Jutland’s Automobile Museum (Jysk Automobilmuseum), Gjern
A countryside trove of more than a century of motoring, where pioneer runabouts, fire engines and barn‑find relics share the floor with gleaming classic cars.
Tucked away in the rolling countryside near Gjern, Jutland’s Automobile Museum is a lovingly curated time capsule of motoring history. More than 150 cars, motorcycles and quirky microcars trace the story of road transport from the dawn of the 1900s to the late 20th century, with a remarkable emphasis on pre‑WWII vehicles. Simple, spacious halls packed with glossy restorations, barn‑find survivors, enamel signs and engineering cutaways make this an absorbing stop for classic‑car fans and curious families alike.
A brief summary to Jutland's Automobile Museum
- Skovvejen 13B, Gjern, 8883, DK
- +4521372582
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- 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-4 pm
Local tips
- Arrive soon after opening for quieter halls and more space to photograph the cars without other visitors in your frame.
- Plan at least two hours if you are an enthusiast; the pre‑WWII section and barn‑find area reward slow, detailed browsing.
- Bring a light sweater or jacket; the large exhibition halls can feel cool even on warm days.
- Check current opening hours and any seasonal event days in advance, as times and special gatherings can vary through the year.
- If visiting with children, use the cutaway engines and fire engine section to turn the visit into a hands‑on lesson about how vehicles work.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Silkeborg town centre
Driving from Silkeborg to Jutland’s Automobile Museum typically takes 20–25 minutes, using regional roads that are well maintained and signposted. The route is straightforward countryside driving with gentle curves and no tolls. Parking at the museum is free and usually sufficient, but spaces can fill more quickly on days with special events or classic‑car meets.
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Car from Aarhus city area
From Aarhus, allow around 45–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic leaving the city and on the ring roads. The journey combines faster main roads with quieter rural stretches near Gjern. There are no road tolls on this route. Parking at the museum does not incur a fee, though arriving earlier in the day gives a better choice of spaces, especially in summer and on weekends.
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Regional bus and short walk from Gjern
It is possible to reach Gjern by regional bus from Silkeborg in roughly 30–45 minutes, with services running several times a day on weekdays and less frequently at weekends. Standard single tickets on regional buses in this part of Jutland typically cost around 30–60 DKK, depending on zones and discounts. From the bus stop in Gjern, expect an additional walk of around 15–25 minutes on local roads; pavements may be limited in places, so this option best suits reasonably mobile visitors and fair‑weather days.
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Cycling from nearby holiday areas
If you are staying in the nearby Søhøjlandet or local holiday house areas, cycling to the museum can be an enjoyable option, typically taking 20–40 minutes each way depending on distance and fitness. The roads are mostly quiet but may not always have dedicated cycle lanes, so visibility gear and helmets are recommended. There is no charge to park bicycles at the museum, and this approach works best in dry, daylight conditions.
Jutland's Automobile Museum 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 Jutland's Automobile Museum
A quiet Jutland road into motoring history
Stepping into Jutland’s Automobile Museum feels a little like walking into a well‑kept secret workshop in the Danish countryside. The museum sits just outside the small town of Gjern, surrounded by fields and low hills that make the drive here part of the pleasure. Inside, three large halls open out in front of you, each lined with rows of chrome grilles, sweeping fenders and old enamel petrol signs that glow softly under the high ceilings. Rather than polished theatrics, the setting is deliberately straightforward: concrete floors, neat lines of cars, and information boards that let the vehicles speak for themselves. The scale quickly sinks in as you wander the aisles; this is not a token display, but one of Denmark’s key collections dedicated entirely to road vehicles.From pioneer runabouts to interwar elegance
The heart of the museum is its focus on early motoring, especially the period before the Second World War. Here you find slender, carriage‑like runabouts from the very beginning of the 1900s, sharing space with stately touring cars that once ruled Europe’s gravel roads. Among the most notable pieces is a tiny Vivinus from around 1900, regarded as one of the first cars to appear in Jutland, its spindly wheels and rudimentary body a striking contrast to today’s machines. As you move along the rows, the cars gain confidence and curves. Boxy brass‑radiator models give way to more streamlined bodies of the 1920s and 1930s, some modest, some every bit as glamorous as a film‑set getaway car. The emphasis on this era makes the museum a particularly rich place to grasp how fast automotive design and technology moved in just a few decades.Fire engines, two wheels and workhorse machines
