Envision yourself transported back to the year 1370. You are now standing in Middelalderlandsbyen. This is not just a museum. Middelalderlandsbyen is a living reconstruction of a medieval village.
Middelalderlandsbyen was established in 1999 by Brøndby Municipality. It was created as an educational opportunity for local primary schools. The year of its founding coincided with a nationwide focus on the Middle Ages. Museums and cultural institutions across Denmark highlighted this historical period. Today Middelalderlandsbyen continues to serve local school classes.
Seven small houses and workshops comprise the village. A church stands among them. You will also see a village pond and gardens. These elements complete the medieval scene.
The museum offers free admission. You can visit Middelalderlandsbyen throughout the year. Sundays from May to August are especially lively. The village welcomes the general public then. Special events mark Fastelavn, Sankthans and seasonal markets. A Christmas market is also a highlight.
In 2016, Middelalderlandsbyen received a grant. The A.P. Møller Foundation donated 2.5 million DKK. This funding supported a new visitor center. The center’s design incorporates medieval building methods. Modern facilities enhance the experience. The visitor center opened in 2018. It aimed to increase visitor numbers. The goal was to reach around 20000 visitors.
During a dry summer in 2018, the Sankthans celebration occurred without a bonfire. In 2019, a new monastery garden was inaugurated. It features historical perennials.
Middelalderlandsbyen is actively maintained by volunteers. They sow, build and sew. They also smith and care for the animals. These dedicated individuals bring the past to life. They cover buildings and make firewood.
Imagine school children playing here. Picture them hitting ropes and casting tin. Inhale the scent of tar and freshly cut hay. Listen to the sounds of children at play. Hear the blacksmith’s hammer against the anvil.
Middelalderlandsbyen offers a unique shelter site. It features five shelters. These shelters can accommodate about 30 people. Toilet facilities are available. If you live in Brøndby, you can book the shelter site.
Take a walk around Middelalderlandsbyen. Step back in time. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of medieval Denmark. This living museum offers an engaging and educational experience for all. The village is a testament to the past. It is a vibrant part of Brøndby Municipality.