In Løgumkloster, a long abbey history, cultural activities and opportunities for hiking come together. Cistercian monks founded the abbey around 1173. Løgumkloster Church was built approximately between 1225 and 1325; during this period, its style changed from Romanesque to Gothic.
The Abbey Church and Its Historic Details
Individual works of art in the church tell stories from different centuries. A reliquary cabinet dates from around 1325, and the high altar from the late 15th century. During restoration work in the 1920s, the altar was moved to Løgumkloster from Jerne Church near Esbjerg. Together with Sorø Abbey Church, the church is considered one of the finest and most significant church buildings of the Danish Middle Ages.
The church has set opening hours: Løgumkloster Church is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 12 noon to 5 pm. The church and abbey cannot be visited during religious services; they close up to one hour beforehand and afterwards. Check visiting hours before your visit. Visitors who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter can call the church wardens in advance. They will open the entrance from the car park and put out ramps. Alternatively, access is possible through the Refugium.
Culture and Local History
The town’s history can also be discovered beyond the church. Klostergade forms a historic urban setting with town houses and restored cobblestones. A more recent example of local design is the Aluminiumsbroen: it is considered Denmark’s first aluminium bridge and was built in 2005 by two local businesses together with the ALU-cluster. Kong Frederik IX’s carillon was inaugurated in 1973 to mark the town’s 800th anniversary. Following renovation and expansion in 2024–2025, it now consists of 73 bells.
There are several places to visit for a range of cultural interests. Den Gamle Biograf is Løgumkloster’s cultural centre, with film screenings, theatre, revues and concerts on its programme. Kunsthal Holmen presents contemporary art. Public lectures and music events take place throughout the year at Løgumkloster Refugium, and both locals and Refugium guests can attend. Check the current programme for specific dates.
Hiking and the Landscape
Four Kløverstier hiking routes start and finish at Markedspladsen. The green Kløversti is an easy route of 2.44 kilometres. One of the Kløversti routes passes war graves of prisoners of war from the First World War, south of Løgumkloster. The Brede Å Øststien is another option: it follows the Brede Å from Løgumkloster in the direction of Bredebro. This gives you a choice of different route themes, from a short loop rated as easy to a route along the river. Route conditions can change, so check the trail before setting out.
A river valley and a forest are also located right next to Løgumkloster.
Accommodation and Planning Your Visit
Løgumkloster Refugium has 47 rooms, furnished in classic Danish design from the 1960s. It is open to everyone year-round. If you are considering it as a place to stay, confirm your specific arrangements before travelling. The Refugium thus combines accommodation with an events programme that is also open to local residents.
Another annual event is Kloster Mærken. The market is still held every year and includes a market, a funfair, a small-animal market and a horse market. The exact dates vary from year to year, so plan your trip around that year’s dates.
Discover more destinations: Toftlund, Ballum, Emmerlev, Bredebro, Brøns, Bedsted, Højer, Agerskov
For the main travel overview: Tønder Municipality.
