Herning: The Heart of Jutland

Discover Herning, Denmark's cultural epicenter, known for its art, architecture, and natural beauty, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

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Herning

Welcome to Herning, a thriving city located in the heart of Jutland, Denmark. Known for its vibrant cultural scene and dynamic atmosphere, Herning is a hub for art, design, and innovation. The city boasts a rich history, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. As you stroll through the streets of Herning, you'll encounter a diverse array of art installations and sculptures, reflecting the city's creative spirit. The renowned Herning Museum of Contemporary Art (HEART) is a must-visit, offering a captivating journey through modern artistic expressions. For architecture enthusiasts, the iconic MCH Messecenter Herning and the grand Jyske Bank Boxen arena are prime examples of the city's architectural prowess. Herning is also a paradise for nature lovers. The vast open landscapes and serene lakes surrounding the city provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether it's hiking in the scenic fields or enjoying a peaceful day by the lake, Herning's natural beauty is sure to captivate your senses. Gastronomy in Herning offers a delightful experience with a variety of local and international cuisines. The city's bustling food scene includes quaint cafes, gourmet restaurants, and lively food markets, ensuring that every meal is a memorable one. Don't forget to try traditional Danish pastries and local specialties to get a true taste of Herning. With its perfect blend of culture, nature, and modern amenities, Herning is a destination that promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. Whether you're here for a short visit or an extended stay, Herning's charm will leave a lasting impression.

Local tips in Herning

Visit the HEART Museum for a deep dive into contemporary art.
Explore the outdoor sculptures and art installations spread across the city.
Check the event schedule at Jyske Bank Boxen for concerts and sports events.
Take a day trip to the nearby lakes for a relaxing nature experience.
Try local Danish pastries at one of the city's charming bakeries.
Rent a bike to explore the city's scenic trails and parks.
Visit the HerningCentret for a diverse shopping experience.

Fil:MCH Arena Herning.JPG - Wikipedia, den frie encyklopædi

File:Herning Art SHA 3815.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Fil:Carl Henning Pedersen og Else Alfelts Museum.jpg - Wikipedia, den frie encyklopædi

Fil:Jyske Bank Boxen (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia, den frie encyklopædi

Fil:Herningkirke9.JPG - Wikipedia, den frie encyklopædi

File:Biblioetket i Herning by-night.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

When is the best time to go to Herning?

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church

Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.

Nordisk Film Biografer Herning

Experience panoramic views of Vejle River Valley from the Udsigtstårn at Østengård.

Baboon City

Experience panoramic views of Vejle's natural landscapes from the Udsigtstårn in Østengård.

Deep Forest Art Land

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Vejle's fjords and valleys from the Udsigtstårn in Østengård.

Scandic Regina

Experience panoramic views of Vejle's natural beauty from the Udsigtstårn at Østengård.

Herning City Hotel

Experience breathtaking panoramic views and serene landscapes at Udsigtstårn in Vejle, Denmark.

Ilva

Experience contemporary art in a repurposed 1950s vending machine at Vejle's innovative Kunsthal Vejle.

Lagkagehuset

Experience innovative contemporary art in Vejle's historic vending machine gallery, open 24/7 with free admission.

Louis Nielsen Herning

Experience contemporary art in a unique setting at Kunsthal Vejle, where a historic vending machine becomes a dynamic exhibition space.

Herning Turist

Experience panoramic views of Vejle's landscapes from the accessible Udsigtstårn observation tower.

Løvbakkerne

Experience panoramic views of Vejle's natural landscapes from the Udsigtstårn in Østengård.

Herning Rocker

Experience panoramic vistas of Vejle's landscapes from the Udsigtstårn in Østengård.

Herning Station

Experience panoramic views of Vejle River Valley from the Udsigtstårn at Østengård, a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.

Zency Herning

Discover contemporary art in Vejle's unique vending machine gallery at Banegårdspladsen.

Unmissable attractions to see

Elia

Discover Elia in Herning—a monumental steel sculpture rising from parkland, merging modern Danish art, architecture, and elemental spectacle in an unforgettable outdoor setting.

HEART Herning Museum Of Contemporary Art

Stroll among captivating contemporary sculptures in Herning's tranquil open-air art park, where creativity meets the calm of Denmark’s green landscapes.

Løvbakke Naturcenter

Explore contemporary sculptures amidst nature in Herning's open-air museum.

Locked - Escape Room

Explore Herning Skulpturpark: A harmonious blend of contemporary sculptures and natural beauty in Denmark's heartland.

Sdr. Anlæg

Elia is Herning’s colossal public artwork: a walk-on steel dome with panoramic views, erupting flame displays, and immersive encounters with Nordic industrial art.

Carl Henning Pedersen og Else Alfeldt's Museet

Herning Skulpturpark delights visitors with dynamic sculptures and green serenity, merging modern Danish creativity and open-air enjoyment in Herning’s lively heart.

