Bornholms Middelaldercenter

About the museum

Bornholms Middelaldercenter opened in 1996 about 500 meters from the round church in Østerlars. It began with a group of enthusiasts who collected knowledge about Bornholm folk traditions, and a mobile cannon that is still fired on the grounds today.

On the roughly 15-hectare site, a farming settlement with craftsmen's and farmers' houses and a water mill was built first. Later a fortified manor farm (Stormandsgård) was added, with a palisade, watchtower, hall with wall paintings, chapel, and kitchen. The newest area is the Sørøverpladsen, dedicated to the pirates of the Baltic Sea in the Middle Ages. The period portrayed is mainly between about 1300 and 1450.

The operator is the foundation Fonden Bornholms Middelaldercenter. The center sees itself as a knowledge and experience center and is one of around 15 videnspædagogiske aktivitetscentre (VPAC, knowledge-based educational activity centers) in Denmark. As a social enterprise, it also employs people on the margins of the labor market; a circle of volunteer friends supports crafts, cooking, and demonstrations.

In addition to the open-air grounds, the center offers guided tours at the Hammershus castle ruins and in the Østerlars Rundkirke, a treasure hunt across the island, and programs for school classes. Every year in week 29, a large medieval gathering takes place with around 250 participants.

Highlights

• Fortified manor farm with palisade, watchtower, and hall with wall paintings
• Free guided tour daily, archery, coin minting, and cannon firing
• Sørøverpladsen with pirate boat and exhibition on Baltic pirates
• Old domestic animal breeds such as Hungarian Mangalica pigs, Dexter cattle, and geese
• Medieval gathering in week 29 with around 250 participants

Founded

1996

Operated by

Fonden Bornholms Middelaldercenter

Director

Jane Lindedam

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Big opening day in early May and the Christmas market on December 5 with free admission.

All tickets are weekly tickets and are valid for the whole calendar week of the first visit. The prices listed are for the early and late season; for the main season and the medieval gathering, see the additional tickets. With a purchased ticket for a guided tour, you get 25% off admission; guests of discount partners get 10%.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 areas are connected by gravel paths; the path to the manor farm climbs a small hill, which can be difficult for wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties. Accessible restrooms at the entrance and at the manor farm. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the grounds and in the buildings.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Families are the main target group during the holidays: archery, coin minting, medieval games, trying on armor, writing runes, pottery, pirate boat and treasure digging at the Sørøverpladsen, as well as petting animals. Strollers usually get along well on the gravel paths. Children's birthday parties for 5- to 12-year-olds from DKK 650 for 10 people.

Getting there & parking

The center is located near Østerlars, not far from the Østerlars Rundkirke.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Kiosk at the entrance with sausages, coffee, cocoa, ice cream, and sweets, and in the main season also light lunch dishes; during school holidays, grill-it-yourself sausages at the Sørøverpladsen, and on special occasions meals in the manor farm's inn. Bringing your own food is allowed, with picnic areas and a large lunch tent in summer. Museum shop on the second floor at the Sørøverpladsen (school holidays only), souvenirs also at the entrance.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

Children's birthday parties, theme days, and team building for 15–100 people (DKK 90 per adult, DKK 65 per child), weddings, and private tours; meals in the manor farm's hall or outdoors possible.

Plan your visit