Herning: The Heart of Jutland

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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

P-plads, Knudmosebjerget

Herning's highest point with panoramic moorland views and eight scenic walking routes through a protected conservation area.

Mindesten for Jens Vejmand

A windbreak memorial to a stoneworker whose life inspired Denmark's most beloved folk song.

Befrielsessten i Herning

A solemn outdoor memorial honoring Denmark's fallen, open always for quiet reflection.

Befrielsessten i Gullestrup

A 1949 liberation stone honoring Denmark's freedom in the quiet village of Gullestrup.

Kampestensbroen ved Ørre

A historic stone bridge marking the transformed course of Sunds Nørreå in Denmark's rural heartland.

Mindesten for H.Pontoppidan

A quiet memorial stone in Herning’s Sdr. Anlæg, honouring H. Pontoppidan and the ambitious transformation of Jutland’s once-harsh heath and bog landscapes.

Unmissable attractions to see

LEGOLAND® Billund Resort

The original LEGO theme park where Miniland models, themed coasters and colourful hotels turn Billund into a full-scale world built for imaginative family adventures.

MCH Messecenter Herning

Scandinavia’s powerhouse for fairs, shows, sport and concerts, where Herning’s quiet heathland becomes a buzzing city of events and experiences.

Herning Centret

Central Jutland’s largest covered mall, blending 80+ shops, eateries and family facilities with free parking and all-weather comfort on the edge of Herning.

Jyllands Park Zoo

Family-focused countryside zoo near Herning, blending close-up animal encounters with big playgrounds, tivoli rides and wide green spaces for a relaxed full-day outing.

Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church

Viking mounds, royal runestones and a whitewashed church mark the moment Denmark emerged as a unified Christian kingdom in the quiet town of Jelling.

Nordisk Film Biografer Herning

Modern multiplex in central Herning with comfortable screens, big-sound blockbusters and classic cinema snacks for easygoing evenings and family-friendly outings.

Baboon City

Huge indoor amusement hall in Herning where trampolines, bumper cars, mini golf and classic arcade games turn a rainy Danish day into hours of high-energy family fun.

Deep Forest Art Land

A whimsical West Jutland forest where contemporary art, playful installations and quiet nature trails weave together into one long, surprising woodland gallery.

Kirppu

Denmark's largest indoor flea market supermarket with 120+ rotating vendors and constantly refreshed inventory.

Fermaten

Purpose-built regional music venue bringing rock, jazz, indie, pop and more to an intimate, modern concert hall in the center of Herning.

Elia

A colossal steel hemisphere on the Herning plain where industrial design, random bursts of fire and wide Jutland skies turn contemporary sculpture into a full-body experience.

HEART Herning Museum Of Contemporary Art

Textile history, radical art and sculptural architecture meet in Steven Holl’s luminous museum, home to world-class conceptual works and a serene Danish sculpture park.

Løvbakke Naturcenter

Family-friendly nature hub north of Herning, where fallow deer, forest trails, playgrounds and fire pits turn a simple woodland into an easy all-day escape.

Locked - Escape Room

Cinematic escape rooms with clever puzzles, mood-lifting tension and team-driven challenges in a central Herning warehouse-style setting.

Sdr. Anlæg

A historic green pocket in central Herning, where tall trees, storybook carvings and a nature playground link city streets with the wild paths of Knudmosen.

Essential places to dine

Bone's Herning

Hearty American-style BBQ, salad and soft-ice bar in a cosy, family-focused restaurant on Østergade in the heart of Herning.

Restaurant Flammen

All‑you‑can‑eat Danish grill buffet with at least 15 cuts of meat, a generous salad bar and a cosy, family‑friendly atmosphere in central Herning.

China Café

Casual, budget-friendly Chinese comfort food in the heart of Herning Centret, ideal for quick lunches and relaxed family dinners between shopping stops.

Restaurant Den Kinesiske Mur Herning

Lively Chinese buffet and running sushi in central Herning, blending Mongolian grill, classic dishes and a playful conveyor-belt sushi experience under warm red décor.

Dirty Ranch Steakhouse

Hearty steaks, schnitzel nights and a rustic Western vibe make Dirty Ranch Steakhouse Herning a lively choice for meat‑lovers and social, group‑friendly evenings.

Jensens Bøfhus

Easygoing Danish steakhouse in Herning serving familiar steaks, ribs and comfort dishes in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings with long, convenient opening hours.

Backyard Burger

Flame-grilled burgers crafted with quality ingredients in a playful, swing-filled setting.

Karma Herning

Generous portions, friendly service, and cozy vibes in Herning's bustling pedestrian quarter.

Brdr. Price Herning

Danish–French brasserie classics and warm, high-ceilinged charm in a former bank building on Herning’s main square, ideal for both leisurely lunches and festive dinners.

