HEX! Museum of Witch Hunt

The Dark Heart of European Witch Hunts

HEX! Museum of Witch Hunt tells the chilling story of how fear of witchcraft swept across Denmark and Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, leading to brutal trials and executions. In Denmark alone, approximately 1,000 people were killed for practicing witchcraft. The museum explores the psychological and social forces that drove ordinary people to believe witches could rob them of their happiness, destroy their livelihoods, and threaten their souls. Through carefully curated exhibitions and immersive audio narratives, visitors encounter the voices and stories of those accused, convicted, and executed—many of them innocent victims of mass hysteria and fear.

Ribe's Central Role in Danish Persecution

Ribe was the epicenter of Denmark's witch trials, and the museum's location in the heart of the historic town is no accident. The streets surrounding HEX! formed the setting for Denmark's most infamous case: the trial of Maren Spliids, a tailor's wife who was burned at the stake in 1641. Maren's case was extraordinary—she was wealthy, respected, and initially acquitted—yet King Christian IV intervened and ordered her execution. Many of the original buildings from this era still stand, creating an authentic and haunting backdrop that connects visitors directly to the historical events. The museum's presence in these streets transforms the entire town into an open-air memorial to those who perished.

Understanding the Machinery of Fear

The exhibition challenges common misconceptions about witch hunts. Contrary to popular belief, not all victims were women; approximately 10 percent of executed witches in Denmark were men, and across Europe the figure reaches 20–25 percent. The church, often blamed for the persecutions, was not the primary driver in Denmark—rather, common people and nobility initiated the trials. King Christian IV's 1617 prohibition of all forms of magic, both black and white, escalated the hunts catastrophically; in the following eight years, a witch was burned every five days. The museum explores the distinction between elite fears of demonic pacts and common folk's concerns about everyday misfortunes, revealing how both groups weaponized witchcraft accusations.

Immersive Storytelling and Historical Artifacts

The museum employs audio guides in multiple languages to guide visitors through intimate narratives of real people. Two particularly poignant films tell the stories of Lamme Sidsel, largely forgotten by history, and Maren Spliids, whose name was eventually cleared and who is now regarded as a heroine. Interactive screens allow visitors to examine artifacts associated with witches and protective amulets people used to ward off perceived threats. An interactive European map enables visitors to compare persecution patterns across the continent, revealing where trials were most severe and how gender ratios varied by region. The exhibition balances historical rigor with emotional resonance, ensuring that the human tragedy at the heart of these events remains central.

The Building and Atmosphere

HEX! occupies a historic half-timbered house in Ribe's old renaissance center, and the building itself becomes part of the experience. The intimate scale of the rooms, combined with dramatic lighting and carefully designed displays, creates an atmosphere of genuine unease—appropriate to the subject matter. The museum shares its building with the Jacob A. Riis Museum, which tells the story of the Ribe photographer and reformer who emigrated to America. Visitors can purchase combined tickets to explore both institutions, making for a rich cultural experience within a single historic structure.

Visitor Experience and Recommendations

The museum is best experienced with the audio guide, which transforms the exhibition from a visual display into a deeply engaging narrative journey. Most rooms provide seating, allowing visitors to absorb the detailed stories without rushing. Plan to spend 1–2 hours to fully engage with the material. The museum is not recommended for young children due to the darkness of the themes; the museum suggests visitors should be at least 10 years old. The museum shop offers applied art with historical themes, books, posters, hand-dipped candles, mineral soaps, and materials for making personal amulets—small keepsakes that connect visitors to the protective practices of the past.