Experiences at the abbey
Come on in
The history of Esrum Abbey is far more than a mere tale of medieval monks. The building abounds in stories about all the various people who once lived in the abbey: from the devoted monks to the wilful royal family; from the children and refugees to the solitary colonel’s widow. All sorts of different people passed their lives in this multifaceted building. This is clearly evident in the rooms, on the floors and outside in the distinctive red bricks. The story of the monks’ lives at Esrum Abbey is particularly reflected in the many experiences that await you behind the building’s thick walls. The moment you enter the ancient building, it is clear that the abbey is actually several different buildings in one. The cold bricks are a striking contrast to the warm oak floors, and the passages between the countless rooms reveal that many different people lived in, and left their mark on the building.
Life in the abbey
There is something fascinating about the life of a monk in the Middle Ages, and we ask ourselves: Who were these monks? Why did they choose to devote their entire lives to the abbey and their faith? And what does their devotion tell us about the lives of people today? Our light and sound installations whisk you back in time – to the everyday lives of the monks in the abbey. The huge wheel of time is constantly moving. The recurring shifts in colours from sunrise to sunset, and from light to dark, symbolise the endless repetitions of abbey life and the alternation between prayer and work. The sounds of the monks’ prayers and chants at different times of the day welcome you to the holy of holies. Follow the quiet whisper in the many languages that were once spoken in the abbey and hear personal stories, related by the monk, the abbot and the lay brother, all of who once lived here. The light and sound installations are situated on the ground floor.
Travel back in time with virtual reality
There was a time when Esrum Abbey was one of the largest abbeys in Denmark. Today, only a single building remains. That makes it difficult to visualise how large the abbey once was. But if you take a seat in one of the blue confessionals and put on a pair of virtual reality glasses, you can travel back to the Middle Ages and the golden age of Esrum Abbey. You will see what the abbey was like back then, as you take a walk through the abbey garden and enter the large church. Finally you will soar up through the ceiling of the church and fly high above the landscape, enjoying the best-ever view of Esrum Abbey. Pick up a pair of virtual reality glasses on the 1st floor.
Medieval artefacts
The abbey building is an experience in itself. If you look closely, you can spot frescoes on the walls, the beautiful spiral staircase dating from when the king used the abbey as a hunting lodge, and the wrought-iron wood-burning stoves with their beautiful carvings. There are also a few historical objects on display: wooden figures from the altarpiece that was once in Esrum Monastery Church, medieval manuscripts and large medieval bricks.
A Reformation game
It’s the late Middle Ages. The Church is gradually losing its grip on power. Chaos reigns. The monk, Martin Luther has hung 95 theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg. The theses amount to a harsh criticism of the Church’s view of sin and salvation. Luther’s action marks the start of a battle between the rich and powerful noble families, the king and the Church, about what being a ‘real’ Christian in Denmark means. In the ‘Dilemma Game’, you are one of the powerful noble families. At the very centre of power and faith, you must determine the future of Denmark. You will be faced with dilemmas and have to make the choices you believe to be best – both for your family and for the country. The course of history is in your hands. It’s most fun to play the Dilemma Game with others, but you can also play it alone. Play the game on the 1st floor.
Kommer snart
We continuously update the experiences featured in the abbey building. In 2024, you can discover various artefacts from the past in the highly atmospheric abbey cellar.
