Esrum Abbey & Millyard- Experience the Magic of History and Scenic Surroundings.

Located north of Esrum Lake, surrounded by meadows and forests, and with access to the Royal North Zealand National Park, Esrum Abbey was the centre of the Cistercian order in Denmark in the 12th century and later gained great significance for the Danish royal power.

Behind the red walls lies a history of power, religion, and the monks' contemplation and meditation. Accompanied by the sounds of the liturgical prayers, you are invited into the holiest space, to the monks' prayers and chants, for a sensual and extraordinary experience through sound and light.

A little paradise on Earth

The monastery garden overlooks the meadows and features, among other things, a recreated herb garden. It is a modern version of medieval gardens, showcasing over 150 different plants and telling the story of how the monks aimed to create a paradise on Earth. The plants were used for household purposes as well as for medicinal and religious purposes.

Today, the kitchen at the Mill Café still uses plenty of fresh herbs and offers a delicious and diverse menu. Enjoy your lunch or coffee indoors in the old mill courtyard or sit outside in the green café garden.

If the children need to move around, take them to the nature playground where they can immerse themselves in a medieval children's universe. The monastery shop offers tempting products from Esrum Abbey, such as beer, spirits, honey, medieval mustard, and delicacies from other European monasteries.

What you can see and do at the Abbey

• The Monastery Building: Behind the red walls lies a history of power and religion, as well as the monks' contemplation and meditation. Put on the VR glasses and experience the digital journey through Augmented Reality, where both experiences take you on a journey to the vanished buildings.
• The Monastery Garden: With over 200 plants, the garden at Esrum Abbey demonstrates how the monks aimed to create paradise on Earth. The plants were used for either medicinal or religious purposes. The garden is signposted, telling the story of the plants in the beds.
• The Monastery in the Landscape: The red brick building is the only remaining wing of Esrum Abbey. On the experience route, you will explore the landscape surrounding the monastery and get a sense of the immense complexity through signage and visualizations.
• The Shop: Here, you can explore a wide selection of Esrum Abbey's specialities, local products, and products from European monasteries.
• The Mill Café: Have lunch at the Mill Café, which uses seasonal ingredients and serves as much organic food as possible.
• The Nature Playground: A playground for children and adults that encourages movement and is inspired by the Middle Ages.

Events at the monastery

Esrum Abbey offers unique experiences throughout the year, including beer festivals, pilgrim walks, guided tours, culinary experiences, Christmas markets, and plenty of children's activities during school holidays. Keep an eye on the calendar on Esrum Abbey's website, which is regularly updated with events.

Journey back in time

In the exhibition 'Mankind in the Monastery,' you will be transported back in time and become part of the community at the monastery. Afterwards, it's time for a virtual reality journey that takes you through the now vanished monastery buildings, corridors and passageways, outside in the beautiful frater courtyard, and into the magnificent monastery church. Here, you can truly sense what faith meant in the Middle Ages, what was at stake, and why the church became so powerful.

Gateway to the National Park

The monastery is an experience, but it also serves as a great starting point for walking, cycling, or hiking in the Royal North Zealand National Park. Several marked routes start from the monastery, including cycling route 48, which passes by the castles of North Sealand, the Tisvildevejen hiking route, and the orienteering route in the northern part of Gribskov.

Go on a bike tour from Esrum Abbey.

Starting from Esrum Abbey, you can embark on three bike tours. Experience the Top Træ (Top Tree) tour, the Birds Tour to Esrum Lake, or the Great Pond and Væltningen tour. You can also explore the "3 museums and one bike" tour, enjoying three significant museum experiences while immersing yourself in the North Sealand landscape. Visit Munkeruphus, Rudolph Tegner's Museum, and Esrum Abbey simultaneously. Read more about the tour and purchase your ticket online.

History of Esrum Abbey

Esrum Abbey had great significance for Scandinavia in the Middle Ages. The monastery was consecrated in 1151 by the Cistercian Order (a Catholic order) and had daughter monasteries in Denmark, Germany, and Poland. It didn't take long before Esrum Abbey became the largest landowner in North Sealand. The monks prayed for the Christians and shared knowledge about medicine and plants, among other things.

However, during the Reformation in the 16th century, the monastery was dissolved, and the buildings were demolished. A major renovation in 1996 led to the public opening of Esrum Abbey in 1997. Learn more about the history of Esrum Abbey. Find out more about the history of Esrum Abbey.

Practical information

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
• Extended opening hours during the summer from June 26 to September 15: 10 am to 5 pm
• Guided tours in Danish every Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.
• You can drive to Esrum Abbey by car and park in the parking lot near the Mill Courtyard. It is also possible to take bus 390R from Helsingør. Additionally, Tisvildevejen passes through Esrum Abbey.
• Visit Esrum Abbey for entrance fees, opening hours, and driving directions.