Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården — Attraction in Silkeborg Municipality

I studied Tollund Man in an archeology class at Virginia Tech in 1982. It was such a fascinating story that I had to see him in person one day. Therefore, my wife and I made the trip over from Washington, DC last month as part of a broader trip to Denmark. Unfortunately the museum was closed due to off season hours on the day we visited. We thought, what the heck, let's knock on the door. Fortunately, a few members of the staff were working that day, felt sorry for us, and invited us inside. The resident historian Albert personally showed us around and explained the exhibits in detail. He is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. The exhibit on bog people and the Tollund Man in particular did not disappoint us. Other exhibits focus on the history of Silkeborg and the settlement of Jutland by prehistoric people. It's a small but interesting museum that requires an hour or so to see the exhibits and it's well worth the price of admission, which we did pay for. There is also a self service...

The local history museum in Silkeborg is a cut above most similar museums I've visited.

There is nothing at the entrance to say its open and its a big, imposing door on the building, but don't be put off. (I almost thought it was closed as it was late in the day.)

Inside there are well displayed local collections of glass and local historical artifacts but biggest exhibition covers pottery (old and new) and the star of the show is 'Tollund Man'.

This is a well preserved iron age body (going back to 500BC) which is exceptionally well preserved and was dug up in a nearby bog. It's an exhibit of international importance and is alongside a much bigger display on Iron Age life.

The museum has a large cafe, though it wasn't open when I was there.

It's well...

The home of the famous Tollund Man! With appropriate respect this 2300 year old body is put on display in the museum. He has his own glas shrine and plenty of accessible and well designed explanations in the next door rooms. The exhibition is clear, gives a good impression of danish stone age lifestyle and accessible for people in a wheelchair. All text in English and Danish. The guide could tell a lot and was clearly dedicated to the Tollund Man. Take an hour to really suck in the fate of this bogbody. The rest of the museum can be done in half an hour or so. Be aware of busloads of cruise passengers racing in and out. Just wait until they made their pictures and then quietly enjoy the presence of...