Mindeparken

Experience Elia, Herning's monumental steel sculpture that unpredictably breathes fire, blending art and engineering in a captivating display.

Tekstilmuseet

Elia is a monumental contemporary sculpture in Herning, combining industrial grandeur with avant-garde artistry, famed for its dramatic flame and unique scale.

LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference

Experience the ultimate LEGO-themed stay at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, Denmark.

P-plads, Knudmosebjerget

Discover Aarhus Cathedral: Denmark’s tallest and longest church boasts majestic Gothic architecture, medieval frescoes, and a rich musical and historical heritage.

Herningsholm Museum

Experience Denmark’s grandest Gothic cathedral, with medieval frescoes, soaring arches, and centuries of history, located at the vibrant heart of Aarhus.

Frilandsmuseet Herning

Experience outdoor art and striking modern sculptures amid scenic green spaces at Herning Skulpturpark, an open-access creative landmark in central Jutland.

Haunstrup Brunkulslejer

Elia in Herning: a colossal, open-access contemporary sculpture blending industrial heritage with modern art, crowned by eruptive fire and towering steel pillars.

De Geometriske Haver

Marvel at Elia, Herning’s massive steel landmark—a fusion of art, industry, and nature—where monumental sculpture frames the Danish skies in Birk Centerpark.

Snejbjerg Mini Saab Museum

A monumental steel dome and flame sculpture by Ingvar Cronhammar, Elia commands the Birk Centerpark landscape as Herning's largest and most ambitious work of public art.

Essential places to dine

Bone's Herning

Experience delectable American cuisine at Bone's Herning - perfect for families and steak enthusiasts seeking comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere.

Dirty Ranch Steakhouse

Dirty Ranch Steakhouse in Herning offers a lively Western-themed dining experience, renowned for top-quality steaks, hearty portions, and a memorable cowboy atmosphere.

Brdr. Price Herning

Experience authentic French cuisine at Brdr. Price in Herning - where exceptional dining meets charming ambiance.

Café Dyrby's

Bustling café and social hotspot right on Herning’s main square, Café Dyrby’s blends Danish comfort with cosmopolitan café culture for all-day relaxation.

A Hereford Beefstouw - Lund - Herning

Savor expertly aged steaks and refined Danish culinary hospitality at A Hereford Beefstouw – Lund—a standout steakhouse destination in the heart of Central Jutland.

Charolais Kroen ApS

Charolais Kroen is Herning’s iconic inn and restaurant, loved for classic Danish cuisine, warm ambiance, and a true taste of local tradition in the city centre.

Papa's

Popular Italian restaurant in central Herning, celebrated for wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and a welcoming atmosphere ideal for relaxed group dining.

Ibolicious Kebab

Experience authentic Turkish fast food at Ibolicious Kebab in Herning – where flavor meets tradition!

Restaurant Sankt Jørgen Herning

Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Restaurant Sankt Jørgen Herning, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry in a welcoming setting.

Namaste Herning

Experience authentic Indian cuisine at Namaste Herning - where every dish tells a story.

Bryggeriet Herning

Experience Herning’s local brewing culture and Danish comfort cuisine in a lively, modern brewpub with fresh craft beer and a sociable main square setting.

Mezza

Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean in the heart of Herning at Mezza, offering vibrant mezze, grills, and cozy ambiance for an unforgettable dinner.

Fru Kristof

Discover Fru Kristof in Herning - where delicious grilled chicken meets affordable prices in a cozy atmosphere.

Bandhan Restaurant

Bandhan Restaurant serves up authentic Indian cuisine with freshly ground spices and family recipes in Herning's lively city centre, renowned for top guest ratings.

Bohème Restaurant & Vinbar

Discover Bohème Restaurant & Vinbar in Herning, where inventive Danish cuisine meets curated wines in a stylish yet welcoming downtown setting.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide to Herning

Discover Herning with Evendo, a 100% free app-based local travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Local Phrases

