Background

Historisk Arkiv for Haderslev Kommune

Denmark's gateway to regional heritage—a free archive preserving centuries of local history through accessible research.

4.1

A regional historical archive dedicated to preserving and sharing the local history of Haderslev and surrounding municipalities. The archive houses an extensive collection of documents, photographs, and records spanning centuries of regional heritage. Open to researchers, genealogists, and history enthusiasts, the reading room provides public access to materials covering art history, building heritage, and local narratives. Free admission.

A brief summary to Historisk Arkiv

  • Kløvervej 87B, Haderslev, 6100, DK
  • +4574347800
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 4 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-12 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the reading room at Bispebroen 3 rather than the main archive facility; it's purpose-built for public access with extended hours and a welcoming research environment.
  • Plan your visit for Tuesday through Thursday mornings (10:00–12:00) to avoid afternoon crowds and have more one-on-one time with staff for research guidance.
  • Bring a list of specific research interests or family names in advance; the archive staff can help prioritize materials and suggest relevant collections before your visit.
  • Combine your visit with the nearby museums (Ehlers Samlingen and Von Oberbergs Hus) to experience a complete picture of Haderslev's cultural heritage in one day.
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Getting There

  • Public Bus

    Regional buses serve Haderslev's central station approximately 1.5 kilometers from the reading room at Bispebroen 3. Journey times from surrounding municipalities range from 20–60 minutes depending on origin. Tickets cost approximately 24–80 DKK. Service is frequent on weekdays; weekend and evening services are reduced.

  • Train

    Haderslev railway station connects to regional and intercity services with journey times of 45 minutes to 2 hours from Copenhagen and other major cities. Tickets range from 150–350 DKK depending on distance and service type. The station is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the reading room; local buses or a 20-minute walk connects the station to Bispebroen.

  • Private Vehicle

    Bispebroen 3 is accessible by car from the E45 highway. Street parking is available in central Haderslev, though spaces may be limited during weekday business hours. The main archive facility at Kløvervej 87B has dedicated parking. Driving time from Copenhagen is approximately 2.5 hours; from Aarhus approximately 1.5 hours.

  • Walking

    The reading room at Bispebroen 3 is centrally located in Haderslev's historic core. From the railway station, a 20-minute walk through the city center provides an orientation to the town's character. The pedestrian-friendly route passes through Haderslev's main streets and historic neighborhoods.

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Discover more about Historisk Arkiv

A Living Repository of Regional Memory

Historisk Arkiv for Haderslev Kommune stands as a vital institution for understanding the cultural and social fabric of southern Denmark. Established as a § 7 archive under Danish law, it serves as the official custodian of local history for Haderslev and administrative archive for the municipalities of Aabenraa, Sønderborg, Tønder, and Vejen. The archive's mission extends beyond mere preservation—it actively interprets and communicates the stories embedded within its collections, making history accessible to the public. The institution operates from two locations within Haderslev. The main archive facility is situated at Kløvervej 87B on the southern edge of the city, where the bulk of the collection is stored and catalogued. The public reading room, known as Achelissalen, occupies the second floor of Bispen cultural center at Bispebroen 3, providing a welcoming space for visitors to explore historical materials.

Collections Spanning Centuries

The archive's holdings encompass diverse categories of historical documentation. Its collections include genealogical records essential for family history research, architectural documentation tracing the evolution of regional buildings, artistic materials reflecting local cultural production, and administrative records illuminating civic life across generations. Photographs, manuscripts, maps, and printed materials form a multifaceted portrait of Haderslev's development from medieval times through the modern era. A significant portion of the archive's extensive collection is available to the public, democratizing access to local heritage. Whether researching family lineages, studying architectural history, or investigating specific periods of regional development, visitors encounter primary sources that bring historical narratives to life. The archive's commitment to public engagement reflects a broader philosophy that history belongs to the community it documents.

Welcoming Researchers and History Enthusiasts

The reading room operates on a carefully structured schedule designed to accommodate various visitor needs. Monday through Thursday offer extended hours, with Tuesday through Thursday providing both morning and afternoon sessions. This accessibility recognizes that genealogists, academic researchers, and casual history enthusiasts may have different schedules and research requirements. The professional staff provides guidance in navigating collections and locating relevant materials. The archive actively supports genealogical research, a pursuit that has grown significantly in recent decades. For those tracing family connections to the Haderslev region, the archive provides essential documentation including birth, marriage, and death records, census materials, and property registers. The welcoming atmosphere encourages both experienced researchers and newcomers to local history to explore their connections to this corner of Denmark.

Part of a Broader Cultural Organization

Historisk Arkiv functions as one component of Historie Haderslev, a comprehensive cultural organization that also encompasses two museums: Ehlers Samlingen and Von Oberbergs Hus. This integrated approach allows the archive to collaborate with museum exhibitions and educational programming, creating a holistic presentation of regional heritage. Together, these institutions offer exhibitions, lectures, family activities, and children's programs that bring history to diverse audiences. The archive's scope extends across multiple dimensions of historical inquiry—from artistic and architectural heritage to everyday social history. This breadth reflects the understanding that local history encompasses far more than famous events or prominent figures; it includes the material culture, built environment, and lived experiences of ordinary people across time.

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