Museet Sønderskov

About the museum

Sønderskov is first mentioned in the 15th century and in the Middle Ages belonged to the cathedral chapter in Ribe. After a fire, the nobleman Thomas Juel had the present main building erected between 1614 and 1620, with a large complex surrounded by moats. In the 18th century the house was remodeled several times in the Neoclassical style; over time several noble and bourgeois families lived here. Later the estate fell into disrepair and most of the land was sold.

In 1986 the master carpenter Helge Kragelund bought the listed buildings and saved them from decay. The restoration, which lasted about seven years, was honored with a diploma from Europa Nostra in 1992. A cultural history association founded the museum, which was recognized by the state in 1990 and moved into the manor house while the restoration was still under way.

Today Museet Sønderskov is the cultural history museum of Vejen Kommune with its own archaeological department as well as the local archives of Vejen and Holsted. The exhibitions range from the Viking Age and the Swedish Wars to estate life before 1925; historic wall paintings and painted canvas wallpapers are preserved in the house. The park with its Baroque garden and forest was designated in 2022 as a particularly significant garden.

Highlights

• Renaissance manor house from 1620 with wall paintings and canvas wallpapers
• "Fæstedskatten": replicas of the largest gold treasure of the Danish Viking Age
• Malt runestone, found in 1987 at the Kongeå
• "Den Fortryllede Herregård": estate life in the early 20th century
• Baroque garden, manor park and Hjortehaven woodland (freely accessible)

Permanent exhibitions

• Fæstedskatten – Replicas of the largest gold treasure of the Danish Viking Age, found in the region, set within the history of weapon sacrifices, halls and the slave trade.
• Den Fortryllede Herregård – Through the girl Bodil, tells of life on the Sønderskov estate in the early 20th century, before 1925.
• Runestenen fra Malt – The runestone, about two meters tall, dates from around 800, was discovered in 1987 at the Kongeå and is considered one of the most enigmatic runestones in Denmark.

Operated by

Museet Sønderskov (staatlich anerkanntes Museum der Vejen Kommune)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission for everyone during school holidays.

15% discount for members of Ældre Sagen and Landbrug & Fødevarer. Guests of the restaurant Herregårdskælderen have free museum admission with prior booking. The park is free.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

During the holidays there are family programs, such as a treasure hunt through the manor house in the autumn holidays, turnip lantern carving and hands-on archaeology; also event days such as a princess and knight day as well as nature activities in the park.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located roughly in the middle of Vejen Kommune north of the Kongeå; blue signs lead to the museum from roads 32 and 417.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Herregårdscaféen in the museum shop (coffee, cocoa, tea) during museum opening hours, only with a museum ticket. Restaurant Herregårdskælderen in the vaulted cellar (Wed–Sat 12:00–23:00, Sun 12:00–16:00, tel. +45 75 38 38 45). Picnic tables in the manor park.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit