Øm Klostermuseum
Atmospheric monastery ruins and a specialist museum in skeletal archaeology, set between Jutland’s lakes with herb gardens, graves and traces of medieval monastic life.
Set between the lakes Mossø and Gudensø near Ry, Øm Klostermuseum combines an atmospheric ruin park with an engaging museum that brings medieval monastic life into sharp focus. Built on the foundations of a 12th‑century Cistercian monastery, the site reveals the full ground plan of one of Denmark’s best‑documented cloisters, with visible graves, evocative stone remains and interpretive displays. Inside, archaeological finds and a rare collection of medieval skeletons explore health, faith and daily routines, while outside a historic herb garden and bryghave recall the monks’ skill in medicine, brewing and cultivation.
A brief summary to Øm Klostermuseum
- Munkevej 8, Ry, 8680, DK
- +4586898194
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit between late March and late October, when the museum and indoor exhibits are open; outside these dates, only the surrounding landscape can be appreciated.
- Allow at least two to three hours to combine the museum building, ruin park and herb gardens, especially if you like to read archaeological explanations in detail.
- Bring a light jacket and sturdy footwear; even on sunny days the lakeside setting can be breezy and some paths over the ruins are uneven grass or gravel.
- If visiting with children or teenagers, use the graves and skeleton displays as a starting point to talk about medieval medicine, diet and how archaeologists read bones.
- Photography is generally welcomed in the ruin park and gardens; be considerate around human remains and check any signage before taking close-up photos indoors.
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 train and bus from Aarhus
From Aarhus, take a regional train toward Skanderborg or Silkeborg and get off at Ry; the journey usually takes 30–45 minutes. From Ry station, a local bus toward Emborg and Mossø typically runs several times a day in the museum season and brings you close to Munkevej in about 10–15 minutes. A combined train and bus ticket normally costs around DKK 60–90 one way in total, depending on time of day and discounts. Services can be less frequent on weekends and outside the main museum season, so check timetables in advance.
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Car from Aarhus and eastern Jutland
Travelling by car from Aarhus or other towns in eastern Jutland, the drive to Øm Klostermuseum usually takes 35–50 minutes depending on traffic. Follow major routes toward Skanderborg and Ry, then continue toward Emborg and Munkevej. There is free parking near the museum entrance, but spaces can fill up on sunny days in high season. The museum charges an entrance fee of about DKK 50 for adults, while children and young people up to and including 25 years generally enter free; group tickets are discounted when arranged in advance.
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Cycling from Ry and the Gudenå valley
For an active approach, many visitors cycle from Ry and other nearby points along the Gudenå valley. From Ry town, the ride typically takes 20–30 minutes on gently undulating country roads, suitable for reasonably confident cyclists and older children. Surfaces are paved but can be narrow in places, so visibility and caution are important. There is space to leave bicycles near the museum, and combining a lakeside ride with a two‑ to three‑hour visit makes an easy half‑day outing in mild, dry weather.
Øm Klostermuseum 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 Øm Klostermuseum
A lakeside monastery in the heart of Søhøjlandet
Øm Klostermuseum sits quietly between Mossø and Gudensø in the rolling hills of the eastern Jutland lake district, a stretch of countryside once shaped by medieval monks as much as by nature. Here, on what was once an island-like promontory, Cistercian brothers founded a monastery in the 12th century and gradually built an influential religious house. Today the church walls are gone, but the foundations and layout still trace a complete floor plan on the grass, making it unusually easy to imagine the former scale of the complex. The ruin park covers several hectares and is more than a scattering of stones. Low walls, marked rooms and information panels help you distinguish cloister from refectory and church from chapter house. Five medieval graves are preserved in situ within the ruins of the church and chapter room, giving a direct and slightly haunting connection to the people who once lived and prayed here.Everyday rhythms of Cistercian life
Inside the museum building, exhibitions focus on the daily routines of the monks who occupied Øm Kloster between the 1100s and the Reformation in the 1500s. Archaeological finds from decades of excavation reveal the practical side of cloistered life: pottery from the kitchen, tools from workshops, devotional objects from the church and personal items that hint at individual stories. Together they build a picture of a self-sufficient community bound by strict rules but deeply embedded in the surrounding landscape. One of the most distinctive aspects of Øm Klostermuseum is its specialization in human skeletal material. As a dedicated research and exhibition centre for medieval bones, the museum uses original skeletons from the monastery graveyards to illustrate patterns of diet, disease and hard physical labour. Subtle marks on bone become clues to arthritis, healed injuries or malnutrition, turning anonymous remains into case studies of medieval health and mortality.The oldest monastic garden in Denmark
