Museum Silkeborg, Blicheregnen
Historic vicarage museum in Thorning exploring Blicher’s life, Jutland heath society, the Battle of Grathe Heath and a quirky global animal collection.
Housed in the former vicarage in the village of Thorning near Kjellerup, Museum Silkeborg, Blicheregnen brings rural 19th‑century Jutland vividly to life. The museum explores the world of priest, poet and social critic Steen Steensen Blicher, the harsh existence on the heath, and the decisive medieval Battle of Grathe Heath in 1157. Add a quirky global animal collection and hands‑on displays, and this compact museum becomes an engaging cultural stop between Silkeborg and Viborg.
A brief summary to Museum Silkeborg, Blicheregnen
- Blichersvej 30, Kjellerup, 8620, DK
- +4587205030
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least two hours to explore both the Blicher and rural life exhibitions as well as the Grathe Heath section without rushing the texts and objects.
- Check current opening hours in advance; the museum typically opens late morning and hours can vary by season and weekday.
- Bring a light layer; historic buildings can feel cool inside even on sunny days, especially outside the summer season.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Thorning church and village to better sense the parish setting that shaped Blicher’s writing.
- Families with children can use the animal collection as an engaging break between history rooms to keep younger visitors interested.
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
From central Silkeborg, driving to Museum Silkeborg, Blicheregnen typically takes about 25–35 minutes via regional roads through the countryside. Traffic is usually light, but speeds can be reduced in villages and during winter conditions. Parking is generally free in the immediate vicinity of the museum, though spaces can be busier on event days.
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Car from Viborg
From Viborg, allow roughly 30–40 minutes by car to reach the museum along main roads heading south towards Kjellerup and Thorning. The route is straightforward, with fuel stations available in larger towns en route. Parking near the museum is at ground level and suitable for standard vehicles; larger motorhomes may need to use nearby public spaces.
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Regional bus from Silkeborg or Viborg area
Regional buses connect towns in the Silkeborg–Viborg corridor with stops in or near Thorning, typically taking 35–60 minutes depending on route and departure point. Expect standard Danish regional fares, often in the range of 20–50 DKK one way for adults. Services usually run hourly or every few hours on weekdays, with reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends, so checking current timetables and last departures is important.
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Cycling from Kjellerup
From Kjellerup, experienced cyclists can reach Thorning in about 30–45 minutes on country roads. The terrain is generally gentle but can feel exposed in windy conditions. There are no dedicated long-distance cycle lanes for the full route, so riders share the road with local traffic and should use lights and high‑visibility clothing, especially outside summer and in low light.
Museum Silkeborg, Blicheregnen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Museum Silkeborg, Blicheregnen
A country vicarage turned cultural time capsule
Set in low, whitewashed wings around a green courtyard, Museum Silkeborg, Blicheregnen occupies the old vicarage of Thorning, a small village in central Jutland. The buildings themselves tell a quiet story of clerical life on the edge of the heath: modest, practical architecture, thick walls for shelter against wind and weather, and views over fields that still hint at the open moorland Blicher once knew. Inside, more than 650 square metres of exhibition space unfold through creaking floors, narrow corridors and intimate rooms that preserve a distinctly rural atmosphere. The museum forms one of the three main departments of Museum Silkeborg and focuses specifically on the history and culture of the Blicher region. Exhibitions are largely ground level, making orientation straightforward, and interpretive texts are thoughtfully arranged so you can follow themes at your own pace without feeling rushed.Steen Steensen Blicher’s life and pen
From 1819 to 1825, this vicarage was home to Steen Steensen Blicher, the priest, poet and pioneering realist writer whose work helped define Danish literature. Here he wrote his first short story, drawing inspiration from the landscape, the farmers he served and the social tensions of his time. One exhibition room gathers first editions, personal belongings and portraits that put a human face to the often solemn name. Manuscripts, letters and everyday objects such as pipe, writing tools and simple furnishings anchor Blicher in daily routines rather than distant fame. Display panels introduce his role as a sharp social commentator, concerned with poverty, moral questions and the changing countryside. Even if you have never read his stories, the exhibition sketches a vivid picture of a restless, observant mind living in a quiet parish.On the windswept heath: rural Jutland in the 1800s
