Dansebjerg Retreat & Guesthouse, Samsø
Creative hilltop retreat on Samsø with wide Kattegat views, flexible communal spaces and a calm, homely atmosphere made for groups, workshops and slow island days.
Perched on a hill above southern Samsø, Dansebjerg is a secluded retreat house and former music and dance studio with sweeping views across the Kattegat. Once closely linked to Danish singer-songwriter Poul Krebs, the property today hosts groups, workshops and family gatherings in a homely complex of rooms and shared spaces. Guests come for the island quiet, open skies and long horizons – a place designed for slowing down, creating, and reconnecting in understated Danish comfort.
A brief summary to Dansebjerg
- Ørbyvej 1, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- +4522976444
- Visit website
- Duration: 4 to 72 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan to self-cater: the kitchen and dining areas are set up for group cooking, and stocking up on local Samsø produce makes stays more memorable.
- Bring indoor activities such as board games, instruments or yoga gear to make the most of the flexible studio-style rooms in any weather.
- Pack layers and a windproof jacket; the hilltop location can feel breezy even in summer, especially in the evenings on the terrace.
- Arrange room allocations in advance if travelling as a large group so everyone knows which bedroom and bathroom they’ll be using on arrival.
- Step outside just before sunset to enjoy wide, low-light views over the fields and sea – this is when Dansebjerg’s setting feels most magical.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Ferry and car from Jutland
Travel to Hou in East Jutland and take the passenger and car ferry to Sælvig on Samsø, a crossing of about one hour. Ferries typically run several times per day and advance booking is advised, especially in summer. From Sælvig, driving to Dansebjerg in southern Samsø usually takes 20–30 minutes along island roads. Expect to pay roughly 300–600 DKK each way for a car with passengers, depending on season and ticket type.
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Ferry and bicycle or on foot
If you arrive without a car, you can bring a bicycle or travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Hou to Sælvig. The crossing time is around one hour. Foot passenger tickets are generally in the range of 70–150 DKK each way, while adding a bicycle costs a modest supplement. From Sælvig you should allow 45–70 minutes of cycling to reach the Dansebjerg area on mostly quiet rural roads, noting that some stretches include gentle hills and may be challenging in strong winds.
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Ferry from Zealand via Kalundborg
From Zealand, you can travel to Kalundborg and take the car and passenger ferry to Ballen on Samsø, a sailing of about 90 minutes. Services are less frequent than the Hou–Sælvig route, so checking the timetable and booking ahead is important. Typical one-way prices for a car and passengers fall roughly between 350 and 700 DKK depending on size and season, with cheaper options for foot passengers. From Ballen, the drive or taxi ride to Dansebjerg normally takes 15–25 minutes along local roads.
Dansebjerg location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Dansebjerg
A Hilltop Hideaway Above the Sea
Dansebjerg sits on a gentle rise in southern Samsø, looking out across the Kattegat towards the Danish mainland. The approach brings you past fields and low farm buildings until the landscape suddenly opens, revealing big sky and long sea views that give the place its sense of distance from everyday life. From the house and surrounding terraces you can follow the curve of the coastline and, on clear days, glimpse the faint lines of bridges and islands on the horizon. The buildings themselves feel deliberately tucked into this landscape rather than dominating it. Low roofs, pale facades and plenty of glass create an impression of lightness. Wind, weather and changing light are constant companions here, whether you step out at dawn into soft mist over the fields or watch evening clouds drift in from the sea.From Creative Studio to Island Retreat
Dansebjerg began life not as a conventional hotel but as a working space for music and dance. Associated for years with Danish singer-songwriter Poul Krebs and his partner, it functioned as a combined home, rehearsal space and informal cultural venue. Musicians and dancers would gather here to work intensively, using the quiet and the sea views as creative fuel. That past is still present in the layout: generous common rooms, open floors suitable for movement or group sessions, and corners designed for instruments, writing or conversation. Today, the property is available as a whole for retreats, workshops and private gatherings, but the creative DNA remains in the way rooms invite you to slow down, listen and focus.Spaces Designed for Togetherness
Inside, Dansebjerg is simple, warm and practical rather than flashy. Multiple bedrooms are arranged around shared lounges and a large kitchen-dining area, so groups can cook, eat and linger together late into the evening. Big tables encourage communal meals, while soft seating areas cluster near windows and wood details, creating a homely, lived-in feeling. The former studio spaces have a flexible, open character. Depending on who is staying, they can host yoga sessions, choir rehearsals, strategy workshops or family games on a rainy afternoon. Wooden floors under bare feet, white walls and plenty of daylight make the rooms feel calm and uncluttered, a backdrop rather than the main event.Life Outdoors in Island Light
Step outside and the property opens onto lawns, terraces and small seating nooks oriented towards the sea. Simple benches and outdoor tables invite morning coffee in the sun or late-night talks under a dim canopy of stars. On breezy days you hear the rustle of grass and distant gulls more clearly than any human sound, a reminder that Samsø is still a largely agricultural island. The hilltop position means light changes quickly: dramatic clouds after a passing shower, glowing sunsets dropping towards the water, or that one perfect hour when the landscape seems to hold its breath. Many visitors use Dansebjerg as a base for walks, swims and bike rides, returning to shower, cook and unwind while the sky puts on its evening show.Rhythm, Reflection and Island Calm
Staying at Dansebjerg is less about conventional hotel services and more about shaping your own rhythm. Some groups come to work: writing, rehearsing, planning. Others treat the house as a quiet base for multi-generational holidays or retreats centered on yoga, mindfulness or shared meals. The spacious layout supports both intense focus and unhurried downtime. There is an underlying feeling of privacy here. With no passing crowds and only the occasional tractor in the distance, it can feel like your own small enclave on the island. Add in the soft maritime climate, the glow of evening light over the fields and the simple comfort of the interiors, and Dansebjerg becomes a place where time feels pleasantly stretched.An Island Stay with a Personal Touch
Although it is listed as a hotel or retreat center, Dansebjerg operates more like a large, well-equipped island house than a traditional accommodation. You occupy the whole property, move furniture to suit your needs and make the kitchen your own. That flexibility is part of its charm, especially for groups who value both privacy and shared space. Combined with Samsø’s reputation for local produce, renewable energy and rural tranquility, the house offers an experience rooted in place rather than in standardized hospitality. It is a setting for stories, projects and long conversations – a quiet stage on which your own gathering becomes the main event.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The small Summer Hotel
2.4 km
Experience authentic Danish seaside charm at The Small Summer Hotel in Ballen, Samsø, offering cozy accommodations and a perfect base for exploring the island's natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Ballen Strandpark - Ferielejligheder og feriehus
2.4 km
Experience coastal bliss at Ballen Strandpark on Samsø: stunning sea views, direct beach access, and charming apartments near Ballen harbor, perfect for a relaxing island getaway.
Samsø Sogn
2.9 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
Hotel Vadstrup1771
4.5 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
Ilsemade Helligkilde
5.4 km
A Bronze Age sacred spring where fresh water flows from an ancient hollow oak, connecting modern visitors to 3,000 years of spiritual tradition.
The Kanhave Canal
11.0 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
14.7 km
Experience fresh, locally sourced seafood with stunning harbor views at Restaurant Mårup Havn, a culinary gem on the scenic island of Samsø, Denmark.
Oasen Samsø
16.4 km
Discover tranquility and island charm at Oasen Samsø, a unique retreat offering comfortable accommodations, natural beauty, and a rich cultural experience on Denmark's sustainable island.
Mindesten - Morten Madsen
18.6 km
A modest memorial stone set in Samsø’s quiet countryside, offering a brief, reflective pause amid open fields, island sky and centuries of local history.
Landmarket Horsedalen
25.1 km
Rare flora and exceptional light in a protected Danish valley.
Befrielsessten i Kallerup
29.5 km
A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.
Enebærodde
31.7 km
A pristine coastal peninsula where Denmark's largest heath meets the fjord—nature in its purest form.
Danhostel Kalundborg
33.0 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, where culture, dining, and shopping converge in a picturesque square.
Our Lady Church
33.2 km
A medieval masterpiece with five towers symbolizing the Heavenly Jerusalem—architecturally unique and spiritually profound.
The eltest city hall
33.4 km
A modest medieval town hall in Kalundborg’s Højbyen, where centuries of local power, trade and everyday life still echo in cobbled streets and weathered walls.
Unmissable attractions to see
Brundby Stubmølle
1.3 km
One of Denmark’s oldest post mills, Brundby Stubmølle pairs centuries-old milling history with wide Samsø views from a peaceful hill just above the village.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
1.7 km
High‑speed falcons, soaring eagles and silent owls in a one‑hour open‑air show that brings the ancient art of falconry to life on the island of Samsø.
Tidselkorridoren
2.5 km
A winding botanical art corridor celebrating Samsø's wildflowers and native plants.
Samsø Island Distillery
2.7 km
Craft spirits infused with island heritage—where juniper, potatoes, and orange ants tell Samsø's story.
Samsø Museum
2.9 km
Distributed cultural museum exploring 16,000 years of Samsø's landscape, heritage, and human connection to nature.
Strandlyst - Hotel
3.0 km
Intimate Nordic island hideaway with design-led rooms, seasonal dining and a tranquil pool garden near Ballen on Samsø’s gentle coastline.
Festivalpladsen
3.5 km
Open-air festival grounds at the edge of forest and fields, where quiet island scenery transforms into a cozy Danish music celebration each summer.
Husmandsstedet Fredensdal
4.3 km
An intimate Samsø smallholder’s farm where thatched roofs, animals and kitchen gardens bring Denmark’s rural past to life in a single charming homestead.
Samsø Egnsarkiv
4.8 km
Samsø's historical archive preserving centuries of island records and family heritage.
Samsø Badehotel
4.9 km
Luxury seaside retreat blending Danish bathhouse tradition with contemporary comfort and celebrated cuisine.
Samsø Badehotel Ilse Made
4.9 km
Nordic luxury meets coastal serenity on Samsø's quietest shore, where exceptional food and genuine hospitality define every moment.
Vesborg Fyr
5.3 km
Historic lighthouse on Samsø’s southwestern tip, blending medieval ramparts, sweeping sea views and classic Danish coastal atmosphere in one compact headland.
Stakladen Besser
6.4 km
A rustic island barn transformed into a light-filled gallery, with weekly changing art and craft exhibitions in the heart of Besser on Samsø.
Besser Udsigtstårn
6.7 km
A modest island lookout tower on the ruins of an old mill, offering wide Samsø panoramas, quiet rural atmosphere and glimpses of distant Kalundborg on clear days.
The Morgan Garage
6.8 km
A tiny village workshop turned Morgan treasure-trove, blending hand-built British sports cars, quirky automobilia and Samsø’s quietly green island backdrop.
Essential places to dine
rumogrooms.dk - Hotel og Madhus Rumogrooms
0.4 km
Bright Nordic rooms and a seasonal madhus in a quiet Samsø village, blending minimalist design, local flavours and island calm in an intimate hotel setting.
ØbyUS
1.3 km
A cozy Samsø farmhouse café and design shop where slow coffee, local flavors and Nordic interiors come together in the tiny village of Permelille.
Molevitten
2.3 km
Lively Samsø hangout in Ballen mixing local-produce dinners, a friendly bar and live music, where islanders and visitors share long evenings by the harbour.
Don Juan Restaurant & Pizzaria
2.4 km
Relaxed Italian comfort food and takeaway favourite in Tranebjerg, serving stone‑baked pizzas, pastas, meat and fish dishes after long Samsø days outdoors.
I Haven Bistro
2.4 km
Cosy Samsø bistro in Ballen’s holiday heart, serving relaxed, seasonal comfort food a short stroll from the harbour and sandy beaches.
Ballen Badehotel
2.4 km
Classic Danish seaside hotel on Samsø, blending nostalgic bath-hotel charm, local gastronomy and harbor life just steps from the marina and beach.
Pizzeria Maya
2.4 km
Cozy island pizzeria in Ballen serving creative stone‑baked pizzas, pastas and wine in a relaxed, harbor‑side setting on Denmark’s vegetable‑rich Samsø.
Restaurant Skipperly I/S
2.5 km
Island harbor dining where local ingredients and Nordic tradition meet genuine warmth and refined technique.
Røgeriet
2.5 km
Harbourside smokehouse on Samsø serving freshly smoked fish and Danish seafood classics with local island produce and wide views over Ballen’s lively marina.
Den Gamle Butik
2.5 km
Cozy harbor dining with award-winning local beef, island potatoes, and an exceptional wine cellar on Samsø.
Restaurant Dokken
2.5 km
Harbourfront restaurant in Ballen blending Samsø’s maritime shipyard heritage, local Danish classics and lively summer terrace vibes right on the water’s edge.
Ballen Fisk
2.5 km
Relaxed harborfront fish shop and seafood eatery on Samsø, serving fresh catch, smoked specialties and classic Danish fish dishes beside Ballen Harbour.
Samsø Værftet
2.5 km
Easy-going wharfside restaurant, coffee bar and cocktail hangout on Ballen’s harbourfront, blending seaside leisure, local flavour and Samsø’s laid-back island energy.
Den Gule Parasol
2.8 km
Sunny, laid-back café-restaurant in Tranebjerg serving tapas, sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a relaxed lunch stop amid Samsø’s village life.
Carlo's Corner
2.8 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Eskehus Samsø
0.5 km
Island design boutique and gallery on Samsø, blending BY BJORKSTRAND fashion, sustainable interiors, ceramics and botanical art in a charming village house.
Huge Market on the island
0.7 km
A cavernous Samsø flea and antique market where vintage furniture, island curios and second-hand treasures gather under one relaxed, rummage-friendly roof.
MoltkeDesign
0.7 km
Design-forward village boutique and intimate three-room B&B in Brundby, blending Scandinavian style, local art and relaxed Samsø island living under one roof.
