Hjedding Andelsmejeri
Preserved cooperative dairy from 1882 near Ølgod with its original steam engine, centrifuge and butter churn – the cradle of the Danish cooperative movement.
About the museum
On June 10, 1882, dairy farmers from the area around Hjedding near Ølgod founded a joint dairy, which is considered the first cooperative dairy in Denmark. Its statutes served as a model for numerous later cooperatives and had a lasting influence on the development of Danish agriculture in the late 19th century – which is why the place is now called the cradle of the cooperative movement.
The dairy building from 1882 has been preserved with its original equipment. On display are the steam engine, which powered an early milk centrifuge from Maglekilde Maskinfabrik and the butter churn, as well as the kneading table for butter making. The house has served as a museum since 1948; in 2007 the national heritage agency declared it one of Denmark's national industrial monuments.
Today the dairy is part of the Vardemuseerne. The permanent exhibition "Andelsmejeriet – demokratiets vugge" explains how the dairy cooperatives worked and what significance they had for the democratization of rural society.
Highlights
- Denmark's first cooperative dairy, from 1882
- Original steam engine with centrifuge and butter churn
- National industrial monument since 2007
- Permanent exhibition "Andelsmejeriet – demokratiets vugge"
Permanent exhibitions
- Andelsmejeriet – demokratiets vugge – The preserved dairy with steam engine, centrifuge and butter churn shows how the first cooperative dairy operated and why the cooperative principle shaped Danish society.
- Founded
- 1948
- Operated by
- Vardemuseerne
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- 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
Suitable for wheelchair users with a companion.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Bring a mobile phone for access (access code by phone call at the door).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
No café; food you bring along can be eaten under a covered area in front of the building. Small sale of books about the cooperative movement and dairy industry.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours by arrangement, also as a bicycle tour with the dairy as one stop. Teaching materials for various grade levels via NaturKulturVarde. |
