Øm Klostermuseum
Atmospheric monastery ruins, intimate exhibitions and historic herb gardens on a tranquil lakeshore bring medieval Cistercian life vividly into focus near Ry.
Set between the lakes Mossø and Gudensø near Ry, Øm Klostermuseum combines an atmospheric ruin park with an intimate museum dedicated to one of Denmark’s best-documented medieval Cistercian monasteries. Visitors wander among low stone foundations, visible graves and a historic herb and brew garden, then step indoors to see artifacts, skeletal material and exhibits that bring monastic life from 1172 to 1560 into sharp focus, all framed by peaceful East Jutland lake-land scenery.
A brief summary to Øm Klostermuseum
- Munkevej 8, Ry, 8680, DK
- +4586898194
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 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 early November when the museum is open and the ruin park and herb garden are accessible; check for Monday closures outside school holidays.
- Allow extra time in summer to enjoy the monastery garden’s 80 medicinal plants and brew garden; labels are detailed, so a slow circuit is especially rewarding.
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for grass and uneven stone foundations in the ruin park, especially after rain when surfaces can be damp and slightly slippery.
- If you are sensitive to human remains, be aware that both the indoor exhibitions and some church ruins include visible skeletons and skeletal material, presented in a scientific context.
- Combine the museum with a short lakeside walk just beyond the ruins to appreciate the monastery’s strategic position between Mossø and Gudensø.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Regional train and bus from Aarhus
From Aarhus, take a regional train towards Skanderborg and Ry; the journey to Ry station typically takes 35–50 minutes. From Ry, use a local bus or on-demand rural service towards Emborg or Mossø, with a travel time of around 15–25 minutes depending on route and waiting time. A combined one-way ticket for train and bus usually costs about 80–110 DKK for adults, with discounts for children and youth. Services run more frequently on weekdays than evenings and weekends, so check timetables in advance.
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Car from Skanderborg and Aarhus region
Driving from Skanderborg to Øm Klostermuseum typically takes 20–25 minutes, and from central Aarhus around 45–55 minutes depending on traffic. Roads are paved and straightforward, suitable for standard vehicles in all seasons. Parking is available at or near the museum and is generally free or low-cost. Factor in a little extra time in high summer or on event days when the area can be busier with visitors to the lakes and nearby countryside.
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Cycling from Ry and Søhøjlandet trails
From Ry town, Øm Klostermuseum can be reached by bicycle in roughly 20–35 minutes along local roads and signposted cycle routes through the Søhøjlandet landscape. The route is gently hilly and mainly on asphalt, with some sections shared with car traffic. It is suitable for reasonably confident cyclists, including older children, in most seasons except during icy winter conditions. There is no extra cost beyond bicycle rental if needed, which in the area typically ranges from 150–250 DKK per day from local providers.
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
A monastery by the lakes
Øm Klostermuseum lies in the rolling Søhøjlandet landscape, tucked between the lakes Mossø and Gudensø just outside Ry. Here, at the edge of the water, a Cistercian community founded a monastery in the 12th century and remained until the Reformation in 1560. Today only foundations and fragments remain above ground, but the setting is still striking: open lawns, clusters of old trees and glimpses of blue lake between reeds and rushes. The museum complex is divided between the open-air ruin park and a modern exhibition building. Together they make Øm one of the best-illuminated medieval monasteries in Denmark, with unusually complete knowledge of its ground plan and history thanks to long-running archaeological work and preserved written sources.Walking the outlines of a vanished world
The ruin park covers several hectares of grass, where low stone walls and marked outlines show the full footprint of the monastery. You can trace the cloister walk, stand where the nave once rose, and follow corridors to refectory, dormitory and chapter house. Five medieval graves remain visible in situ within the church and chapter-house ruins, lending a quiet gravity to the site. Information boards help you imagine the missing vertical dimension: how tall the church once stood, where upper floors extended over what are now empty rectangles of turf. It is an easy, mostly level stroll, inviting you to drift in and out of the remains, pause on benches and let the layered history settle in amid birdsong and the sound of wind over the lake.Inside the museum: lives in bone and objects
Indoors, the museum focuses on findings from decades of excavation at Øm. Displays of tools, everyday utensils, devotional items and architectural fragments reveal how the monks prayed, worked and managed their extensive estates. Panels explain the Cistercian order’s ideals of simplicity, self-sufficiency and rhythm of prayer. A particular hallmark of Øm Klostermuseum is its anthropological collection. It is a specialist museum in human skeletal material, presenting bones from the monastery graveyards with clear, respectful interpretation. Pathologies, healed injuries and traces of hard labour tell stories of diet, disease and social conditions in medieval Denmark, turning anonymous skeletons into tangible biographies of former inhabitants.Herbs, healing and the monastery gardens
Beside the ruins lies Denmark’s oldest reconstructed monastery garden, established in the 1920s and continually refined. Around 80 different medicinal plants grow here, all documented in historical sources as typical of a medieval Danish cloister garden. Labels explain traditional uses: some herbs soothed fevers, others aided digestion, while certain species were prized in monastic infirmaries. In a dedicated brew garden, hops, bog myrtle, malting barley and heritage fruit trees evoke the monastery’s role as a producer of beer and foodstuffs. The neatly arranged beds, scents of herbs in summer and buzzing of insects create a contrast to the raw stone ruins nearby, giving a sense of the practical, experimental side of monastic life.Seasons, atmosphere and special events
From spring reopening through autumn, the site changes character with the seasons. Early in the year, low light and bare trees highlight the geometry of the stone foundations. In high summer, the lawns, garden beds and surrounding lakeshore feel almost park-like, inviting slow exploration and quiet picnics just outside the core ruin area. Interpretive events and activities are often concentrated in the main visiting season, with occasional historical-themed days, evening openings and programming that play to the monastery’s past as a place of scholarship, brewing and devotion. Even on a simple weekday visit, the combination of scientific excavation, careful presentation and tranquil surroundings makes Øm feel like both an open-air archive and a contemplative retreat.Planning your visit to Øm Klostermuseum
Øm Klostermuseum operates as part of the local museum organisation and is typically open from late March to early November, Tuesday to Sunday during the day, with Mondays closed outside special holiday periods. Admission for adults is modest, while children and young people up to 25 years usually enter free, making it an accessible stop for families and history enthusiasts alike. Most visitors spend between one and three hours here, combining time in the indoor exhibitions, a slow circuit of the ruin park and a wander through the herb and brew gardens. The experience works well as a focused cultural stop on a broader journey through East Jutland’s lakes district, or as a gentle half-day outing built around history, landscape and quiet reflection.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
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
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
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
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
