Middelaldercentret

About the museum

The germ of the center was a reconstructed throwing machine (trebuchet) built in 1989 for the 700th anniversary of the town of Nykøbing Falster. From it grew an independent institution that opened its first season in 1991 and sees itself as a research center for experimental archaeology. Its founder and longtime director was Peter Vemming, who retired in 2021.

With a large grant from the Arbejdsmarkedets Feriefond, construction of the fictional trading town of Sundkøbing began in 1994. Based on archaeological finds, written sources and images, it shows how a small Danish town around 1400 might have looked: residential houses with workshops, a harbor with a merchant's house, a tournament ground and an inn. In the harbor lie replicas of medieval ship finds, such as the Gedesby ship (launched 1995) and the Bredfjed ship (2001).

Later came the "Magical Forest" on medieval folk belief (2009) and the technology park (2013), in which machines based on late medieval war and engineering books were built at full scale. In research projects the center tests, among other things, gunpowder, cannons, war machines and clothing.

Visitors experience the town without information signs: craftspeople and volunteers in historical dress inhabit the houses and tell of their daily lives in conversation. All objects are reconstructions and may be touched. The center has also served as a filming location for television series of Danmarks Radio.

Highlights

• Medieval town of Sundkøbing with 13 houses and workshops
• Demonstrations of the large trebuchet (throwing machine) and of cannons
• Knights' tournaments on the tournament ground in high season
• Technology park with working machines based on medieval designs
• Replicas of medieval ships in the harbor
• Archery to try out

Permanent exhibitions

• Sundkøbing – Reconstructed trading town of around 1400 with a smithy, workshops, a harbor and animals of old breeds, brought to life by craftspeople and volunteers in historical dress.
• Teknologiparken – Five-hectare park with machines based on late medieval engineering and war books on water, military technology and lifting technology, which you can try out yourself.
• Den Magiske Skov – Forest trail with small exhibitions on mythical creatures and superstitions of the Middle Ages; sturdy footwear required.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Middelaldercentret (selbstständige Institution)

Director

Andreas Bonde Hansen (Centerchef)

Admission & discounts

Low season 2026 (May 6–June 26, August 31–September 20) adults DKK 179; high season (June 27–August 30) and autumn holidays (October 12–16) DKK 209. The ticket is valid for seven days for any number of visits. Payment by card, cash (DKK and EUR) or MobilePay.

Accessibility

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

The grounds of the medieval town are uneven (cobblestones, grass, gravel). Entrance, shop, restrooms, inn and outdoor café are wheelchair-accessible, the grandstand at the tournament ground via a ramp, the technology park via a rear entrance. The houses themselves are not wheelchair-accessible and partly have high steps; the Magical Forest is unsuitable for wheelchairs and people with mobility impairments. Wheelchairs and walkers can be borrowed in the entrance building. Blind and visually impaired guests may touch everything. There are no signs in the town; information is provided through conversation.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

All objects are replicas and may be touched. Next to the snack bar are play areas with a water playground, building blocks for a castle, wooden animals for the youngest, a sword arena and jousting; archery is free. Special programs during holidays. Changing areas in two accessible restrooms; the café warms bottles and baby food.

Getting there & parking

By car via the E47, exit 45 Guldborg, then via Majbøllevej and Guldborgvej.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Snack bar "Ridder Svanes madhytte" (sandwiches, ice cream, fries, daily special), outdoor café and inn "Den Gyldne Svane". Picnic area for food you bring yourself. Museum shop with crafts from the workshops. Dogs on a leash allowed; drones and smoking (except in the picnic area) prohibited.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Corporate packages with tour, trebuchet demonstration, team building or a medieval cooking class with banquet (usually up to 25 people); private events by arrangement.

Plan your visit