Randbøldalmuseet

About the museum

The Randbøldalmuseet stands in the narrow valley of the Vejle Å near Randbøl, where in 1732 the Engelsholm Papirfabrik, one of the first factories in Denmark, was established. The fast-flowing water of the river provided the power with which writing paper was made from rags here for over a century. Its founding is considered the beginning of industrialization in Jutland.

After a fire, the operation was converted into a cloth factory in 1846. A small workers' settlement grew up around the factory, one of the country's early factory communities. The large red factory building shaped the valley until the 1980s; textile production ended in 1983, and the building no longer exists today.

The museum uses the surviving former warehouse building of the factory. On the upper floor, the permanent exhibition tells the history of both factories from 1732 to 1983 with models, product samples, and a reconstructed water wheel. On the ground floor, volunteer weaving and paper groups work, and visitors can get to know their workshops on open days.

Outdoors, an area with water experiments shows how to lift water using historical techniques such as the Archimedes screw, well winch, or treadmill. Today the museum belongs to the Vejlemuseerne, the museum association of Vejle Kommune, and like all of the association's museums it is free to visit.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on the paper and cloth factory 1732–1983
• Models of the factory from 1811 and 1875
• Outdoor water experiments to try out
• Open weaving and paper workshop run by volunteers
• Free admission

Permanent exhibitions

• Randbøldal – Jyllands første industrilandsby – Two rooms on the Engelsholm Papirfabrik (1732–1846) and the Randbøldal Klædefabrik (1846–1983) with models, product samples, machines, and a water wheel.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Vejlemuseerne (Vejle Kommune)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission. Individual workshops and events are paid.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 permanent exhibition is on the second floor; according to a 2021 visitor presentation, there is a lift for wheelchair users at the stairs. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The museum explicitly caters to families: outdoors, children can lift and pump water using historical techniques, and in the exhibition a water wheel can be operated. During the holidays there are workshops, for example on dyeing.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

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

The museum shop offers coffee and tea, ice cream and drinks, as well as weaving and paper goods. The picnic house "Det røde palæ" next to the museum is available to visitors.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 25 guests.

The simple wooden house "Det røde palæ" with a wood stove next to the museum (approx. 20–25 seats) can be rented, during opening hours only: DKK 350 for a half day, DKK 500 for a full day. Inquiries via museerne@vejle.dk.

Plan your visit