Børglum Monastery

A monastery from the Middle Ages

On a hilltop just outside Vrå, you will find Børglum Monastery, which today is an experience center and museum that conveys the exciting story of the time when the place was a center of power. You may also recognize the premises from the Christmas calendar Ludvig og Julemanden.

The monastery stands out from other monasteries in Denmark:

In addition to offering more than 15 exciting exhibitions – and a Christmas market beyond the usual – the monastery has always puzzled historians.

The history of the monastery is not like the others, but you can read more about that further down the page. Get an overview of the local experiences here:

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History of the monastery

The history goes back a number of years, and the monastery has had several exciting functions over time.
The story started around the year 800-1100, when the monastery functioned as a royal farm, which the then king, King Svend Estridsen, sometimes lived in. 

From here, the story begins to take a turn:

Because when the episcopal seat came to Vendsyssel around 1060, it indicates that the site for the new bishopric and diocesan administration was located at the grounds of the royal estate. And when the bishop was referred to the church closest to him, he was referred to the church in the royal court - oThis makes Børglum Monastery the oldest monastery.

And not only that:

Not long after, the monastery also became a meeting point for a prestigious order of monks - the call Premonstratensian order - which made Børglum the order's headquarters for its monasteries in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, thereby putting Børglum on the map.

In the time that followed, the monastery went through a long change:

In 1536, the reformation was complete, and all church and bishop property was seized. After this, the monastery was for a time under royal fief and manor, until the Rottbøll family took over the monastery in 1835, and who still manage the monastery today.

But what is it that puzzles the historians?

It is that this medieval center of power never developed into a regular city with a bourgeoisie, merchants and trading houses.
Because what has otherwise been an important part of the financial basis of other Danish bishops, has apparently not played an equally large role here – to the astonishment of many.

 

Børglum Monastery

Exhibitions and events

With over 15 fantastic exhibitions of both art, culture and history, there is something for everyone.

Here you can e.g. come in and experience:

The Bayeux Tapestry

wallpaper
Here you can experience a faithful copy of the historic and magnificent Bayeux tapestry – the only one of its kind in the world. 
 
Follow the history event:
 
When the 70 meter long wallpaper – or cartoon if you will – shows how the Normans with William the Conqueror conquered King Harald Godwinson's England at the Battle of Hastings in the year 1066.
Here you can see what happened before the battle and how the main characters communicated with each other.

The Christmas market

Visit one of Denmark's most visited Christmas markets when Børglum Kloster decorates with everything from crawling elves, spruce, crawling games and entertains with the coziest Christmas events!

Satisfy your hunger with Christmas food:

The monastery's café is always packed with good offers and the best Christmas food. Give the taste buds an experience when the café's chefs serve traditional Christmas food, where quality is not compromised.

And best of all:

If you are a fan of the Christmas calendar Ludvig and the Christmas calendar, then the Christmas market is definitely worth a visit.
Every year, Santa's living room and workshop are recreated at the monastery, so you can experience the Christmas magic from the well-known Christmas calendar!

Café Vognporten

cafe wagonporten

With admission to the museum, you also have access to the Café Vognporten, which is comfortably furnished in the old horse stable.

Here you can enjoy a brunch, lunch or afternoon tea between your visits to the exhibitions.

Brunch and afternoon tea can be ordered here.

Frequently asked questions

The address is:

Børglum Klostervej 255
9760 Corner

There are good – and free – parking spaces at the monastery. 
In addition, there are also 4 handicap-friendly places.

You are welcome to bring your own food. You can also use the Monkstuen to enjoy your meal.

Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

However, it is only permitted to bring dogs into the Cathedral if they can be carried during the entire visit.

The price for General admission is:
Adults: DKK 95.
Children (0-6 years): free 
Children (7-14 years): DKK 45.

Prices for annual tickets, guided tours and much more can be read at:
https://www.boerglumkloster.dk/forbered-dit-besoeg/priser 

The opening hours are as follows:

Winter holidays: 12 February-27 February (10am-4pm)
Easter open: April 9-April 18 (10am-4pm)
Main season: April 30-23. October (10am-5pm)

Christmas market is held every year:

  • 18. 19 20. November (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
  • 25. 26. 27. November (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
  • 3. 4. December (Saturday/Sunday)
  • 10-11. December (Saturday/Sunday)

In the manor's renovated horse stable you will find Café Vognporten.
Here you can buy everything from brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, as well as cold and hot drinks.

However, afternoon tea must be pre-ordered no later than 11 on the day.

The café is open at the same time as the rest of the monastery.

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Børglum Klostervej 255
Corner 9760 DK
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