Herregården Hessel

About the museum

A manor at this site near Limfjord is first documented in 1391 in a deed of sale; it probably originated in the late Middle Ages. From about the 15th century, Hessel was an ox farm where bulls were fattened for centuries and sent off on cattle drives. Numerous kings and noblemen owned the estate but rarely lived there themselves, instead having it run by stewards.

Despite later alterations, the buildings date mostly from the 18th century; after a major fire in 1702, the farm was rebuilt. The oldest part is the large barn in Højrem construction with oak timber from around 1650. Hessel is considered one of the last completely preserved four-winged manor farms in Denmark whose buildings are all thatched with reed.

In 1829 Jesper Lauritsen Elle bought the run-down farm and, together with his son Hans Christian, got it going again through thrift and energy. The farmhouse is still furnished as the last owner family left it and feels like a time capsule from the 19th century.

Since 1966 Hessel has been a museum. Run by its own board and many volunteers in guilds (Laug), it shows country life of past times with craft demonstrations, old farm animal breeds, an orchard, annual themes, and events throughout the season.

Highlights

• Completely thatched four-winged manor complex
• Large Højrem barn with oak timber from around 1650
• Farmhouse with original furniture of the Elle family from the 19th century
• Old crafts demonstrated by volunteers of the guilds
• Old farm animal breeds, orchard, and view of Limfjord

Permanent exhibitions

• Stuehuset – The farmhouse with the original furniture of the Elle family shows life on a Jutland manor in the 19th century.
• Scheune und Ställe – The farm buildings with the old Højrem barn and the ox stable tell of livestock keeping and farming of past centuries.

Founded

1966

Director

Elisabeth Barfod Carlsen

Visitors per year

approx. 7,793 (2025)

Admission & discounts

DKK 60 applies in the off-season. Higher prices apply at special events.

Accessibility

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

Parking lot near the museum; people with disabilities can drive closer to the buildings by arrangement by phone. In the farmhouse there are explanatory texts in German.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

During the holidays, a scavenger hunt for children as well as hands-on activities such as baking apple pie without electricity or making cloth dolls; children can join in with the craftspeople of the guilds.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle rental in season at the info hut at the harbor of Hvalpsund (Havnepladsen).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Museum café with coffee, tea, cake, light lunches, and drinks; food you bring yourself may be eaten outdoors. Museum shop with pottery, brushes, wooden goods, weavings, books, honey, old-fashioned toys, and the house's own schnapps.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 55 guests.

Parties of up to about 55 people in the café, on request with a half-hour talk on the history of Hessel and catering; inquiries by phone.

Plan your visit