Stakladen Besser Art Gallery
A rustic island barn transformed into a light-filled gallery, with weekly changing art and craft exhibitions in the heart of Besser on Samsø.
Set in the small village of Besser on Samsø, Stakladen is a distinctive gallery housed in a former barn-like building with soaring ceilings and a light-filled interior. Here, changing weekly exhibitions showcase Danish art and crafts, from paintings and ceramics to textiles and sculpture, creating a dynamic, ever-evolving space that feels both rustic and refined. It is an easy, rewarding cultural stop on this quietly beautiful island.
A brief summary to Stakladen Besser
- Besser Hovedgade 3A, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the current exhibition period before you go, as artists change weekly in the main season and what you see can differ completely from one visit to the next.
- Bring a payment card or local currency if you are considering purchasing artworks or smaller craft pieces to take home.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Besser village or a trip to nearby coastal nature areas to make a relaxed half-day outing.
- If you prefer quieter viewing, aim for earlier in the day on summer weekdays rather than weekends, when the island is busier.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from Tranebjerg (Samsø’s main town)
From Tranebjerg, use the local island bus service toward the northern villages and alight in Besser. The journey typically takes around 10–20 minutes depending on the route and timetable, and buses usually run several times per day in the main season with fewer departures outside summer. A single adult ticket on Samsø’s local buses is commonly in the range of 20–40 DKK. Check the current schedule before travelling, as evening and weekend services may be limited.
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Car or taxi from Sælvig ferry harbor
Arriving on Samsø by ferry at Sælvig, you can continue by car or pre-booked taxi to Besser and Stakladen. Driving time is typically about 15–20 minutes along straightforward island roads. Taxi fares on Samsø for this distance are often in the region of 200–350 DKK depending on time of day and exact route. Parking in Besser is generally informal and free along the village streets, but spaces can be busier in peak summer weeks.
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Cycling from Nordby or Tranebjerg
For a slower approach, rent a bicycle in either Nordby or Tranebjerg and follow the signed island roads to Besser. The ride usually takes around 20–40 minutes, depending on starting point and pace, with mostly gentle terrain and occasional wind exposure from open fields. Bicycle rental on Samsø commonly costs about 80–150 DKK per day, and cycling routes are suitable for most reasonably fit visitors. Surfaces are paved for the main stretch, but be prepared for variable wind conditions.
Stakladen Besser location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Stakladen Besser
A Barn Reimagined as an Island Gallery
Stakladen occupies a striking, barn-inspired building on Besser’s main street, its name literally referring to a stacked barn. Inside, high ceilings and exposed volumes create a sense of spaciousness that feels very different from a conventional white-cube gallery. The architecture retains a touch of rural character while functioning as a contemporary exhibition space. As you step through the doors, the first impression is of light and air. Large openings and the volume of the hall draw the eye upward, giving artworks generous breathing room. The building’s simple lines and honest materials echo the agricultural past of Samsø, yet the way the space has been adapted makes it feel distinctly creative and modern.Art and Craft in Constant Rotation
Stakladen focuses on art and artisan craft, giving room to painters, ceramicists, textile artists, photographers, and sculptors. Exhibitions change regularly, with new artists taking over the space each week during the main season, so the atmosphere shifts from one visit to the next. One week you might find bold canvases and experimental ceramics, the next more delicate glassworks or finely woven textiles. The gallery functions as a showcase for Danish and occasionally international makers, with an emphasis on pieces that fit naturally into everyday life. Many works are for sale, so the visit can double as a chance to bring a piece of Samsø’s creative scene home. The scale of the room allows both intimate small works and larger statement pieces to be displayed without crowding.Village Setting in the Heart of Besser
Besser is a compact village in the northeast of Samsø, surrounded by fields and close to the coastal landscapes of Stauns Fjord. Stakladen adds a cultural anchor right in the middle of this rural setting, sitting alongside small local shops that help keep the main street lively in summer. The contrast between farmland just beyond the houses and the art-filled interior is part of the gallery’s charm. This village context shapes the rhythm of the gallery. It is most active in the holiday months, when visitors stay in nearby summer houses or cycle through the island’s lanes. The building’s position on the main street means it can be combined easily with a stroll through Besser or a longer day exploring the northern part of Samsø’s coastline and nature reserves.A Relaxed, Welcoming Place to Linger
