Samsø Egnsarkiv
Samsø's historical archive preserving centuries of island records and family heritage.
Samsø Egnsarkiv is a regional archive preserving the historical records and cultural heritage of Samsø island. Located in the old Onsbjerg school building, it houses newspapers, church records, property documents, photographs, and personal archives spanning centuries of island life. The archive serves genealogists, local historians, and anyone researching Samsø's past, with trained staff and volunteers available to assist visitors during limited opening hours.
A brief summary to Samsø Egnsarkiv
- Tanderupvej 15, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- +4586591924
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on Thursday afternoons between 13:00 and 17:00, the only regular opening hours. Plan ahead if you have specific research goals and contact the archive in advance to ensure materials are available.
- Bring old family documents, photographs, or local records you wish to donate. The archive actively seeks contributions to expand its collections and preserve island history.
- If researching Danish genealogy, learn basic Danish handwriting conventions from the 18th and 19th centuries. Church records and property documents often use ornate scripts that require practice to decipher.
- Contact the archive by email or phone before visiting if you need help locating specific materials, such as particular family names, property records, or historical photographs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Ferry from Jutland
From Jutland mainland, take the Samsø ferry service from either Hou (near Horsens) or Kalundborg. Ferry crossings take approximately 1 hour from Hou or 1.5 hours from Kalundborg. Ferries operate year-round with multiple daily departures. Once on Samsø, the archive is located in Onsbjerg village. Ferry tickets cost approximately 50–80 DKK per person depending on the route and season.
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Bus from Tranebjerg
From Tranebjerg (the main town on Samsø), local bus services connect to Onsbjerg village where the archive is situated. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on the specific route. Bus fares are modest, typically 20–30 DKK. Check local schedules as service frequency varies seasonally.
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Car rental on Samsø
Rent a car at Tranebjerg or other island locations and drive to Onsbjerg. The archive is located at Tanderupvej 15, Onsbjerg. Driving time from Tranebjerg is approximately 10 minutes. Parking is available near the Onsbjerg Gamle Skole building. Daily car rental costs range from 300–500 DKK depending on vehicle type and rental duration.
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Bicycle from Tranebjerg
Samsø is a small, flat island ideal for cycling. From Tranebjerg, cycling to Onsbjerg takes approximately 20–30 minutes depending on your pace and exact starting point. The route is scenic and passes through rural island landscape. Bicycle rentals are available in Tranebjerg for approximately 50–100 DKK per day.
Samsø Egnsarkiv location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Samsø Egnsarkiv
The Island's Living Memory
Samsø Egnsarkiv functions as the historical repository and collective memory of Samsø island. Established on May 19, 2001, the archive collects, preserves, and makes accessible original documents and materials that chronicle the lives, events, and development of the island community. It operates as part of the broader Samsø Museum network, housed within the restored Onsbjerg Gamle Skole (Old Onsbjerg School), a heritage building that itself reflects the island's commitment to preserving its past.Extensive Collections for Research
The archive maintains a comprehensive collection of historical materials essential for genealogical and local history research. Holdings include original and copied newspapers spanning decades, church records and parish registers documenting births, marriages, and deaths across Samsø's five parishes, property documents such as deeds and mortgages, fire insurance protocols, tax and address books, census records, and personal archives from notable island families and institutions. Photographs, land survey maps, and organizational records provide visual and spatial documentation of island life. The collection extends to handwritten transcriptions of older documents, making historical records more accessible to modern researchers.A Welcoming Research Environment
The archive provides a dedicated reading room equipped with a personal computer workstation for research and document access. Trained archivists and dedicated volunteers staff the facility during opening hours, offering expert guidance to help visitors locate specific materials and navigate the collections. Whether searching for family connections, documenting local business history, or investigating specific events and places on Samsø, visitors receive personalized assistance tailored to their research needs. The archive actively encourages the public to contribute historical materials—old papers, protocols, photographs, and documents—ensuring that future generations will have even richer resources for understanding island heritage.Collaborative Heritage Preservation
Samsø Egnsarkiv works closely with the Slægts- og Lokalhistorisk Forening Samsø (Genealogical and Local History Society of Samsø), which publishes an annual genealogical yearbook of approximately 150 pages. Together, these institutions form a unified research hub for anyone interested in Samsø's past. The archive maintains connections with Denmark's national archives and regional archive services, allowing researchers to access additional materials when needed. This collaborative approach ensures that Samsø's historical narrative remains complete, accessible, and continuously enriched by community contributions and professional archival standards.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel Vadstrup1771
1.4 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
Samsø Sogn
2.1 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
Ilsemade Helligkilde
2.8 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 small Summer Hotel
5.7 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
6.1 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.