Not everything here is about private motoring. One section is devoted to commercial and emergency vehicles, including an impressive Adler fire engine with a tall ladder and gleaming fittings, a reminder of when fire brigades relied on open cabs and hand‑polished brass. It tells a story not just of engineering, but of public safety and civic pride in the early 20th century. Elsewhere, ranks of motorcycles and mopeds line the walls. Among them you may spot a Danish‑built Nimbus with its characteristic exposed exhaust tube, nicknamed the “stove‑pipe” for its appearance. These two‑wheeled exhibits, along with small utility vehicles and cabin scooters, round out the picture of how ordinary people and workers moved around Denmark long before modern motorways.Barn finds, patina and the mechanic’s eye
One of the museum’s most atmospheric corners is the so‑called barn‑find area, where unrestored cars sit as if they have just been rolled out of long‑locked sheds. Dusty paintwork, sagging upholstery and faded logos tell their own stories, showing what decades of storage do to a once‑proud automobile. For many visitors, this contrast between untouched survivors and fully restored showpieces is part of the museum’s charm. Spread through the halls you also find cutaway engines, transmissions and chassis laid bare. These pieces reveal the inner workings of gearboxes, suspension and braking systems, making the collection surprisingly instructive even if you are not a dedicated car enthusiast. Simple labels and the physical presence of the metal make it easy to picture how power travels from crankshaft to wheel.A family legacy on four wheels
The museum began life in the late 1960s as the private passion of local mechanic Aage Louring, who gradually turned his enthusiasm into a public collection. Over time, it has grown into around 160 vehicles representing some 80‑plus marques, yet it still feels personal, more like an oversized family garage than a polished corporate venue. The founder’s daughter has continued the work, adding cars, preserving originals and keeping the atmosphere low‑key and authentic. Seasonal events occasionally bring extra life to the grounds, from parts markets to gatherings of veteran lorries and classic cars. Even on quiet days, though, the museum offers a rich, slow‑paced wander through eight decades of mechanical ingenuity. Whether you linger over every badge and engine plate or simply enjoy the silhouettes and colours, Jutland’s Automobile Museum gives a distinctive, very Danish perspective on the age of the car.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Randershøj
3.0 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Store Troldhøj
3.2 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Lovisehøj
12.7 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
silkeborg
13.1 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
13.5 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Silkeborg Water Tower
13.8 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
14.1 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
17.0 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Funder Ruin
18.8 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern life at Stændertorvet, Roskilde's central square.
Øm Klostermuseum
19.4 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Abbey Mill
21.1 km
Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.
Mossø
21.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Mossø, Denmark's third-largest lake, offering hiking, watersports, and historical sites in the heart of the Danish Lake District.
Silkeborg Rovfugleshow
22.3 km
Experience the thrill of birds of prey in action at Silkeborg Rovfugleshow, a captivating nature preserve offering breathtaking aerial displays and educational insights into the avian world.
Murermester Rasmus Nielsens Mindesten
22.5 km
A hidden memorial stone honoring a master mason's legacy in Silkeborg's quiet forest.
Bølling Lake
23.4 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Unmissable attractions to see
Landal Søhøjlandet
1.3 km
Family-friendly forest holiday park on a quiet Jutland plateau, blending indoor pools and activities with easy access to Denmark’s lake-district landscapes.
Befrielsessten i Resenbro
7.8 km
A leading Danish contemporary art gallery in Silkeborg, Galerie Moderne offers rotating exhibitions by top Scandinavian and international artists in a striking modernist space.
Trækstien
9.0 km
Historic towpath turned riverside hiking route, tracing the Gudenå between Silkeborg and Randers through wetlands, forests and meadows rich in quiet, watery atmosphere.
Gammelkol
11.7 km
A modest historic site folded into Silkeborg’s forests, where quiet paths, subtle landforms and shifting light reveal the long story of Denmark’s lake country.
Dynæs voldsted
12.2 km
Quiet medieval castle mounds and deep ditches on a wooded peninsula in the Silkeborg Lakes, where earthworks, water and forest hint at a vanished stronghold.
Ulvehoved
12.7 km
A gentle hilltop in Silkeborg’s Nordskov, Ulvehoved offers forest trails, soft climbs and tranquil views across Denmark’s hilly lake highlands.
