Restaurant Sælhunden, Ribe
Fresh local fish and Danish classics served in a 400‑year‑old riverside house on Ribe’s historic harbourfront, blending maritime charm with cosy atmosphere.
Set in a beautifully preserved 400‑year‑old listed house on Ribe’s picturesque Skibbroen, Restaurant Sælhunden is a cosy harbourside spot known for fresh fish and classic Danish dishes. With low timbered ceilings, creaking floors and views over the Ribe Å, it blends maritime character with warm hospitality. In fine weather, guests spill into the intimate courtyard and riverfront terrace, making this one of Ribe’s most atmospheric places to linger over lunch or dinner.
A brief summary to Restaurant Sælhunden
- Skibbroen 13, Ribe, 6760, DK
- +4575420946
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11:30 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 11:30 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-10 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-10 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-10 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-10 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Reserve ahead for dinner in high season, especially if you want a table by the windows overlooking Ribe Å or a spot in the courtyard on warm evenings.
- Try one of the fish specialities, such as the traditional Danish stjerneskud, to experience the kitchen’s focus on fresh catch from local auctions.
- If you are sensitive to low ceilings or narrow staircases, bear in mind the building’s age; mention any mobility concerns when booking a table or room.
- In cooler months, aim for a table in the snug interior rooms, where candles and exposed beams create a particularly cosy atmosphere.
- Guests staying overnight should book breakfast in advance, as it is served during set morning hours and often features local produce.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Restaurant Sælhunden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Restaurant Sælhunden
A Historic House by the Water
In the heart of Ribe’s old harbour quarter, Restaurant Sælhunden occupies a 400‑year‑old, listed building that seems almost made for maritime tales. The crooked timber frame, small‑paned windows and low ceilings tell of its origins as part of Ribe’s busy trading waterfront, when boats moored right outside and the nearby warehouses stored goods from across the North Sea. Inside, the sense of age is unmistakable. Exposed beams, uneven floors and intimate rooms create a snug, almost inn‑like atmosphere. Rather than polished formality, the style leans into rustic Danish charm: simple wooden furniture, nautical touches and candle‑lit tables that glow softly against the old brick and timber.Flavours of the Wadden Sea
Sælhunden is best known for its fish and seafood, built around fresh catch brought in from local auctions along the Danish west coast. Menus often highlight North Sea fish, shrimp and other seasonal ingredients, prepared in a straightforward style that lets the produce stand out. A classic local favourite here is the Danish "stjerneskud" – an elaborate open sandwich stacked with fried and steamed fish, shrimp and garnishes. Traditional dishes with a regional twist sit alongside more contemporary plates, and the kitchen keeps portions generous without losing focus on quality.Courtyard Calm and Riverside Life
One of Sælhunden’s quiet pleasures lies beyond its thick walls. At the back, a sheltered courtyard becomes a tranquil refuge on mild days, with pots of flowers and the murmur of conversation echoing off the old masonry. It feels unexpectedly secluded given the central setting. At the front, tables along Skibbroen make the most of the river view. From here you can watch the slow current of Ribe Å, glimpses of birdlife and the rhythm of locals and visitors strolling past the harbourfront façades. The changing light over the water gives the restaurant a different character from lunch to late evening.Staying Overnight Above the Restaurant
Beyond the dining rooms, Sælhunden also offers a handful of simple guest rooms set within the same historic structure. These retain much of the building’s old‑world feel, pairing sloping ceilings and thick walls with the basics expected of a small modern guesthouse, including private bathrooms. Mornings centre on breakfast served in the restaurant below, often with local touches such as regional cheese, charcuterie and honey. For travellers wanting to soak up Ribe’s atmosphere after dark and wake within steps of the old harbour, it offers a characterful alternative to larger hotels.Ribe’s Maritime Story in One Address
Sælhunden feels closely tied to the story of Ribe itself: Denmark’s oldest town, shaped by trade, seafaring and the tidal world of the Wadden Sea. The restaurant’s name, evoking the seal, hints at this coastal heritage, as do subtle decorative nods inside. Dining here places you within that narrative. The view of the river, the age of the beams above your head and the emphasis on sea‑fresh ingredients all weave together into a small, tangible slice of Ribe’s relationship with the water. It is as much about atmosphere and setting as it is about what arrives on the plate, making a meal here a vivid complement to exploring the town’s cobbled streets and historic lanes.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
0.4 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Kammerslusen Ribe
5.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Sønderho Church
18.8 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
18.9 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Namaste Esbjerg
24.7 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Bunker
24.7 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Esbjerg Water Tower
24.8 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Dronning Louise
24.8 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Vadehavskysten
24.8 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Landgangen
24.9 km
Step inside a piece of Copenhagen’s iconic bridge architecture, now transformed into a creative hub for art, music, café culture, and panoramic city views.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
24.9 km
A converted harbor tower blending industrial heritage with contemporary art, panoramic views, and creative events on Copenhagen’s iconic Knippels Bridge.
Denmark
24.9 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Naturcenter Tønnisgård
24.9 km
Discover the heart of Rømø’s nature, wildlife, and island heritage at Naturcenter Tønnisgård, nestled in a historic farmhouse beside the wild Wadden Sea.
Esbjerg Museum
24.9 km
Iconic harbor-view cultural tower on Knippelsbro, blending Copenhagen’s bridge heritage with art, events, and sweeping views across Indre By and Christianshavn.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
25.0 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Flood column in Ribe
0.1 km
A slender wooden column on Ribe’s harbour that turns tranquil waterfront views into a powerful, six-metre-high lesson in storm surges, memory and resilience.
Jacob A. Riis Museum
0.1 km
The childhood home of a Danish-American reformer who documented poverty and changed a nation.
Hex! Museum of Witch Hunt
0.1 km
Explore the chilling history of witch hunts in 16th–17th century Denmark through immersive audio and artifacts in historic Ribe.
P Dovns Slippe
0.2 km
Explore the Wadden Sea's unique ecosystem and cultural heritage at Vadehavscentret near Ribe, Denmark.
Ribe Cathedral
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring live demonstrations and interactive workshops.
Ribe Domkirkeplads
0.2 km
Tiny but central parking right on Ribe’s cathedral square, putting you only steps from Denmark’s oldest town’s historic heart, shops and cobbled lanes.
Den Gamle Arrest, Ribe
0.2 km
Stay the night in Ribe’s old town prison, a 16th‑century listed house on the cathedral square where chaplains, schoolgirls and inmates once shared the same walls.
Det Gamle Rådhus Ribe
0.2 km
Compact in size but rich in stories, Ribe’s Old Town Hall reveals centuries of justice, ceremony and civic life within an atmospheric medieval shell.
Kannikegaarden
0.2 km
Award-winning parish hall and archaeological showcase where contemporary Nordic architecture hovers above Ribe’s oldest brick ruins beside the cathedral.
Ribe Water Wheel
0.3 km
A quietly turning water wheel on Ribe’s old dam, where rushing river water and medieval streets meet in a small but evocative glimpse of the town’s working past.
Taarnborg
0.3 km
A contemplative Renaissance townhouse in Ribe’s cobbled centre, where historic clergy once lived and today’s cultural life unfolds in quietly atmospheric rooms.
Wooden bridges
0.3 km
Simple timber footbridges over Ribe’s quiet river, offering gentle views, soft light and a tranquil pause just beyond the medieval streets.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
0.3 km
Step into Viking-era life at Vikingborg near Ribe, where interactive exhibits, reconstructed buildings, and live reenactments reveal Denmark’s ancient Norse heritage.
Buste af Jacob A. Riis
0.3 km
A modest bronze bust in Ribe’s old town honouring Jacob A. Riis, the local boy whose New York photographs and journalism helped change urban social history.
St. Catherine's Priory, Ribe
0.3 km
A beautifully preserved Dominican priory in Ribe, where brick cloisters, a serene church and a quiet garden reveal nearly eight centuries of Danish monastic history.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Sælhunden
0.0 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest town, where 400 years of character meet fresh Danish cuisine.
Brorsonsminde -by Skovmose
0.1 km
Historic 1899 mission house turned warm Danish restaurant and celebration hall in Ribe’s old town, serving hearty, seasonal cuisine with a sense of occasion.
Pinocchio
0.1 km
Casual Italian pizzas and pastas served all day in a cosy, family-friendly restaurant right in the historic heart of Ribe’s medieval old town.
Kolvig - by Skovmose
0.1 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest city, where Nordic cuisine meets industrial heritage.
Quedensgård Cafe Og Krambod
0.1 km
Historic café and krambod in a crooked old merchant’s house in Ribe, blending Danish comfort food, a leafy courtyard and shelves of characterful curios.
Weis Stue
0.1 km
Centuries-old timber inn and restaurant on Ribe’s main square, serving classic Danish dishes and simple rooms in a wonderfully crooked historic house.
BØFFEN Restaurant
0.1 km
Homemade burgers and ice cream on Ribe's historic square—casual comfort food at unbeatable prices.
Restaurant Vægterkælderen
0.1 km
Hearty steaks and classic Danish flavours served in a candlelit 16th‑century cellar beneath historic Hotel Dagmar on Ribe’s storybook main square.
Hotel Dagmar
0.1 km
Denmark's oldest hotel since 1581, blending Renaissance charm with modern hospitality on Ribe's historic square.
Terpager & Co
0.1 km
Historic 16th‑century café, wine bar and deli in Ribe’s old town, blending Nordic hygge, plant‑forward cooking and small‑producer wines in a cozy courtyard setting.
Peking House Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Chinese buffet in historic Ribe's pedestrian heart—diverse flavors, fresh ingredients, family-friendly.
Restaurant Jacob A. Riis
0.2 km
Square-side steakhouse and brasserie in Ribe’s historic heart, named after reformer Jacob A. Riis and serving generous, familiar dishes from morning through evening.
Monza Pizza
0.2 km
Authentic Italian pizza handcrafted on Ribe's historic main square
Pizza Express
0.2 km
Casual pizzeria on Ribe's main square serving traditional Italian pizzas in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Huset Ribe
0.2 km
Casual café-brasserie and gourmet deli on a cobbled street in Ribe’s old town, perfect for light meals, good coffee and local delicacies in a relaxed setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Det Gamle Apothek
0.1 km
A historic former pharmacy in the heart of Ribe, now a cosy Nordic shop filled with atmospheric décor, seasonal treasures and a touch of old-town magic.
Den Lille Ravbutik
0.1 km
A cosy amber specialty shop in Ribe’s medieval heart, where warm golden stones, Scandinavian design and coastal heritage come together in wearable souvenirs.
Overdammens Idebutik
0.1 km
A cosy Ribe gift shop where Scandinavian homewares, seasonal decorations and thoughtful souvenirs are tucked into a warm, cobbled-street setting.
NEW FORM Ribe
0.1 km
Sporty, pet-friendly clothing store in Ribe’s historic center, stocking practical outdoor and casual wear for the whole family near the Wadden Sea coast.
Janne K Ribe
0.1 km
Bright, comfortable women’s fashion in inclusive sizes, tucked into a historic townhouse on Ribe’s cobbled main street.
Biti v/Tina Haugsted Larsen
0.1 km
Long-established Ribe corner boutique mixing Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, gifts and souvenirs in the atmospheric setting of the town’s central square.
CHANGE Lingerie
0.1 km
Scandinavian fit-focused lingerie and loungewear in a cosy boutique on Ribe’s historic Mellemdammen, blending everyday comfort with a touch of indulgent elegance.
Garnslusen
0.1 km
Specialty yarn and embroidery shop in the heart of Denmark's oldest city
Imerco
0.1 km
Denmark's premier homeware destination offering Scandinavian design, kitchen essentials, and exclusive collections in historic Ribe.
Butik B
0.2 km
Inviting women’s fashion boutique in Ribe’s historic center, blending Scandinavian style, everyday practicality and a relaxed, personal shopping atmosphere.
Tøjeksperten
0.2 km
Contemporary menswear in Ribe's historic pedestrian district, backed by Denmark's most generous return policy.
Tip Top I/S
0.2 km
A small, local clothing shop on Ribe’s historic Nederdammen, offering practical Scandinavian-style fashion in the heart of Denmark’s oldest town.
Mega Outlet
0.2 km
Discounted designer fashion in the heart of Denmark's oldest city.
Maude Retro & Vintage
0.2 km
Colorful, craft-filled treasure trove in Ribe’s old town, where retro charm, handmade ceramics, knitwear and quirky art meet on a cozy cobbled-street corner.
Habengood
0.2 km
Ribe's intimate vintage and vinyl destination where personal service meets curated second-hand treasures.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Stenbohus
0.2 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Strygejernet
0.2 km
Intimate corner pub in Ribe’s old town, pairing rustic coziness, smoke-free comfort and friendly bar life with simple drinks, games and unhurried evenings.
Klubben 1811
0.3 km
Casual, spacious bar in Ribe’s old town, mixing sports, pool and cold beer in a bright, easygoing setting just steps from the city’s medieval streets.
Termansens
0.3 km
Intimate jazz and live music in a centuries-old townhouse, where Ribe’s historic charm meets cozy, small-scale culture house vibes after dark.
Café Valdemar
0.3 km
A compact late‑night bar and disco in the heart of historic Ribe, blending casual drinks, chart‑driven beats and a friendly weekend crowd on Sct Nicolaj Gade.
Vin For Dig Ribe
0.3 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Grosmann's
7.7 km
Small-town Danish hygge in a tiny cocktail bar on Kirkegade, where classic drinks, warm lighting and everyday village life meet in laid-back South Jutland style.
Mødestedet
19.1 km
Cozy wine bar on Skærbæk’s main street, where locals and visitors share unhurried glasses of wine, simple snacks and relaxed conversation from day to evening.
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
19.1 km
Cozy local bodega in Skærbæk serving cold beer, simple drinks, and laid-back Danish bar culture in a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood setting.
Dowdi Pub Bar
24.6 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Pappi's pub
24.7 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
24.7 km
Timber-clad, late-opening beer hut on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, serving easygoing brews and shots in a cosy, West Jutland party atmosphere at the heart of nightlife.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
24.7 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
24.7 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
King George
24.7 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
24.8 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
Club Fanø Rindby
26.0 km
Vital hub for kite sports, fatbiking, and Nordic coastal adventure on Fanø, pairing local expertise with welcoming spirit in the island’s scenic Rindby beach area.
Bilka-søen
28.1 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
28.6 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Romo Golf Links
30.3 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Fishi
35.4 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Al Capone
44.3 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
44.4 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Koldingtivet Engen
47.9 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
48.3 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
48.5 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
48.6 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Pitstop
48.7 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Jazz 6000
48.9 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Rotes Kliff
49.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
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
- Weekend Getaway
- 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
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Business Friendly