Experiences, sights and activities in Horsens

Horsens city centre is centred around Søndergade, Denmark’s widest pedestrian street. There are plenty of great shopping opportunities along the street, at the Bytorv Horsens shopping centre and in the small side streets of the Latin Quarter. Everything is within walking distance, and with parking close. If you are interested in art, you can explore the sculptures along the Boulevard of Sculptures or discover the many works of street art around the city centre.

Around 2.5 km from the shopping street, you will find Horsens’ biggest attraction, FÆNGSLET. The former Horsens State Prison is now home to Europe’s largest prison museum, offering a fascinating insight into life behind bars. Besides visiting the museum, you can explore the prison park along the Thousand-Metre Trail, where you will also find a prison-themed playground. FÆNGSLET also has a place to eat, escape rooms and footballgolf in the park.

What was everyday life like when Grandma was a child and Great-Grandad went to work? At the Industrial Museum in Horsens, you can discover the lives of the people who helped shape the society we know today. Explore workers’ homes, workshops and old machinery, and see how both homes and workplaces have changed over time. For some, it will bring back familiar memories, while for others it will be a whole new world, with plenty to talk about across generations.

There are several parks worth visiting near the centre of Horsens, all just a short walk away. The large manor park, Bygholm Park, is a popular place for a day out, with playgrounds, lakes, activities and plenty of space to relax in peaceful surroundings. Between the train station and the shopping street, you will find Vitus Bering Park, named after the famous explorer from Horsens. Make sure not to miss the cannons from Vitus Bering’s ship. On the other side of the city centre is Caroline Amalie Lund, known locally as Lunden, with two museums, sculptures, an open-air stage and a playground.

Surrounded by the greenery of Caroline Amalie Lund, Horsens Art Museum invites you to discover art that sparks curiosity and gives you plenty to talk about. The museum focuses on contemporary Danish art and has a large collection of works by Horsens-born artist Michael Kvium. Explore the changing exhibitions and take your time to look, wonder and be surprised. You do not need to know the artists beforehand to enjoy the experience.

Make time for a visit to the museum café, which is best known for winning Denmark’s award for the best bøfsandwich – a Danish-style steak sandwich – three times. You can also combine your museum visit with a walk through the surrounding park, where you will find several sculptures along the way.

Just a short walk from the city centre, the South Harbour is a lively waterfront area where new homes and inviting places to relax have brought fresh energy to the harbour. Stroll along the harbour promenade, stop for a bite to eat or simply find a sunny spot and enjoy the views across the water.

Continue towards the marina and treat yourself to an ice cream before ending your walk at Langelinie, Horsens’ city beach. Along the way, you will pass Dollys, a historic restaurant that is something of a local legend. For a meal with front-row views of the harbour, stop by UNDA or visit the restaurant at the marina.

Grab a treasure map and set off on an adventure through Horsens city centre with the kids. Along the way, you can solve fun challenges together and take a jumping break on the trampolines along the shopping street. The treasure hunt ends at the Industrial Museum, where a fun playground is waiting for even more playtime once you have earned your well-deserved gold medal.

Want to add even more fun to your day? Visit one of the city’s large toy shops, Kids Coolshop or Fætter BR, and let the children explore the shelves and add a few things to their birthday wish lists. Or head to Horsens Legeland, where the kids can run, climb and play to their hearts’ content.

If the Danish summer weather is on your side, we recommend a trip to Husodde Beach in the Stensballe area of Horsens. Here, you will find a lovely sandy beach with a bathing jetty and plenty of space to relax by the water. Right next to the beach is Horsens City Camping, where you can play mini golf, rent a SUP-board or stop by for an ice cream or a light meal.

From the city centre of Horsens, you are never far from birdsong. Just 1.5 kilometres from the city centre lies Nørrestrand Wildlife Reserve, where the landscape opens up to views of water, meadows and rich birdlife. Bring your binoculars and see what you can spot.

Just as close to the centre is Bygholm Lake, a favourite nature spot among locals. The beautiful 7.5-kilometre walk around the lake takes you through Åbjerg Forest, with plenty of scenic views along the way. At Bygholm Sø Camping, you can rent a canoe and explore the lake from the water.

A little further from the city, you will find Boller Forest, where you can visit Boller Castle Park and its flower garden before heading out onto the 100-metre-long pier in Horsens Fjord.

Wondering what is happening in Horsens today? Check the Kystlandet event calendar and see what is on during your visit. Horsens has a lively cultural scene, so there is almost always something to experience – from concerts at Horsens Ny Teater and Platform K to festivals and free events in the city centre organised by MÆRK Byen and City Horsens.

Challenge each other to a game of bowling at Bowl’n’Fun, pick a board game at the board game café, Brætspilscafeen, or sit back and enjoy a film at Megascope. At LOCKED at FÆNGSLET, you can put your teamwork to the test as you race to solve the puzzles before time runs out. At the pool and sports bar Stalden, you can compete in pool, shuffleboard, darts, table football and more.

Horsens has plenty of ways to spend a few fun hours indoors with family or friends, whether you are in the mood for some friendly competition, an exciting challenge or popcorn and a good film at the cinema.

Pack your swimwear and head to Aqua Forum in Horsens for a fun mix of water activities, exercise and relaxation. The kids can zoom down the water slide and splash around in the pools, while others can go for a swim or enjoy the warmth of the sauna. There is also a hot tub and steam room when you are ready for a relaxing break. It is a great place to spend a few fun hours together in the water, whatever the weather outside.

At Stensballegaard Golf Club, you can enjoy a high-quality golf course with beautiful views of Horsens Fjord. Surrounded by woodland and rolling hills, the course offers plenty of challenges for experienced golfers, as well as a pay & play course where beginners can give golf a try. Round off your visit with a meal at the brasserie or a relaxing break on the terrace.

You can also visit Horsens Golf Club, which has a pay & play course open to everyone.

Let your day in Horsens continue over a good drink. Enjoy a cocktail at BarPragt, explore the wine selection at the wineshop Vores Lille Vinbar or Jørgensens Hotel, or let dinner turn into drinks at Café Gran. At Morzybitten, you'll find beer and music on the menu.

Whether you are looking for a quiet evening for two or a lively night out with friends, there are plenty of reasons to stay in town a little longer. Horsens has a great choice of places to go, from cosy wine bars and traditional pubs to lively nightlife and stylish cocktail bars.