Just beyond the exhibits, the klosterhave reconnects you with another side of monastic expertise: medicinal plants. Established in 1926, this reconstructed cloister garden is considered Denmark’s oldest of its kind and gathers around 80 different healing herbs documented in medieval sources. Labels explain traditional uses for everything from soothing digestive troubles to disinfecting wounds, underlining how monasteries once functioned as both pharmacies and centres of learning. In the adjacent bryghave, hops, bog myrtle, barley and heritage fruit trees evoke the monastery’s role as a producer of beer and other provisions. These plantings are not merely decorative; they mirror ingredients that would have flavoured cloister brews and supplied the refectory. On warm days the scent of herbs and hum of insects make this corner of the ruins feel half garden, half open-air classroom.Archaeology, faith and power
The story of Øm Kloster is also one of shifting political and spiritual power. Over four centuries the monastery accumulated lands, tithes and influence, only to be dissolved during the Reformation, when its buildings were systematically quarried to provide bricks for new royal and civic constructions in Skanderborg. Exhibits trace this arc through charters, maps and models, explaining how a once-powerful institution could vanish so thoroughly that only foundations remained. Since the late 20th century the site has been under the care of regional museum authorities, who continue to research and interpret the ruins. Layers of excavation trenches, survey drawings and conservation work are themselves part of the story, illustrating how modern archaeology reconstructs lost architecture and forgotten lives from fragments of stone and bone.A calm open‑air museum in all seasons
Although Øm Klostermuseum has a defined opening season, the wider landscape of lakes, meadows and nearby forests wraps the ruins in a sense of enduring calm. Birds skim low over the water, and the exposed foundations catch changing light through the day, from sharp morning contrasts to soft evening tones. Benches and mown paths invite slow wandering, whether you are dissecting historical details or simply enjoying the atmosphere. Interpretive boards in several languages help independent visitors navigate the site at their own pace. Combined with the museum building, herb garden and ruin park, a visit comfortably fills half a day, especially for anyone with an interest in medieval Europe, archaeology or the subtle ways monastic communities have shaped the Danish landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
7.0 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
7.5 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Ejer Bavnehøj
9.8 km
A modest Danish hill with a mighty horizon, Ejer Bavnehøj blends reunification history, beacon legends and big-sky views into an easy, rewarding countryside stop.
Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj
9.8 km
Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
11.2 km
Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
Det gamle vandtårn
14.7 km
Skanderborg's 41.5-meter castle-style water tower from 1908—a striking symbol of industrial heritage and urban progress.
Lovisehøj
14.9 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Randershøj
17.2 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
17.7 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Silkeborg Water Tower
17.7 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
17.9 km
Historic main square in the center of Roskilde, surrounded by vibrant markets, cafés, and the iconic cathedral—where Danish tradition meets everyday city life.
Art Center
17.9 km
A vibrant historic square in Roskilde, encircled by lively cafés, markets, and the iconic cathedral—an essential hub for local culture and urban atmosphere.
silkeborg
17.9 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Bunkermuseum
17.9 km
Relive Central Jutland’s wartime past at Silkeborg Bunkermuseum, an immersive WWII command bunker with original artifacts and deep stories from Denmark’s occupation.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
18.0 km
Bronze tribute to Silkeborg’s founding industrialist, anchoring the historic town square and local traditions at the heart of Denmark’s lake district.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mossø
2.6 km
Jutland’s largest lake, where wide horizons, protected birdlife and easygoing outdoor adventures meet in the rolling Danish Lake Highlands.
Kallehave bålhytte
3.6 km
A modest grill shelter tucked into the Kallehave woods near Gl. Rye, perfect for unhurried campfire cooking and a quiet break on forest hikes.
Abbey Mill
3.8 km
Historic monastery mill turned lakeside retreat, where Denmark’s longest wooden building, canoe-filled waterways and big-sky views meet in the Mossø hills.
Ry havn
4.5 km
Quiet lakeside marina in Ry, offering relaxed waterfront life, boat trips into the Silkeborg Lakes and easy access to the gentle hills of Denmark’s lake district.
Maskenkol
5.9 km
A quiet stretch of Knudsø’s northern shore, Maskenkol offers gentle lakeside walking, open views and everyday Danish nature just beyond the town of Ry.
Knudhule strand
6.1 km
Blue Flag lakeside escape near Ry, offering child‑friendly swimming, gentle views over Knudsø and a relaxed, low‑key setting in the hills of Søhøjlandet.
