Museum Sønderjylland

Discover Southern Jutland’s Unique Museums

Embark on a journey through time, art, and history as you explore the rich cultural heritage of Southern Jutland. Museum Sønderjylland offers everything from majestic royal halls and iconic Wegner chairs to golden treasures, fossils, and delicate Tønder lace – unforgettable experiences for curious children and history lovers alike.

Get 10% Off Museum Admission

Enjoy a 10% discount on regular museum admission in 2025 for up to four adults per booking when you book your holiday home with Feline Holidays. Children under 18 can visit the museums free of charge. The discount applies to both single-entry and multi-visit tickets but does not cover special events such as the Christmas Market at Sønderborg Castle. Tickets must be purchased via https://msj.dk/en/, and the discount applies to admission only (sponsored).

Sønderborg Castle

Sønderborg Castle has stood on the banks of Alssund, a branch of the Flensburg Fjord, for nearly 800 years. Over the centuries, it has witnessed many pivotal moments in both Danish and borderland history. Today, the museum’s exhibitions focus on Denmark’s national history from the past 200 years – presented through a uniquely Southern Jutland perspective. Visitors can also explore princely chambers dating back to the 16th century, including the magnificent Knights’ Hall and Queen Dorothea’s Chapel – the oldest preserved Renaissance interior in the Nordic region. One of the most compelling stories is that of King Christian II, who was imprisoned here for 17 years.

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Cathrinesminde Brickworks

Cathrinesminde is a well-preserved cultural and industrial heritage site, recognized as one of Denmark’s most significant industrial monuments. The museum tells the story of the brickmaking industry that shaped the Flensburg Fjord region for over 200 years. Spend a day in scenic surroundings right by the water, and step into the past as you explore the historic drying shed with photographs of the families who once worked here. Discover the original ring kiln, workers’ homes, and gain a vivid impression of everyday life at the brickworks in earlier times.

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Cultural History Museum in Aabenraa

This museum highlights the proud maritime tradition that shaped Aabenraa during the age of sail and became a defining part of the town’s identity. In the 18th century, local ships sailed regularly between the Baltic and the Mediterranean, bringing wealth to the small market town and transforming it into a thriving center for shipping and shipbuilding. By the 19th century, voyages reached even farther – to ports in America, Australia, Africa, and Asia. Don’t miss the special exhibition, which tells the captivating stories of captains’ wives who journeyed across the globe alongside their husbands.

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Brundlund Castle & Art Museum

Visit Brundlund Castle to explore the exhibition dedicated to Franciska Clausen, a pioneering artist born in Aabenraa. Discover her iconic works such as “The Screw” and “The Fish”, alongside a range of lesser-known pieces. The exhibition offers a compelling insight into her life and artistic journey, with rotating displays centered around her legacy. Extend your visit with a stroll through the castle park, where a striking collection of sculptures is set among the greenery – the perfect setting to relax with a coffee from the museum café.

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Archaeology Haderslev

Founded in 1887 following the discovery of two magnificent gold bowls from the Late Bronze Age (c. 500 BC), this museum showcases an outstanding collection of archaeological treasures from Southern Jutland’s rich past. Museum Sønderjylland’s archaeology department is responsible for all excavations in the region, and many of the most recent finds are exhibited here. The open-air section invites visitors to explore historic Southern Jutland farms, traditional buildings, a rare post mill, and ancient burial mounds.

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The Art Museum in Tønder

The Art Museum in Tønder highlights North European art from 1900 to the present, featuring rotating exhibitions of Danish and Nordic works from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum places a special focus on Nordic influences in art history, offering fresh perspectives on both celebrated and lesser-known artists.

A visit to the museum isn’t complete without a climb up the Water Tower, where a permanent exhibition showcases iconic chairs by Southern Jutland furniture designer Hans J. Wegner. Among the highlights are “The Bear Chair”, “The Valet Chair”, and “The Peacock Chair” – all handpicked by Wegner himself. Several of the chairs are available to try, giving visitors a true sense of the craftsmanship and comfort that made his designs world-famous.

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Cultural History in Tønder

These exhibitions offer a glimpse into the wealth and refined sense of style that shaped Western Southern Jutland in the 18th and 19th centuries. They also reveal the strong cultural influences from northern Germany and Friesland. In the silver chamber, visitors can admire local Tønder silver – including uniquely crafted spoons and traditional smelling bottles. The museum also features an impressive replica of the famous Golden Horns of Gallehus and shares the captivating story behind their discovery.

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Drøhse’s House

Drøhse’s House is one of Tønder’s best-preserved baroque buildings, constructed in 1672. Rich in original details and exceptional craftsmanship, the house was honored with the prestigious Europa Nostra Prize in 1985 following its restoration. Step inside to explore beautifully preserved rooms, exhibitions on Tønder lace, and smaller special displays featuring local arts and crafts. Outside, the lace garden offers a charming retreat, designed using a 200-year-old lace pattern from the museum’s collection.

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Højer Mill

Højer Mill is both a museum and a well-preserved cultural heritage site. From 1857 to 1972, it operated as a working mill and grain trading center. Today, visitors can explore the mill’s fascinating history and machinery, and learn about life in the Tønder Marsh through exhibitions in the two grain warehouses, “Store Spiker” and “Lille Spiker”. The former mill house now hosts a shop and café featuring regional specialties and local crafts. Højer Mill is also the perfect starting point for scenic walks and hiking trails that lead into the beautiful marshlands and Wadden Sea National Park.

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Gram Clay Pit

Gram Clay Pit is both a paleontological museum and an active excavation site – offering a rare glimpse into the seabed as it was 10 million years ago. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits featuring fossilized whale skeletons, the remains of giant sharks, and a wide variety of smaller sea creatures that once inhabited the prehistoric sea “Gramhav”. You can also try fossil hunting yourself and experience the thrill of paleontology firsthand – every discovery has the potential to reveal new insights into ancient marine life.

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Practical Information

Throughout the year, the various museums host exciting events, concerts, lectures, and special exhibitions. Opening hours, prices, and further details are available at https://msj.dk/en/.

Holiday Pass

Enjoy unlimited admission to Museum Sønderjylland’s museums for 14 days with a holiday pass. The 14-day period begins the first time the ticket is scanned at one of the Museum Sønderjylland locations. Purchase your holiday pass now and start planning your visit!

Reminder: When booking a holiday home through our website, you can purchase admission tickets at a 10% discount (sponsored).