De Gamle Huse – Maribo Open-Air Museum
Step 200 years back in time among thatched farmsteads and Denmark’s oldest post mill, set beside the tranquil lakes and birdlife of Maribo Lakes Nature Park.
Set on the shores of Maribo Lakes in southern Lolland, **De Gamle Huse** is an atmospheric open‑air museum where historic thatched, timber‑framed farmhouses, cottages, a school and a mill recreate rural life around 1800. Part of Museum Lolland‑Falster, it combines evocative period interiors, original artefacts and garden plots with hands‑on activities, old village games and traditional crafts. Surrounded by the Maribo Lakes Nature Park, it is as much a gentle nature escape as it is a deep dive into Denmark’s agrarian past.
A brief summary to Frilandsmuseet - De gamle Huse
- Meinckes Vej 5, Maribo, 4930, DK
- +4554844400
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- 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
- Aim to visit in the warmer months when the open‑air museum is in season and more houses, activities and outdoor areas are accessible.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for gravel paths, grass and uneven historic floors inside the old houses.
- Allow time to walk down towards the lake edge within the grounds to enjoy the views and birdlife of Maribo Lakes Nature Park.
- Check the museum’s event calendar in advance if you are interested in demonstrations of traditional crafts or themed activity days.
- Bring a light jacket even in summer; the exposed lakeside setting and open interiors can feel cooler than town streets.
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 local bus from Nykøbing Falster
From Nykøbing Falster, take a regional train to Maribo Station, a journey of about 20–25 minutes with departures typically at least once an hour during the day. From the station, a local town bus or regional bus runs towards the lakeside area near Bangs Have and the open‑air museum, with the ride taking around 10–15 minutes. A combined one‑way trip by train and bus usually costs in the range of 60–90 DKK per adult, depending on ticket type and any discounts. Buses run less frequently in the evening and on weekends, so it is wise to check the timetable in advance.
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Drive from Rødbyhavn ferry terminal
If you are arriving on the ferry from Germany to Rødbyhavn, you can drive to Maribo in roughly 20–30 minutes via the main road across Lolland. The route is straightforward, mostly on well‑maintained roads through gently rolling countryside. There is usually free or low‑cost parking available near the museum area and the adjacent park, but spaces can fill up on sunny weekends and school holidays. Fuel costs vary, but you should budget normal Danish petrol prices for a short regional drive of this length.
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Cycling from central Maribo
From the centre of Maribo, the open‑air museum can be reached by bicycle in about 10–15 minutes, following quiet town streets and paths towards the lakes and Bangs Have. The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for casual cyclists and older children, though some sections may share space with local traffic. Standard city bikes can be hired in the region; expect to pay approximately 80–150 DKK for a day’s rental depending on the provider. In wet or windy weather, allow extra time as exposed stretches near the lake can feel more challenging.
Frilandsmuseet - De gamle Huse location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Frilandsmuseet - De gamle Huse
Rural Denmark Frozen in Time by Maribo Lake
De Gamle Huse, also known as the Maribo Open‑Air Museum, spreads across a leafy site sloping gently towards the water in Nature Park Maribosøerne. Here, historic buildings from across Lolland-Falster have been dismantled and painstakingly reassembled, creating a small rural community as it might have looked two centuries ago. The lake glinting beyond the hedgerows and the sheltering trees gives the whole place a quietly cinematic quality, especially on still days when the thatched roofs are reflected in the water. The museum is part of Museum Lolland-Falster and was one of the earliest open‑air museums in Denmark. Today, it serves as a gateway into the region’s agricultural heritage, set on a compact, walkable site that feels more like a hamlet than a museum. Gravel paths, fruit trees and cottage gardens stitch together the buildings, while the sounds of birds from the lakeside reinforce that you are standing in the middle of a protected nature park as well as a cultural institution.Thatched Farmsteads, Humble Cottages and a Village School