Yding Skovhøj
6.6 km
Ancient Bronze Age burial mounds, gentle forest trails and a long-running “highest point” debate meet atop this modest yet characterful hill in East Jutland.
Justenborg Vin & Juletræer
6.7 km
Cut your own Christmas tree and taste estate-grown Danish wine in Skanderborg's countryside.
H.C. Andersen bench
6.8 km
Discover Råbjerg Mile, Northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune—a stunning, ever-shifting landscape near Skagen, perfect for exploration and breathtaking views.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
6.9 km
Follow a classic forest trail from lakeshore to the summit of Denmark’s fabled Sky Mountain, combining gentle ascent, big views and layers of national history.
Himmelbjerget
7.1 km
Iconic Danish “mountain” above the Silkeborg lakes, blending sweeping forest-and-lake views with constitutional history, forest trails and classic excursion life.
Himmelbjergtårnet
7.1 km
A 25‑metre red-brick memorial crowning Himmelbjerget, offering sweeping lake-and-forest panoramas and a powerful glimpse into Denmark’s democratic story.
Yding Skovhøjs parkeringsplads
7.3 km
Denmark's highest point awaits at this forest gateway, crowned with ancient Bronze Age mounds.
Turbådene Himmelbjerget
7.6 km
Classic excursion boats carrying you from lakeside Ry through serene Søhøjlandet to the foot of Denmark’s famed Himmelbjerget for views, walks and fresh air.
Tåning Å
8.0 km
A serene stream through Denmark's lake highlands, perfect for canoeing and wildlife observation.
Essential places to dine
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
4.0 km
Intimate family-run hotel and seasonal restaurant in Ry, where garden-driven Danish cuisine, good wine and quiet countryside surroundings create a cosy Jutland escape.
KobKun
4.4 km
Tiny Thai kitchen in the heart of Ry, serving fragrant curries and stir-fries in an intimate 13-seat space with a strong local takeaway following.
Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
4.4 km
Casual neighborhood pizza and chicken takeaway in Ry, serving hearty portions and familiar flavors for easy, budget‑friendly dinners after a day outdoors.
Umisushi
4.5 km
Neighbourhood sushi and takeaway in the lakeside town of Ry, serving fresh rolls and casual Japanese favourites in a relaxed, modern setting.
Restaurant Da Angelo
4.5 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
Ry Gastropub
4.5 km
Relaxed gastropub heart of Ry, serving comforting pub favourites, modern Danish flavours and easygoing drinks in a warm, social setting from lunch to late evening.
Hotel Ry
4.5 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
4.5 km
Intimate hotel brasserie in lakeside Ry, pairing French‑inspired comfort food, seasonal Danish ingredients and candlelit evening ambience in the heart of Søhøjlandet.
Lakeside Ry - Restaurant
4.6 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
Svejstrup Præstegård
5.8 km
Historic rectory garden transformed into a seasonal summer restaurant and cultural venue.
Knudhule Badehotel og Gastronomisk Institut
6.0 km
Award-winning lakeside hotel and fine dining destination in Denmark's scenic Søhøjlandet region.
Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut
6.1 km
Seasonal Danish–French cooking, a serious wine cellar and wide lake views come together at this refined yet relaxed restaurant inside Knudhule Badehotel.
Café Himmelsk
6.5 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
6.8 km
Casual hilltop cafeteria at Himmelbjerget, serving classic Danish comfort food and ice cream with wide views over the Silkeborg lakes and surrounding forests.
Rasses Skovpølser
10.6 km
Legendary forest grill in Skanderborg serving award‑winning bøfsandwich, juicy burgers and hotdogs in a casual beech‑wood setting since 1962.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dagli'Brugsen Gl. Rye
4.1 km
Community-owned supermarket where every purchase strengthens local bonds and supports sustainable living.
Made by Ella
4.1 km
Intimate goldsmith’s studio in Ry, where local jewelry artist Julie Ella Jappe handcrafts custom designs and contemporary pieces in a calm, small-town setting.
by Diana
4.4 km
An intimate Ry lingerie boutique offering personal fittings, Scandinavian style and a carefully curated selection of everyday essentials and special-occasion pieces.
Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik
4.4 km
Historic farm shop in a mill building, selling wild game from estate forests with uncompromising quality and sustainability.
Toft suits men & women
4.4 km
Distinctive menswear and womenswear for those who value timeless quality and personal style.
Taste
4.4 km
Intimate Ry boutique for thoughtfully chosen lingerie and womenswear, offering calm, personal service and understated Nordic style on Skanderborgvej.
Kandis
4.5 km
A welcoming Ry specialty shop where wine, sweets, gourmet delicacies and thoughtful gifts come together under one cosy, carefully curated roof.
