Hanstholm Bunker Museum – Go underground and experience history up close

Welcome to Hanstholm Bunker Museum – one of Denmark's most authentic and magnificent attractions for history enthusiasts, families, and curious tourists. In the raw and majestic nature at Denmark's northwesternmost point, in the middle of Thy National Park, a very special museum is hidden underground. Here you can experience how World War II left its mark on Denmark – and follow in the footsteps of both soldiers and film heroes.

The museum is built around one of the largest German fortress bunkers in Denmark, and here you can walk through hundreds of meters of cold, dark concrete tunnels, see original effects and weapons, and get a very special sense of the atmosphere that prevailed when the bunkers were manned by German soldiers.

A huge bunker complex from the Atlantic Wall

During the Second World War, the German occupation forces built an enormous defensive structure – known as the Atlantic Wall – that stretched from Northern Norway to the Spanish border. An important part of this system was in Hanstholm, where the German army built a massive gun emplacement with four 38 cm guns – some of the largest used throughout the war.

At Hanstholm Bunker Museum, you can explore one of these enormous bunkers, which are partially preserved in their original form. You will have the opportunity to see how the soldiers lived and worked, and you can listen to authentic recordings that bring the past to life. The exhibition provides a unique and realistic insight into the daily life of the war – not only for the soldiers but also for the local population who lived in the shadow of the massive facility.

Take the historic ammunition train

One of the great experiences at Hanstholm Bunkermuseum is a ride with the original ammunition train. During the war, the Germans used narrow-gauge railways to transport shells and supplies around the bunker complex. This railway is now restored and operational – and as a visitor, you can sit in one of the historic train cars and ride through the authentic terrain, where you can feel the breath of history.

The train runs through the original bunker area, past old positions and underground installations, and it is a very special way to experience the museum – especially for children and families. The tour provides a vivid impression of how logistics and movements took place during the war, and the trip is accompanied by exciting stories and information along the way.

The train runs several times a day during the high season and is an indispensable part of the museum experience.

Olsen Gang in Jutland – When the Bunker Became Film Treasure

For many Danes – and a large number of foreign tourists – Hanstholm Bunkermuseum also holds a very special place in their hearts for another reason: it was here that large parts of the beloved film The Olsen Gang in Jutland was admitted. The film, released in 1971, is one of the most iconic in Danish film history, and it offers humor, excitement, and plenty of bunker action.

In the film, Egon, Benny, and Kjeld – Denmark's most beloved criminal trio – travel to Jutland to find an old Nazi treasure, which is supposedly hidden in an abandoned bunker. Of course, it is Hanstholm's bunker facility that forms the framework of their adventure, and large parts of the film were shot on location. Many scenes show winding corridors, dark rooms, and dramatic outdoor areas – and for those who have visited the museum, it is clear how much reality and film overlap.

The museum has a dedicated exhibition about today The Olsen Gang in Jutlandwhere you can see pictures from the recordings, film props, and hear stories about how the recordings took place. You can even stand exactly where Egon and Benny discussed the plan, or where Kjeld (of course) got scared of ghosts and mines. For fans of Danish film, it is an unforgettable experience – and a fun way to combine historical knowledge with culture and nostalgia.

Many tourists plan their visit to Hanstholm precisely because of the film, and the bunker’s role in the Olsen Gang universe makes the place a popular stop on a tour of Jutland.

Practical information and family-friendly experiences

Hanstholm Bunker Museum is open to visitors most of the year, with additional activities and opening hours during the summer months. There are guided tours, special exhibitions, and live storytelling during the high season, and children can embark on their own adventure with quizzes and maps in hand.

The museum has a cozy café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or lunch with a view of the rugged North Sea. Additionally, there is a well-stocked museum shop with books, toys, clothing, and unique souvenirs – both with historical themes and references to the Olsen Gang.

The museum is child-friendly, and the large outdoor area makes it easy to combine the visit with a walk in Thy National Park. Here you can experience both war history and Denmark's wildest nature in one and the same trip.

Plan your visit

Address Molevej 29, 7730 Hanstholm
Parking: Free parking at the museum
Season: Open from April to October (check the website for details)
Togture Operating during peak season – see the schedule upon arrival