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Den Gamle Fiskerhytte

Polar explorer's gallery celebrating Arctic adventures, artisan crafts, and sustainable luxury by the sea.

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A charming gallery and boutique in Bagenkop's historic fishing quarter, Den Gamle Fiskerhytte combines artisan craftsmanship with sustainable luxury. Owner Cecilia Vanman, an internationally recognized marine biologist and adventurer, curates handmade ceramics, jewellery, and locally produced goods inspired by Langeland's coastal landscapes. The shop sits idyllically near Bagenkop Harbour, creating a cultural meeting place where visitors discover unique wares while learning about the island's maritime heritage and Cecilia's extraordinary expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica.

A brief summary to Den Gamle Fiskehytte

  • Værftsvej 13, Bagenkop, 5935, DK
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Arrive early or call ahead to confirm opening hours, as Den Gamle Fiskerhytte operates on a flexible schedule reflecting its owner's ongoing expeditions and creative commitments.
  • Ask Cecilia about her polar expeditions if she is present; her firsthand accounts of Antarctic wildlife and Arctic conditions bring the shop's inspiration to vivid life.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through Bagenkop's Fishermen's Quarter and harbour to experience the maritime context that informs the shop's aesthetic and values.
  • Browse the ceramics and jewellery carefully; each piece carries unique character and tells a story rooted in either local craft tradition or polar landscape inspiration.
  • Check for upcoming talks or presentations by Cecilia at local venues; these events offer deeper insight into her expeditions and the philosophy behind the shop.
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Den Gamle Fiskehytte location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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A Gallery Born from Polar Expeditions and Local Roots

Den Gamle Fiskerhytte represents a rare fusion of global adventure and intimate local connection. Owner Cecilia Vanman, a marine mammal biologist and the first Danish woman inducted as a Fellow of the prestigious Explorers Club, has spent her life navigating some of Earth's most extreme environments. She has participated in Arctic film expeditions, encountered whale and penguin colonies in Antarctica, and sailed through storms with waves reaching 16 metres. Yet despite her international acclaim, Cecilia chose to anchor her creative vision in the quiet fishing village of Bagenkop on Langeland's southern coast. The shop itself occupies a charming half-timbered cottage positioned steps from Bagenkop Harbour, where working fishing boats still depart daily. This proximity to the water is no accident—the location embodies the connection between Cecilia's wild experiences and her deep understanding of local maritime culture. The shop's name, Den Gamle Fiskerhytte (The Old Fisherman's Cottage), honours this heritage while serving as a creative sanctuary where polar knowledge meets island craftsmanship.

Handmade Goods Inspired by Sea and Wilderness

Inside, visitors encounter an carefully curated collection of artisan products that reflect Cecilia's dual passions. Handmade ceramics showcase the influence of Langeland's coastal landscape, while bespoke jewellery pieces draw inspiration from both Arctic ice formations and local natural forms. Alongside these creations are locally produced goods, from hand soap to wool sweaters, craft beers, and preserved delicacies. Every item in the shop carries intentionality—selected or created with what Cecilia describes as a "passion for sustainability and beautiful upcycled luxury." The aesthetic throughout the space conveys both refinement and authenticity. Rather than mass-produced souvenirs, the inventory reflects genuine craftsmanship and respect for materials. Visitors often discover unexpected treasures: items that tell stories of both distant expeditions and island life, creating a narrative that spans from Antarctic penguin colonies to Bagenkop's working harbour.

A Cultural Hub and Meeting Place

Den Gamle Fiskerhytte functions as far more than a retail space. Cecilia regularly hosts talks and presentations where she shares vivid accounts of her expeditions—descriptions of life in relentless wilderness where cold, ice, and wind define existence. These events have been held at venues across Langeland, including Broløkke Manor, establishing the shop as a cultural beacon that connects the island to the wider world. The shop itself becomes a gathering space where locals and visitors alike engage with stories of exploration, environmental stewardship, and creative practice. The atmosphere within reflects Cecilia's philosophy: that understanding nature's power and beauty—whether in extreme polar regions or in Langeland's subtle coastal details—enriches human experience and informs ethical living. This ethos permeates every aspect of the space, from product selection to the conversations that unfold there.

Bagenkop's Living Maritime Heritage

Located in Bagenkop's historic Fishermen's Quarter, Den Gamle Fiskerhytte sits within a landscape where maritime tradition remains tangible. The working harbour, active fishing community, and preserved vernacular architecture create an authentic setting that complements the shop's character. Walking from the shop to the harbour, visitors experience the continuity between past and present—between the fishing traditions that shaped Bagenkop and contemporary creative practice that honours those roots. The shop's presence in this quarter reinforces Bagenkop's identity as a place where history, culture, and livelihood remain interwoven.

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