The Danes’ seemingly limitless enthusiasm for dressing up and re-creating history reaches its zenith at Den Gamle By. It’s an engaging, picturesque open-air museum of 75 half-timbered houses brought here from all corners of Denmark and reconstructed as a provincial market town from the era of Hans Christian Andersen. Re-created neighbourhoods from 1927 and 1974 are the latest additions.
You can take a horse-drawn wagon ride (adult/child Dkr40/30) around the site, and then visit each building, store and workshop to see craftspeople practising their trade. Small museums cater to different interests – the Danish Poster Museum has some fabulous retro pieces, the Toy Museum showcases antique playthings, and the Gallery of Decorative Arts displays silverware, porcelain and clocks. Don't miss the apartment block from 1974 for a peek into past lives, or the TV and hi-fi store stocking authentic 1970s gear.
The website details kid-friendly activities for visitors – these peak in July and August, and in the lead up to Christmas.
Den Gamle By is 1.5km west of the city centre (a 20-minute walk from the train station); buses 3A, 19 and 44 stop nearby. There’s a detailed schedule of opening hours and admission prices (set according to the museum's activities) outlined on the website. Outside of opening hours you can stroll the cobbled streets for free.
