Øm Klostermuseum
Evocative monastery ruins, a medicinal herb garden and rare medieval skeletons bring Cistercian life vividly to life in the lake-dotted heart of eastern Jutland.
Set between the lakes of Mossø and Gudensø near Ry, Øm Klostermuseum combines an atmospheric ruin park with a focused museum on medieval monastic life. Built over the remains of a 12th‑century Cistercian monastery, it offers exposed foundations, visible graves, and Denmark’s only permanent exhibition of medieval skeletons, alongside evocative displays, a historic medicinal herb garden and a small brewhouse area that recalls the monks’ beer traditions.
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
- Allow at least two hours to see both the indoor exhibitions and the full ruin park, including the herb and brewing gardens by the lakeshore.
- Visit in the main season from late March to early November; outside this period the museum is typically closed even though the wider landscape remains accessible.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the monastery ruins and grassy paths can be uneven and may feel slippery after rain.
- If you read limited Danish, bring a translation app or guidebook to deepen your understanding of the detailed historical panels.
- Combine your visit with a lakeside walk or picnic near Mossø to make the most of the tranquil Søhøjland landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Car from Aarhus
From Aarhus, travelling by car to Øm Klostermuseum typically takes 40–50 minutes depending on traffic. The route follows major regional roads across eastern Jutland and is straightforward year-round. There is dedicated visitor parking directly by the museum, which is free or low-cost and usually sufficient outside peak school holiday periods. Fuel costs are the main expense; expect to spend around 70–120 DKK in fuel for a return trip, depending on your vehicle’s consumption.
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Regional train and bus via Skanderborg
If you travel by public transport, a common route is regional train to Skanderborg and then a local bus towards Ry and Øm. Combined travel time from Aarhus or Silkeborg is usually 60–90 minutes, including transfer time. Services run several times a day but may be less frequent on weekends and public holidays, so check timetables in advance. A standard adult one-way ticket for train plus bus within the region typically costs about 60–100 DKK, with discounts for youth and travel cards.
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Bicycle from Ry town
From the town of Ry, the museum is reachable by bicycle in roughly 20–30 minutes, following quiet country roads through gently undulating terrain. The route includes some modest hills but is manageable for most reasonably fit cyclists. Surfaces are paved or well-compacted, though they can be exposed to wind and weather. There is informal space to leave bikes near the entrance; remember to bring lights and reflective gear if you expect to return in low light.
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
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Øm Klostermuseum
Monastic ruins in the Lake District
Øm Klostermuseum sits in the rolling Søhøjland landscape between Mossø and Gudensø, where gentle hills slide down into reed-fringed shores and open water. Here, on two barrel of land, the foundations of a once-powerful Cistercian monastery form one of Denmark’s best-documented medieval claustral plans. Low stone walls trace out the church, cloister, refectory and chapter house, inviting you to walk the same ground the monks paced between 1172 and the Reformation in the 16th century. Rather than a reconstructed complex, the site is an honest ruin park. Grass-covered outlines and protected grave cuts make it easy to read the layout, while information boards and models inside the museum building help you piece together how tall, vaulted spaces would once have risen where only knee-high masonry remains today.Stories written in bone and brick
Inside the modern museum building, the focus turns to the people of Øm. Excavations have yielded an exceptional collection of human remains, making this the only specialist museum west of the Great Belt dedicated to medieval skeletons. Carefully displayed bones from graves in the church and cemetery reveal traces of illness, hard labour and healed injuries, providing a surprisingly intimate window onto everyday life and death in the cloister. Alongside the skeletal material, glass cases hold pottery, tools, devotional objects and architectural fragments uncovered in the ruins. Together they chart everything from the monastery’s economic power to its eventual dismantling around 1560, when bricks were carted off to build Skanderborghus. Text and graphics place Øm within the wider network of Cistercian houses that once dotted Denmark.Herbs, brewing and the working landscape
Just outside, Denmark’s oldest reconstructed monastery garden, founded in 1926, gathers around 80 medicinal plants that would have been familiar to medieval monastic infirmaries. Each bed is planted with purpose: soothing herbs for fevers, aromatic cures for digestion, and sturdy staples used in ointments and tinctures. The labeling makes it easy to connect modern pharmacy shelves with centuries-old herb lore. In the ruin park you also find a small bryghave, or brewing garden, with hops, bog myrtle, malting barley and historic fruit tree varieties. Together they nod to the monastery’s role as a local brewing centre, where beer was both daily nourishment and a controlled water source. Seasonal events occasionally revive these traditions with tastings and small-scale brewing demonstrations.Quiet atmosphere by the water’s edge
The setting is as much part of the visit as the exhibits. From the ruins, views open towards Mossø, and paths lead through grass and light woodland where you can hear birdsong and the soft lap of water. It is easy to imagine the medieval community choosing this spot for its balance of seclusion, arable land and access to the vital Gudenå river system. Benches tucked among the walls and in the garden encourage unhurried pauses. On clear days the play of light across stone and lake makes the site especially photogenic, while overcast skies bring out the subdued tones of the masonry and turf, underscoring the slightly melancholic beauty of a once-bustling complex now open to the elements.Planning your time at Øm Kloster
The museum season typically runs from late March to early November, with opening hours concentrated between late morning and late afternoon. A standard visit that includes both the indoor exhibitions and the ruin park fits comfortably into two hours, though history enthusiasts and photographers often linger longer, especially if combining the visit with a walk along the lakeshore. Admission is paid, with adults charged a modest fee and free entry for children and young people up to 25, plus discounted group rates. Facilities such as restrooms, simple seating areas and small-scale refreshment options support a relaxed visit, while the mostly level grounds make outdoor areas broadly accessible, though some uneven surfaces in the ruins may require care.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