The heart of the museum is its collection of timber‑framed, whitewashed farmhouses and smaller dwellings, many with heavy thatched roofs and crooked beams. Inside, low‑ceilinged rooms are furnished with painted chests, iron stoves, woven textiles and everyday tools, all arranged to suggest a family has only just stepped outside. Each house tells a different social story: the comparatively substantial farmer’s house, the modest smallholder’s cottage, the simple labourer’s quarters. A reconstructed village school reveals how children learned their letters on hard benches under the gaze of a strict teacher, while other buildings explore the world of the priest, the blacksmith and other figures central to village life. One of the museum’s engineering treasures is an old ploughing engine from the earliest days of sugar beet cultivation on Lolland, hinting at the technological changes that reshaped the landscape and local economy in the 19th century.Craftsmanship, Technology and Denmark’s Oldest Post Mill
Among the most striking structures on site is an impressive windmill, whose post is said to be more than four centuries old. This makes it one of the oldest mill structures of its kind in Denmark and a powerful symbol of pre‑industrial ingenuity, standing high above the surrounding roofs. Its weathered timbers and creaking sails evoke an era when wind power was essential to grinding grain and securing a farm’s livelihood. Across the grounds, details of traditional construction are on display: wattle‑and‑daub walls, hand‑hewn beams, hand‑split shingles and carefully layered thatch. Information boards explain old techniques and regional variations in building style, demonstrating how architecture responded to climate, soil and available materials. For visitors keen on vernacular architecture, it is a concise, open‑air textbook on how rural houses in southern Denmark were crafted and maintained.Hands-On Activities and Living History Moments
De Gamle Huse distinguishes itself through its focus on activity as much as observation. On selected days, staff and interpreters demonstrate crafts such as whitewashing, fence weaving or traditional plastering, allowing you to see – and sometimes try – techniques that once defined everyday work in the countryside. Seasonal events can introduce music, storytelling, or themed days tied to the farming year. Simple village games are laid out in the grass or gravel for all ages to try, turning the open spaces between buildings into impromptu playgrounds. Families can follow small trails or quizzes designed for children, encouraging them to hunt for details inside the houses and in the farmyards. Combined with domestic animals occasionally present on site, these touches lend warmth and immediacy to what might otherwise be static historic settings.Lakeside Calm in the Maribo Lakes Nature Park
Beyond the buildings, the museum is deeply connected to its environment. The Maribo Lakes Nature Park is known for its many islands, birdlife and rolling manor landscapes, and you sense this as soon as you step close to the shoreline at the edge of the grounds. Reed beds rustle, waterfowl call across the lake and the wind carries the scent of wet wood and earth. Benches and quiet corners invite you to pause and watch the light shift across the water or to enjoy a packed picnic between visits to the houses. The combination of cultural history and soft, lakeside nature makes De Gamle Huse a gentle place to slow down. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a family with children, or simply passing through Lolland, the museum offers a compact yet layered encounter with both the human and natural history of this part of Denmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
FEMERN BÆLT Fehmarnbelt HOLZPLATFORM
15.9 km
Lang, skulpturel udsigtsrampe i stål og træ med fri panoramaudsigt til Femern Bælt-tunnelen og Lollands åbne kystlandskab – gratis og åben året rundt.
Ravnsby Bakker
16.2 km
Rolling hills and ancient monuments where glacial history meets contemporary art on Denmark's flattest island.
Holiday Lolland - Old farm
17.2 km
Experience the charm of rural Denmark at Holiday Lolland - Old Farm, a serene bed and breakfast near Nysted offering cozy accommodations, local cuisine, and a gateway to Lolland's beauty.
Fuglsang Herregaard - Hotel + Events + Conference
20.5 km
Experience Danish history and culture at Fuglsang Herregaard, a beautifully restored manor offering tranquil stays, gourmet dining, and access to art and nature in Lolland-Falster.
Touristinformation
24.2 km
Explore the charm and rich culture of Nykøbing Falster, a delightful coastal town perfect for your next Danish adventure.
Bjørnebrønden
24.2 km
Granite bear, flowing water and royal history converge in this compact fountain that anchors Nykøbing Falster’s main square and its stories.
Vandtårnet I Nykøbing F
24.3 km
Historic concrete water tower turned art space and viewpoint, offering 147 steps to sweeping panoramas over Nykøbing Falster, Guldborgsund and the flat fields of Falster.
Falster Provsti
24.4 km
Explore the tranquil beauty and historical significance of Falster Provsti, a stunning church in Nykøbing Falster, Denmark.
Mindbjergs
24.5 km
Explore a fusion of Danish and Asian flavors at Mindbjergs, a culinary gem in Nykøbing Falster offering unique dishes in a warm atmosphere.
Lergravens Sailing and Fishing Club
24.9 km
Explore the serene Lergravens Sailing and Fishing Club in Nykøbing Falster, where adventure meets tranquility on Denmark's scenic coast.