Birkehøj Silkeborg
12.8 km
A modest Silkeborg hilltop with wide woodland views, Birkehøj offers a simple, quiet pause above town for walkers, cyclists and anyone craving a breath of open sky.
Slotsholmen
12.9 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views over Silkeborg's heather-clad hills and serene lakes at Kongestolen, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Silkeborg Søerne
12.9 km
Denmark's premier water gateway—paddle, cruise, and explore the pristine lakes of Søhøjlandet from the heart of Silkeborg.
Kedelhuset
13.0 km
Intimate live music and performance venue in Silkeborg’s former paper mill boiler house, blending industrial charm with a modern black box concert hall.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
13.0 km
Swinging jazz, riverboats and long Nordic evenings fuse in Silkeborg’s lake district for a five-day celebration where the entire town becomes a waterside stage.
Dronningestolen
13.1 km
A modest forest hill with a royal name, Dronningestolen offers a framed Silkeborg panorama, woodland quiet and a sense of history above the lakeside town.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
13.2 km
A living paper workshop in Silkeborg’s old factory, where you watch pulp become sheets, learn about banknote paper and try your hand at this quietly magical craft.
The Hjejle Agency
13.2 km
Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.
De Små Fisk
13.2 km
Lakeside lawns, calm bathing water and simple shelters make this Silkeborg green space a relaxed gateway to the forests and waterways of the Silkeborg Lakes.
Essential places to dine
Brasseriet Søhøjlandet
1.3 km
Relaxed family brasserie in the hills of Søhøjlandet, serving stone-oven pizzas, seasonal buffets, and local drinks at the heart of Landal’s holiday park.
Svostrup Kro
4.6 km
Historic riverside inn on the Gudenå, where creaking floors, candlelit dining rooms and hearty Danish cuisine create a timeless countryside escape.
Restauranter I Silkeborg
4.6 km
Cosy countryside dining on the edge of Silkeborg, pairing classic Danish comfort food with peaceful rural scenery and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.
Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst
12.4 km
Organic lakeside dining in a light-filled country villa above Lake Julsø, where local ingredients, house-baked bread and garden herbs define every seasonal plate.
Restaurant The Grill Silkeborg
12.8 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet with 15+ meat cuts, 50+ salads, and theatrical carving in Silkeborg.
The Chicken Specialist
12.8 km
A small, central Silkeborg grillbar devoted to crispy rotisserie chicken, golden fries and budget-friendly takeaway dinners for busy locals and hungry travellers.
Restaurant Aalekroen
12.8 km
Classic Danish kro-style restaurant on the shores of Julsø, pairing hearty traditional dishes and fried eel with sweeping lakeside views near Silkeborg.
Restaurant King Buffet (Ansvej)
12.9 km
Spacious Asian buffet in Silkeborg, serving sushi, Chinese dishes and Mongolian grill in a modern, family‑friendly setting with all‑you‑can‑eat comfort.
DIVA Ristorante & Pizzeria
12.9 km
Casual Italian‑style pizzas, pastas and grills in central Silkeborg, blending sit‑down dining with a busy takeaway counter and long, convenient opening hours.
Atami Sushi Restaurant - Silkeborg
12.9 km
Fresh sushi served to your table in an all-you-can-eat experience that celebrates quality, variety, and authentic Japanese flavors.
Restaurant King Buffet (Borgergade)
13.0 km
Big, bustling Asian buffet in central Silkeborg, serving sushi, Chinese classics, Mongolian grill and soft‑ice desserts at fixed prices ideal for families and groups.
Bone's Silkeborg
13.0 km
Smoky ribs, flame-grilled steaks and family-friendly comfort food in Silkeborg’s regenerated Papirfabrikken riverside district.
Evald - Brasserie & cafe
13.0 km
Classic French-inspired brasserie meets Danish hygge on the riverfront at Papirfabrikken, serving from morning coffee to late-night drinks with serene waterside views.
Café Kik
13.0 km
Waterfront café on the Gudenå river with quality Danish fare and scenic riverside views.
Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg
13.1 km
Industrial heritage meets riverside luxury in Denmark's lake district.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Malebox.dk
6.7 km
Male-focused gift shop on Nebelvej in Silkeborg, mixing practical gadgets, grooming gear and playful novelties into quick, memorable gift ideas.
