Secrets of the Sea

Secrets of the Sea – Several Museums Under One Roof

At the museum complex “Secrets of the Sea” you can experience unique objects and fascinating stories you'll only find here. The museum houses several special exhibitions that are told nowhere else but here.

The Whaling Museum

At the Whaling Museum you can rediscover a forgotten history. Whaling was once an important industry, with whaling playing a central role in the development of Europe. Whale oil was used to light lamps and lubricate machinery. In the museum's exhibition you can see how whaling was done and what impressive - and deadly - tools were used.

The Diving Museum

The Diving History Museum is Denmark's first museum dedicated to the history of diving - from the earliest techniques to modern times. See the famous “Thisted bell” that enabled the excavation of the mighty Swedish warship “Vasa”. Inside the bell, divers used a small candle that not only provided light but also showed when oxygen was running out. Experience the exciting and thrilling world of diving up close and see King Frederik's own diving chair, used during one of his expeditions.

The Explosion Museum

In the Explosion Museum you will find a large and fascinating collection of bombs and explosives - all harmless of course. The exhibition ranges from small hand grenades to the fearsome atomic bombs used during World War II. The museum sends a clear signal: “War should not be glorified - but history should be told.” The bombs bear witness to the atrocities of war and the many tragic events that took place - as physical evidence of the sins of the past.

The Shipwreck Museum

In the Shipwreck Museum you enter a world of shipwrecks and maritime history, from Viking ships to modern passenger ships. Each shipwreck tells a dramatic story. See the beautiful reconstruction of the Greenlandic ship “Hans Hedtoft's” last dramatic moments, where a telegraph operator calls for help at the last moment.

Get a unique insight into the powerful images from the sinking of the “Estonia”, which has given rise to many myths. Here the museum presents everything that is known about the tragedy.

The Shipwreck Museum also covers some of the biggest maritime disasters of recent times - including the thousands of women and children who lost their lives fleeing across the Baltic Sea in the final months of the war. The museums also tells the story of large ships filled with concentration camp prisoners that were attacked by British planes by tragic mistake.

The museum also has an entire section dedicated solely to submarine wrecks, with salvaged artifacts and stories about the harsh lives of the submarine crews. Many of the submarine wrecks happened close to the Danish coasts.

Gallery and curiosities

Explore the gallery with paintings of Danish wrecked ships, ship models and a wide range of exciting curiosities from different eras. Around the museum you can also immerse yourself in dramatic strandings and shipwrecks, depicted through evocative paintings.

When you need a break, the self-service café offers cold drinks and light refreshments - so you can re-energize to experience even more.