E Bindstouw Open-Air Museum House
Atmospheric 18th-century village schoolhouse and Blicher haunt in Lysgård, offering an intimate glimpse into rural Jutland life, learning and storytelling.
E Bindstouw is a beautifully preserved 18th-century thatched schoolhouse and writer’s retreat in Lysgård, south of Viborg. Once home to schoolmaster and author Steen Steensen Blicher’s storytelling evenings, the low-ceilinged rooms, peat stove and simple furnishings recreate rural Jutland life around 1800. Today it serves as a charming open-air museum under Viborg Museum, offering a quiet, atmospheric glimpse into village history, literature and education in the Danish countryside.
A brief summary to E Bindstouw
- Blichersvej 40, Viborg, 8800, DK
- +4587873838
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit for July or early August, when E Bindstouw usually has fixed opening hours; outside this period, arrange access in advance through Viborg Museum.
- Allow time to read the interpretive texts slowly; the house is small, but the background stories and literary connections add much depth to the experience.
- Combine E Bindstouw with other Viborg Museum sites such as Bruunshaab or the printing museum by using a combined ticket if available in the city.
- Wear sensible shoes; floors are old and uneven, and short walks around the village lanes make a pleasant extension to your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
Getting There
-
Car from Viborg city centre
Driving from central Viborg to Lysgård typically takes 20–25 minutes, mainly on regional roads through open countryside. The route is straightforward and suitable for all standard cars. Parking is usually available on or near Blichersvej close to the museum, but spaces are informal and can be limited during summer opening days. There are no parking fees, and this is generally the most convenient option for families or small groups.
-
Regional bus from Viborg
A regional bus service normally connects Viborg with villages south of the city, including the Lysgård area, with a travel time of roughly 30–40 minutes depending on the timetable and intermediate stops. Buses run less frequently in the evenings and on weekends, and some departures operate only on school days, so check current schedules in advance. Standard single adult fares on local buses in the region are typically around DKK 20–35, payable by travel card, app ticket or cash where accepted.
-
Cycling from Viborg
For confident cyclists, the roughly 15–20 km ride from Viborg to Lysgård is an attractive option, usually taking about 60–90 minutes each way. The route uses a mix of smaller country roads and stretches with moderate car traffic, with some gentle hills typical of central Jutland. There are no dedicated cycle lanes for much of the way, so this option suits adults and older teenagers used to riding in rural traffic and variable wind conditions.
E Bindstouw location weather suitability
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Any Weather
Discover more about E Bindstouw
A village schoolhouse frozen in time
E Bindstouw sits in the little village of Lysgård, surrounded by fields and gently rolling farmland, its whitewashed walls and thick thatched roof instantly signalling a bygone era. Stepping inside, you find a compact world where almost everything happened in a single room: lessons, meals, stories and sleep. The timber beams are low, the wooden floorboards uneven, and daylight filters in through small-pane windows that once framed views of a much harder rural life. The house dates from the late 18th century and functioned as a village school and dwelling for the schoolmaster. Today, its carefully staged interior evokes the period when children learned to read by the light of tallow candles and chalk squeaked over simple slates. Rough-hewn tables, benches and a cast-iron stove give a tangible sense of how little space and comfort people lived with, and how central the schoolroom was to the community.Blicher’s stories and the art of Jutland storytelling
E Bindstouw is closely linked to Steen Steensen Blicher, one of Denmark’s great 19th-century authors, whose tales of Jutland peasants and moorland landscapes shaped Danish literature. Blicher used the house and the surrounding area in his writings and held legendary storytelling evenings here, where neighbours gathered for songs, poems and local news. Standing in the main room, it is easy to imagine the benches packed, smoke curling from the stove and the schoolmaster’s voice carrying into the winter darkness. Interpretive displays and objects help place Blicher and his circle in context, from well-thumbed books and ink pots to period clothing and domestic tools. Rather than overwhelming you with information, the house uses modest props to suggest how stories travelled by word of mouth, how dialects coloured everyday speech, and how literature grew directly out of the landscapes and people around Lysgård.Everyday objects and rural ingenuity
