2 min read

Denmark's Welfare Museum

“It's like a time capsule when you step into one of the authentic rooms, as it feels as if the last people have just left the place because everything is intact from the time of the poorhouse” -Jeppe, Museum Curator

The best preserved poorhouse in the Nordic countries

Hotel Svendborg visited the Danish Welfare Museum to gain an insight into the best-preserved almshouse in the Nordic region.. Jeppe, Museum Director, showed us around the museum, which was built in 1872 and operated until 1974. You literally step into a part of history when you arrive at the museum, as everything from buildings, farm environment and furnishings, etc. have been preserved and remain intact from the time of the poorhouse.

The museum has selected special exhibitions

Experience and see powerful stories in various exhibitions, one exhibition in particular has been recognized with an international nomination award.

Guided tour of the Danish Welfare Museum

It is possible to book a guided tour, where you will be taken through the original workhouse from 1872. Here, the guides will tell you about each building and room, which therefore tells its own harsh story. You will visit, among other things, the spartan dormitories, workrooms and isolation cells, which were part of life for the many men, women and children who lived under the workhouse's strict rules.

See more in the video here, where museum curator Jeppe shows us around the poorhouse and gives an insight into what to expect when visiting the best-preserved poorhouse in the Nordic region. Watch video

Christmas closure at Hotel Svendborg & Hotel Garni

We will be closed from Sunday, December 14th at 1:00 PM and will reopen on Monday, December 29th, 2025 at 12:00 PM.

During this period we offer accommodation at Hotel Ærø (without breakfast).
Book your stay at post@hotel-aeroe.dk or 62 21 17 00.

New Year's menu "out of the house" - order via www.hotelsvendborg.dk

For all other inquiries, please contact us at booking@hotel-svendborg.dk or 62 21 17 00.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

And we look forward to celebrating the new year with you at the New Year's Party 2025/26 at Hotel Svendborg!!