Background

Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård: The Historic Rømø Commander’s Farmhouse

Step inside an 18th-century whaler's farmhouse on Rømø to explore Denmark’s maritime past, opulent interiors, and life at the edge of the North Sea.

4.7

Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård on Rømø is a well-preserved 18th-century commander’s farm, offering immersive insight into the island’s wealthy maritime history, whale voyages, and rural Danish life. Inside, visitors discover elegant period rooms, sailors’ artifacts, and traditional North Sea landscapes outside, making it a vivid and atmospheric journey just north of Wadden Sea National Park’s center.

A brief summary to Ravnkilde

  • Unnamed Road,, Skørping, 9520, DK
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Arrive early in summer to beat crowds and join special guided tours in historical costume that bring the commander’s story to life.
  • The farmhouse is partly wheelchair accessible, but cobbles and narrow doorways may present challenges.
  • There’s a traditional café nearby, perfect for local treats after your visit—try the rye bread and island lamb dishes.
  • Look for the sailors’ scrimshaw and whalebone handicrafts—these rare pieces are a fascinating relic of Rømø’s seafaring links.
  • Parking is free, but spaces fill quickly during peak periods—public transport and cycling are good alternatives.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From the heart of Wadden Sea National Park, a scenic drive northward across Rømø Island brings you through tranquil heathlands, tidal salt marshes, and occasionally past grazing sheep. Once on the northern part of the island, the Kommandørgård’s whitewashed walls and thatched roof stand out near Juvre village. Free parking is available on-site, though spaces may be limited during school holidays.

  • Public Transport

    Regional buses connect main settlements on Rømø and the mainland with the northern end of the island. Departing from the park’s visitor hub, a bus journey of roughly 30–40 minutes drops you near the old church. From there, it’s a peaceful 10–15-minute walk through farmland to the farmhouse. A single adult ticket typically costs DKK 26–34.

  • Cycling

    Cyclists can follow the well-marked national bicycle route running north across Rømø, passing dune landscapes and birdlife zones along the way. The museum has a dedicated bike rack for visitors. The ride from the center of the park covers gently rolling terrain and takes about 30–45 minutes, making it ideal for a leisurely outing under open skies.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from most guesthouses and villages on Rømø. From nearby settlements or Wadden Sea park areas, expect a pleasant 10–15-minute ride across scenic countryside. Fares average DKK 110–170, depending on season and point of departure.

Unlock the Best of Ravnkilde

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Ravnkilde

Set among windswept fields and low dunes on Rømø Island, Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård is a stately 18th-century farmhouse that whisks you back to the heyday of Danish whaling commanders and their families. This historic farmstead—one of Denmark’s finest surviving examples—was once the home of a 'Kommandør,' an elite ship captain who navigated the treacherous North Atlantic for whales in the era when Rømø’s fortunes rose and fell with the sea. The thatched-roof manor appears modest from afar, but step through its gate and you’ll find lavish period interiors that reveal a prosperous, cosmopolitan past. Polished wood, walls painted with imported colors, porcelain, and elegant furnishings all speak to the commander’s global voyages and his family’s taste—a dramatic contrast to the rugged nature just outside. The museum’s new exhibits bring to life not only the luxurious lifestyle and international connections of these seafaring captains, but also the realities for the servants, farmhands, and local community who supported Rømø’s whaling trade. Artifacts include models of whaling ships, antique navigation tools, and intricate sailors’ artwork made from whalebone and teeth. The farm’s outbuildings, original stables, and 200-year-old gardens give a tangible sense of daily life in a windswept landscape where sand drifts and tides shaped fate. Outside, the air is fresh with salt and sea grass, and sheep often graze in the surrounding meadows—a reminder that this island’s wealth and survival have always depended on harnessing harsh North Sea resources. The museum is a family-friendly highlight with costumed guides in summer and interactive spaces for children, making vivid both the grandeur and the grittiness of Rømø’s maritime heritage.

Popular Experiences near Ravnkilde

Popular Hotels near Ravnkilde

Select Currency