Destination Kystlandet

Go shopping in Horsens

Horsens offers a relaxed and diverse shopping experience, with everything from cosy independent boutiques to well-known high street brands. Explore the town’s lively streets, discover unique finds and enjoy the atmosphere. Here, shopping is both easy and inspiring.

Two women with bags in their hands on their way out of a shop in Horsens
Photo: Lasse Torp

As Denmark’s seventh-largest city with 65000 inhabitants, Horsens is big enough to offer almost all the well-known retail chains as well as a great selection of independent speciality shops. At the same time, it is small enough to make getting to the town centre and finding parking easy.

Horsens town centre is quite compact, and within a short walking distance you will find around 200 shops. It does not have the stress of a big city, and with Denmark’s widest pedestrian street, there is plenty of space – making shopping a cosy and relaxing experience.

The town centre appears modern and functional following a recent renovation, with inviting public spaces and room for play. At the same time, you will clearly sense that Horsens is a historic town, with charming buildings adding character throughout.

Where to shop

Two women walking along Søndergade in Horsens - part of Destination Coastal Land
Photo: Lasse Torp© Destination Kystlandet

Søndergade

Horsens’ main shopping street is Denmark’s widest pedestrian street. Surrounded by beautiful historic mansions, the street offers plenty of space with areas to relax, room for play and places to eat with outdoor seating. Søndergade has a vibrant retail scene, including a wide range of clothing shops and many well-known high street brands. At the end of the pedestrian street lies Torvet, home to Vor Frelsers Kirke, which has been the heart of Horsens since the town was founded. Along Søndergade, you will also find several historic side streets with charming old houses that are well worth exploring.

The Latin Quarter
Photo: Destination Kystlandet

The Latin Quarter

North of Søndergade, you will find a handful of smaller pedestrian streets. Here, in the narrow and cosy lanes, you can discover a wide range of eateries, ice cream shops, stylish bars and unique speciality shops run by passionate locals. Visit, for example, the combined delicatessen and café, Spisekammeret, find handmade products crafted by visually impaired artisans at Blindes Arbejde, stop by the fishmonger, or explore exciting brews at the speciality beer shops.

Spisesteder i Bytorv Horsens
Photo: Lasse Torp

Bytorv Horsens

The town’s shopping centre is located right in the heart of Horsens, with entrances from Søndergade. Here, you will find around 30 shops including well-known high street brands such as H&M and Flying Tiger Copenhagen. There are also a handful of places to eat, as well as play areas for children.

Bilka Horsens
Photo: Bilka

Little Manhattan

Just 500 metres south of the pedestrian street, you will find an area with big-box stores. This is a true shopping paradise for motorists, with shops such as Bilka, Elgiganten, JYSK and Eventyrsport. Several stores offer drive-in service, and parking is available right by the entrance. If you need quick and efficient shopping, this is the place to go. And the name Little Manhattan… a charming touch of provincial self-irony. There are a few taller buildings in the area, but we promise it does not quite resemble Times Square.

Shopping in Horsens with children

If you are shopping with children, we recommend a visit to Bytorv Horsens. Here, you can stop by Kids Coolshop, Denmark’s largest toy store, featuring its own toy museum, a giant dinosaur and opportunities to play with some of the toys.

Along the main shopping street, Søndergade, you will find trampolines and play equipment, and at the end of the pedestrian street, at Vitus Bering Square, there are water installations built into the paving where children can splash around. Both along the pedestrian street and in the Latin Quarter, you will also find several ice cream shops offering scoops and soft serve.

Just south of the town centre, you will find another large toy shop, Fætter BR.

You may also want to explore Horsens with Destination Kystlandet’s treasure hunt. Along a 5-kilometre route, you will make your way through Horsens town centre, answering questions as you go. Once you have finished, you can hand in your treasure map at the Industrial Museum, where you will receive a gold medal as proof of your achievement. Near the museum, you will also find a truly fun playground.

 

Kort over parkeringsmuligheder i Horsens Cemtrum
Photo: City Horsens

Parking in Horsens town centre

The pedestrian streets in Horsens are reserved for pedestrians, but there are excellent parking options close by and plenty of spaces available for everyone. Follow this link to get an overview of both free and paid parking options in Horsens town centre.

In Horsens, you will be welcomed with open arms but without any grand gestures.

Second-hand shopping in Horsens

The people of Horsens love hunting for second-hand treasures and vintage finds. The town is home to a wide range of charity shops and flea markets, and although they are rarely located right by the pedestrian streets, they are well worth a visit when you are in town.

Local favourites

Places to eat with outdoor seating

Both along Søndergade and in the Latin Quarter, you will find plenty of places to eat with the option of sitting both indoors and outdoors. And it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a nice lunch during your shopping trip. Here is a small selection of our recommendations.

Activities during your shopping trip

Accommodation in and near the town centre

Events in the town centre

City Horsens, Mærk Byen and Bytorv Horsens regularly host events in the centre of Horsens – from late-night shopping and holiday activities to green-themed weeks, theatre festivals, children’s festivals and magic festivals. Stop by the small glass cultural hub in the middle of the pedestrian street, Kuben, where there is often something going on.

In June, the festival week Horsens Holder takes place, featuring more than 200 events – many of them in the town centre.

Photo: Lasse Torp