Den Gamle Arrest, Ribe
Stay the night in Ribe’s old town prison, a 16th‑century listed house on the cathedral square where chaplains, schoolgirls and inmates once shared the same walls.
Den Gamle Arrest is a listed 16th‑century building on Ribe’s main square, a few steps from the cathedral. Once a chaplain’s residence, later a girls’ school and finally the town prison, it now operates as a small, atmospheric guesthouse where heavy cell doors, thick walls and creaking floors echo centuries of Ribe history. Its unbeatable central location makes it an evocative base for exploring Denmark’s oldest town and the surrounding Wadden Sea landscape.
A brief summary to Den Gamle Arrest, Ribe
- Torvet 11, Ribe, 6760, DK
- +4575423700
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 24 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Request a room facing the square if you want cathedral views and to hear the bells; choose an inward‑facing room for a quieter night.
- Pack light, as the listed building layout means staircases can be narrow and there is typically no lift to upper‑floor rooms.
- Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper; the central location means sounds from the square and nearby bells can carry into some rooms.
- Use Den Gamle Arrest as a base for early morning or late evening walks, when Ribe’s medieval streets are at their quietest and most atmospheric.
- Check in advance for seasonal events on the square, such as markets or concerts, which can add atmosphere but also increase noise and crowds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Train from Esbjerg
From Esbjerg, take the regional train to Ribe station, which usually runs two to three times per hour and takes about 25–30 minutes. A standard adult ticket typically costs around 40–70 DKK one way, depending on time and fare type. From Ribe station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on level pavements through the old town to Den Gamle Arrest on the main square; the route is suitable for wheeled luggage and generally manageable for most visitors.
-
Train from Copenhagen via Esbjerg
From Copenhagen main station, travel by intercity train towards Esbjerg, with a typical journey time of about 3–3.5 hours. Standard adult fares often fall in the range of 280–450 DKK one way, varying with advance purchase and departure. At Esbjerg, change to the regional train for Ribe, adding another 25–30 minutes. Ribe station lies within walking distance of Den Gamle Arrest, with a mostly flat route through the historic centre.
-
Car from Esbjerg and West Jutland
Driving from Esbjerg to Ribe takes about 30–40 minutes on well‑maintained main roads. There is no dedicated parking directly at Den Gamle Arrest due to its central position on the old town square, but public parking areas are available around the edge of the historic centre, some with time limits or paid hours during the day. Expect to pay roughly 10–20 DKK per hour in paid zones; charges and restrictions can vary by season, so always check local signs before leaving the car.
-
Local bus connections within the region
Regional buses link Ribe with nearby towns and villages in South and West Jutland, offering an alternative to driving. Typical journey times from smaller communities in the surrounding countryside range from 20 minutes to just over an hour, with reduced frequency during evenings and weekends. Single tickets for shorter regional bus trips usually cost around 20–40 DKK per adult, purchased from the driver or via local ticket apps. Most services stop near Ribe’s central area, from where Den Gamle Arrest is reachable on foot along paved streets.
Den Gamle Arrest, Ribe location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Den Gamle Arrest, Ribe
A Former Prison at the Heart of Denmark’s Oldest Town
Den Gamle Arrest sits directly on Ribe’s cobbled main square, just south of the cathedral, in a compact two‑storey brick house that has watched the town’s fortunes rise and fall for nearly five centuries. Built in 1546, when Ribe was already a major trading centre, the house originally served as a residence for assistant priests attached to the cathedral, tying it closely to the town’s religious life. Today the building is listed and carefully preserved, its gabled roofline and modest façade blending with the half‑timbered houses and brick town hall around the square. Step inside and you move from the bustle of the market square into a quieter, more introspective world, where the building’s long and sometimes severe history still feels close at hand.From Chaplain’s House to Girls’ School and Jail
Over the centuries Den Gamle Arrest has repeatedly changed role as Ribe reinvented itself. In the 19th century the house became a girls’ school, part of a broader wave of education reforms that reached even this far‑flung corner of Denmark. Classrooms occupied the airy rooms where clergy had once lived, and the building filled with the sounds of lessons and recitation rather than prayer. Later the tone shifted again when the property was converted into the town prison. Cells were added behind heavy doors, barred windows appeared, and the building became an instrument of local justice. For decades, minor offenders and petty criminals slept in narrow bunks where travelers now lay their heads. The austere layout from this period defines much of the interior character you see today.Sleeping Behind the Old Cell Doors
As a guesthouse Den Gamle Arrest leans into its unconventional past rather than hiding it. Many rooms still follow the footprint of former cells, with simple proportions, thick masonry walls and doors far more solid than in a typical hotel. The atmosphere feels intimate and slightly theatrical, as if the house were a stage set for a historical drama. Light filters in through relatively small windows, framing views of the square, the cathedral tower or the surrounding roofs. Details like exposed beams, polished but timeworn floorboards and sometimes eccentric room shapes all remind you that this is a historic structure adapted for modern comfort rather than a purpose‑built hotel. It suits travelers who enjoy character and narrative over standardised design.On the Doorstep of Ribe’s Medieval Streets
One of Den Gamle Arrest’s great strengths is its position. The moment you step out of the front door you are in the middle of Ribe’s story: cathedral bells overhead, cobblestones underfoot, crooked timber houses lining narrow lanes in every direction. The night watchman’s evening round often passes nearby, and the town’s flood column, old harbour and museums are all within a short stroll. Staying here makes it easy to experience Ribe at quieter times of day, when day‑trippers have gone and the streets fall still. Early mornings and late evenings reveal a softer side of the town: mist over the marshes beyond the roofs, the distant calls of birds from the Wadden Sea, and the muted echo of footsteps across the square below your window.Gateway to the Wadden Sea and West Jutland
Although firmly urban in feel, Den Gamle Arrest also works as a base for exploring the open landscapes around Ribe. The Wadden Sea National Park lies just to the west, with its tidal flats, migratory birdlife and famous “Black Sun” starling murmurations in spring and autumn. After a day out on the dikes or salt marshes, returning to a former prison in the heart of a medieval town adds a pleasing contrast. Within town, cultural stops such as the Viking Centre, art museum and witch‑trial exhibitions are close at hand, turning a stay here into a compact introduction to Danish history. Den Gamle Arrest ties those threads together: clergy house, school, jail and guesthouse, layered into one quietly compelling corner of Ribe’s centuries‑old streetscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
0.5 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Kammerslusen Ribe
5.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Sønderho Church
18.8 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
18.9 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Bunker
24.5 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Namaste Esbjerg
24.8 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Esbjerg Art Museum
24.9 km
Historic bridge control tower reimagined as a creative hub with city views, art events, and cozy cultural experiences in the heart of Copenhagen’s harbor.
Esbjerg Water Tower
24.9 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Dronning Louise
24.9 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Christian IX statue, Esbjerg
24.9 km
Historic equestrian monument and central meeting point on Esbjerg’s main square, celebrating the king who founded Denmark’s youngest major North Sea port.
Vadehavskysten
25.0 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Landgangen
25.0 km
Step inside a piece of Copenhagen’s iconic bridge architecture, now transformed into a creative hub for art, music, café culture, and panoramic city views.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
25.0 km
A converted harbor tower blending industrial heritage with contemporary art, panoramic views, and creative events on Copenhagen’s iconic Knippels Bridge.
Denmark
25.0 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Esbjerg Museum
25.1 km
Iconic harbor-view cultural tower on Knippelsbro, blending Copenhagen’s bridge heritage with art, events, and sweeping views across Indre By and Christianshavn.
Unmissable attractions to see
Det Gamle Rådhus Ribe
0.0 km
Compact in size but rich in stories, Ribe’s Old Town Hall reveals centuries of justice, ceremony and civic life within an atmospheric medieval shell.
Kannikegaarden
0.1 km
Award-winning parish hall and archaeological showcase where contemporary Nordic architecture hovers above Ribe’s oldest brick ruins beside the cathedral.
Ribe Cathedral
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring live demonstrations and interactive workshops.
Ribe Domkirkeplads
0.1 km
Tiny but central parking right on Ribe’s cathedral square, putting you only steps from Denmark’s oldest town’s historic heart, shops and cobbled lanes.
Taarnborg
0.1 km
A contemplative Renaissance townhouse in Ribe’s cobbled centre, where historic clergy once lived and today’s cultural life unfolds in quietly atmospheric rooms.
P Dovns Slippe
0.1 km
Explore the Wadden Sea's unique ecosystem and cultural heritage at Vadehavscentret near Ribe, Denmark.
