Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård

Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård on Rømø – The Sea Captain's House

The Sea Captain's House

The Kommandørgård (The Sea Captain’s House), now part of the National Museum of Denmark, was once the ancestral home of a wealthy, long-established family on the Danish island of Rømø. The estate has been fully preserved, including the living quarters and outbuildings. Explore this historic family estate and experience one of the most magnificent 18th-century houses on Rømø.

Get a 20% Discount on Admission

Book your vacation home with Feline Holidays, present your booking confirmation, and enjoy a 20% discount on the entrance fee (sponsored).

A Journey Back in Time

Rømø is known for having Northern Europe’s largest beach, and many visitors take the direct route from the Rømø Causeway to Lakolk Beach. However, if you venture towards the northern end of the island, you will find a hidden gem that – even on a busy summer day – will transport you back to the island’s golden age.

A Historic Farmstead

Built around 1748, the farm sits on a small hill, offering an excellent view over the vast Wadden Sea marshland. The National Museum of Denmark has carefully restored the farmhouse to resemble its 1770s appearance. Moving from room to room, you can relive the lives of the farm’s former inhabitants amid beautifully preserved interiors.

The richly decorated farmhouse features exceptional examples of 18th-century decorative paintings and carpentry. Many rooms are adorned with Dutch tiles, typical of the period, reflecting the cultural exchanges that took place along the entire Wadden Sea coast.

Whale Skeleton and Exhibition

In the barn, you can see the skeleton of one of the 16 sperm whales that stranded on Rømø in 1996, up close. Surrounding the skeleton, the Rømø Local History Museum presents the exhibition “Strandings and Shipwrecks at Rømø.” These are tales of dramatic events at sea and the brave rescuers who once saved lives and salvaged stranded goods for the benefit of shipowners and the island.

Toftum School

Just a few minutes' walk from The Sea Captain's House, you’ll find Toftum School (1784-1874), which was probably Denmark’s smallest school. This small, thatched-roof house is accessible during the museum’s opening hours and can be visited free of charge.

The Whaling Era

In the 17th and 18th centuries, seal hunting, whaling, and thriving international trade brought prosperity to Rømø, making it renowned for its highly skilled seafarers. The captains of the whaling ships were known as “Kommandører” (commanders) – and Rømø was home to some of the very best.

The commanders of Rømø were employed on Dutch and German ships, engaging in whaling and seal hunting across the North Atlantic. By the late 18th century, around 40 commanders resided on the island. Their estates were lavishly furnished, showcasing their wealth with ornate interiors, innovative construction techniques, and high-quality building materials imported from the Netherlands, Germany, and England. Over time, these impressive homes became known as “kommandørgårde” (commanders' houses).

Although Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård was not originally built by a commander, it was given this name as a museum due to its striking resemblance to the original commanders' houses on Rømø. Today, the building stands as a symbol of the island’s past prosperity, and its former owners belonged to Rømø’s elite, alongside commanders and other influential figures.

Opening Hours & Admission

The museum is run by a small, dedicated team and is open during Easter week, from early May to late September, and during the Danish autumn holidays (week 42). Please note: The museum is closed on Mondays.

Book your vacation home with Feline Holidays, bring your booking confirmation, and receive a 20% discount on the entrance fee.

For the latest information on museum and café opening hours and admission prices, visit the National Museum’s website.

On-site Café

A small, cozy café serves homemade cakes, ice cream, coffee, tea, and cold drinks. The café is run by the museum’s caretaker couple and is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Accessibility Notice

Visitors with reduced mobility may find it challenging to navigate the farmyard due to steps and uneven surfaces.

Dogs are welcome on the museum grounds, but not inside the museum or café.