The Open Air Museum

About

Just north of Copenhagen in Kongens Lyngby, the Open Air Museum (Frilandsmuseet) invites visitors to step into Denmark’s rural past. Spanning 86 acres, it features over 50 historic buildings—including farms, mills, and cottages—relocated from across Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and former Danish territories. Each structure is authentically restored and surrounded by period-appropriate gardens and landscapes, offering a vivid sense of life from 1650 to 1940. Guests can meet volunteers operating windmills, watch traditional bread baking, and interact with heritage livestock. Seasonal events and immersive experiences, such as solving a 19th-century murder mystery, add playful depth to the visit. With its blend of architecture, agriculture, and storytelling, the museum offers a rich, hands-on journey through centuries of Danish countryside culture. Easily accessible by train or bus, it’s a captivating escape into living history.

Copenhagen Denmark

Location

The Open Air Museum, known as Frilandsmuseet, is located at Kongevejen 100, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, about 40 minutes north of central Copenhagen by public transport. Set across 86 acres, it is one of the world’s oldest and largest open air museums, with more than 50 historic buildings, farms, mills, and gardens representing rural life in Denmark from 1650 to 1940. Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic settings, interact with volunteers demonstrating traditional crafts, and explore themed gardens and livestock areas that bring the past to life. The museum is easily accessible by train from Copenhagen Central Station to Sorgenfri Station, followed by a short walk, or by bus lines 184 or 194, which stop at the entrance. Nearby, the charming town of Lyngby offers additional attractions such as Lyngby Lake and the Lyngby Storcenter shopping mall. The surrounding area features green parks and scenic walking paths, making it ideal for a full day of exploration and relaxation just outside the city.