Cathrinesminde Teglværk

About the museum

On the Flensburg Fjord and at Nybøl Nor, clay deposits from the Ice Age supplied the raw material for numerous brickworks over the centuries; the region was considered one of the densest brickworks areas in Northern Europe. The Cathrinesminde brickworks near Iller, southwest of Broager, was founded in 1732 and fired bricks until 1968. From 1837 it belonged to the Hollesen family, who in 1892 had a large ring kiln built, which replaced the older chamber kilns and, with its tall chimney, survives to this day.

After closure, the buildings fell into disrepair until interest in industrial heritage grew in the 1980s. From 1986 the facilities were restored with volunteer help and a subsidized employment project; the museum opened on August 19, 1993. In 2007 Cathrinesminde was named one of the 25 most important industrial monuments in Denmark. Today it belongs to Museum Sønderjylland and is supported by the association Det Levende Teglværk.

A tour follows the production path from clay to finished brick; machines can be started at the push of a button, and the chambers of the ring kiln can be walked through. In the drying barn, historic photos tell of the workers' families, and three furnished workers' homes show life in the 1890s, 1930s, and 1960s. Outdoors, older production methods are reconstructed: a horse-drawn clay mill, hand molding, and a clamp kiln.

Highlights

• Walk-through ring kiln from 1892 with a tall chimney
• Production tour with running machines
• Three workers' homes from the 1890s, 1930s, and 1960s
• Maze of drying racks with a brick puzzle
• Reconstructed clay mill and clamp kiln outdoors

Founded

1993

Operated by

Museum Sønderjylland

Admission & discounts

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 museum grounds are largely easy to access, but there are stairs in some places; some parts of the buildings and of the large outdoor areas are difficult to navigate by wheelchair. A wheelchair can be reserved in advance by email. Dogs are allowed outdoors; in the exhibitions only guide and assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

In the maze of drying racks, families look for six marked bricks whose letters form a solution word – with a small reward from the museum host. Machines can be started at the push of a button, you can build with small bricks in the exhibition, and the gardens of the workers' houses have old play equipment such as jump ropes and stilts.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

Museum Sønderjylland rents rooms for corporate and club events including admission; private celebrations are not possible.

Plan your visit