Beyond the vicar’s rooms, the museum opens onto the broader world of 19th‑century rural life. Atmospheric displays reconstruct interiors from simple farmhouses, showing rough wooden furniture, woven textiles, clay stoves and the tools that defined work on the heath. You get a sense of how little separated comfort from hardship when soil was poor and weather unforgiving. Panels and dioramas introduce farmers, day‑laborers, peddlers and vagabonds who moved across the heath with goods, news and rumours. Costumes, work implements and household objects are displayed with sparse but effective staging, inviting you to imagine the sounds of spinning wheels, the smell of peat smoke and the long winter evenings lit by tallow candles. The result is a grounded, unsentimental portrait of a landscape that was both home and challenge to its inhabitants.Grathe Heath and the making of a kingdom
One of the museum’s most dramatic sections is dedicated to the Battle of Grathe Heath in 1157, a violent climax to a civil war between rival Danish kings. Exhibits outline the tangled power struggle between Svend, Knud and Valdemar, culminating in a clash on the nearby heath that helped shape the medieval Danish kingdom. Maps, weapon replicas and concise narratives make sense of a complex conflict. Lighting and sound are used with restraint to evoke tension without slipping into spectacle. Rather than focusing only on heroes and victors, the exhibition also hints at the experience of ordinary warriors and local communities caught between shifting allegiances. Standing in this quiet rural museum, it is striking to imagine armoured forces once manoeuvring across what are now peaceful fields.A curious menagerie from around the world
Unexpectedly, Blicheregnen also houses a sizable collection of mounted animals from across the globe. Eagles, penguins, smaller birds, mammals and a lone wolf share space in a gallery that feels part natural history cabinet, part travelogue. Though eclectic, the collection invites close looking, especially for children and anyone with an interest in wildlife. The animals provide a change of pace from text‑heavy history rooms, adding colour and a touch of wonder. Simple labels highlight habitats and characteristics, encouraging visitors to compare species and reflect on how distant ecosystems relate to the more familiar Jutland landscape outside.Exploring the grounds and seasonal activities
Outside the exhibition rooms, the vicarage courtyard and surrounding grounds offer a pleasant break. Benches, grass and views towards Thorning church underscore the close connection between parish church, priest and community. On selected days, the museum hosts themed events, family activities and occasional medieval‑ or history‑focused days that bring crafts, costumes and demonstrations into the mix. A small shop area typically offers books on Blicher, local history and the heath landscape, along with simple souvenirs. Combined with the relatively compact scale of the museum, these touches make Blicheregnen a comfortable half‑day cultural stop that pairs well with broader exploration of Silkeborg’s lakes, forests and other museum departments.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bølling Lake
12.5 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Viborg View
18.2 km
Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.
silkeborg
18.7 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Water Tower
18.9 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Vi er Viborg
19.0 km
Experience Danish innovation at Dokk1, Aarhus’ renowned waterfront library and cultural hub, blending architecture, technology, and vibrant community life.
Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup
19.1 km
A modest countryside liberation stone near Viborg, quietly commemorating Denmark’s freedom in 1945 amid open fields and a peaceful village setting.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
19.5 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads
19.6 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Viborg Miniby
20.1 km
Dokk1 is Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library, cultural center, and civic hub on the harborfront, merging innovative architecture, public events, and stunning city views.
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
20.2 km
Roskilde’s historic main square blends medieval roots with lively markets and café culture, making it an essential stop in the heart of town.
Kroghs Bænk
20.2 km
Elevated forest sanctuary with panoramic lake views and 19th-century heritage
Knagerne Silkeborg
20.6 km
Explore Knagerne Silkeborg, an untouched ancient forest where time stands still, offering a unique and immersive nature experience in the heart of Denmark's Lake District.
Daugbjergskiltet
20.8 km
Dramatic limestone cliffs offering panoramic views and geological wonders near Viborg
Mønsted Kalkgruber
21.6 km
Explore the world's largest limestone mine in Mønsted, Denmark: a subterranean adventure with stunning lakes, multimedia shows, and fascinating bat colonies, offering a unique glimpse into geological history.
Lovisehøj
21.7 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Unmissable attractions to see
E Bindstouw
7.3 km
Atmospheric 18th-century village schoolhouse and Blicher haunt in Lysgård, offering an intimate glimpse into rural Jutland life, learning and storytelling.
Dollerup Bakker
9.3 km
Ice Age-sculpted hills, purple heath and deep lake views combine at Dollerup Bakker, a remarkably rugged and atmospheric nature reserve just south of Viborg.