Diocese of Lolland–Falster
24.9 km
Experience the serene beauty and rich history of the Diocese of Lolland–Falster in Nykøbing Falster, a captivating church and cultural landmark.
Vindeholme
25.0 km
Explore Vindeholme Castle in Nakskov, Denmark – a serene historical gem perfect for a day of relaxation and discovery amid stunning gardens.
Hotel Falster
25.1 km
Experience Danish hospitality at Hotel Falster in Nykøbing Falster, offering comfortable accommodations, on-site dining, and easy access to local attractions and the South Sea Islands.
Guldborgsund Zoo & Botanisk Have
25.7 km
Discover the enchanting world of wildlife and gardens at Guldborgsund Zoo & Botanisk Have, a perfect family-friendly destination in Nykøbing Falster.
Falster City Camping
26.0 km
Discover Falster's charm from Falster City Camping, offering comfortable pitches, modern amenities, and easy access to beaches, nature, and Nykøbing Falster's attractions.
Unmissable attractions to see
Naturpark Maribosøerne
0.5 km
Island-dotted lakes, soaring sea eagles and gently rolling manor landscapes meet in this protected nature park on Lolland, inviting slow exploration by trail and water.
Maribo Cathedral
0.7 km
Lakeside Gothic cathedral in Maribo, born as a Bridgettine monastery church and now a serene window onto Danish medieval faith, royal drama and monastic heritage.
Stiftsmuseum Maribo
1.0 km
A compact island museum where a Stone Age girl, medieval church art and rune stones tell 10,000 years of Lolland-Falster stories under one historic roof.
Relic of the Castle Revshale
3.3 km
Subtle earthworks on a tiny lake island where a once-mighty royal fortress fell in 1256, now softened by reeds, birdsong and the quiet waters of Maribo’s nature park.
Skelsnæs-pavillionen
4.7 km
Experience Denmark's largest grey seal colony with Nysted Sealsafari's guided boat tours near Rødsand.
Knuthenborg Safaripark
4.7 km
Northern Europe's largest safari park—drive among 1,200+ animals, explore prehistoric wonders, and sleep under the stars.
Søholt Barokhave
4.8 km
Step into a restored Baroque world of hedged alleys, fountains and orchards beside Søholt Manor on the tranquil shores of the Maribo Lakes near Maribo.
Lolland
5.0 km
Denmark's rural island sanctuary where safari wildlife, medieval history, and contemporary art converge amid coastal beauty.
Limpopoland Knuthenborg
5.7 km
High‑energy rides, giant playgrounds and water‑soaked thrills at the vibrant heart of Knuthenborg Safari Park on Lolland.
Evolution Museet
6.2 km
World-class real dinosaur fossils and a 300-million-year journey through evolution, set inside Denmark’s Knuthenborg Safaripark on the island of Lolland.
Railroad Museum Maribo-Bandholm
7.3 km
Step into a living slice of Danish railway history at Bandholm’s preserved station, where vintage trains, period details and coastal scenery meet on Lolland.
Bandholm Badehotel
7.4 km
Historic seaside hotel on Lolland’s quiet north coast, blending classic Danish badehotel charm, Nordic spa rituals and regionally inspired gastronomy by the Småland Sea.
Bandholm Strand
7.5 km
A compact, child‑friendly Baltic cove on Lolland’s north coast, where soft sand, shallow water and a classic seaside village backdrop create a gentle beach escape.
Lolland-Falster Airport
8.6 km
A friendly general aviation airfield in the fields of Lolland, where local clubs, small aircraft and big skies create a quietly captivating gateway to southern Denmark.
Polakkasernen
10.6 km
Europe's only museum honoring the Polish beet workers who shaped Lolland's agricultural legacy
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Bangs Have
0.4 km
Historic 1911 lake pavilion on Maribo Søerne, serving classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with sweeping views of the water and surrounding woodland.
Restaurant B
0.6 km
Intimate French-inspired bistro in central Maribo, serving hearty European classics, generous portions and relaxed, candlelit dinners on Vesterbrogade.
Restaurant China House
0.8 km
Casual Chinese and sushi buffet in central Maribo, offering inexpensive, all‑you‑can‑eat comfort food in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting close to the town’s main sights.
Café Vin og Brød
0.9 km
Neighbourhood bakery, relaxed café and intimate wine cellar in one, Café Vin og Brød is Maribo’s cosy all‑day living room on the town square.
Cafe Victoria
1.1 km
Maribo's friendly gathering place for quality café fare and warm hospitality in a spacious, welcoming setting.
