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The Commander's Farmstead: Maritime Heritage on Rømø

Experience the mariner’s legacy at Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård, Rømø: a whaling captain’s manor revealing the grandeur and drama of North Sea island life.

4.5

Set among windswept meadows on Rømø, Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård is a preserved 18th-century whaling captain’s farm. It immerses visitors in the grand lifestyle of seafaring islanders through richly decorated interiors, authentic artifacts, and insights into the North Sea’s whaling age.

A brief summary to Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård

  • 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 early in summer to avoid crowds, as the museum is most popular during high season.
  • Plan time to explore the garden and spot the whale jawbone arch, a unique local landmark.
  • The small café has limited offerings; consider packing a picnic if you have dietary preferences.
  • Some displays are in Danish; information leaflets in English and German are available at reception.
  • Check for workshops or special events, which sometimes include historical reenactments or crafts.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Travelers reaching Rømø via the causeway from the Danish mainland will find Kommandørgården in the island’s tranquil north, a short drive beyond the livelier villages and main beaches. The museum is nestled close to the Juvre countryside, with free on-site parking. Parking spots are generally available outside peak summer weekends.

  • Cycling

    Rømø’s scenic cycle paths provide a leisurely ride to Kommandørgården, passing windswept dunes and traditional farms. The route is flat and family-friendly. Bike rentals are available near the island’s major hubs; expect to reach the museum in about 20–40 minutes from central accommodation clusters.

  • Taxi

    Local taxis from the popular Lakolk beach area or ferry terminal provide a convenient connection to the museum. The ride is typically under 20 minutes and costs in the range of 100–150 DKK, depending on time and start point.

  • Walking

    For those staying in the nearby north of Rømø, it’s a pleasant walk along quiet lanes surrounded by fields, with the Kommandørgården’s thatched roof visible as a landmark on the approach. Walking ranges from 15–40 minutes depending on starting location.

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Discover more about Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård

On the island of Rømø, the Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård stands as a striking testament to Denmark’s once-thriving North Sea whaling culture. Built in the 18th century for a wealthy whaling captain, the farmstead preserves the extraordinary lifestyle that success at sea could buy. Stepping onto the grounds, visitors are greeted by a thatched longhouse, its gables and half-timbered shapes standing firm against salty winds. The interior is even more impressive: lavishly painted paneling, rare Dutch tiles, and carved furnishings convey the prosperity that came from whaling voyages to Greenland and beyond. Each room of Kommandørgården seems frozen in time, from the captain’s private study to the ornate salon where island families entertained guests. Genuine period décor, family portraits, and navigational tools highlight the fusion of Rømø traditions with influences brought back from seafaring expeditions. The estate’s outbuildings—including stables and a whale jawbone arch—further illustrate the island’s close maritime connection, while evocative displays tell tales of perilous North Sea crossings and the global reach of the Danish whalers. An educational highlight is the on-site exhibition on Rømø’s role in transatlantic trade and whaling, complete with ship models and artifacts recovered from distant shores. Families will find added fun with farm animals, interactive exhibits, and occasional costumed staff. The rural setting frames it all in the wild beauty of Rømø—heather, dunes, and Wadden Sea vistas stretching to the horizon. Practical amenities include a cozy café (known for homemade cake), picnic tables, and parking. The museum is open from spring through autumn, with hours typically from late morning to late afternoon. Admission falls in the moderate range for Danish museums—expect standard adult tickets, with discounts for children and families. Seasonal closure in winter means summer visits are especially atmospheric, coinciding with the island’s festivals and migratory birdlife.

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