Hanghøj
4.5 km
A cosy Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Ry, offering curated women’s clothing, accessories and gifts with a relaxed, personal touch.
Hanne Linding Denmark / BUTIK No. 9 Ry
4.5 km
Intimate Ry boutique by textile artist Hanne Linding, showcasing feminine Danish knitwear, curated colors and timeless, everyday Scandinavian design.
Pierrot La Lune
4.6 km
A small, stylish children’s clothing boutique on Ry’s central square, blending Scandinavian design, quality fabrics and a cosy, neighbourhood atmosphere.
Red Cross Op Shop
4.6 km
Community-powered Danish thrift store in Ry, where low-cost second-hand finds help fund Red Cross humanitarian work and support more sustainable shopping.
Bjerg-kiosken
6.8 km
Compact hilltop kiosk on Himmelbjerget serving ice cream, snacks and drinks to walkers and day-trippers at one of Denmark’s most iconic viewpoint areas near Ry.
Bjerghytten
6.9 km
Bjerghytten: Savor Ice Cream Delights Amidst Himmelbjerget's Scenic Beauty
Ugleboden
6.9 km
Casual ice cream and souvenir stall on Himmelbjerget, adding a sweet, no-frills pause to hikes and family outings in the wooded hills above Ry.
Ørneboden
6.9 km
Small hilltop souvenir shop on Himmelbjerget, pairing simple treats and mementos with big views over Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests above Ry.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ambolten Ry
4.4 km
Cosy neighborhood bar and social hub in the heart of Ry, mixing cold beers, live music and small-town charm in a laid-back, living-room atmosphere.
Høkeren
4.4 km
Possibly Denmark’s smallest pub, Høkeren in Ry distills classic Danish tavern culture into 18 sociable square meters of wood, warmth and well‑poured drinks.
La Vinya
4.5 km
Chic wine bar and tapas lounge in Ry, offering curated wines, local bites, and cozy ambiance—perfect for unwinding after your Himmelbjerget adventure.
Sprutskuret I/S
9.6 km
A cosy, no-fuss neighborhood bar on Østbirk’s main street, where simple drinks, local life and unhurried conversations create a classic small-town Danish atmosphere.
Bar Bund
11.3 km
Cozy neighborhood bar on Adelgade in central Skanderborg, pouring classic drinks in an intimate, low-lit setting that comes alive on weekend evenings.
Bar 8660
11.4 km
Cosy local pub and brewery bar on Adelgade, pouring Skanderborg Bryghus beers, classic drinks and simple bar bites for relaxed evenings in central Skanderborg.
Dartklubben Potten
11.6 km
A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.
Værtshus
11.6 km
A compact, unpretentious local bar on Adelgade where Skanderborg’s everyday life gathers over simple beers, easy conversation and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
Marius Øltapper
11.6 km
Unpretentious Skanderborg bar on Adelgade pouring well-kept beers and offering a relaxed slice of Danish pub life from midday pints to late weekend nights.
Gerd Bär Gmbh
14.3 km
Casual neighborhood bar with friendly service and solid drink selection in Skanderborg.
Bakkens bodega
17.4 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Århusvej where locals, cold drafts and simple pub fare create a slice of everyday Silkeborg life from late morning to late evening.
Bodega Hjørnet
17.5 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
Cafe' Paradis
17.6 km
A compact, old‑school bodega in central Silkeborg, serving cold beers, local atmosphere and late‑night conversation in an unpretentious, lived‑in bar setting.
The Admiral Pub
17.8 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Café Kling Klang
17.8 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Team Paderborner
10.9 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
17.8 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
17.8 km
Scandinavia’s celebrated Riverboat Jazz Festival: riverside concerts, boat gigs, and open-air revelry set against Silkeborg’s scenic lakes and vibrant summer spirit.
Scandic Opus Horsens
20.3 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
Sölibat Natklub
21.8 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
Oskar hossman
22.2 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
PDD
22.3 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
25.2 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
26.2 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
Luksusmassage Århus
28.7 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
KLUB22
29.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
V58
30.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at V58 in Aarhus, where live music meets an energetic atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
equalclub
30.3 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
Flintstone Pub
30.4 km
Flintstone Pub in Aarhus blends retro décor, affordable drinks, and live music, offering a lively gathering place for locals and visitors in the city’s central quarter.
Bar Smil Aarhus
30.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife at Bar Smil Aarhus, a must-visit night club and bar offering an unforgettable experience in Denmark's cultural hub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Myth & Legends
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