Look closely at the shelves and corners and you see the quiet ingenuity of rural life. Iron cooking pots hang ready over the old stove, while simple wooden chests double as both storage and seating. Earthenware jugs, handwoven textiles and home-made tools reveal a world where almost everything was repaired, reused or crafted in the village. The humble furnishings underline the divide between town and country, yet they also show the pride people took in keeping a neat and ordered home. The classroom elements are equally telling: slates instead of notebooks, a single teacher managing all ages, and religious texts forming the backbone of reading practice. Together they sketch a clear picture of how education, faith and work were tightly intertwined, and how schooling gradually opened wider horizons for children who might otherwise never have left their parish.Seasonal atmosphere and living traditions
E Bindstouw is at its most evocative when seasonal activities bring the building to life. In summer, when the museum is typically open on set days, the scent of warm timber and thatch mixes with birdsong drifting in from the village. On special occasions there may be demonstrations of old crafts, traditional Christmas decorations or storytelling sessions that echo Blicher’s original gatherings. Even when no events are taking place, the house has a strong atmosphere. The creak of the floor, the cool air of the thick walls and the way sound carries between the small rooms all contribute to a sense of stepping into a self-contained world. Visitors who take time to linger, read the panels and study the details tend to find more and more clues to how people once lived, worked and dreamed here.A quiet detour in the Viborg museum landscape
As part of Viborg Museum’s network of satellite sites, E Bindstouw complements the city’s larger exhibitions by offering a focused, immersive snapshot of rural Jutland. It is a gentle, low-key stop rather than a grand attraction, best enjoyed as a short countryside detour in combination with other historic sites in and around Viborg. The location in a small village means the surroundings are peaceful, with time and space to absorb the atmosphere without distraction. For travellers interested in literature, social history or vernacular architecture, the house provides an intimate encounter with the everyday Denmark that rarely makes headlines. It illustrates how national culture is built as much in tiny schoolrooms and village gatherings as in cathedrals and city halls, and invites you to imagine the voices that once filled these modest, beautifully preserved rooms.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Viborg View
11.1 km
Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.
Vi er Viborg
12.0 km
Experience Danish innovation at Dokk1, Aarhus’ renowned waterfront library and cultural hub, blending architecture, technology, and vibrant community life.
Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup
12.2 km
A modest countryside liberation stone near Viborg, quietly commemorating Denmark’s freedom in 1945 amid open fields and a peaceful village setting.
Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads
12.5 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Bølling Lake
19.6 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
silkeborg
23.9 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Water Tower
24.3 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Funder Ruin
24.6 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern life at Stændertorvet, Roskilde's central square.
Silkeborg Bunkermuseum
24.7 km
Relive Central Jutland’s wartime past at Silkeborg Bunkermuseum, an immersive WWII command bunker with original artifacts and deep stories from Denmark’s occupation.
Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
24.7 km
A colossal wooden troll crafted from recycled materials—where art, nature, and Nordic folklore converge near Silkeborg's serene lake.
Art Center
24.7 km
A vibrant historic square in Roskilde, encircled by lively cafés, markets, and the iconic cathedral—an essential hub for local culture and urban atmosphere.
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
24.9 km
Explore the world of Asger Jorn and modern art at this vibrant museum in Silkeborg, Denmark, featuring a diverse collection, interactive exhibits, and a scenic riverside setting.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
25.5 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
25.7 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
26.0 km
Elevated forest sanctuary with panoramic lake views and 19th-century heritage
Unmissable attractions to see
Dollerup Bakker
2.2 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.
Inderøen
3.2 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.
Hald Sø
3.6 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.
Troldeslugten
4.3 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
4.6 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
4.7 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
4.7 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
4.8 km
Medieval ruins and ice-age hills where 800 years of Danish history meets pristine natural landscape.
Museum Silkeborg, Blicheregnen
7.3 km
Historic vicarage museum in Thorning exploring Blicher’s life, Jutland heath society, the Battle of Grathe Heath and a quirky global animal collection.