Café Dyrby's

Family-run café-restaurant on Herning’s main square, serving generous brunches, classic comfort dishes and coffee in a warm, lived-in setting.

Møllegrillen Herning

Central Herning’s no-nonsense grill bar for generous burgers, pizza and classic Danish fast-food favourites served quick, hot and at moderate prices.

Café Fry Østergade ApS

Lively all‑day café on Herning’s pedestrian street, serving generous, good‑value comfort food from brunch to burgers in a relaxed, central setting.

Restaurant Pizzeria Marco Polo

Long‑running Italian family restaurant on Herning’s main square, serving generous pizzas, fresh pasta and hearty classics in a warm, central setting.

A Hereford Beefstouw - Lund - Herning

The original Danish Hereford steakhouse near Herning, where classic grilled beef, fine wine and Scandinavian design come together in historic Lund surroundings.

Charolais Kroen ApS

Open-grill steaks, hearty portions and kro-style warmth in a rustic, centrally located Herning steakhouse dating back to 1977.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Uhrskov Vinhandel

Fourth‑generation family wine shop in the heart of Herning, blending historic charm with a wide, well‑curated selection of wines, spirits, beers and gourmet gifts.

Al Hádi Inter Food

Herning's premier international grocery store bringing authentic Middle Eastern, Asian, and Indian flavors to Denmark.

Ilva

Scandinavian design and quality furniture for every room, from sofas to dining sets and home accessories.

Normal

A bright, budget-friendly Danish variety store on Herning’s main street, packed with everyday essentials, quirky finds and travel-ready supplies at fixed low prices.

Free-wheelin` Head & Growshop

A compact, colourful headshop in central Herning, stocking smoking gear, glass, CBD and grow essentials with laid-back vibes and knowledgeable, no-rush advice.

IGEN Op Shop

A spacious Herning charity shop where quality second-hand finds, friendly volunteers and circular shopping all support the Danish Cancer Society’s work.

Dampkongen

Denmark's trusted vaporizer specialist with expert guidance and secure online shopping.

M.C. Mortensen, Officiel forhandler af Rolex

Herning’s century-old Rolex and fine watch boutique, blending family-run goldsmith tradition with a sleek, modern showroom on bustling Bredgade.

Danmission Op Shop

Charitable thrift store where secondhand shopping funds global humanitarian work and environmental sustainability.

Tea & Coffee Gallery

A cosy Herning specialty shop where freshly roasted coffee, fragrant teas and gourmet chocolates turn everyday sipping into a small Scandinavian ritual.

BØRNEHJØRNET – Genbrugsbutik og mødested for familier for børn

Small, friendly and purpose-driven, BØRNEHJØRNET in Herning is a cosy second-hand shop for children and a welcoming community nook for local families.

NORMAL Herning, HerningCentret

Central Jutland's premier shopping destination with 80+ stores, family events, and free parking.

Louis Nielsen Herning

Expert eyewear and professional vision care in Herning's vibrant city center.

BUDDY

Bright, family-friendly toy universe in Herning where shelves of games, figures and creative playsets make gift hunting easy for kids of all ages.

Dalgashus

Compact city‑centre arcade in Herning, combining everyday services, small shops and sheltered walkways in a convenient, low‑key shopping passage.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Dirty Ranch Steakhouse

A vibrant steakhouse in Herning serving up Texan-inspired steaks, American classics, and Wild West flair in an atmospheric, lively, and family-friendly setting.

The Old Irish Pub

Lively Irish-style pub in central Herning, pouring pints, screening football and keeping the party going with music, quizzes and late-night bar energy.

Bryggeriet Herning

Longstanding brewery and restaurant at Herning’s main square, offering craft beers, hearty Danish food, and a lively atmosphere at the city’s vibrant heart.

Piano Herning

Cozy, centrally located bar in Herning with warm lighting, close-up atmosphere and late-night opening hours, ideal for relaxed drinks and sociable evenings.

Bohème Restaurant & Vinbar

Herning’s stylish hub for wine lovers, Bohème Restaurant & Vinbar pairs curated bottles and creative Nordic cuisine in a sociable, intimate setting.

Bart

Herning's premier sports bar and dart venue with craft beers, creative cocktails, and lively entertainment.

Black Wolves

Lively Herning sports bar where FC Midtjylland fan culture, big screens and easygoing Danish bar life come together just a short hop from MCH Arena.

Tap Del Bar

A stylish fusion of Danish coziness and Spanish tapas culture, Tap Del Bar offers vibrant dining and sociable evenings in the heart of Herning.

min PUB

A cozy, basement-style neighborhood bar tucked into Herning’s Industriparken, serving straightforward beers and friendly conversation away from the city-center nightlife.

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