Despite the high ceiling and generous proportions, Stakladen feels informal and approachable. The layout is straightforward: a single large hall or a few open sections where works are arranged so you can wander without a fixed route. Natural light and simple furnishings keep the focus on the art while maintaining a relaxed, island atmosphere. It is the kind of place where you can spend a brief half hour between other activities or slow down and study the details of each piece. Benches or simple seating may appear as part of the display arrangement, encouraging you to pause and take in the space. On quieter days, the calm interior can be a welcome contrast to wind and weather outside.Seasonal Rhythm and Island Creativity
Stakladen is particularly active in the summer season, when weekly changes bring a steady rotation of artists and styles. This fast rhythm gives regular visitors a reason to return, and it means there is almost always something new to discover during a stay on Samsø. The gallery also reflects a broader island tradition of handicraft and small-scale design, where makers draw inspiration from sea, fields, and soft Nordic light. While the building is distinctive, the essence of a visit lies in the interplay between art, space, and surroundings. It is a modest yet memorable stop: a rural barn turned creative hall, where contemporary works and traditional craftsmanship meet under one tall roof in the middle of a quiet Danish village.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel Vadstrup1771
3.5 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
Samsø Sogn
4.5 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
The small Summer Hotel
5.2 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.
The Kanhave Canal
5.4 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Ballen Strandpark - Ferielejligheder og feriehus
5.6 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
7.7 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.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
10.0 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
11.4 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
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
25.8 km
Rare flora and exceptional light in a protected Danish valley.
Befrielsessten i Kallerup
30.0 km
A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.
Danhostel Kalundborg
34.0 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, where culture, dining, and shopping converge in a picturesque square.
Olaf Ryes Skanse
34.1 km
A 19th-century Danish military fortification honoring a war hero with commanding views across the Jutland landscape.
Our Lady Church
34.3 km
A medieval masterpiece with five towers symbolizing the Heavenly Jerusalem—architecturally unique and spiritually profound.
The eltest city hall
34.4 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
The Morgan Garage
0.5 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
0.5 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.
Yduns Have ApS
2.1 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.
Festivalpladsen
3.3 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.
Besser Rev
3.6 km
A long, stony spit between fjord and open sea, Besser Rev offers raw Samsø nature, big horizons, seabirds and seals for those willing to walk the shingle.
Strandlyst - Hotel
4.0 km
Intimate Nordic island hideaway with design-led rooms, seasonal dining and a tranquil pool garden near Ballen on Samsø’s gentle coastline.
Samsø Museum
4.3 km
Distributed cultural museum exploring 16,000 years of Samsø's landscape, heritage, and human connection to nature.
Samsø Island Distillery
4.3 km
Craft spirits infused with island heritage—where juniper, potatoes, and orange ants tell Samsø's story.
Samsø Egnsarkiv
4.9 km
Samsø's historical archive preserving centuries of island records and family heritage.
Brundby Stubmølle
5.1 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 Rederi
5.6 km
The green-hearted ferry link between Samsø and Jutland, turning a one-hour crossing into the relaxed first chapter of your island escape.
Dansebjerg
6.4 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.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
6.8 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
6.9 km
A winding botanical art corridor celebrating Samsø's wildflowers and native plants.
Samsø Badehotel Ilse Made
7.3 km
Nordic luxury meets coastal serenity on Samsø's quietest shore, where exceptional food and genuine hospitality define every moment.
Essential places to dine
søster sidevind
0.2 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.
Syv Ni 13 på Strandlyst
4.0 km
Seasonal social dining in a Nordic seaside hotel, where Samsø’s vegetables, local seafood and thoughtful pairings shape an intimate island evening.
