About the eccentric Thorvald

Thorvald Hansen was a prominent figure in his day.

He lived as an adult from 1904 to November 1946 in Byrum on Læsø, earning his living as a clog maker, bicycle repairman, tinsmith, tower builder and house builder.

With a past as a sailor, he was also a person with both bite and wit, and he was known and loved for his dancing skills, even though the ladies had to put up with the marks left by his oily hands on their white shirts.

Thorvald is best known for his achievement in constructing a 17-metre-high tower in Byrum – Læsø's tallest building and a landmark for the town – but Thorvald was much more than an enterprising builder, as becomes apparent when one delves a little deeper into history and the many anecdotes associated with him.

The renovation of the tower

March 2019:
"The renovation of Thorvald Hansen's Tower has now begun and will take at least a couple of months. The first step has been to sandblast the tower inside and out. The aim is to achieve the best possible base for subsequently repairing cracks and wear on the masonry surfaces and paintwork. Fortunately, Thorvald Hansen's cement/stone is of very good and hard quality. Otherwise, it would not have lasted 92 years. I must say that the strong wind yesterday tore at my hair at the top when I was cleaning up after sandblaster Johannes Clausen from Nordjysk Tag og Facade."

About the tower keeper

The tower was purchased by Han-Mar Aps, wholly owned by Jess Jessen-Klixbüll, who is responsible for the purchase of the tower and Thorvald Hansen's house, which is located next door.
The tower is open to the public for a fee of DKK 20 for adults and DKK 10 for children. Payment can be made in a milk jug or via Mobilpay.

Future uses beyond this are still in the idea stage, but ideas are flowing. This is something the tower is good for; everyone has an idea – a wonderful experience. Læsø Theatre Association has used it for local theatre.

Læsø Tourist and Business Association uses it for storytelling evenings and stargazing with the tower keeper, and Læsø Art Week has exhibited in the house.