Sams Island Distillery
Craft spirits infused with island heritage—where juniper, potatoes, and orange ants tell Samsø's story.
A micro distillery on Denmark's Samsø island crafting distinctive spirits from local ingredients. Founded in 2017 by Mads Nielsen and Jesper Machholm, the distillery is renowned for its unique gin infused with orange ants from the local heath, alongside vodka made from island potatoes and rum from sugar beets. Guided tours showcase the production process and island heritage.
A brief summary to Samsø Island Distillery
- Langgade 19, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- +4528968305
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-2 pm
Local tips
- Book guided tours in advance during peak summer season, as capacity is limited and tours often fill quickly.
- Combine your visit with lunch at nearby restaurants like Samsø Madhus or Samsø Madsnedkeri, both within walking distance.
- Visit during summer months when the distillery hosts special events and the island's agricultural season is at its peak.
- Purchase bottles directly from the shop to support the distillery and take home spirits unavailable on the mainland.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Ferry from Kalundborg
Take the ferry from Kalundborg on the mainland to Samsø, approximately 1 hour crossing time. Ferries operate multiple times daily year-round. The distillery is a 10-minute walk from the Tranebjerg ferry terminal. Ferry tickets cost approximately 80–120 Danish Krone per person for a standard passage. Vehicle transport available at additional cost.
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Ferry from Hou
Alternative ferry route from Hou in Jutland to Samsø, approximately 45 minutes crossing time. Fewer daily departures than Kalundborg route but shorter journey. Tickets approximately 70–110 Danish Krone per person. The distillery is roughly 15 minutes' walk from Hou ferry terminal in Samsø.
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Bicycle from ferry terminal
Rent a bicycle at either ferry terminal (approximately 80–150 Danish Krone per day) and cycle to the distillery. Samsø is exceptionally bike-friendly with flat terrain and dedicated cycling routes. Journey time 10–20 minutes depending on ferry arrival point. Bicycle rental shops operate at both terminals.
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Taxi from ferry terminal
Arrange taxi service from ferry terminal to distillery, approximately 5–10 minutes depending on ferry arrival point. Estimated cost 100–200 Danish Krone. Taxis available at both Tranebjerg and Hou terminals; advance booking recommended during peak season.
Samsø Island Distillery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Samsø Island Distillery
A Micro Distillery Born from Island Resources
Sams Island Distillery stands in the heart of Tranebjerg, the main town on Samsø, a small Danish island 15 kilometers off the Jutland Peninsula. Established in 2017 by Mads Nielsen and Jesper Machholm, this micro distillery represents a modern expression of Samsø's agricultural heritage. The founders built their operation on a simple philosophy: transform the island's carefully selected raw materials into distinctive spirits that capture the essence of their unique environment. The distillery occupies a central location on Langgade, making it easily accessible to visitors exploring the island's food and drink scene.Signature Spirits and Local Ingredients
The distillery's portfolio reflects deep connections to Samsø's landscape and farming traditions. Sams Island Gin, the flagship product, combines wild juniper berries with a distinctive ingredient found nowhere else: orange ants harvested from the local heath. This unusual botanical creates a memorable flavor profile that tells the story of the island itself. Sams Island Vodka is distilled from potatoes grown on Samsø, which has earned international recognition for producing Denmark's earliest potato harvest each year. Sams Island RÅM, a rum expression, is crafted from sugar beets cultivated on the island. Each spirit represents a direct connection between the bottle and the soil from which it originates.The Island's Sustainable Spirit
Samsø holds a distinctive place in Denmark's environmental story. In 1997, the island won a government competition to become a model renewable energy community, transforming from complete dependence on imported oil and coal to becoming the world's first net renewable energy island. Today, 100% of Samsø's electricity comes from wind power and biomass. This commitment to sustainability extends throughout the island's economy, including its agricultural and food production sectors. The distillery operates within this context of ecological consciousness, sourcing ingredients from farms that practice free-range and organic methods. Visitors to Sams Island Distillery thus experience not just a craft spirits producer, but part of a broader island commitment to sustainable living.Guided Tours and Visitor Experience
The distillery welcomes visitors through guided tours that reveal the production process from raw materials to finished spirits. Tours explain how each spirit is crafted and tell the stories behind the distinctive ingredients. The experience provides insight into both the technical aspects of distillation and the cultural heritage of Samsø. The distillery shop allows visitors to purchase bottles and take home a taste of the island. The location's central position on Langgade places it within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, and other attractions, making it a natural stop on any culinary tour of Samsø.Samsø's Culinary and Agricultural Identity
Sams Island Distillery exists within a broader food culture that defines Samsø. The island has developed a distinctive reputation for early-season produce, particularly potatoes and strawberries, which attract visitors from across Europe. Local restaurants and food producers have built their identities around these agricultural strengths. The distillery complements this food-focused tourism by offering spirits that embody the same local pride and quality consciousness. Visitors often combine a distillery visit with meals at nearby restaurants, shopping at roadside farm stalls, and exploring other food producers on the island, creating a comprehensive experience of Samsø's culinary identity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Samsø Sogn
0.4 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
Hotel Vadstrup1771
1.8 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
The small Summer Hotel
3.3 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
3.7 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.
Ilsemade Helligkilde
4.1 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
8.3 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
12.0 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
13.7 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
15.8 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
26.6 km
Rare flora and exceptional light in a protected Danish valley.
Befrielsessten i Kallerup
31.0 km
A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.
