Kommandørgården

About the museum

The farmstead in Toftum on the Wadden Sea island of Rømø was built around 1748, after the wealthy Frisian captain Harcke Thades from Föhr married into a long-established Rømø family in 1746. A 16th-century farm had previously stood on the site. The new house on a rise has Frisian features, and its furnishings of Dutch tiles, painted walls and ceilings, and a grandfather clock reflect the wealth that seafaring, whaling, and trade via Amsterdam brought to the island at the time.

For about 200 years, the farm remained in the possession of the same family. In the 19th century, the fortune dwindled, agriculture gained importance, and the farm buildings were extended. As early as around 1930, the house was known for its well-preserved interior and was shown to tourists by the owners.

In 1950, the Nationalmuseet took over the badly dilapidated farm, carefully restored it, and opened it as a museum in 1951; in the process it was largely returned to its state around 1770. A further comprehensive renovation followed in 1998 with funds from the A.P. Møller Foundation. In the barn hangs the skeleton of a young sperm whale from a group of 16 animals that stranded on Rømø in 1996. The museum also includes the Toftum Skole of 1784, 150 meters away, which is considered perhaps the smallest school in Denmark.

Highlights

• 18th-century living rooms with hundreds of Dutch tiles
• Painted walls and ceilings, alcoves, Pesel, and Sønderdørns
• 15-meter-long sperm whale skeleton from the 1996 stranding
• Toftum Skole of 1784, perhaps the smallest school in Denmark
• Located in the Vadehavet National Park

Permanent exhibitions

• Kommandørgården – Residence of a wealthy 18th-century Rømø farm with tiles, painted panels, alcoves, Pesel, and Sønderdørns, largely in its state around 1770.
• Hvalskelettet – Skeleton of a 15-meter-long sperm whale from the mass stranding of 1996 in the barn, with background on the strandings off Rømø.
• Toftum Skole – Thatched schoolhouse of 1784, used until 1874, telling of school life on the island.

Founded

1951

Operated by

Nationalmuseet

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Discounts via Danske Museer and ICOM; guests of Feline Holidays/Holiday Group receive 20% off with proof of booking. A visit to the Toftum Skole is included in the museum visit.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 farmstead consists of many small rooms with steps, the floor in the stable is uneven, and a lawn must be crossed to reach the entrance. For wheelchair users, only the barn with the whale skeleton and special exhibition is accessible; staff will open the gate on request. Stools to take along are available in the corridor, walkers are allowed. The farmstead is unheated; the indoor climate can be taxing for people with asthma.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Strollers are allowed only in the barn, not in the other rooms; in rain they can be left in the corridor at the ticket desk. Children under 15 only with adults.

Getting there & parking

Entrance, ticket desk, and café are in the white building visible from the parking lot.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop: not available

Café Kaskelot with homemade baked goods (cinnamon rolls), coffee, juice, and ice cream, about 22 seats indoors and tables on the terrace; Tue–Sat 10:00–15:00 during the museum season, no lunch. No separate museum shop; the café sells books about Rømø and souvenirs. Picnic area on the terrace for guests with an admission ticket. Restrooms in the main building at the ticket desk.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit