Frilandsmuseet

About the museum

Frilandsmuseet was founded in 1897 as a department of the Dansk Folkemuseum. Its director, Bernhard Olsen, had begun acquiring historic farmhouses in 1896. In 1899 he acquired the farm from Ostenfeld, a hall farmhouse with living quarters, stable and barn under one roof, which he considered a primal form of farm construction. On June 24, 1901, the museum opened at its present site in Lyngby; it has belonged to the Nationalmuseet since 1920.

Today the sprawling grounds hold more than 100 buildings – farms, houses, windmills and watermills – from all parts of Denmark, from the Faroe Islands and from formerly Danish regions such as Skåne and Southern Schleswig, plus around 25 historic gardens. Among the best-known buildings are the stately Østergård farm from Fjellerup with remains of old wall paintings, the Dethsgård farm from Læsø with its seaweed roof, the Rothelau haubarg from the Eiderstedt peninsula, built in the 1650s, with a twelve-meter-high pyramid roof, and the watermill from Ellested, rebuilt here in 1950, which still grinds grain today.

Horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cows live between the farms. For children, the Frøsnapperbyen was added, a play world based on the books by Ole Lund Kirkegaard with a maze, soapbox track and miniature houses, as well as a hayloft for romping on the farm from Lundager. In 2026 the museum celebrates 125 years at its Lyngby site.

Highlights

• More than 100 historic buildings from Denmark, Skåne and the Faroe Islands
• Rothelau haubarg from Eiderstedt with a 12 m high pyramid roof
• Working watermill from Ellested
• Animals between the farms with daily feeding
• Children's world Frøsnapperbyen based on Ole Lund Kirkegaard, and a hayloft for playing
• Around 25 historic gardens

Permanent exhibitions

• Huse, gårde og møller – Walk-in farms, houses and mills from 350 years show the lives of poor and wealthy families in the countryside in Denmark, Skåne and the Faroe Islands.
• Frøsnapperbyen – A play world based on the children's books by Ole Lund Kirkegaard with a maze, soapbox track, adventure trail and the miniature houses of Remouladegade.
• Dyrene på landet – Horses, sheep, goats, pigs, cows and rabbits live between the farms; visitors can watch the feeding.

Founded

1897

Operated by

Nationalmuseet

Visitors per year

approx. 264,805

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for one year from purchase and also at events such as Easter, Frøsnapperfestival, Halloween and Christmas. For workshops, theater and stalls, an activity card is available seasonally. No refunds.

Accessibility

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

Awarded the "God Adgang" label. The paths are gravel and firm, but the terrain is hilly; farmyards and buildings are difficult to access by wheelchair. Partially accessible are the lace-makers' house from Nr. Sejerslev (no. 33), the farm from Ostenfeld (no. 4) and the haubarg from Eiderstedt (no. 31). Free loan wheelchair with advance reservation at +45 41 20 64 55. Four accessible restrooms, accessible parking spaces at both entrances. Dogs on a leash are allowed, but not inside the buildings; assistance dogs everywhere. Presentation for people with autism via AutismGoTo.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Children's world Frøsnapperbyen based on the books by Ole Lund Kirkegaard with a maze, soapbox track, adventure trail and five miniature houses, plus a hayloft for climbing and romping. Animals to watch and in some cases pet, holiday programs (e.g. winter holidays, Easter, Frøsnapperfestival in summer, Halloween, Christmas) and the family tour "Børnene på bondegården". Strollers are welcome on the grounds, but not in buildings and gardens; baby changing tables in the restrooms, wagons available to rent.

Getting there & parking

The museum recommends traveling by public transport. Main entrance with shop and café: Kongevejen 100, 2800 Kongens Lyngby.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Café Høstak at the main entrance (also accessible without a museum visit), Landkiosken in the middle of the grounds, Peter Grams Bagehus in the Funen village and the historic shop Brugsen in the Frøsnapperbyen. Many picnic areas, some covered, for food you bring yourself. Museum shop with wool from the museum's own sheep. Free lockers (key at the shop). Bicycles may not be brought in, but balance bikes for children may.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rental inquiries by email to postfriland@natmus.dk.

Plan your visit