February 7th - 15th
Winther Break - Creatures of the dark
During the winter break, the whole family can get up close to the legendary creatures of folklore and old tales of light and darkness. Experience the exhibition Eye for Landscape, where there are captivating stories, magic and creative activities about the lamplighters, the elf people and the åmand – and end the day with an atmospheric twilight walk in the abbey landscape after closing time, where the creatures of the dark (may) rule.
'Creatures of the Dark' is aimed at children between 6 - 12 years old. Children have free admission during the winter break, and all activities are included in the admission price.
Explore folk myths, legendary creatures and join an atmospheric walk in the twilight for young and old during the winter break.
The activities during the winter break 'Creatures of the dark' are aimed at children between 6 - 12 years old (and all childlike souls)
Tickets
7. - 15. Februar
Kl. 10:00 - 16:00
NOTE: Twilight walk starts at 4:00 PM
Adult
Children under 18 years old
110 DKK
Free of charge
Tickets are purchased in the shop
upon arrival
The dark creatures awaken during the winter holidays
During the winter break from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, children and adults can explore in the winter darkness and meet a selection of legendary creatures from folklore.
All workshop activities take place in the new exhibition Eye for Landscape on the first floor of the abbey, where ou can immerse yourself in stories about light and darkness, and you will become acquainted with:
Lamplighters: Meet the little lights in the bog that can show you the way – if you have coins to pay. Here you will hear about the role of the lamplighters in folk belief and the importance of light in the darkness.
Elk people: Learn about the kingdom of the elves and their life in the landscape. You’ll work with light, magical lanterns and stories about the creatures thought to live where forest and meadow meet.
Eelman: By the water, you’ll meet the eelman and learn about ancient beliefs about the power of water – and how people used to show respect and protect themselves from the eelman with small rituals and offerings.
After 16:00, the experience continues outside with an atmospheric twilight walk in the winter darkness. The walk lasts about an hour and takes place in the monastery landscape with several stops in the natural areas where lantern men, elves and eelmen were believed to live. Along the way, you’ll learn small rituals and tips on how to protect yourself from the creatures of the dark according to folklore
The twilight walk is optional and is suitable for both children and adults. All activities are included in the entrance fee and children are free during the winter holidays.
In the darkness, the stories begin
Darkness used to be a natural part of everyday life. When the sun went down, the world became almost completely dark. Wax candles were expensive and used with care, and nighttime was a time to take extra care. Today, we’re used to light being everywhere – we can turn it on with a click. Yet darkness still has a special meaning.
When it gets dark, the imagination starts to work. Shadows can look like something else, sounds feel stronger, and the unknown is given more space. This was also true in the past, when stories were told about supernatural creatures that lived in forests, by bogs, in hills and by water. And it’s still the same today – children and adults alike can feel how the darkness makes us more alert and curious – and maybe even afraid.
Faith has always had a special place at Esrum Abbey. In the Middle Ages, the monastery was a place where people tried to understand the world, nature and things that could not be explained. Today, children do the same. When something seems strange or incomprehensible, imagination takes shape – often as creatures and stories. In the past, mythical creatures were a way of explaining the unknown: sounds in the dark, fog over the bog or movement in the water. During the winter break, we build on this tradition and let Esrum Abbey be the setting for old beliefs, children’s curiosity and the belief that there is more to the world than meets the eye.
Experiences for young and old
In addition to the activities inside Esrum Abbey and the twilight walk, there are many other experiences awaiting you during the winter break at Esrum Kloster & Møllegård:
- Go to the nature playground: Let the wind blow through your hair and run wild at the nature playground or take a walk in the beautiful winter landscape.
- Eat at Møllecaféen: Eat your fill in our social economy dining house. See the menu and prices below
- Experience the abbey: Come inside behind the thick brick walls and learn about the life of the monks at Esrum Abbey
- Visit the watermill: Our volunteer mill guild opens the sluices and puts the watermill into operatio
