The house was built by Captain Peter Mikkelsen in 1746 and remained in his family's possession for several generations.
The interior walls are extensively decorated with Delft tiles, reflecting the close trade ties between Rømø and the Netherlands.
The garden features a whale jawbone gate, a traditional symbol of the whaling heritage prevalent in the region.
The farm includes a 'captain’s room' specifically decorated to display treasures brought back from long whaling voyages.
Rømø captains were primarily employed by Dutch whaling companies rather than Danish ones during the 18th century.
The farmstead escaped major modern renovations, allowing for an unusually accurate view of 18th-century rural-maritime domestic life.
The transition from agricultural life to maritime wealth is visible in the architecture's shift from traditional thatch to more ambitious, imported design elements.
Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård is an 18th-century captain's farmstead located on the island of Rømø, reflecting the era of lucrative Danish whaling in the Arctic. The site features an authentic, well-preserved interior showcasing the lifestyle of wealthy Rømø sea captains during the 1700s. The property highlights the influence of Dutch and North Frisian aesthetics on the local architecture and social status. Central to the exhibition is the skeleton of a large sperm whale, illustrating the source of the wealth that built the farm. The house displays original wall tiles, Dutch ceramics, and ornate furniture imported through maritime trade. It remains one of the few surviving examples of a maritime farmstead that has not been heavily modified by subsequent generations. The surrounding grounds provide context for how these sea captains integrated farming and seafaring industries. Visitors can explore the living quarters, barns, and storage areas used during the peak of the whaling period.
The entrance gate formed by the massive whale jawbones.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Rømø Church to see the unique 'ship models' hanging from the rafters.
Take time to walk through the sand dunes surrounding Juvre, as they provide the original landscape context for the farm.
Look for the smaller details, like the ship motifs painted on the interior doors and woodwork.
Do not mistake it for a typical living museum with actors; this is a static, self-guided historical display.
Operates as a seasonal museum; generally open from spring through early autumn, closed during winter months.
Respect the fragile historic floors and refrain from touching the antique furnishings or tiles.