Samsø Gårdbutik Svanegården
1.3 km
Historic farm shop in converted barns showcasing Danish wool textiles, outdoor wear, and island crafts since 1876.
Svane
2.3 km
A calm, Scandinavian-style multibrand boutique in Ballen, where curated fashion and cozy homewares meet Samsø’s laid-back harbour atmosphere.
Red Cross Op Shop
2.3 km
Cozy island thrift store on Samsø where secondhand finds, local volunteers and a quiet sense of purpose turn everyday shopping into low-key, sustainable giving.
DanChurchSocial Op Shop
2.5 km
Cosy Samsø charity op shop where island life, reuse and social responsibility meet in a volunteer-run treasure trove of second-hand finds.
Hobbyboden Scrapworld – Din onlline hobby butik indenfor scrapbooking, kort og mixed media
2.6 km
A cozy island outlet of a major Danish scrapbooking webshop, packed with papers, stamps and mixed-media supplies for creative travelers on Samsø.
SuperBrugsen
2.6 km
The practical heart of Tranebjerg and Samsø’s go-to supermarket for fresh local produce, Danish staples, and everyday essentials throughout your island stay.
Ny Form Samsø
2.6 km
Sporty, island-ready clothing and gear for all ages, keeping you comfortable in Samsø’s breezy coastal weather from village streets to windswept beaches.
Buur - Items & Clothing - Coffee
2.7 km
A cosy Samsø hybrid of Scandinavian fashion, design objects and aromatic coffee, Buur turns a simple village storefront into an inviting island living room.
El-Salg Bissø ApS
2.8 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Imerco
2.8 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
Tøjhuset
2.8 km
Cosy Samsø clothing boutique offering friendly, personal service and a practical yet stylish mix of clothes, shoes and accessories in Tranebjerg’s main street.
Duften af Samsø
2.8 km
A cosy Samsø boutique where soft Nordic design, gentle fragrances and island-inspired body care create a sensory souvenir of Denmark’s calmest island.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vinkapellet Samsø
1.0 km
Cosy island wine bar in Brundby specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, where intimate surroundings and slow Samsø evenings invite lingering conversations.
Ræven
3.0 km
Rural Samsø bar and eatery with relaxed island vibes, simple hearty fare, and late-week pub energy in a low-key farmhouse-style setting.
rullen
3.4 km
Casual festival bar in the heart of Samsø Festival, where cold drinks, sea air and relaxed island vibes create a warm pause between concerts.
Garagen
3.6 km
Laid-back island bar in the woods of Strandskoven, blending rustic charm, simple drinks and live music with the easy coastal rhythm of Samsø.
Samsø Bryghus
17.7 km
Organic farm brewery and countryside café on Samsø, serving house beers and field‑fresh dishes in a relaxed courtyard of converted farm buildings.
Kalundborg Jazzclub
33.5 km
Intimate volunteer-run blues and jazz club in central Kalundborg, keeping a 1960s live music legacy alive with close-up concerts and warm community spirit.
Cafe Lillebælt
33.6 km
Cozy Kalundborg café-bar blending everyday Danish hygge, simple comfort food and drinks, and a neighborhood atmosphere a short stroll from the harbor.
Kontoret
33.6 km
Kalundborg's inclusive waterfront bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks, food, and genuine social connection.
King's Pub
33.7 km
Traditional small-town pub on Kalundborg’s main street, serving straightforward drinks, local character and unpretentious evening atmosphere.
Slotskældergården
33.9 km
Unpretentious Danish bar on Kalundborg’s main street, offering cold beer, warm light and a glimpse of everyday local life along Kordilgade.
Shooters
34.0 km
Kalundborg’s lively bar and disco club serving up music, drinks, and authentic small-town Danish nightlife on weekends.
Next Door Pool Bar
34.0 km
Casual pool and sports bar on Kalundborg’s Kordilgade, mixing easygoing drinks, live games on screen and friendly competition around the pool tables.
Solbjerg Bodega
41.6 km
Authentic Danish bodega with extended hours and genuine local atmosphere in North Jutland.
Umage Ølbar
43.1 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
43.1 km
Former oyster and bubbles bar on Ebeltoft’s old fishing harbour, where luxury shellfish, sparkling wine and maritime history came together in a relaxed coastal setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
33.7 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
Juviklubben
33.8 km
Intimate Kalundborg live music hub and youth club, where generations meet for close-up concerts, casual bar nights and a laid-back, community-driven vibe.
Luksusmassage Århus
45.0 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Lounge 8000
45.5 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
GBAR
45.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
45.6 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
45.6 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
Bar Smil Aarhus
45.8 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.
Bernhardt Natklub
45.8 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
45.9 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
46.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo 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
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Business Friendly
