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Embark on an unusual – and perhaps rather unsavoury – journey

Embark on an unusual – and perhaps rather unsavoury – journey through Den Gamle By, and discover how toilet culture in Danish towns has changed over time. The toilet route offers a different perspective on the everyday challenges faced by citizens of a Danish market town: a latrine-based time travel experience that connects people across time through an unchanging physical need.

Follow the route with a map in hand and click on each stop below for interesting stories and insights. 

The Eilschou
Almshouses

In the Eilschou Almhouses back yard, the privy is in the outhouse.
Little Rosegarden:
Shoemaker

Under the shoemaker’s bed stands the chamber pot, ready for use.
The privies

Behind the tobacco factory stands an outhouse containing two privies.
The street gutter
on Algade

The gutters of Den Gamle By are free from the filth of the past.
The Mintmaster's Mansion

Eighteenth-century toilet chairs were often disguised as ordinary chairs.
Restaurant
Gæstgivergården

Recesses in buildings were, and still are, ideal places for people to urinate in the street out of sight.
The Merchant's House

In the nineteenth century, toilets were sometimes called “heart chambers.”
The brewery

The bay window is a so-called “secret”, a term used for a privy.
The Bookshop

On privies, people often used cheap newspaper as toilet paper.
The Ironmonger

A replica of a Brødrene Dahl toilet roll holder, now exclusively sold at Den Gamle By.
The Toy Museum

The smallest toilet in Den Gamle By.
Tårnborg:
The School Inspector

At Miss Sneum’s, a high-level flushing toilet with a “pull-and-release” mechanism has been installed.
Tårnborg:
The Gynaecology Clinic

The gynaecologist’s toilet resembles the toilets we use today.
Tårnborg:
The Nuclear Family

In the nuclear family home, all bathroom fixtures are light blue.
The house in Havnegade

On the back stairs in the house in Havnegade, shared toilets are located on each floor.
The Rear Buildings
from Horsens

Next to the plumbing workshop is a row of courtyard toilets.
The Copenhagen Corner:
Jazz Bar Bent J

Behind the door with a picture of Louis Armstrong on the toilet, the pub’s urinal is hidden.
The Copenhagen Corner:
Nursery

The nursery toilets are designed for small children.
The Copenhagen Corner:
Courtyard Toilet

At the entrance to the Moped Workshop is a small courtyard toilet.