Museum Rebild

Museum Rebild

Museum Rebild tells the story of the Rold Forest area, the people of the forest and the living folk music tradition of Himmerland. The museum houses cultural history collections from the Rold Forest area as well as the Rebild Folk Music Archive.

Here, you can explore stories about forest work, traditional crafts, folk music, folk dancing, Danish emigration to America and the many people who have shaped the local area through time.

The forest and its people through time

For centuries, the forest landscape of Himmerland has played an important role in the lives and work of the local population. At Museum Rebild, you can learn how the forest has been used through time – by clog makers, charcoal burners, potters, basket makers and other small trades.

The history of forestry is also an important part of the museum’s story. From the beginning of the 19th century, large forest districts and organised forestry were established, shaping the development of Rold Forest.

The museum also tells the long history of the forest landscape from ancient times onwards. You can learn more about Fruerhøjstenen, a Bronze Age rock carving stone, the Viking treasure from Rebild and finds from the excavation of the 14th-century castle Egholm in Skørping Holme.

Folk music, dancing and living traditions

Museum Rebild is also a centre for traditional folk music and folk dancing. The museum includes an archive, exhibitions and living activities, where music is still an active part of the house.

In the exhibitions, you can see instruments and objects that belonged to well-known families of traditional musicians in North Jutland. You can also visit the Mols Room, which tells the story of a family of folk musicians from Djursland through three generations.

Since 1951, music has been played for dancing in the museum hall. Every Sunday from 14:00 to 17:00, Rebild Spillemændene play for visitors, and everyone is welcome to join in – for example in a Funen polka or a traditional two-step from Vejle.

The dream of America

In the neighbouring building, Roldhøj, you can visit the museum’s exhibition about Danish emigration to America from 1850 to 1920.

The exhibition tells the stories of gold diggers, wealthy people and ordinary Danes who travelled west in the hope of a better life. Their stories are told through words, pictures, letters, objects and film – offering an insight into the dream of happiness in America.

Activities and experiences

Museum Rebild focuses on living communication and activities where visitors can take part themselves. This may include working workshops with traditional crafts and handicrafts, as well as teaching in music and dance.

Denmark’s largest forest has many fascinating stories to tell. At the museum, you can hear about sun stones, Viking treasures, Queen Margrethe I, poachers, forest rangers and other people connected to Rold Forest and Rebild.

The museum also has a café and museum shop with souvenirs, CDs and local history publications.

Please check the museum’s own website for current opening hours, activities and special exhibitions.

Opening hours

Museum Rebild is open daily from 1 May to 30 September, as well as during Easter and the autumn holiday.

During the rest of the year, the museum is open every Sunday and for pre-booked groups and parties by appointment.

Group visits to Museum Rebild

Museum Rebild welcomes groups of more than 20 people. Groups receive a 10% discount on admission, and a short introduction to the museum is included.

It is also possible to book a group visit including admission, introduction and coffee with one type of cake or pastry, such as layer cake or kringle. Price: DKK 80 per person.

A guide can be added, and there is also the option of entertainment with traditional musicians. Contact the museum for an offer.

Rold Skov Museums package offer

For groups and associations of at least 10 people, Rold Skov Museerne offers a museum package at DKK 175 per person.

The package includes visits to Museum Rebild and Rebildcentret/Thingbæk Limestone Mines. Coffee and cake are served at Museum Rebild, and a short introduction to Museum Rebild is included in the price.

If you would like a more detailed introduction to the museums, it is recommended to add a guide.

Optional add-ons:

Guide at Rebildcentret: DKK 600
Guided tour with an introduction to the centre’s exhibitions and the history of the limestone mine, including the museum with artworks and sculptures by Bundgård and Bonnesen.

Guide at Museum Rebild: DKK 400
Introduction to the museum’s exhibitions, supplemented with good stories about Rebild and Rold Forest through time.

Traditional musicians at Museum Rebild: DKK 600
Entertainment with traditional folk music from Himmerland, sing-alongs with old songs and seasonal songs.

Extra cake or pastry for the coffee can be added, for example kringle or apple cake.

Read more about the museums on the websites of Rebildcentret and Spillemandsmuseet.

Visit the Sawmill Museum at Vedsted Skovhus

You can also visit the Sawmill Museum at Vedsted Skovhus – a working museum where Rebild Savværkslaug restores and operates the long saw from 1939 and the block saw from 1890.

The museum also shares the history of forestry in Rold Forest. The guild is at the sawmill every Monday from around 16:30 to 18:30.

For visits, please contact Per Nielsen on tel. +45 3060 6681 or +45 9865 8061.