Gallerist Peter Ibsen's guide to under-the-radar summer destination Rørvig

While most Scandinavians know the burden of a five-hour drive to a summer house, those in Copenhagen seeking a laid-back weekend getaway need not look further than Rørvig. An impossibly quaint seaside town in Odsherred, Rørvig is just an hour’s drive from Copenhagen and offers a certain cultural cache – due in no small part to gallerist Peter Ibsen. “Because of the magical light in Odsherred, the area has always attracted artists,” he says, adding that the area boasts the “right combination of woods, beach and rolling fields”. “Rørvig has a deep-rooted tradition for art and crafts.”

The founder of Sunday-S gallery in Copenhagen, Ibsen, opened up a summer-only outpost of the gallery called Rørvig Contemporary near his family home. There, he shows just one exhibition each season. “I wanted to create a space where I can show international artists in a different surrounding,” he says. “I mean, how often do you see international art in an old stable with a little old red Ferguson tractor parked in front?” This season, he’ll show a series of woven pieces from emerging Paris-based artist Marie Hazard.

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For Ibsen, the draw of Rørvig (aside from its accessibility) is its “simplicity”. “I love the fact that you can bike to everything up here, and you never have to think about what you look like when you go shopping in the local mini-market,” he says, noting that other summer towns have taken on more of a “see and be seen” mentality. Still, if Lily Collins keeps posting about her visits to Ibsen’s Rørvig oasis, the town could well lose its under-the-radar status. That is to say, we recommend you book your visit now.

Below, Ibsen reveals all of his can’t-miss spots for the ideal Rørvig weekend.

“This must be one of the quirkiest shops in Denmark. Named after its Japanese owner, Tomizo is a treasure trove for vintage lovers. I always drop by to have a chat with Tomizo about what’s new in Rørvig and to hunt for old LPs and cameras while my wife and daughter ogle the collection of vintage Japanese kimonos and jewellery, antique lamps, old telephones and other oddities.”

Toldbodvej 10, Rørvig

“We often do a round-trip of Rørvig and the neighbouring village of Nakke, where the ceramic artist Ulla Vedel has set up her studio in a charming old yellow farmhouse.  The light in her space is amazing and the perfect setting for her beautiful pieces. We always pop in to admire her pretty setup and maybe pick up a teacup or small bowl – or simply admire the beautiful courtyard.” 

Galbuen 1, Nykøbing Sjælland

“Kunsthal Brantebjerg holds a special place in my heart. It’s where my summer gallery is located, and on top of that, it’s a simple but beautiful eatery and art space. Pawel and Pernille, the friendliest hosts ever, have curated a magical spot where art, crafts, and good food come together. The food is organic, the wine is natural and the sunsets are magical.”
 
Nakke Nord 65, Nykøbing Sjælland

“Rørvig Beach is my little escape with its soft sands, dunes and the vast blue sea. I run through the wooded area to the beach and then along the beach. Off-season – that’s about 11 months of the year - you’re very likely to be all on your own. On calm summer days, I might take out my paddle board or kayak; on windy days, it’s fun to watch the kite surfers. This is also where we find all the rocks we paint on.”

“The gallery started as my summer project in our house, but in 2019, I was given the opportunity to take over the old stables at Brantebjerg. Every summer since then, I have showcased a young international artist – in 2019, it was Marie Hazard, who I’m actually showing again this year. It’s my favourite summer project.”

Nakke Nord 65, Nykøbing Sjælland
 

“This is also a favourite stop when we’re doing our cycle roundtrip of Rørvig and its surroundings. It’s usually our last stop before we head home. Tradition calls for two scoops or a liquorice soft serve and a game of four in a row while we watch the ferry come and go.”

Toldbodvej 75, Rørvig