- HelloHej
  [hey]
- GoodbyeFarvel
  [far-vel]
- YesJa
  [ya]
- NoNej
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeVær så god
  [ver so go]
- Thank youTak
  [tahk]
- Excuse me/SorryUndskyld
  [oon-skeel]
- How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [vor-dan har do deht]
- Fine. And you?Fint. Og du?
  [feent. oh doo]
- Do you speak English?Taler du engelsk?
  [tah-ler doo eng-el-sk]
- I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [yeh for-stor ee-keh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gerne se menukortet, tak
  [yeh vil gehr-neh sey meh-noo-kor-teh tahk]
- I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kød
  [yeh spee-ser ee-keh kewd]
- Cheers!Skål!
  [skol]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gerne betale, tak
  [yeh vil gehr-neh beh-tah-leh tahk]
- Help!Hjælp!
  [hyelp]
- Go away!Gå væk!
  [goh vek]
- Call the Police!Ring til politiet!
  [ring teel poh-lee-tee-et]
- Call a doctor!Ring efter en læge!
  [ring af-ter en lay-eh]
- I'm lostJeg er fortabt
  [yeh air for-tabt]
- I'm illJeg er syg
  [yeh air soo]
- I'd like to buy...Jeg vil gerne købe...
  [yeh vil gehr-neh kew-beh]
- I'm just lookingJeg kigger bare
  [yeh kee-ger bah-reh]
- How much is it?Hvor meget koster det?
  [vor meh-eh koh-ster deht]
- That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [deht air for deer-t]
- Can you lower the price?Kan du sænke prisen?
  [kan doo sehn-keh pree-sen]
- What time is it?Hvad er klokken?
  [vah air klo-ken]
- It's one o'clockDen er et
  [dehn air et]
- Half past (10)Halv ti
  [halv tee]
- MorningMorgen
  [moh-ren]
- AfternoonEftermiddag
  [eh-ter-mee-dah]
- EveningAften
  [ahf-ten]
- YesterdayI går
  [ee gohr]
- TodayI dag
  [ee dah]
- TomorrowI morgen
  [ee moh-ren]
- 1Et
  [et]
- 2To
  [toh]
- 3Tre
  [treh]
- 4Fire
  [fee-reh]
- 5Fem
  [fem]
- 6Seks
  [seks]
- 7Syv
  [soov]
- 8Otte
  [oh-teh]
- 9Ni
  [nee]
- 10Ti
  [tee]
- Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/et...?
  [vor air en/et]
- What's the address?Hvad er adressen?
  [vah air ah-dres-sen]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise mig (på kortet)?
  [kan doo vee-seh mey (poh kohr-teh)]
- When's the next (bus)?Hvornår er næste (bus)?
  [vor-nor air nes-te (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)En billet (til ....)
  [en bee-let (teel)]

History of Herning

Herning, located in the heart of Denmark's Jutland Peninsula, has its origins rooted in the Iron Age. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was first settled by small farming communities. These early settlers took advantage of the fertile soil and abundant natural resources to establish a thriving agricultural society.
The 19th century marked a significant turning point for Herning, as it became a central hub for the Danish textile industry. The construction of railways in the 1870s facilitated the transport of raw materials and finished goods, propelling the town into an era of rapid industrial growth. Textile factories sprouted across the region, employing thousands and establishing Herning as a key player in Denmark's economic landscape.
During World War II, Herning found itself under German occupation. The town's textile factories were repurposed to support the war effort, producing uniforms and other materials for the German military. The period was marked by resistance efforts from local Danes, who sought to undermine the occupying forces through acts of sabotage and the dissemination of underground newspapers.
Following World War II, Herning experienced a period of extensive modernization and urban development. The 1950s and 60s saw the establishment of new residential areas, schools, and cultural institutions. This era also marked the decline of the textile industry, prompting the town to diversify its economic base towards services and technology.
The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a cultural renaissance in Herning. The construction of the Herning Museum of Contemporary Art (HEART) and the MCH Messecenter Herning transformed the town into a cultural and artistic hub. These institutions have hosted numerous international exhibitions, concerts, and events, drawing visitors from across the globe.
Today, Herning is a vibrant town known for its blend of historical charm and modern amenities. It continues to thrive as a center for business, culture, and sports. The town's annual events, such as the Herning International Fair and the Rock Under Broen festival, attract thousands of visitors, reinforcing Herning's status as a key destination in Denmark.

Herning Essentials

Herning is located in the heart of Denmark, in the Central Jutland region. The nearest international airport is Billund Airport, approximately 60 kilometers away. From Billund, you can take a direct bus or taxi to Herning, which usually takes around an hour. There are also train connections from Copenhagen, Aarhus, and other major cities in Denmark to Herning, making it easily accessible by rail.
Herning has an efficient public transportation system, including buses that cover the city and surrounding areas. Bicycles are also a popular and eco-friendly way to get around, with many bike rental shops available. Taxis are readily available but can be more expensive. For those who prefer driving, car rental services are available, and the roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate.
The official currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Herning, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and you can withdraw cash as needed. Mobile payment apps like MobilePay are also commonly used. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets that might not accept cards.
Herning is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, like any other city, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always good to practice standard safety precautions.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which covers police, fire, and medical emergencies. The local hospital, Herning Sygehus, provides quality medical care. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unforeseen events.
Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or visiting cultural institutions. Avoid overly casual attire in formal settings. Religion: Do respect local religious customs; Denmark is predominantly Lutheran, but it is very secular. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional Danish dishes like smørrebrød and be open to trying new foods. Don't refuse an invitation to dine, as it's considered impolite.
To experience Herning like a local, visit the Herning Center for the Arts and the Carl-Henning Pedersen & Else Alfelts Museum. Enjoy a stroll in the MCH Arena and attend a football match if you can. Try local eateries that serve traditional Danish cuisine. Engage with locals at cafes and markets; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city. Don’t miss the Herning Museum of Contemporary Art (HEART) for a unique cultural experience.

Herning: The Heart of Jutland

Local tips in Herning