The Tollund Man, displayed at this location, is so well-preserved that his facial hair, fingernails, and internal organs are still intact.
The manor building itself served as the residence for the first bailiff of Silkeborg.
The museum contains a significant collection of artifacts from the Silkeborg Paper Mill, which was once the city's primary industry.
Analysis of the Tollund Man's last meal revealed a complex porridge of barley, flax, and various seeds, indicating he was sacrificed during winter or early spring.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården is primarily renowned for housing the Tollund Man, one of the world's best-preserved bog bodies dating back to the 4th century BCE. The museum is located in a historic manor house built in 1767, which served as the regional administrative center. Its permanent exhibition details the cultural history of the Silkeborg region from the Stone Age to the present. The facility features extensive archaeological findings, including local Iron Age artifacts. Beyond prehistoric remains, the museum displays collections focused on the industrial development of Silkeborg, particularly the paper mill industry. Visitors can explore the preserved period rooms within the manor, providing insight into 18th-century Danish provincial life. The museum grounds include remnants of early urban development in the area.
The exterior facade of the historic white-washed Hovedgården manor house.
Dedicate extra time to the Tollund Man exhibit, as the dim lighting and preservation requirements necessitate a slower pace.
Check the museum website for rotating temporary exhibitions that often focus on local 20th-century history.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Silkeborg parklands.
Do not attempt to take flash photography of the Tollund Man, as light exposure damages the organic remains.
Closed on Mondays during the winter season.
