If you’ve already visited some of Denmark’s most popular museums like ARoS in Aarhus or the National Museum of Denmark and want something a little off the beaten path, we have just the thing. This list of unique museums in Denmark will take you to some of the country’s most offbeat, alternative, and peculiar museums.
If you’re ready to see museums dedicated to antique medical curiosities, cuddle up with thousands of bears, or learn more about Denmark’s witches, we invite you to continue reading.
HEX! Museum of the Witch Hunt | Ribe
While most people think of Salem (in the United States) or the United Kingdom when it comes to persecuting those who practiced witchcraft, Denmark also had its own witch hunts between the 16th and 17th centuries. It became even worse after 1617, when King Christian IV ‘prohibited’ magic across his kingdom and the nobility offered rewards for so-called witches.
To learn more about Denmark’s version of the witch hunts, as well as interesting facts about witchcraft in general, check out the HEX museum in Ribe (we have an entire blog post – check out our Ribe City Guide!) While you’re there, don’t forget to stop at the gift shop, which is stocked with ‘potions,’ elixirs, books, and other interesting things. 🙂
Ragnarock Museum | Roskilde
Are you ready to rock? (That’s a rhetorical question — of course you are ;P )
Located in Denmark’s “musical capital” of Roskilde, Ragnarok is a museum dedicated to rock music, popular culture, and trends starting from the 1950s to the present day. It’s quite unique and definitely one of the biggest attractions in the city!
The museum has 11 themes in its exhibitions, ranging from Fanboys and Fangirls (how young fans can influence music trends), Light Show (how light enhances concerts, with the chance to create your own lightshow), and snippets of musical history (how punk was created, the Danish music scene, and more).
Collection of Time | Odense
One of our absolute favorite museums, Tidens Samling (Collection of Time) is a retro museum that has exhibits on different eras, starting from 1900 and ending in the 1990s. In fact, the founder wanted to “create a museum that would “allow visitors to come in touch with the past, quite literally.”
There are nine total rooms (one for each decade) with authentic items from each period — like books and magazines, clothing (that you can try on!), games, furniture, and much more.
Paper Museum (Museum for Paper Art) | Blokhus
Perhaps one of the most unique of its kind, the Museum for Paper Art is the result of combining paper with art! The museum has a permanent collection of beautiful exhibits like origami, wallpaper designs, paper cut-outs, and even a permanent collection of papercuts featuring H.C. Andersen’s famous fairy tales.
One of the most interesting exhibits at the Paper Museum is the Paper Plane Airport, where visitors can fold their own paper airplanes and ‘test’ their flying abilities at the airfield. Can you break the current world record? (69 meters).
Potato Museum | Otterup
Yes, you read that right – Denmark has a Potato Museum! Located near Odense, this quirky museum celebrates the humble potato and its significant role in Danish cuisine and culture. The museum has exhibitions and artifacts relating to the history of the potato, tools used for cultivation, and other interesting facts.
The museum is open during the summer, although it’s best to contact the owner ahead of time if you want to visit.
Teddy Bear Museum | Billund
For a whimsical adventure, visit the Teddy Bear Art Museum in Billund. This charming museum has more than 1,200 teddy bears dressed up as historical figures, pop culture icons, and even famous works of art. There’s also an exhibit talking about the history and origin of the teddy bear, how they’re designed, and more.
It’s a delightful blend of creativity, nostalgia, and cuddly companions that’s fun for both children and adults! Of course, there’s also a fantastic teddy bear shop featuring unique designs and copies of famous bears.
Pssst — if you’re planning a trip to Billund, check out our Copenhagen to Billund transportation guide and the best hotels in Billund with our blog posts!
Bicycle Museum (Danmarks Cykelmuseum) | Aalestrup
Is there anything more Danish than bicycling? 🙂
The Danish Cycling museum is the only one of its kind in Scandinavia and an ode to the country’s favorite mode of transportation. The museum is located inside the residence of the director of the bicycle factory “Jyden” and has more than 200 bicycles. You’ll start at the very beginning and see some wooden bicycles before moving through the years and seeing how bikes evolved to what they are today. One of the more interesting exhibits is King Frederik IX’s bike and the penny-farthing (those retro bikes with one large wheel).
Skagen Bunker Museum | Skagen
Located on the island of Skagen (a must-visit if you’re traveling to Denmark!), this bunker was originally used as a makeshift hospital to treat wounded German soldiers during World War II. Visitors can see the operating room, armory storage, and artifacts from the era (such as original weapons, uniforms, and personal items).
If you can’t make it to Skagen, there’s also a similar museum located in Tirpitz (not too far from Esbjerg) that was also used as a bunker during the war. While the museum’s main campus is stunning, the bunker was barely touched and has preserved its World War II-era atmosphere. Be sure to carve out time to explore the bunker (with the audio guide!) to truly get a glimpse into its wartime past.
The Medical Museion | Copenhagen
From antique medical curiosities to modern-day epidemics, the Medical Museion has it all. Visitors can delve into the intriguing world of medical history at this museum with exhibits like The Body Collected (a collection of human skeletons – not for the squeamish!), Mind the Gut (with a focus on the relationship between mind and stomach), and the Psychiatry Room (a look into the body’s psyche).
There are interactive exhibits in English and Danish, as well as historic medical instruments and thought-provoking displays.
Tractor Museum | Eskilstrup
Last but certainly not least, we have Denmark’s Tractor Museum! Kids and adults alike will have fun checking out the 200+ tractors in the museum, and there are placards explaining most of the exhibits. Many of the tractors are also interactive (i.e. kids can sit and take photos), and there are also workshops every week.
Photo Credits: HEX via Gitte-Lindeborg | Ragnarok – Wikimedia | Paper Museum via Museum for papirkunst | Potato Museum via Jens Wognsen | Teddies via Teddy Bear Art Museum | Bicycle Museum via VisitVesthimmerland | Skagen Bunker Museum via Detlef Busch | Medicine via Medicinsk Museion | Tractor via Danmarks Traktormuseum