Høkeren, Ry
Tiny in size but big on heart, Høkeren is Ry’s 18 m² pub where classic Danish værtshus charm, good drinks and close‑knit conversation fill every corner.
Tucked into the historic Købmandsgården courtyard in the heart of Ry, Høkeren is a tiny 18 m² beer and wine bar that proudly calls itself Denmark’s smallest pub. Intimate, wood‑clad and candlelit, it channels classic Danish værtshus culture with a carefully chosen selection of beers, snaps and other drinks. Locals and travellers squeeze in shoulder to shoulder, swapping stories in a space where conversation comes as naturally as the next round.
A brief summary to Høkeren
- Købmandsgården 7, Ry, 8680, DK
- +4520288111
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-7 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-7 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-7 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-7 pm
- Friday 12 pm-7 pm
- Saturday 10 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early in the afternoon if you want a guaranteed seat inside; with only 18 m² of space, the bar can fill quickly on busy evenings and weekends.
- Try one of the recommended snaps with your beer and ask about its background; staff often share stories about local producers and traditions.
- Bring a light layer in cooler months; the door opens frequently and the transition between courtyard air and snug interior can feel noticeable near the entrance.
- Carry a payment card or Danish cash, as small independent bars in Denmark sometimes have limited mobile payment options for foreign cards.
- Be ready to share tables and chat; the tiny room means close quarters, which is part of the social charm and makes it easy to meet locals.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Høkeren location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Høkeren
Denmark’s tiniest watering hole in a historic courtyard
Høkeren sits hidden inside Ry’s old Købmandsgården, the former merchant’s yard that once pulsed with trade and wagons. Today, the traffic is glasses rather than grain sacks, but the sense of enclosure remains: you step in off the street and suddenly find yourself in a small, cobbled courtyard where the modern town falls away. At the far side of this courtyard, a modest door leads into what is widely known as one of Denmark’s smallest pubs. The bar measures just 18 square metres, making the first impression surprisingly intimate. Low ceilings, close‑set tables and the short distance from entrance to counter all reinforce the feeling of entering a snug, almost private living room rather than a commercial bar.A love letter to classic Danish værtshus culture
The current hosts, Martin Schougaard and Lene Lykke Hjorth, have shaped Høkeren as a tribute to the old‑school Danish "værtshus" – the kind of down‑to‑earth pub where time seems to slow, and regulars are greeted by name. Here, the focus is not on flashy cocktails or loud music but on warmth, familiarity and unhurried conversation. Dark wood, old advertising signs and gently worn surfaces recall a time when every small town had a corner pub like this. The room is lit softly, often by candles on the tables and warm bulbs behind the bar, creating an amber glow that makes even a rainy Jutland afternoon feel cosy. It is the sort of place where a single bartender can oversee the entire room, yet there is always another story waiting at the next table.Carefully chosen beers, snaps and spirited stories
Høkeren’s drinks list is compact but considered. Beers are chosen with care, spanning everyday lagers and more characterful brews, often from Danish producers. Bottles and taps are rotated enough to keep things interesting, but not so frequently that favourites disappear without warning. Snaps holds a special place here, echoing traditional Danish drinking culture with small glasses that invite slow sipping rather than quick shots. Beyond beer and snaps, you will usually find a handful of wines and simple spirits, with the emphasis on quality over quantity. The idea is that every drink comes with context: a story about the brewery, the region or the recipe. In a room this small, ordering at the bar can quickly lead into a chat about where you are from, what brings you to Ry and what is happening in town this week.Atmosphere of togetherness in 18 square metres
Because the space is so compact, Høkeren naturally encourages interaction. Strangers end up sharing tables, coat hooks and jokes; conversations spill easily across the room. The hum of voices, the clink of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter create a gentle background soundtrack that never feels overwhelming but rarely falls completely silent. On quieter afternoons, the mood can be almost contemplative, with just a few guests leaning on the bar and the door opening occasionally to let in a draught of fresh air and courtyard sounds. In the early evening, the room often fills, and the intimacy becomes part of the charm: you feel wrapped in warmth, with the outside world kept at bay by thick walls and the sense of being in a small, shared refuge.A social hub woven into Ry’s town life