Vinderslevholm
9.9 km
Late Gothic manor on a lake peninsula, where red-brick gables, still water and open Jutland fields create a quietly dramatic snapshot of Danish manor heritage.
Inderøen
10.4 km
A tranquil, wooded peninsula reaching into Hald Sø, where gentle trails, heathland and sweeping lake vistas create an easy nature escape just south of Viborg.
Den mystiske troldesten
10.4 km
A mysterious stone formation within a woodland dog park, blending folklore, nature, and outdoor recreation.
Hald Sø
10.8 km
Deep, clear waters, Ice Age hills and centuries of castles and manors make Hald Sø a striking blend of wild Danish nature and quiet cultural landscape.
Klosterlund Museum
11.1 km
Stone Age artifacts and industrial heritage converge in a beautifully restored peat factory overlooking Lake Bølling.
Troldeslugten
11.6 km
A short, atmospheric forest ravine above Hald Sø where steep, root-tangled slopes, cool shade and nearby playgrounds and ruins turn a simple walk into a layered outing.
Hald Slot
11.8 km
Evocative lakeside castle ruins where towering earthworks, a rebuilt tower and wooded shores reveal centuries of power struggles beside clear Hald Sø.
De Fem Halder
11.9 km
A lakeside cultural landscape where moats, ruins, ramparts and a manor house compress 800 years of Danish power and landscape history into a single scenic walk.
The Manor House of Hald
12.0 km
Discover Dollerup Bakker’s breathtaking glacial hills, lush meadows, and legends overlooking Hald Sø—Viborg’s premier nature escape and a Danish outdoor treasure.
Den Selvejende Institution Hald
12.0 km
Medieval ruins and ice-age hills where 800 years of Danish history meets pristine natural landscape.
Stenalderens Jægere
12.8 km
A quiet rural stop near Silkeborg where fields, woods and wetlands hint at the lives of Stone Age hunters who once moved through this Jutland landscape.
Vandskellet
13.0 km
Stand on Denmark’s quiet continental divide, where raindrops choose between the Skjern Å to the west and the Gudenå to the east in softly rolling farmland.
Murermester Rasmus Nielsens Mindesten
13.2 km
Discover modern art masterpieces, Danish expressionism, and international talent at the heart of Silkeborg’s creative scene in Jutland’s premier contemporary art gallery.
Essential places to dine
Niels Bugges Kro
11.5 km
Historic countryside inn by Hald Sø, where refined seasonal cuisine, intimate rooms and forest-framed views create a slow, indulgent escape near Viborg.
Propelmessen Flyvestation Karup
12.0 km
Long-running base canteen at Denmark’s largest air station, serving hearty, no-nonsense meals amid the everyday rhythms of Flyvestation Karup.
Birgittelyst Kro
13.0 km
Authentic Danish inn blending traditional Nordic cuisine with European refinement and craft brewery excellence.
Rindsholm Kro og Hotel (selskaber mv., se åbningstider på hjemmesiden)
14.4 km
Historic Danish roadside inn near Viborg where hearty kro cooking, characterful rooms and walls of memorabilia turn a meal or stay into a journey through local history.
King's House Inn & Hotel
16.2 km
Traditional Danish country inn on the Viborg heath, combining homely cooking, simple hotel rooms and flexible spaces for celebrations, meetings and rural getaways.
Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg
16.5 km
Quick, no-fuss Asian chinaboxes and stir-fries served from a cosy grill counter inside Løvbjerg on Koldingvej – ideal for an easy lunch or early dinner.
Restaurant The Grill Silkeborg
17.2 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet with 15+ meat cuts, 50+ salads, and theatrical carving in Silkeborg.
Restaurant King Buffet (Borgergade)
17.7 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.
Atami Sushi Restaurant - Silkeborg
18.0 km
Fresh sushi served to your table in an all-you-can-eat experience that celebrates quality, variety, and authentic Japanese flavors.
Konge Buffet
18.0 km
Relaxed all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Viborg, blending Chinese dishes, Mongolian barbecue and sushi in a spacious, family-friendly setting.
DIVA Ristorante & Pizzeria
18.1 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.
Carl's Jr. Viborg
18.1 km
Flame-grilled American burgers and crispy chicken in the heart of Viborg's shopping district.
Viborg Golf Cafe
18.2 km
Casual golf-side dining with quality food and genuine Danish hospitality in Viborg.