Jættestuen Viborg Krat
7.4 km
A modest prehistoric burial mound tucked into Viborg’s old oak scrub, where quiet forest paths meet deep-time stories in the heart of Jutland.
Vedsø
7.7 km
A small, sky‑wide lake on Viborg’s fringe, where quiet banks, open horizons and simple paths offer an easy escape into classic Jutland countryside.
Naturstyrelsen
7.9 km
Discover glacial hills, serene lake views, protected forests, and ancient legends at Dollerup Bakker, the famed natural preserve on Viborg’s scenic outskirts.
Danske Soldaters Mindelund
8.1 km
A tranquil memorial park by historic Rindsholm Kro, honoring more than 100,000 Danish soldiers and peacekeepers amid lawns, trees, monuments and armored vehicles.
Mindesten for Faldne ved Jydske Dragonregiment
8.1 km
A quiet countryside memorial near Viborg where the Jutland Dragoons’ fallen are honoured amid trees, flags and fields at the historic Rindsholm site.
Viborg Plantage
8.3 km
A centuries-old forest sanctuary blending nature, history, and outdoor adventure near Viborg.
Essential places to dine
Niels Bugges Kro
4.3 km
Historic countryside inn by Hald Sø, where refined seasonal cuisine, intimate rooms and forest-framed views create a slow, indulgent escape near Viborg.
Birgittelyst Kro
5.8 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)
8.1 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.
Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg
9.3 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.
Konge Buffet
10.7 km
Relaxed all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Viborg, blending Chinese dishes, Mongolian barbecue and sushi in a spacious, family-friendly setting.
Carl's Jr. Viborg
10.9 km
Flame-grilled American burgers and crispy chicken in the heart of Viborg's shopping district.
Sunset Boulevard
11.4 km
Danish-style fast food on Holstebrovej, serving freshly made burgers, sandwiches and signature seasoned fries in a bright, casual setting all day.
Les Jeunes — kaffebar og neo-bistro
11.4 km
A modern Viborg hangout where specialty coffee, Nordic-Japanese small plates and relaxed bistro vibes share the same intimate, light-filled corner space.
Viborg Golf Cafe
11.5 km
Casual golf-side dining with quality food and genuine Danish hospitality in Viborg.
Restaurant Pavarotti Viborg
11.5 km
Authentic Italian flavours meet Danish freshness in Viborg's most welcoming neighbourhood restaurant.
D'let - Det Grønne Køkken Thai Take Away
11.6 km
Bright, buffet-style Thai fast-casual in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, where you fill your own plate, pay by weight and eat in or take your food to go.
Khawand Pizzaria
11.6 km
Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.
Café Baghuset
11.6 km
Hygge‑filled all‑day café in central Viborg, serving generous brunches, Danish comfort dishes, coffee and cocktails in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
Crispy Chicken
11.6 km
Quick, casual fried chicken and pizza in central Viborg—affordable fast-food convenience.
Viborg Pizzaria
11.7 km
Casual, no-nonsense pizza and Italian-style comfort food on central Vesterbrogade, perfect for quick sit-in meals or convenient takeaway in historic Viborg.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Romantiske Gaver
4.8 km
Discover unique Danish crafts and souvenirs at Romantiske Gaver in Kjellerup.
sexshop-midt.dk
5.4 km
Discreet rural sex shop in central Jutland offering toys, lingerie and accessories in a calm, low‑profile setting on the outskirts of Havredal.
Gimli-Store v/Bjarne Laursen
7.0 km
Denmark's premier archery equipment specialist, serving archers of all disciplines with expert knowledge and quality gear.
Imerco
8.8 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
8.9 km
Well-stocked men’s outfitter in central Kjellerup, combining trusted brands, occasion wear and everyday basics with friendly, personal service on Søndergade.
Designa Køkken Kjellerup
9.6 km
Danish kitchen design expertise and 1,000 square meters of inspiration for your perfect home.
Let-Køb (Byens Købmand Kjellerup)
9.8 km
Local grocer with fresh produce, competitive prices, and genuine community service in central Kjellerup.
