church and crown competed for influence along Zealand’s western shore. The complex is not a single building but a small cluster, with structures dating back to the 1500s and a cellar whose foundations reach into the 1200s. Moving between the wings, you can trace how the house grew over centuries, absorbing new functions as religious authority waned and civic life took over. Today’s peaceful surroundings make it hard to imagine the political weight once carried by decisions made within these rooms.Medieval masonry and atmospheric cellars
Architecturally, Bispegården is a textbook example of how Danish town houses evolved from fortified residences to more comfortable urban homes. On the street side, you notice the restrained brick façades and simple decorative details that hint at status without ostentation. Inside, low beams, worn floorboards and deep window recesses create an intimate, almost domestic scale, even when the rooms are used for exhibitions. One of the most evocative spaces lies below ground. The vaulted cellar from the 13th century, with its heavy brick arches and cool, dim air, offers a tangible sense of continuity. Standing under the curved ceilings, you are surrounded by masonry that has survived trade booms, wars and the Reformation. The cellar has been cleverly adapted for cultural use, offering a dramatic backdrop for art without losing its original character.From episcopal seat to contemporary art venue
In recent decades, The Bishop’s House has been reborn as a setting for art and cultural events. Kalundborg Kunstforening, the local art association, curates a rolling programme of exhibitions that make inventive use of the historic rooms. Intimate chambers become salons for painting and printmaking, while larger halls host sculpture, photography or themed group shows. The building has also played host to notable special exhibitions devoted to Danish Golden Age artists, including J.Th. Lundbye and his contemporaries. During such events, works from private collections have been gathered here, turning the old bishop’s residence into a temporary treasury of 19th-century landscape and figure painting. This alternating rhythm of contemporary and historical art gives the house a dynamic life that contrasts with its static brick shell.A quiet cultural hub beside the old town churches
Bispegården’s location in Kalundborg’s oldest quarter is one of its great strengths. Step outside and you are immediately surrounded by crooked lanes, merchant houses and views towards the town’s prominent churches. The complex itself frames a small inner world: courtyards and corners where you can pause between exhibition rooms, sheltered from the wind off the fjord. On exhibition days, the house often forms part of a wider cultural circuit that might also include nearby museums, church interiors or seasonal events. Because admission is free, it lends itself easily to spontaneous visits: a short dip into art and history before or after exploring the streets nearby. The blend of modest scale and rich context makes it feel more like stepping into a lived-in story than entering a formal institution.Planning your visit to The Bishop’s House
The Bishop’s House operates as an art venue rather than a conventional museum, and its rhythm reflects that. It is typically open in the middle of the day, with gallery hours concentrated from late morning to late afternoon on several days each week. Exhibitions are mounted by the local art association, so what you see will change across the year – from regional artists and craft makers to curated thematic shows. Visits here are rarely rushed. Most people find that an hour is enough to explore the rooms, read exhibition texts and spend time in the most atmospheric corners, though art enthusiasts may linger longer. Combining Bispegården with a walk around Kalundborg’s old town and a church visit easily fills half a day. Comfortable shoes and a light layer are useful, as some interiors can feel cool, especially in the historic cellar, even when the streets outside are warm.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The eltest city hall
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Our Lady Church
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Kalundborg Slot
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Mindesmærke for Jørgen Manniche
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Lerchenborg Gods
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Befrielsessten i Kallerup
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Træ-cirklerne ved Birkendegård
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Landmarket Horsedalen
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Stendysse ved Blæsinge
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Breddysse Stones
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RAF Memorial Stone
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The small Summer Hotel
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Unmissable attractions to see
Højbyen Kalundborg
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Kalundborg Museum
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Kaalund Monastery
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Vestborgen
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Kalundborg Local Library
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Preserve and explore Kalundborg's rich medieval heritage through centuries of local documents and historical collections.
1501 Klosterparken
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Discover the atmospheric Røsnæs Strandpark Jættestue, a Neolithic burial chamber set in scenic coastal meadows near Kalundborg, where ancient history meets wild Nordic landscapes.
Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus
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Gryden
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Solskinspladsen, Kordilgade
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Mindesmærke for Ove Rode
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Befrielsessten i Kalundborg
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Vandtårnet på Møllebakken
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Kalundborg Rocker
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Gisseløre gamle fyr
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Befrielsessten i Årby
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Essential places to dine
Kalundborg Halls Restaurant
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Casual, family-friendly dining inside Kalundborg’s sports halls, serving hearty Danish-style buffets and simple classics for teams, groups and everyday meals.
Mysteriøs Middagsmåltid
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Intimate harbor-side restaurant in Kalundborg serving seasonal Danish cuisine with a playful, “mysterious” set-menu twist in a cozy Nordic setting.
Byens Pizza og Grillbar
0.3 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria serving wood-fired pizzas, kebabs, and grilled specialties with friendly service and fair prices.
