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Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård: Life on a 18th-Century Rømø Commander’s Farm

Experience the history, maritime legends, and 18th-century island luxury of Rømø’s whaling captains at Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård, set amid the wild landscapes of the Wadden Sea.

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Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård is a beautifully preserved historic farmhouse on the island of Rømø, offering a rare glimpse into the affluent lives of 18th-century whaling captains. Visitors step into lavishly furnished rooms, experience authentic period interiors, and discover the deep maritime and cultural roots of the Wadden Sea region in one of Denmark’s most atmospheric local museums.

A brief summary to Marsk Tower - Marsk tårnet

  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in spring or early autumn for fewer crowds and the best light for photography around the farmhouse.
  • Check for special family or children’s days—hands-on activities and reenactments are occasionally offered.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Rømø’s nearby dikes and meadows for scenic views of grazing sheep and the sea.
  • The farmhouse can be cool and breezy, even in summer, so bring an extra layer especially for longer visits.
  • Limited local public transport makes a bicycle or car ideal for reaching the site from elsewhere on the island.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Arriving by car from the central visitor hub of Wadden Sea National Park, travelers cross the causeway that links the mainland to Rømø island. The farmhouse is set in the open, pastoral landscape north of the island, easily spotted due to its distinctive red-tiled roof and the whalebone arch outside the main entrance. Parking is free and generally available on the grounds, though additional parking is nearby if the lot is full.

  • Bicycle

    Cyclists can follow clearly marked bike routes across Rømø through fields and dikes, with the Kommandørgård signposted in the northern part of the island. The ride is scenic, passing grazing livestock and old farmsteads—expect a leisurely 20–40 minutes to reach the site from most parts of the island.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from Rømø’s main ferry terminal or the village centers typically reach Kommandørgården in around 10 minutes. Expect a fare in the range of 130–180 DKK depending on distance and season.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses serve the island, with a stop near Juvrevej within walking distance of the museum. Bus service is limited outside high season, so checking schedules in advance is recommended. A single fare is approximately 24–28 DKK.

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Set amidst windswept meadows and grazing sheep on the island of Rømø, Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård stands as a striking testament to the island’s golden age of whaling captains. The imposing timbered farmhouse dates to the mid-1700s, constructed for a 'kommandør'–the elite local title for a ship’s captain who braved Arctic seas in pursuit of whale oil riches. Unlike many rural farmsteads, Kommandørgården exudes a rare opulence: step through the heavy doors to find walls adorned with hand-painted Dutch tiles, grand oak furniture, and fading but exquisite imported wallpapers. Original whalebone archways outside hint at their owner's polar exploits, while inside you’ll find seafaring treasures brought back to Rømø from across oceans. Every detail, from the stocky brick hearth to the curious sailor’s souvenir cabinet, conjures stories of wealth, risk, and global adventure. The museum’s staged living quarters shed light on both the hardship and privilege of whalers’ families—contrasting sparse servants’ rooms with the commander’s stately salon. Rotating exhibitions delve into maritime traditions, the local impact of global whaling, and the fragile ecology of the Wadden Sea. A charming kitchen garden, sheep grazing nearby, and historic outbuildings round out a sense of stepping back into the 18th century. Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård is not only a vivid slice of Danish island heritage, but an intimate look at how the fortunes and cultures of northwestern Europe were shaped far beyond their coastlines.

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