Visit Karen Blixen’s childhood home and experience the atmosphere of the rooms where famous and beloved stories were created.
A Writer’s Childhood Home
Babette’s Feast, The African Farm, Seven Fantastic Tales – all pearls of Danish literature, written within the walls of Rungstedlund at Rungsted Strand. The Karen Blixen Museum, housed in the home where she lived and wrote, offers a glimpse into the life of one of Denmark’s greatest and most famous authors. Through exhibitions of books, letters, and artwork, the museum tells the remarkable story of Karen Blixen.
Coffee Farmer in Africa
Born in Denmark in 1885, Karen Blixen traveled to Kenya in 1913 to manage a coffee farm with her husband. After 17 years in Africa, she returned to Denmark and settled back in Rungstedlund, where she began writing the world-famous stories that would secure her place in literary history.
Birdsong and Ewald’s Mound
Rungstedlund is nestled peacefully by the Sound, where behind the whitewashed buildings, you’ll find a large flower garden and a grove that Karen Blixen envisioned as a protected bird sanctuary. A walk through the park, filled with ancient beech trees, is a journey through history. Johannes Ewald, the poet, also walked these grounds, drawing inspiration for his poetry. The park’s benches are named after notable people who once strolled here. At the foot of Ewald’s Hill lies Karen Blixen’s grave, marked by a majestic beech tree. The park is always open to visitors, inviting you to take a peaceful walk and enjoy the natural beauty. Bird boxes are scattered throughout the grove, which now serves as a sanctuary for a diverse array of birds.
Karen Blixen Museum
Rungsted Strandvej 111
2960 Rungsted Kyst
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 – 21:00
Wednesday: 11:00 – 21:00
Thursday: 11:00 – 21:00
Friday: 11:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 11:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
Opening hours are subject to change. Please visit the museum’s website for more information.
Adults: 100 DKK
Children (0 – 18 years): 0 DKK
Students: 60 DKK
Prices are subject to change. Please visit the museum’s website for more information.
A walk across the creaking floorboards takes you through the many beautiful living rooms, decorated as they were when Karen Blixen lived in them. On tables, chests and chests of drawers there are impressive bouquets of fresh flowers all year round. The bouquets are inspired by Karen Blixen’s own lavish and unconventional flower arrangements. In addition to the private rooms, the museum has a documentary exhibition about Karen Blixen’s life and work and a gallery with her many drawings and paintings. You can also explore her private book collection, which contains an array of classic works from Homer to Hans Christian Andersen.
The garden is the lush green space surrounding the house, where Karen Blixen spent much of her daily life. It features the striking veranda that opens up to a spacious lawn to the north, offering breathtaking views of the Sound. The garden also includes a terrace overlooking the forest, as well as vibrant perennial and rose beds.
Madam Carlsen Café is one of Denmark’s most beautifully situated cafés, offering a unique and idyllic setting within Karen Blixen’s former home. With stunning views of the Sound and a terrace overlooking Rungstedlund’s garden and bird sanctuary, the café is a peaceful retreat. Named after Karen Blixen’s housekeeper and cook, Madam Carlsen, who lived here from 1949 until 2003, the café honors her legacy. Madam Carlsen was an integral part of daily life at Rungstedlund, providing the delicious meals enjoyed by Karen Blixen and her many guests. Today, you can savor brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with a delightful selection of cakes, wine, and coffee in this cozy setting.
Karen Blixen Museum offers a selection of exciting guided tours that can be booked for large and small groups and private parties.
A guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and costs DKK 1,000 for up to 25 people (adults and children). It is possible to book a guided tour outside normal opening hours for an additional fee.
Find inspiration in a wide selection of books in multiple languages and be tempted by unique art, fine textiles and exciting quality products.