Jacob A. Riis Museum
0.1 km
The childhood home of a Danish-American reformer who documented poverty and changed a nation.
Hex! Museum of Witch Hunt
0.1 km
Explore the chilling history of witch hunts in 16th–17th century Denmark through immersive audio and artifacts in historic Ribe.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
0.2 km
Step into Viking-era life at Vikingborg near Ribe, where interactive exhibits, reconstructed buildings, and live reenactments reveal Denmark’s ancient Norse heritage.
Ribe Kloster
0.2 km
A serene former convent tucked into Ribe’s cobbled centre, where brick Gothic walls, quiet courtyards and layered history evoke centuries of monastic life.
St. Catherine's Priory, Ribe
0.2 km
A beautifully preserved Dominican priory in Ribe, where brick cloisters, a serene church and a quiet garden reveal nearly eight centuries of Danish monastic history.
Buste af Jacob A. Riis
0.3 km
A modest bronze bust in Ribe’s old town honouring Jacob A. Riis, the local boy whose New York photographs and journalism helped change urban social history.
Stormflodssøjlen
0.3 km
Experience Danish creativity at Holmegaard Værk, where heritage glassmaking, live demonstrations, and cutting-edge design exhibitions come together in a vibrant historic setting.
Flood column in Ribe
0.3 km
A slender wooden column on Ribe’s harbour that turns tranquil waterfront views into a powerful, six-metre-high lesson in storm surges, memory and resilience.
Wooden bridges
0.3 km
Simple timber footbridges over Ribe’s quiet river, offering gentle views, soft light and a tranquil pause just beyond the medieval streets.
Essential places to dine
Pizza Express
0.0 km
Casual pizzeria on Ribe's main square serving traditional Italian pizzas in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Restaurant Jacob A. Riis
0.0 km
Square-side steakhouse and brasserie in Ribe’s historic heart, named after reformer Jacob A. Riis and serving generous, familiar dishes from morning through evening.
Hotel Dagmar
0.1 km
Denmark's oldest hotel since 1581, blending Renaissance charm with modern hospitality on Ribe's historic square.
Restaurant Vægterkælderen
0.1 km
Hearty steaks and classic Danish flavours served in a candlelit 16th‑century cellar beneath historic Hotel Dagmar on Ribe’s storybook main square.
Weis Stue
0.1 km
Centuries-old timber inn and restaurant on Ribe’s main square, serving classic Danish dishes and simple rooms in a wonderfully crooked historic house.
BØFFEN Restaurant
0.1 km
Homemade burgers and ice cream on Ribe's historic square—casual comfort food at unbeatable prices.
Monza Pizza
0.1 km
Authentic Italian pizza handcrafted on Ribe's historic main square
Pinocchio
0.1 km
Casual Italian pizzas and pastas served all day in a cosy, family-friendly restaurant right in the historic heart of Ribe’s medieval old town.
Quedensgård Cafe Og Krambod
0.1 km
Historic café and krambod in a crooked old merchant’s house in Ribe, blending Danish comfort food, a leafy courtyard and shelves of characterful curios.
Restaurant Backhaus ApS
0.2 km
Hearty Danish classics, crooked floors and cathedral views come together in this cosy Ribe townhouse restaurant with a charming courtyard and rooms upstairs.
Mad Ud Af Huset
0.2 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine in the heart of Ribe at Mad Ud Af Huset.
Kolvig - by Skovmose
0.2 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest city, where Nordic cuisine meets industrial heritage.
Restaurant Sælhunden
0.2 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest town, where 400 years of character meet fresh Danish cuisine.
Terpager & Co
0.2 km
Historic 16th‑century café, wine bar and deli in Ribe’s old town, blending Nordic hygge, plant‑forward cooking and small‑producer wines in a cozy courtyard setting.
Peking House Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Chinese buffet in historic Ribe's pedestrian heart—diverse flavors, fresh ingredients, family-friendly.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Habengood
0.1 km
Ribe's intimate vintage and vinyl destination where personal service meets curated second-hand treasures.
Biti v/Tina Haugsted Larsen
0.1 km
Long-established Ribe corner boutique mixing Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, gifts and souvenirs in the atmospheric setting of the town’s central square.
Garnslusen
0.1 km
Specialty yarn and embroidery shop in the heart of Denmark's oldest city
Made in Ribe
0.1 km
Independent clothing and fabric boutique in Ribe’s medieval center, pairing Scandinavian style with personal tailoring and find-it-here-only souvenirs.
Ribes Embroidery And Yarn (M Svendsen)
0.1 km
A cozy, floor‑to‑ceiling yarn and embroidery cave in Ribe’s historic center, where more than fifty years of color, fiber and patterns invite you to start a new project.
NEW FORM Ribe
0.1 km
Sporty, pet-friendly clothing store in Ribe’s historic center, stocking practical outdoor and casual wear for the whole family near the Wadden Sea coast.
Overdammens Idebutik
0.1 km
A cosy Ribe gift shop where Scandinavian homewares, seasonal decorations and thoughtful souvenirs are tucked into a warm, cobbled-street setting.
Det Gamle Apothek
0.1 km
A historic former pharmacy in the heart of Ribe, now a cosy Nordic shop filled with atmospheric décor, seasonal treasures and a touch of old-town magic.
Janne K Ribe
0.1 km
Bright, comfortable women’s fashion in inclusive sizes, tucked into a historic townhouse on Ribe’s cobbled main street.
Den Lille Ravbutik
0.1 km
A cosy amber specialty shop in Ribe’s medieval heart, where warm golden stones, Scandinavian design and coastal heritage come together in wearable souvenirs.
CHANGE Lingerie
0.2 km
Scandinavian fit-focused lingerie and loungewear in a cosy boutique on Ribe’s historic Mellemdammen, blending everyday comfort with a touch of indulgent elegance.
Imerco
0.2 km
Denmark's premier homeware destination offering Scandinavian design, kitchen essentials, and exclusive collections in historic Ribe.
Tøjeksperten
0.3 km
Contemporary menswear in Ribe's historic pedestrian district, backed by Denmark's most generous return policy.
Butik B
0.3 km
Inviting women’s fashion boutique in Ribe’s historic center, blending Scandinavian style, everyday practicality and a relaxed, personal shopping atmosphere.
Tip Top I/S
0.3 km
A small, local clothing shop on Ribe’s historic Nederdammen, offering practical Scandinavian-style fashion in the heart of Denmark’s oldest town.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Stenbohus
0.0 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Termansens
0.1 km
Intimate jazz and live music in a centuries-old townhouse, where Ribe’s historic charm meets cozy, small-scale culture house vibes after dark.
Klubben 1811
0.1 km
Casual, spacious bar in Ribe’s old town, mixing sports, pool and cold beer in a bright, easygoing setting just steps from the city’s medieval streets.
Strygejernet
0.1 km
Intimate corner pub in Ribe’s old town, pairing rustic coziness, smoke-free comfort and friendly bar life with simple drinks, games and unhurried evenings.
Café Valdemar
0.4 km
A compact late‑night bar and disco in the heart of historic Ribe, blending casual drinks, chart‑driven beats and a friendly weekend crowd on Sct Nicolaj Gade.
Vin For Dig Ribe
0.4 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Grosmann's
7.9 km
Small-town Danish hygge in a tiny cocktail bar on Kirkegade, where classic drinks, warm lighting and everyday village life meet in laid-back South Jutland style.
Mødestedet
18.9 km
Cozy wine bar on Skærbæk’s main street, where locals and visitors share unhurried glasses of wine, simple snacks and relaxed conversation from day to evening.
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
18.9 km
Cozy local bodega in Skærbæk serving cold beer, simple drinks, and laid-back Danish bar culture in a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood setting.
Dowdi Pub Bar
24.8 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Pappi's pub
24.8 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
24.8 km
Timber-clad, late-opening beer hut on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, serving easygoing brews and shots in a cosy, West Jutland party atmosphere at the heart of nightlife.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
24.8 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
24.8 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
King George
24.8 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
24.9 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
Club Fanø Rindby
26.1 km
Vital hub for kite sports, fatbiking, and Nordic coastal adventure on Fanø, pairing local expertise with welcoming spirit in the island’s scenic Rindby beach area.
Bilka-søen
28.2 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
28.8 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Romo Golf Links
30.1 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Fishi
35.5 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Al Capone
44.1 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
44.2 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Koldingtivet Engen
47.9 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
48.4 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
48.5 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
48.8 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
48.8 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Jazz 6000
49.0 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Rotes Kliff
49.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
- Boutique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