Den Gule Parasol
4.2 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
4.2 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
Samsø Madhus
4.3 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.
Flinchs Hotel
4.3 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 Madsnedkeri
4.5 km
Inventive island cooking and handmade Samsø specialties served in a converted farm stable at the culinary heart of Tranebjerg.
Den Gamle Butik
5.0 km
Cozy harbor dining with award-winning local beef, island potatoes, and an exceptional wine cellar on Samsø.
Samsø Værftet
5.0 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
5.1 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
5.1 km
Relaxed harborfront fish shop and seafood eatery on Samsø, serving fresh catch, smoked specialties and classic Danish fish dishes beside Ballen Harbour.
Pizzeria Maya
5.1 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.
Røgeriet
5.1 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.
I Haven Bistro
5.2 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
5.2 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
Langemarksgård
1.4 km
Traditional Samsø family farm shop bringing potatoes, seasonal vegetables, fruit and berries straight from surrounding fields to a cosy, countryside storefront.
Besser Living
2.3 km
A cozy yarn and craft hideaway in rural Samsø, where colorful skeins, friendly advice and island calm turn a simple shop visit into a creative pause.
Smagen Af Øen
2.7 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Samsø at Smagen af Øen in Nordby.
Imerco
4.3 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
Tøjhuset
4.3 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.
Buur - Items & Clothing - Coffee
4.3 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
4.3 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Hobbyboden Scrapworld – Din onlline hobby butik indenfor scrapbooking, kort og mixed media
4.3 km
A cozy island outlet of a major Danish scrapbooking webshop, packed with papers, stamps and mixed-media supplies for creative travelers on Samsø.
Samsø Grej
4.3 km
Compact island hunting and fishing shop in Tranebjerg, ideal for gearing up and getting local advice before exploring Samsø’s coasts and countryside.
DanChurchSocial Op Shop
4.3 km
Cosy Samsø charity op shop where island life, reuse and social responsibility meet in a volunteer-run treasure trove of second-hand finds.
P II Samsø, kunst - antik - design, Langgade 38, 8305 Samsø
4.4 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.
Ny Form Samsø
4.4 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.
SuperBrugsen
4.4 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.
Store island oen.dk
4.5 km
Island-style knitwear, woollen plaids and practical outdoor clothing in a cosy Samsø village shop that blends Danish craftsmanship with everyday Nordic living.
Red Cross Op Shop
5.2 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Garagen
3.2 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
3.3 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.
Ræven
4.3 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
5.4 km
Cosy island wine bar in Brundby specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, where intimate surroundings and slow Samsø evenings invite lingering conversations.
Samsø Bryghus
12.6 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
34.5 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.
Kontoret
34.6 km
Kalundborg's inclusive waterfront bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks, food, and genuine social connection.
Cafe Lillebælt
34.6 km
Cozy Kalundborg café-bar blending everyday Danish hygge, simple comfort food and drinks, and a neighborhood atmosphere a short stroll from the harbor.
King's Pub
34.7 km
Traditional small-town pub on Kalundborg’s main street, serving straightforward drinks, local character and unpretentious evening atmosphere.
Slotskældergården
34.9 km
Unpretentious Danish bar on Kalundborg’s main street, offering cold beer, warm light and a glimpse of everyday local life along Kordilgade.
Shooters
35.0 km
Kalundborg’s lively bar and disco club serving up music, drinks, and authentic small-town Danish nightlife on weekends.
Next Door Pool Bar
35.0 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
36.9 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
36.9 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.
Sir Henry Bodega
37.2 km
Unpretentious Danish bar in Ebeltoft’s cobbled old town, pouring local beers and classic drinks in a cozy, lived-in setting from morning till late.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
33.0 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
Juviklubben
34.8 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
41.8 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Lounge 8000
42.0 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
GBAR
42.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
42.1 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
42.1 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
Bar Smil Aarhus
42.3 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
42.3 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
42.4 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
42.5 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
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
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