The Kanhave Canal
7.1 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
10.2 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
11.9 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
13.9 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
28.9 km
Rare flora and exceptional light in a protected Danish valley.
Befrielsessten i Kallerup
33.2 km
A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.
Olaf Ryes Skanse
35.2 km
A 19th-century Danish military fortification honoring a war hero with commanding views across the Jutland landscape.
Enebærodde
35.8 km
A pristine coastal peninsula where Denmark's largest heath meets the fjord—nature in its purest form.
Danhostel Kalundborg
36.9 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, where culture, dining, and shopping converge in a picturesque square.
Our Lady Church
37.2 km
A medieval masterpiece with five towers symbolizing the Heavenly Jerusalem—architecturally unique and spiritually profound.
Unmissable attractions to see
Samsø Museum
2.2 km
Distributed cultural museum exploring 16,000 years of Samsø's landscape, heritage, and human connection to nature.
Samsø Rederi
2.2 km
The green-hearted ferry link between Samsø and Jutland, turning a one-hour crossing into the relaxed first chapter of your island escape.
Samsø Island Distillery
2.4 km
Craft spirits infused with island heritage—where juniper, potatoes, and orange ants tell Samsø's story.
Samsø Badehotel Ilse Made
2.6 km
Nordic luxury meets coastal serenity on Samsø's quietest shore, where exceptional food and genuine hospitality define every moment.
Samsø Badehotel
2.6 km
Luxury seaside retreat blending Danish bathhouse tradition with contemporary comfort and celebrated cuisine.
Husmandsstedet Fredensdal
3.8 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.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
3.9 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.
Brundby Stubmølle
4.0 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.
Festivalpladsen
4.8 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.
Dansebjerg
4.8 km
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.
Stakladen Besser
4.9 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.
Yduns Have ApS
4.9 km
Organic farm, self-serve shop and rustic cabins on Samsø’s quiet east side, where you taste the island’s vegetables right where they’re grown.
Strandlyst - Hotel
5.0 km
Intimate Nordic island hideaway with design-led rooms, seasonal dining and a tranquil pool garden near Ballen on Samsø’s gentle coastline.
The Morgan Garage
5.3 km
A tiny village workshop turned Morgan treasure-trove, blending hand-built British sports cars, quirky automobilia and Samsø’s quietly green island backdrop.
Besser Udsigtstårn
5.4 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.
Essential places to dine
Samsø Madsnedkeri
1.6 km
Inventive island cooking and handmade Samsø specialties served in a converted farm stable at the culinary heart of Tranebjerg.
Samsø Perlen
2.1 km
Casual seaside restaurant and guesthouse by the sands of Sælvig, serving Samsø’s island ingredients with relaxed coastal views and easy access to the ferry.
Flinchs Hotel
2.3 km
Historic 1885 town hotel in Tranebjerg with local-produce restaurant, leafy courtyard and a central base for exploring Samsø’s landscapes and coastline.
Samsø Madhus
2.3 km
Island produce, homely Danish cooking and simple rooms come together at Samsø Madhus, a cosy food house in Tranebjerg at the heart of Samsø.
Carlo's Corner
2.4 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
Den Gule Parasol
2.4 km
Sunny, laid-back café-restaurant in Tranebjerg serving tapas, sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a relaxed lunch stop amid Samsø’s village life.