Despite its size, Høkeren plays an outsized role in local social life. It functions as a meeting point before or after events in Ry, a place where neighbours catch up and visitors are quickly drawn into conversation. The pub’s central location makes it easy to combine a visit with a stroll through town or along the nearby lakes, turning a drink into a broader experience of Ry. Seasonal touches and occasional small happenings add variety without disturbing the relaxed core identity. On some days, the courtyard outside serves as an informal extension of the bar, with guests drifting between fresh air and the snug interior. Whether you stop in for a single beer or linger for several rounds, the impression is of a place that values connection more than spectacle.Slow moments in a fast world
Høkeren’s essence lies in its pace. Nothing is rushed; the room is too small, and the mood too gentle, for that. It invites you to sit down, set aside your phone for a while and be present in a small and very human space. In a town known for its surrounding nature and outdoor activities, this little pub offers a complementary kind of pause: an indoor landscape of wood, glass and conversation. For travellers passing through Ry, Høkeren is not about ticking off a must‑see sight but about slipping for an hour or two into the everyday rhythm of a Danish town. For locals, it is a familiar living room away from home. For both, it is proof that sometimes the most memorable places are measured not in square metres, but in atmosphere.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
4.5 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
4.8 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Lovisehøj
12.4 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Randershøj
12.9 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Ejer Bavnehøj
13.6 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
13.6 km
Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.
Store Troldhøj
14.4 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
14.6 km
Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
Det gamle vandtårn
14.6 km
Skanderborg's 41.5-meter castle-style water tower from 1908—a striking symbol of industrial heritage and urban progress.
Silkeborg Water Tower
15.2 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
15.3 km
Discover Byparkens Legeplads, a lively playground in Roskilde’s city park, blending creative play, family-friendly amenities, and community spirit in an urban green oasis.
silkeborg
15.3 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Rovfugleshow
15.4 km
Experience the thrill of birds of prey in action at Silkeborg Rovfugleshow, a captivating nature preserve offering breathtaking aerial displays and educational insights into the avian world.
Slotsholmen
15.4 km
Denmark's island of power: nine centuries of royal rule, government, and cultural heritage in Copenhagen's heart.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
15.5 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
Maskenkol
1.6 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
2.1 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.
H.C. Andersen bench
4.4 km
Discover Råbjerg Mile, Northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune—a stunning, ever-shifting landscape near Skagen, perfect for exploration and breathtaking views.
Øm Klostermuseum
4.4 km
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.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
4.5 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
4.7 km
Iconic Danish “mountain” above the Silkeborg lakes, blending sweeping forest-and-lake views with constitutional history, forest trails and classic excursion life.
Himmelbjergtårnet
4.7 km
A 25‑metre red-brick memorial crowning Himmelbjerget, offering sweeping lake-and-forest panoramas and a powerful glimpse into Denmark’s democratic story.
Dynæs voldsted
4.8 km
Quiet medieval castle mounds and deep ditches on a wooded peninsula in the Silkeborg Lakes, where earthworks, water and forest hint at a vanished stronghold.
Kallehave bålhytte
4.8 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.
Turbådene Himmelbjerget
4.9 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.
Gammelkol
5.3 km
A modest historic site folded into Silkeborg’s forests, where quiet paths, subtle landforms and shifting light reveal the long story of Denmark’s lake country.
Mossø
6.3 km
Jutland’s largest lake, where wide horizons, protected birdlife and easygoing outdoor adventures meet in the rolling Danish Lake Highlands.
Abbey Mill
7.1 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.
Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn
7.4 km
Historic hilltop tower above Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests, blending Denmark’s constitutional story with sweeping Jutland views and atmospheric woodland paths.
FDF Outdoor Center Sletten
7.4 km
Denmark's premier outdoor recreation hub where free activities, mountain biking, and nature immersion meet modern comfort.
Essential places to dine
Ry Gastropub
0.1 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
0.1 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
0.1 km
Intimate hotel brasserie in lakeside Ry, pairing French‑inspired comfort food, seasonal Danish ingredients and candlelit evening ambience in the heart of Søhøjlandet.
Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
0.1 km
Casual neighborhood pizza and chicken takeaway in Ry, serving hearty portions and familiar flavors for easy, budget‑friendly dinners after a day outdoors.
Restaurant Da Angelo
0.1 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
KobKun
0.1 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.
Umisushi
0.2 km
Neighbourhood sushi and takeaway in the lakeside town of Ry, serving fresh rolls and casual Japanese favourites in a relaxed, modern setting.
Lakeside Ry - Restaurant
0.2 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
Knudhule Badehotel og Gastronomisk Institut
2.1 km
Award-winning lakeside hotel and fine dining destination in Denmark's scenic Søhøjlandet region.
Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut
2.2 km
Seasonal Danish–French cooking, a serious wine cellar and wide lake views come together at this refined yet relaxed restaurant inside Knudhule Badehotel.
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
4.1 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.
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
4.4 km
Casual hilltop cafeteria at Himmelbjerget, serving classic Danish comfort food and ice cream with wide views over the Silkeborg lakes and surrounding forests.
Café Himmelsk
4.7 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Svejstrup Præstegård
5.6 km
Historic rectory garden transformed into a seasonal summer restaurant and cultural venue.
Restaurant Aalekroen
8.3 km
Classic Danish kro-style restaurant on the shores of Julsø, pairing hearty traditional dishes and fried eel with sweeping lakeside views near Silkeborg.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kandis
0.0 km
A welcoming Ry specialty shop where wine, sweets, gourmet delicacies and thoughtful gifts come together under one cosy, carefully curated roof.
Hanne Linding Denmark / BUTIK No. 9 Ry
0.0 km
Intimate Ry boutique by textile artist Hanne Linding, showcasing feminine Danish knitwear, curated colors and timeless, everyday Scandinavian design.
Toft suits men & women
0.0 km
Distinctive menswear and womenswear for those who value timeless quality and personal style.
Hanghøj
0.1 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.
Taste
0.1 km
Intimate Ry boutique for thoughtfully chosen lingerie and womenswear, offering calm, personal service and understated Nordic style on Skanderborgvej.
by Diana
0.1 km
An intimate Ry lingerie boutique offering personal fittings, Scandinavian style and a carefully curated selection of everyday essentials and special-occasion pieces.
Pierrot La Lune
0.2 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
0.2 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.
Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik
0.3 km
Historic farm shop in a mill building, selling wild game from estate forests with uncompromising quality and sustainability.
Made by Ella
4.0 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.
densortepiste.dk
4.0 km
Denmark's dedicated ski shop for rentals, sales, and expert winter sports guidance.
ByStenholt
4.0 km
A calm, contemporary womenswear boutique in Ry, blending Nordic style with small-town ease and serving as the local face of a modern Danish fashion webshop.
Dagli'Brugsen Gl. Rye
4.1 km
Community-owned supermarket where every purchase strengthens local bonds and supports sustainable living.
Bjerg-kiosken
4.5 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.
Ugleboden
4.5 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Høkeren
0.0 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
0.0 km
Chic wine bar and tapas lounge in Ry, offering curated wines, local bites, and cozy ambiance—perfect for unwinding after your Himmelbjerget adventure.
Ambolten Ry
0.2 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.
Dartklubben Potten
7.4 km
A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.
Bar 8660
12.4 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.
Bar Bund
12.4 km
Cozy neighborhood bar on Adelgade in central Skanderborg, pouring classic drinks in an intimate, low-lit setting that comes alive on weekend evenings.
Værtshus
12.9 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
12.9 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.
Sprutskuret I/S
14.0 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.
Gerd Bär Gmbh
14.7 km
Casual neighborhood bar with friendly service and solid drink selection in Skanderborg.
Bakkens bodega
14.7 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.
Pub North Cape v / Allan Hede
14.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in northern Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks, easygoing hygge and a slice of local bar life late into the evening.
Cafe' Paradis
15.1 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.
Bodega Hjørnet
15.1 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
The Admiral Pub
15.3 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Adults Only
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