Pin Sushi
1.2 km
Compact Japanese restaurant in central Maribo serving approachable sushi, warm wok dishes and takeaway platters in a casual, budget‑friendly setting.
Landsbyen Våbensted
6.0 km
Homely village restaurant on rural Lolland, serving hearty Danish fare and offering a relaxed pause between Sakskøbing and the open fields.
Oreby Kro
9.3 km
Classic Danish country inn-restaurant on Sakskøbing Fjord, serving seasonal local dishes in cozy historic rooms and on a fjord-facing terrace at Orebygaard.
Godstedlund Bed & Breakfast
9.5 km
Adults-only countryside manor on Lolland combining boutique interiors, serene gardens and quiet Danish village charm in an intimate bed & breakfast setting.
Thorlins spisested
12.1 km
Cosy farm-to-table dining and a well-stocked gårdbutik on rural Lolland, where local meats, charcuterie and preserves showcase the flavours of the surrounding fields.
Brasseriet Søllestedgaard
14.3 km
Farm-to-table dining where biodynamic gardens meet craft brewery in rural Denmark.
La Sevillana by Marni
15.0 km
Cozy Spanish-style tapas and hearty plates beside the Rødbyhavn ferry, blending Andalusian warmth with Danish harbour atmosphere on Lolland’s south coast.
Restaurant Strandgården
18.2 km
Casual seaside dining on Lolland’s south coast, where classic Danish dishes, local fish and an ice-cream café meet Baltic views, dike walks and mini-golf fun.
Den gamle Digegaard
18.5 km
Thatched charm and Baltic views on Lolland's quiet southern coast
Cocomarie, Bistro & Café
18.9 km
Historic farmhouse bistro serving locally sourced cuisine and craft coffee in Guldborg.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
TIPPY
0.7 km
Cozy women’s fashion boutique on Maribo’s main street, offering Scandinavian everyday style and a calm indoor pause amid the town’s historic centre.
JYSK
0.7 km
Scandinavian home furnishings and interior design in a bright, welcoming retail environment.
Red Cross Op Shop
0.7 km
Community-driven Red Cross thrift shop in central Maribo, where sustainable bargains, friendly volunteers and humanitarian purpose meet on a cosy Danish high street.
Guldsmed Kelø
0.7 km
A traditional Maribo goldsmith where Danish craftsmanship, timeless design and everyday town life meet in an intimate jewellery boutique on Vestergade.
Modehjørnet
0.7 km
A small-town Maribo clothing boutique offering everyday Scandinavian style, personal service, and a relaxed shopping pause in the heart of Vestergade.
Mothers' Aid Op Shop
0.9 km
Affordable secondhand children's essentials supporting Maribo's family community.
Leonora
1.0 km
A small, relaxed fashion boutique in central Maribo, offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday clothing and accessories in a calm, personal setting.
Broderimagasinet
1.1 km
A cosy yarn and embroidery shop in central Maribo, where colourful skeins, fabrics and patterns offer hands-on inspiration for creative travellers and local makers.
Bog & idé og Legekæden
1.1 km
Denmark's premier bookstore chain blending literature, games, and lifestyle products in a welcoming retail environment.
Legekæden
1.1 km
A compact, colorful toy store in Maribo’s Lollandscentret, offering classic games, creative play and convenient gift shopping for families on Lolland.
Casa Bohr
1.1 km
A small, thoughtfully curated gift shop in central Maribo, where Nordic homeware, cozy details and slow-browsing ambience turn souvenir hunting into design discovery.
Hobbydillen
1.1 km
Small, independent hobby shop in Maribo’s Lollands Centret, specializing in paper craft and cardmaking supplies for everyday creativity and personal handmade projects.
Boline Chokolade
1.1 km
Cosy, owner-run chocolatier in Maribo’s Lollands Centret, specialising in handcrafted pralines, flødeboller and gift-ready chocolate assortments with a Danish twist.
Lollands Centret
1.1 km
Maribo's modern shopping destination with diverse retailers, dining, and services in the heart of the cathedral town.
Kop & Kande
1.1 km
Well-stocked Danish homeware and gift shop in Lollands Centret, ideal for kitchen essentials, tableware and presents in the heart of small-town Maribo.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Munk Stuen
0.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Maribo, serving classic drinks and local atmosphere just a short stroll from the town’s cathedral and lakeside paths.
