Esrum Kloster had been on my list for a while, so when I saw they were hosting a Christmas market and I had no other plans, it felt like the perfect time to go. We hopped in the car and made our way there.
Tickets and Admission
To enter the Christmas market, we paid 65 DKK, which also included access to the monastery and its exhibitions. However, part of the exhibition was closed due to the market, so I’m already planning a return visit in the summer to enjoy the full experience and maybe even go hiking in the beautiful surrounding area. For up-to-date pricing, check out their official website.
Exploring Esrum Kloster
Esrum Kloster is a former Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. It was once one of Denmark’s largest abbeys, though today, only a single building remains. Its rich history and tranquil setting make it a fascinating place to visit. To learn more about its past, visit the official website.
With no particular expectations, we were pleasantly surprised by the monastery displays. There were audio-visual displays in both Danish and English, providing insights into the history and life at the monastery. What really amazed us was the VR headset experience that showed us the monastery’s glory days—a stark contrast to the small building that remains today.
We were also captivated by the light and sound installations on the ground floor, where we could listen to recordings of monks chanting scriptures. It added a serene and immersive element to the visit.
Another unexpected highlight was the interactive “Dilemma Game,” where you take on the role of a powerful noble family and face tough decisions for your family and the country. It was an engaging and fun way to connect with the historical context of the monastery.
Christmas Market
Having visited Gisselfeld Kloster’s Christmas market just a week earlier, I couldn’t help but compare the two. While both markets were wonderful, I think I preferred Esrum for its cozy atmosphere and charming setting. The festive lights added a magical touch, and the market felt more intimate.
The market seemed to focus more on private artists and small businesses, some of which didn’t even have a website. Both markets showcased high-quality local crafts.
Gisselfeld’s market was a bit larger, with more stalls offering a wider variety of goods, especially food and drinks. At Esrum, there were only one or two stands selling local alcohol and delicacies like cheeses and jams.
The food was delicious—resisting a pancake for lunch proved impossible, and we couldn’t help but grab some roasted almonds to munch on. I definitely recommend it and can see myself bringing my mom next time.
Both markets are worth a visit; the decision depends entirely on which is closer and how much time you have.
How to get there
The easiest way to reach Esrum Kloster is by car; it’s just a 30-minute drive from our home or about 40 minutes from Copenhagen. There’s a parking lot nearby, but it was fully occupied during the Christmas market, leading many to park along the road or in a nearby forest parking.
Alternatively, it’s quite straightforward to get there by train. The journey from the city center takes about 1.5 hours: first, take a train to Helsingør, and then a local train directly to Esrum Kloster.