ØbyUS
4.5 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.
rumogrooms.dk - Hotel og Madhus Rumogrooms
4.5 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.
Syv Ni 13 på Strandlyst
5.0 km
Seasonal social dining in a Nordic seaside hotel, where Samsø’s vegetables, local seafood and thoughtful pairings shape an intimate island evening.
søster sidevind
5.1 km
Atmospheric lunch café and curiosity shop in Besser’s old grocery, serving artful smørrebrød, local flavours and coffee in a cosy courtyard and vintage-filled interior.
Pizzeria Maya
5.6 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.
Den Gamle Butik
5.6 km
Cozy harbor dining with award-winning local beef, island potatoes, and an exceptional wine cellar on Samsø.
Molevitten
5.7 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.
Samsø Værftet
5.7 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.
I Haven Bistro
5.7 km
Cosy Samsø bistro in Ballen’s holiday heart, serving relaxed, seasonal comfort food a short stroll from the harbour and sandy beaches.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Store island oen.dk
2.1 km
Island-style knitwear, woollen plaids and practical outdoor clothing in a cosy Samsø village shop that blends Danish craftsmanship with everyday Nordic living.
P II Samsø, kunst - antik - design, Langgade 38, 8305 Samsø
2.1 km
Eclectic art, antiques and Danish design in a cosy summer shop on Samsø, where decades of collecting meet the easygoing rhythm of island village life.
Samsø Grej
2.2 km
Compact island hunting and fishing shop in Tranebjerg, ideal for gearing up and getting local advice before exploring Samsø’s coasts and countryside.
Tøjhuset
2.3 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.
El-Salg Bissø ApS
2.3 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Imerco
2.4 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
Ny Form Samsø
2.4 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
2.4 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.
SuperBrugsen
2.5 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.
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.
DanChurchSocial Op Shop
2.6 km
Cosy Samsø charity op shop where island life, reuse and social responsibility meet in a volunteer-run treasure trove of second-hand finds.
Langemarksgård
4.0 km
Traditional Samsø family farm shop bringing potatoes, seasonal vegetables, fruit and berries straight from surrounding fields to a cosy, countryside storefront.
Huge Market on the island
4.3 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
4.3 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.
Eskehus Samsø
4.5 km
Island design boutique and gallery on Samsø, blending BY BJORKSTRAND fashion, sustainable interiors, ceramics and botanical art in a charming village house.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ræven
2.1 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.
Vinkapellet Samsø
4.1 km
Cosy island wine bar in Brundby specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, where intimate surroundings and slow Samsø evenings invite lingering conversations.
Garagen
4.7 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.
rullen
4.7 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.
Samsø Bryghus
13.2 km
Organic farm brewery and countryside café on Samsø, serving house beers and field‑fresh dishes in a relaxed courtyard of converted farm buildings.
Solbjerg Bodega
37.2 km
Authentic Danish bodega with extended hours and genuine local atmosphere in North Jutland.
Kalundborg Jazzclub
37.4 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
37.6 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
37.6 km
Kalundborg's inclusive waterfront bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks, food, and genuine social connection.
King's Pub
37.6 km
Traditional small-town pub on Kalundborg’s main street, serving straightforward drinks, local character and unpretentious evening atmosphere.
Slotskældergården
37.9 km
Unpretentious Danish bar on Kalundborg’s main street, offering cold beer, warm light and a glimpse of everyday local life along Kordilgade.
Shooters
38.0 km
Kalundborg’s lively bar and disco club serving up music, drinks, and authentic small-town Danish nightlife on weekends.
Next Door Pool Bar
38.0 km
Casual pool and sports bar on Kalundborg’s Kordilgade, mixing easygoing drinks, live games on screen and friendly competition around the pool tables.
Umage Ølbar
39.1 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
39.1 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
29.5 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
Juviklubben
37.7 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
40.2 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Lounge 8000
40.7 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
GBAR
40.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
40.8 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
40.8 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
Bar Smil Aarhus
41.0 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
41.0 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
41.1 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
41.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Wheelchair Access