Abelines Gaard

About the museum

Abelines Gaard is located in Haurvig on the Holmsland Klit spit between the North Sea and Ringkøbing Fjord and is considered one of the best-preserved four-winged dune farms (klitgårde) on this coast. The same family built the buildings gradually between 1854 and 1871 – first the barn and stable, then the east wing and finally the farmhouse, on whose south facade the builders' initials can still be seen.

The beach bailiff lived on the farm; he monitored and reported shipwrecks along his stretch of coast, and rescued sailors found a place to sleep here in the many alcoves. In 1890 Abeline married the eldest son, Laurids. When the large sailing ship Elisabeth Rickmers ran aground in front of the farm in 1894, 19 sailors were put up here, and the wreck auctions that followed brought the farm money.

After Laurids died in 1904, Abeline kept running the farm alone with five children. As a woman, she was not allowed to take over the office of beach bailiff; she made a living from summer guests and from work at the local telephone exchange, among other things. Because there was no money for modernization, the house remained largely as it had been in 1904 until her death in 1957.

In 1974 an independent foundation took over the farm and set up a local history museum; in 1996 the property received the Europa Nostra Award. Today Abelines Gaard belongs to Ringkøbing Fjord Museer. This also includes the neighboring former Haurvig rescue station from 1860, with its boathouse, rocket house, and telephone shed.

Highlights

• Four-winged dune farm with furnishings from around 1904
• Winding rooms with numerous alcoves for stranded sailors
• Traces of the stranding of the Elisabeth Rickmers in 1894
• Former Haurvig rescue station with a replica of a rescue boat
• Coffee and cake in Abeline's old parlors
• Old games for children, such as stilt walking

Permanent exhibitions

• Redningsstationen – The former Haurvig rescue station with its boathouse, rocket house, and telephone shed tells the story of sea rescue on the west coast; the boathouse holds a replica of a rescue boat.

Founded

1974

Operated by

Ringkøbing Fjord Museer

Director

Mette Bjerrum Jensen

Admission & discounts

Tickets at the ticket desk or online in advance. With a Fordelskort from Ringkøbing Fjord Museer, admission to all ten sites is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The doors are wide enough for wheelchairs and walkers, but there are several steps in the exhibition. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Children and teenagers under 18 have free admission when accompanied. Play equipment from the past, such as stilts, is available on the farm. Strollers are allowed, but doors and steps limit access.

Getting there & parking

Address: Sdr. Klitvej 87, Haurvig, 6960 Hvide Sande – south of Hvide Sande on Holmsland Klit.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Coffee room (kaffestue) with coffee and daily cake on all opening days, served in Abeline's old parlors. Food you bring yourself can be eaten at the benches in front of the museum. Small museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Smaller rooms on the beach bailiff's farm for meetings and conferences; the museum visit is included, and an introduction, guided tour, or team building can be added. Inquiries via booking@rfmuseer.dk.

Plan your visit