The Silkeborg Ski Shop
9.0 km
Specialist ski outfitter in Silkeborg where Scandinavian style, expert advice and quality gear come together before you head for the winter mountains.
Laven Antikvariat
11.3 km
Rare books, organic coffee, and genuine warmth in a charming village shop.
ByStenholt
11.4 km
A calm, contemporary womenswear boutique in Ry, blending Nordic style with small-town ease and serving as the local face of a modern Danish fashion webshop.
Møbelhuset Silkeborg A/S
11.9 km
Spacious Scandinavian furniture house in Silkeborg, offering curated room settings, design-led Danish brands and personal guidance for complete home interiors.
MadebyMichelle
12.7 km
Intimate Silkeborg atelier where a local designer turns Scandinavian simplicity into small-batch fashion accessories on a quiet residential street.
KiDS Coolshop Silkeborg
12.9 km
Big-box toy wonderland on Brokbjergvej, where Silkeborg families and visitors stock up on games, gifts and playful gear for kids of every age.
Leather by Corium
12.9 km
Boutique Nordic leather shop in Silkeborg’s Papirfabrikken district, offering timeless bags and accessories that blend Scandinavian design with everyday practicality.
Læsehesten Silkeborg
13.1 km
A cosy Silkeborg cave of used books, comics, games and films where collectors, readers and gamers lose track of time among shelves of nostalgic finds.
HumanAid
13.2 km
Small Silkeborg gift shop and ceramics studio turning wine, coffee and handmade gifts into tangible support for social projects far beyond Denmark.
Skovs Antik - Silkeborg
13.3 km
A long‑time Silkeborg specialist in silver cutlery, vintage jewelry and classic tableware, preserving Danish craft traditions beyond the life of its physical shop.
Kop & Kande Silkeborg
13.3 km
Central Silkeborg homeware and gift store offering Scandinavian-style kitchenware, tableware and classic presents in a bright, practical high-street setting.
Søstrene Grene
13.4 km
Cosy Scandinavian lifestyle store on Østergade in Silkeborg, blending hygge-inspired home décor, creative supplies and playful design in a calm, maze-like setting.
HAUS · FRAU
13.4 km
Scandinavian women’s fashion in the heart of Silkeborg, blending timeless elegance, curated designer brands and attentive, personal service on lively Østergade.
Elkjær Lingerie
13.4 km
Intimate lingerie boutique on Silkeborg’s main square, offering personal fittings, classic Scandinavian styles and a calm pause from the town centre’s everyday bustle.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kristinesminde
3.4 km
A rustic farm bar in rural Jutland, Kristinesminde pours handcrafted Danish ciders in a cozy, countryside setting on the edge of Fårvang.
Oldboys Mc
5.2 km
A low-key biker clubhouse bar in Fårvang, where local riders gather over beers, stories and engines in an authentic, no-frills Danish village setting.
John's
8.4 km
Hammel's premier pub and nightlife destination with live music, DJ performances, and vibrant disco entertainment.
Pub North Cape v / Allan Hede
9.4 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in northern Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks, easygoing hygge and a slice of local bar life late into the evening.
Dartklubben Potten
9.7 km
A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.
Bakkens bodega
12.8 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Århusvej where locals, cold drafts and simple pub fare create a slice of everyday Silkeborg life from late morning to late evening.
The Smoke Pub
12.8 km
A classic Silkeborg bodega on Borgergade, where smoke, cold beer and easy conversation create an unpretentious local living room from late morning to late night.
Kings Pub
13.1 km
Straightforward local bar on Borgergade in Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and a relaxed, sociable pub atmosphere from daytime into late evening.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
13.2 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Café Kling Klang
13.6 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
The Admiral Pub
13.6 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Cafe' Paradis
13.7 km
A compact, old‑school bodega in central Silkeborg, serving cold beers, local atmosphere and late‑night conversation in an unpretentious, lived‑in bar setting.
Woodys Aps
13.7 km
Experience the warm ambiance and diverse drinks at Woodys Aps, a central bar in Silkeborg.
Roxy Malt
13.7 km
Irish-inspired Silkeborg pub with live music, quizzes, speciality beers and a cosy courtyard, blending retro charm with late-night energy in the town centre.
Kaffebaren
13.8 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- 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
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