The Chicken Specialist
18.3 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 King Buffet (Ansvej)
18.3 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gimli-Store v/Bjarne Laursen
2.7 km
Denmark's premier archery equipment specialist, serving archers of all disciplines with expert knowledge and quality gear.
Romantiske Gaver
3.1 km
Discover unique Danish crafts and souvenirs at Romantiske Gaver in Kjellerup.
Designa Køkken Kjellerup
5.4 km
Danish kitchen design expertise and 1,000 square meters of inspiration for your perfect home.
sexshop-midt.dk
6.0 km
Discreet rural sex shop in central Jutland offering toys, lingerie and accessories in a calm, low‑profile setting on the outskirts of Havredal.
Imerco
6.0 km
Compact Danish homeware and kitchen specialist on Kjellerup’s main square, blending practical everyday essentials with gift ideas and cosy design touches.
Din Tøjmand
6.0 km
Well-stocked men’s outfitter in central Kjellerup, combining trusted brands, occasion wear and everyday basics with friendly, personal service on Søndergade.
Let-Køb (Byens Købmand Kjellerup)
6.3 km
Local grocer with fresh produce, competitive prices, and genuine community service in central Kjellerup.
By Baunbaek (Just a Girl)
9.7 km
International bohemian fashion curated for the free-spirited, right in the heart of Jutland.
Sj Tekstil og Kunst
9.9 km
Rural Danish boutique and web shop specializing in timeless women’s fashion in natural materials, blending a calm studio feel with carefully curated Scandinavian style.
Hjemmebryggeren v/Ken Gade Thøgersen
10.3 km
A no‑nonsense Silkeborg homebrewing hub where sacks of malt, fragrant hops and expert advice help turn curious visitors into confident DIY beer makers.
نثنثنبنب
10.7 km
Functional designer outlet on Copenhagen’s outskirts, focused on discounted fashion, sportswear, and everyday essentials in a straightforward, no‑frills setting.
SHOPPE LOPPE
16.9 km
A vast indoor flea-market supermarket in Silkeborg with over 400 stands, mixing retro design, antiques, clothing and curios in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
KiDS Coolshop Silkeborg
17.1 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.
Special-butikken Rask A/S
17.1 km
Silkeborg's trusted source for professional tools, equipment, and expert guidance since 1978.
Læsehesten Silkeborg
17.3 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen
12.8 km
Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.
Kaptajnens Slyngelstue
15.8 km
An old-school Danish bodega in Silkeborg where cold beer, warm banter and a hint of maritime mischief create the captain’s cosiest neighbourhood hideout.
Marquart Anita
16.0 km
Unpretentious local bar in Bording, serving cold beers, simple drinks and plenty of small-town Danish atmosphere under the watchful eye of host Anita Marquart.
Woodys Aps
16.9 km
Experience the warm ambiance and diverse drinks at Woodys Aps, a central bar in Silkeborg.
Kings Pub
17.3 km
Straightforward local bar on Borgergade in Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and a relaxed, sociable pub atmosphere from daytime into late evening.
The Smoke Pub
18.3 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.
Kaffebaren
18.5 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Butchers Silkeborg
18.5 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
Bifrost Sports Pub
18.5 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
18.6 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Rabalder Bar
18.6 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
18.6 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
18.6 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Roxy Malt
18.6 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.
Sportspubben Målet
18.7 km
A cozy, no-frills sports pub in central Silkeborg, where big screens, cold beer and local chatter turn every match day into a shared living room.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
18.7 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
19.3 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Der Kuhstall Mønsted
20.0 km
Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.
Bart
27.5 km
Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.
Murphy's Pub
27.5 km
Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.
Mindegade5
27.8 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
27.9 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Jazzens Venner
37.9 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
East End Holstebro
44.7 km
High-energy disco club in central Holstebro, where DJs, flashing lights, and a packed dance floor keep the party going into the early morning hours.
Team Paderborner
46.2 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Rustik & Flamingo
47.4 km
Rustik & Flamingo offers upscale cocktails and a vibrant late-night dance floor, making it one of Randers’ premier nightlife and party destinations.
Tante Olga - Bar
47.5 km
Beloved for its dynamic live music, unique ambiance, and lively events, Tante Olga is a cornerstone of Randers nightlife and a top local destination for music lovers.
Jagtbar Randers
47.5 km
A lively late-night bar in Randers’ city center known for its dynamic events, energetic crowds, and welcoming atmosphere—a favorite for unforgettable nights out.
Buddy Holly
48.4 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Jazz Hobro
48.4 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