Rhodos Restaurant & Pizzeria
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Friendly neighborhood pizzeria in central Kalundborg serving crisp pizzas, hearty grill dishes and relaxed everyday meals from lunchtime through the evening.
SKØL Brygkompagni
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Experience Kalundborg's vibrant craft beer scene at SKØL Brygkompagni, where quality brews and community spirit converge.
Bangkok-Thai Restaurant
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Unfussy Thai comfort food and speedy takeaway in a cosy, central Kalundborg setting close to the harbour and historic town streets.
Tony's Pizza & Grill
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Casual pizza and grill spot serving affordable fast food with late-night hours in central Kalundborg.
Asgers Fisk
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Harbourside fishmonger and casual seafood café in Kalundborg, serving fresh Danish-style fish plates and sharing platters just steps from the marina’s edge.
Havkatten
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Experience authentic Danish hospitality at Havkatten, Kalundborg's cozy pub offering local beers and a vibrant atmosphere.
HavneGrillen 4400
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Asgers bar
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Harborfront sourdough pizzas, cocktails and Italian-inspired comfort food in an intimate, modern bar with views over Kalundborg’s marina and Vor Frue Kirke.
Hop In Cafe
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East-meets-West fusion cafe serving Chinese dishes and burgers in central Kalundborg
Den Blå Elefant - Streetfood & Cafe
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Cozy Thai streetfood and café flavors meet wide harbor views at this relaxed waterfront spot in the heart of Kalundborg.
La Viva
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Casual café-restaurant in Kalundborg serving crowd-pleasing classics, coffee and cocktails in a relaxed, modern setting from late morning through the evening.
Grillen I Vænget
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rønnebær
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Kalundborg Bogbyer
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Denmark's newest book town—a volunteer bookshop supporting literature and local youth education.
TEKSTUR
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A calm, curated clothing boutique on Kalundborg’s main street, blending Scandinavian simplicity, tactile fabrics and warm, personal service in an intimate setting.
Candy Shop
0.4 km
Kalundborg's beloved candy destination—where sweetness meets convenience in the heart of town.
Penselstrøg Krea Café
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Paint your own ceramics and create lasting memories in Kalundborg's creative café.
Bog & idé
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Local Danish book, gift and hobby store on Kalundborg’s main shopping street, mixing books, games and stationery in a cosy, family‑friendly space.
Afrodite
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Charming independent boutique in Kalundborg's pedestrian heart, offering quality fashion and genuine hospitality.
Bahne
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A modern Danish lifestyle store on Kalundborg’s main street, blending fashion, home design and gift ideas in a relaxed, design-conscious atmosphere.
The Middle East Market
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A compact Kalundborg grocery packed with Middle Eastern, South Asian and international ingredients, where everyday shopping meets global flavours until late.
Anni Wear
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Cosy women’s fashion boutique on Kalundborg’s main street, offering curated Scandinavian everyday chic, friendly service and a relaxed small-town shopping atmosphere.
Din Tøjmand Kalundborg
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Contemporary menswear boutique on Kalundborg's main shopping street, blending quality clothing with personalized service.
H&M
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Central Kalundborg’s go-to high-street fashion stop, offering affordable wardrobe essentials for all ages along bustling Kordilgade.
790 Hennes & Mauritz
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CHANGE Lingerie Outlet
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Tygesen Women
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Kalundborg's premier women's fashion boutique offering curated designer collections and personalized styling.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kalundborg Jazzclub
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Intimate volunteer-run blues and jazz club in central Kalundborg, keeping a 1960s live music legacy alive with close-up concerts and warm community spirit.
Kontoret
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Kalundborg's inclusive waterfront bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks, food, and genuine social connection.
Cafe Lillebælt
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King's Pub
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Traditional small-town pub on Kalundborg’s main street, serving straightforward drinks, local character and unpretentious evening atmosphere.
Slotskældergården
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Unpretentious Danish bar on Kalundborg’s main street, offering cold beer, warm light and a glimpse of everyday local life along Kordilgade.
Shooters
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Kalundborg’s lively bar and disco club serving up music, drinks, and authentic small-town Danish nightlife on weekends.
Next Door Pool Bar
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Casual pool and sports bar on Kalundborg’s Kordilgade, mixing easygoing drinks, live games on screen and friendly competition around the pool tables.
Delfinen Bodega
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Unpolished village pub in rural Eskebjerg, where cold beers, card games, and casual conversation capture the essence of classic Danish bodega culture.
rullen
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Garagen
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Vinkapellet Samsø
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The Red Rubin
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Cafe 23
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Teater Cafe'en
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Cafe Viking.
35.1 km
Unpretentious local bar in central Slagelse, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday Danish pub atmosphere from midday into the late evening.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Adventure Photo Shoot
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