Enebærodde
34.3 km
A pristine coastal peninsula where Denmark's largest heath meets the fjord—nature in its purest form.
Danhostel Kalundborg
34.6 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, where culture, dining, and shopping converge in a picturesque square.
Our Lady Church
34.9 km
A medieval masterpiece with five towers symbolizing the Heavenly Jerusalem—architecturally unique and spiritually profound.
The eltest city hall
35.0 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
Samsø Museum
0.2 km
Distributed cultural museum exploring 16,000 years of Samsø's landscape, heritage, and human connection to nature.
Brundby Stubmølle
1.7 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.
Samsø Egnsarkiv
2.4 km
Samsø's historical archive preserving centuries of island records and family heritage.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
2.5 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.
Festivalpladsen
2.7 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
2.7 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.
Strandlyst - Hotel
2.8 km
Intimate Nordic island hideaway with design-led rooms, seasonal dining and a tranquil pool garden near Ballen on Samsø’s gentle coastline.
Samsø Badehotel Ilse Made
3.7 km
Nordic luxury meets coastal serenity on Samsø's quietest shore, where exceptional food and genuine hospitality define every moment.
Samsø Badehotel
3.7 km
Luxury seaside retreat blending Danish bathhouse tradition with contemporary comfort and celebrated cuisine.
Husmandsstedet Fredensdal
4.1 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.
Stakladen Besser
4.3 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.
Samsø Rederi
4.5 km
The green-hearted ferry link between Samsø and Jutland, turning a one-hour crossing into the relaxed first chapter of your island escape.
Tidselkorridoren
4.6 km
A winding botanical art corridor celebrating Samsø's wildflowers and native plants.
Besser Udsigtstårn
4.7 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
4.7 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
Carlo's Corner
0.0 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
Den Gule Parasol
0.1 km
Sunny, laid-back café-restaurant in Tranebjerg serving tapas, sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a relaxed lunch stop amid Samsø’s village life.
Samsø Madhus
0.1 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.
Flinchs Hotel
0.1 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 Madsnedkeri
0.8 km
Inventive island cooking and handmade Samsø specialties served in a converted farm stable at the culinary heart of Tranebjerg.
rumogrooms.dk - Hotel og Madhus Rumogrooms
2.4 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.
Syv Ni 13 på Strandlyst
2.8 km
Seasonal social dining in a Nordic seaside hotel, where Samsø’s vegetables, local seafood and thoughtful pairings shape an intimate island evening.
ØbyUS
2.9 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.
Pizzeria Maya
3.3 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
3.3 km
Cozy harbor dining with award-winning local beef, island potatoes, and an exceptional wine cellar on Samsø.
Molevitten
3.3 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.
I Haven Bistro
3.3 km
Cosy Samsø bistro in Ballen’s holiday heart, serving relaxed, seasonal comfort food a short stroll from the harbour and sandy beaches.
Samsø Værftet
3.3 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.
Restaurant Dokken
3.3 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 Badehotel
3.3 km
Classic Danish seaside hotel on Samsø, blending nostalgic bath-hotel charm, local gastronomy and harbor life just steps from the marina and beach.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
El-Salg Bissø ApS
0.0 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Imerco
0.0 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
Tøjhuset
0.0 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.
Buur - Items & Clothing - Coffee
0.1 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.
Ny Form Samsø
0.1 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.
Samsø Grej
0.1 km
Compact island hunting and fishing shop in Tranebjerg, ideal for gearing up and getting local advice before exploring Samsø’s coasts and countryside.
SuperBrugsen
0.1 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.
P II Samsø, kunst - antik - design, Langgade 38, 8305 Samsø
0.2 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.
Hobbyboden Scrapworld – Din onlline hobby butik indenfor scrapbooking, kort og mixed media
0.2 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
0.3 km
Cosy Samsø charity op shop where island life, reuse and social responsibility meet in a volunteer-run treasure trove of second-hand finds.
Store island oen.dk
0.3 km
Island-style knitwear, woollen plaids and practical outdoor clothing in a cosy Samsø village shop that blends Danish craftsmanship with everyday Nordic living.
Huge Market on the island
2.1 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
2.1 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
2.3 km
Island design boutique and gallery on Samsø, blending BY BJORKSTRAND fashion, sustainable interiors, ceramics and botanical art in a charming village house.
Samsø Gårdbutik Svanegården
3.0 km
Historic farm shop in converted barns showcasing Danish wool textiles, outdoor wear, and island crafts since 1876.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ræven
0.3 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
1.8 km
Cosy island wine bar in Brundby specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, where intimate surroundings and slow Samsø evenings invite lingering conversations.
rullen
2.7 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.
Garagen
2.7 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.
Samsø Bryghus
14.9 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
35.1 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
35.3 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
35.3 km
Kalundborg's inclusive waterfront bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks, food, and genuine social connection.
King's Pub
35.3 km
Traditional small-town pub on Kalundborg’s main street, serving straightforward drinks, local character and unpretentious evening atmosphere.
Slotskældergården
35.6 km
Unpretentious Danish bar on Kalundborg’s main street, offering cold beer, warm light and a glimpse of everyday local life along Kordilgade.
Shooters
35.6 km
Kalundborg’s lively bar and disco club serving up music, drinks, and authentic small-town Danish nightlife on weekends.
Next Door Pool Bar
35.7 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
39.5 km
Authentic Danish bodega with extended hours and genuine local atmosphere in North Jutland.
Umage Ølbar
40.4 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
40.4 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Casual
- Entertaining
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Industrial
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Sustainable
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly