Restaurant Backhaus, Ribe

Historic House Beside Ribe’s Cathedral

Restaurant Backhaus occupies a characterful old building in the medieval heart of Ribe, less than a minute’s stroll from the cathedral. Inside, low ceilings, timber beams and gently sloping floors immediately remind you that this is one of Denmark’s oldest towns. The rooms are divided into smaller nooks and lounges, creating a series of intimate spaces that feel more like a private home than a formal dining room.From the front windows you glimpse cobbled streets and gabled facades; at the back lies a sheltered courtyard garden framed by brick walls and climbing greenery. On warm days, tables spill outside so you can eat under open sky with the cathedral’s roof and tower as your backdrop.

Danish Classics in Generous Portions

Backhaus is firmly rooted in traditional Danish cooking, with a menu built around hearty, familiar favourites. Expect dishes such as Danish steaks with rich gravy, the house Backhaus schnitzel with béarnaise, pan-fried fish, egg-based lunch plates and seasonal specials that lean into local produce. Portions are famously substantial, the style unfussy and satisfying rather than experimental.The kitchen serves both lunch and dinner every day, so you can drop in for a substantial midday meal or linger over an evening spread. Typical accompaniments include potatoes in various forms, classic sauces and simple vegetables, all presented in a straightforward, homely way that fits the setting.

Rooms Above the Restaurant

On the upper floors, Backhaus also operates a small guesthouse with a handful of double and family rooms. These are simple and practical rather than luxurious, but their biggest draw is the location: you wake up in the middle of Ribe’s old town, with the cathedral just around the corner and narrow streets radiating out in every direction.Staying here means breakfast is just downstairs in the restaurant, often in the same cosy rooms where dinners are served. It is an appealing option for travellers who like the informal feel of a small inn, with food and accommodation folded into the same historic building.

Courtyard Atmosphere and Seasonal Touches

The courtyard is one of Backhaus’s defining features. In summer it functions as a small urban garden, with outdoor seating that feels surprisingly tranquil given the central address. It is particularly atmospheric in the evening when candles and soft lighting reflect off the old brickwork and the cathedral looms nearby.Throughout the year, seasonal menus and occasional buffets appear, especially around holidays. Traditional Christmas dishes, for example, are often highlighted in winter, adding another layer of Danish food culture to the experience. The overall tone remains relaxed and welcoming, suited to families, couples and small groups.

A Relaxed Base in Denmark’s Oldest Town

As both restaurant and small hotel, Backhaus works well as a base for exploring Ribe and the wider Wadden Sea coast. You can spend the day wandering cobbled streets or joining guided walks, then return here for a comforting dinner without leaving the historic centre. With everyday opening hours and moderate prices, it functions as a reliable choice in a town where many venues keep limited schedules.Whether you come only for a plate of schnitzel in the courtyard or stay overnight in one of the upstairs rooms, Backhaus offers a distinctly local slice of Ribe life: traditional flavours, lived-in surroundings and the quiet drama of a cathedral rising just beyond the garden wall.