Pillen Maribo
1.0 km
Casual Danish pub in historic Maribo—authentic local atmosphere, extended weekend hours, perfect for evening socializing.
City Rock
1.1 km
Maribo's lively brasserie and arcade bar where locals gather for craft drinks, pub classics, and vintage gaming.
Maribo Mc
9.9 km
Relaxed local bar on the edge of Sakskøbing, serving easygoing drinks and simple bites in a cosy, living-room-style setting on Lolland.
Goose-pub
9.9 km
Casual wine bar in the heart of Sakskøbing's main street, open daily until midnight.
Valhall
10.4 km
Casual neighbourhood bar in central Rødby, serving cold beers and simple drinks from late morning to evening in a friendly, small-town Lolland atmosphere.
Bodega Slap A
15.1 km
Casual waterfront bar in Rødby's harbor district—a relaxed social hub for drinks and dining.
Bodega Overfarten
15.2 km
Harborfront Danish bodega in Rødby, where locals, ferry workers and travelers share cold beers and warm conversation steps from the working port.
Defectors MC Lolland Falster
16.0 km
Rural biker clubhouse on Lolland-Falster where motorcycles, camaraderie and a simple bar meet far from the usual city nightlife.
Kaspers landsted
18.9 km
A cosy 19th‑century villa turned intimate rock and party venue, where Sakskøbing’s locals gather for house‑party vibes, live music and laid‑back nights.
Café Cosmo
23.3 km
Live music, karaoke, and Danish hygge on Nakskov's vibrant Østre Boulevard.
Bodega Guldhornet
23.4 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Nakskov, where cold beer, sports on screen and a well-used billiard table create an easygoing local hangout.
Anne's Bodega
23.6 km
Down-to-earth neighborhood bodega in central Nakskov, serving cold beers, local camaraderie and classic Danish pub atmosphere late into the evening.
Sports Baren
23.7 km
Lively local sports bar on Nakskov’s Axeltorv, pouring cold beer, showing big matches and serving simple bar bites late into the weekend night.
Vinoteque Marittima
23.9 km
Floating wine and coffee bar on Nykøbing Falster’s harbor, blending intimate maritime charm with carefully chosen drinks, small plates and sunset-ready deck seating.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
CLUB ZANZI
24.0 km
High‑energy waterfront nightclub bringing big‑city beats, flashing lights and late‑night dancing to the heart of coastal Nakskov.
Første sted
24.2 km
Compact, music-driven nightclub on central Slotsgade, offering an intimate, local slice of Nykøbing Falster’s late-night dancing and drinks scene.
Loke MC - Helheim
24.3 km
Rural Danish biker clubhouse with Norse-mythology flair, offering intimate late-night gatherings, loud rock playlists and a no-frills bar far from mainstream nightlife.
N.Y.K. Event
24.7 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Nykøbing Falster, mixing strong drinks, loud beats and a sociable dance floor that runs into the early morning.
Billy Booze
24.8 km
Compact late-night disco in Nykøbing Falster with inexpensive drinks, loud hits and a casual dance floor vibe from Thursday to Saturday.
Gedser Lighthouse
38.1 km
Explore Denmark's southernmost lighthouse, offering panoramic Baltic Sea views and rich maritime history.
Langelands Jazzklub
52.2 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Kasket karl
53.1 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
Bar z
54.0 km
Næstved's welcoming nightclub for Thursday-to-Saturday evening gatherings and social entertainment.
Step Inn I / S
54.0 km
Step Inn I / S is a centrally located Næstved bar offering a relaxed setting for drinks, socializing, and local nightlife with a distinctly Danish twist.
The Old Irish Pub
54.0 km
A vibrant Irish-themed pub in the heart of Næstved, offering live music, sports, draught beer, and a lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Crazy Daisy Næstved
54.1 km
High‑energy weekend nightclub in central Næstved, packing loud beats, flashing lights and a late‑night local crowd into a compact, classic Danish town‑club setting.
The Beach
54.1 km
The Beach is Næstved’s top karaoke bar, renowned for its vibrant ambiance, creative drinks, and a lineup of crowd-pleasing singalong nights in the city center.
Avenue Næstved
54.1 km
Lively nightspot and flexible event hall in central Næstved, mixing dancefloor energy, festive dinners, stand-up comedy and themed parties under one roof.
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
54.2 km
Experience live jazz in the heart of Næstved at Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub, where music and history harmonize.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
- Adventure Photo Shoot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