By Baunbaek (Just a Girl)
10.7 km
International bohemian fashion curated for the free-spirited, right in the heart of Jutland.
Red Cross Op Shop
10.8 km
Spacious Red Cross thrift store in Viborg, where second-hand fashion and homeware meet Danish volunteer spirit and every bargain supports humanitarian work.
NORMAL Viborg, Viborg Storcenter
10.9 km
Bright, budget-friendly and packed with everyday essentials, NORMAL Viborg in Viborg Storcenter offers a quick, quirky shopping stop inside a modern Danish mall.
Sj Tekstil og Kunst
10.9 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.
COW CONCEPT I / S
11.1 km
A cozy Viborg showroom where an online design shop comes to life through tactile bags, jewelry and accessories in a calm, curated studio setting.
Dansk
11.2 km
Accessible, family-focused fashion in Viborg, offering practical Danish everyday clothing, outerwear and basics for all ages under one roof on Livøvej.
Eleganza Eterna
11.6 km
A compact Viborg fashion boutique blending Scandinavian simplicity with elegant, curated womenswear and accessories just off the city’s historic heart.
Rashed
11.6 km
A straightforward neighborhood store on Jernbanegade in central Viborg, offering everyday essentials and a quick, no-fuss stop amid the town’s lived-in streets.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen
10.0 km
Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.
Roxy Malt Viborg
11.7 km
Cosy Irish-style pub in central Viborg with specialty beers, cocktails, live music and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere for unhurried nights out.
Ølluminati Brewbar
11.7 km
Microbrewery bar in Viborg’s old town, serving ever-changing small-batch craft beers and ciders in a cozy, quirky setting with a relaxed, music-filled atmosphere.
Mathias Kælderen
11.7 km
Cosy cellar bar in central Viborg offering hygge-filled evenings, rustic charm and relaxed drinks just steps below the historic streets of Sankt Mathias Gade.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
11.8 km
Unpretentious central Viborg bar with friendly staff, late weekend hours, affordable drinks and occasional karaoke nights in a laid-back pub setting.
CRAVE Bar
11.8 km
Cosy Viborg bodega and karaoke bar where cold beers, pool games and sing-along nights blend into an easygoing, late-night local hangout.
Tema Bar
11.8 km
A loud, late‑night party bar in central Viborg with colorful lights, mainstream beats and no‑frills drinks, perfect for weekend dancing and a casual night out.
Rabalder Bar Viborg
11.8 km
Casual, colorful bar energy in the heart of Viborg’s old town, blending easygoing Danish hygge with lively late-night drinks and sociable weekend parties.
Rockabilly Bar
11.8 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Holms Vinotek
11.8 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Sportspub Målet
11.9 km
Classic Danish sports bodega in central Viborg, where cold beer, big matches, karaoke and late-night hygge keep the lights on long after the final whistle.
Café Børsen
12.0 km
A long‑standing Viborg café‑bar where Danish hygge, history and late‑night drinks meet in one cozy, central hangout on Gravene.
Bodega Hegnet
12.0 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
12.1 km
High-energy après-ski style beer bar in central Viborg, pouring big drafts, loud music and late-night party vibes with free entry and group-friendly seating.
Mødestedet Viborg ApS
12.7 km
Cosy local bar and meeting place in Viborg, blending classic Danish pub vibes with flexible space for social events, dance evenings and everyday gatherings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
12.0 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
14.2 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.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
24.1 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Bart
32.7 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
32.7 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
32.9 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
33.0 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
34.3 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
Buddy Holly
42.4 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
42.5 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
East End Holstebro
44.4 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.
Rustik & Flamingo
44.5 km
Rustik & Flamingo offers upscale cocktails and a vibrant late-night dance floor, making it one of Randers’ premier nightlife and party destinations.
Jagtbar Randers
44.5 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.
Tante Olga - Bar
44.5 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.
Randers Rave
45.9 km
Compact, bass-heavy nightclub in Randers NØ, where an unassuming façade hides a late-night dance floor fueled by rave-inspired lights, DJs and high energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
