Herning Sculpture Park (Skulpturparken i Birk)
A free, open-air gallery in Herning’s Birk district, where contemporary sculptures are scattered through tranquil green parkland beside the monumental Elia.
Tucked into the green enclave of Birk in Herning, Herning Sculpture Park is an open-air gallery where contemporary art meets West Jutland’s gentle landscape. A winding network of paths leads you past large-scale works in stone, steel, and wood, scattered between lawns, trees, and water. The park is free, always open, and ideal for an unhurried stroll, a quiet art fix between meetings, or a longer wander combined with nearby architectural landmarks such as the Elia sculpture and HEART museum.
A brief summary to Herning skulpturpark
- Herning, 7400, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Allow at least an hour to loop slowly through the park and then continue on to the nearby Elia sculpture for a contrasting large-scale artwork and elevated views.
- Wear comfortable shoes; most paths are gravel or grass, and some sculptures sit off the main routes, best reached by short, slightly uneven side tracks.
- Visit in the early evening in late spring or summer to see the sculptures in soft, angled light and to enjoy the quieter, more contemplative atmosphere.
- Pack a simple picnic or takeaway coffee; seating is limited, but lawns and low walls around the area make informal resting spots between artworks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from central Herning
From Herning city centre, take a local city bus toward the Birk / university area; services typically run every 20–30 minutes on weekdays and slightly less often on weekends. The ride to the Birk district takes about 10–15 minutes, and you will walk a short, signposted stretch through the business and campus area to reach the park. A single adult ticket on local buses in Herning usually costs around 20–30 DKK, and low-floor buses make this option suitable for most visitors, including those with light mobility aids.
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Bicycle from Herning centre
Cycling from the central streets of Herning to the sculpture park in Birk is straightforward and typically takes 15–20 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route uses mainly paved urban roads and designated cycle paths common in Danish towns, with only gentle gradients. This option is ideal if you have access to a bike via your accommodation or a local rental service and prefer flexibility; there is informal bicycle parking in the Birk area, though no dedicated guarded bike station at the park itself.
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Taxi or rideshare within Herning
A taxi ride from central Herning to the Birk sculpture park area generally takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares within town commonly fall in the range of 120–200 DKK for this distance, with higher prices in the evening and on weekends. This is the most convenient choice if you are travelling in a small group, carrying camera equipment or visiting outside normal bus hours; drop-off is possible close to the park’s paths, although there is no formal taxi rank on-site.
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Car from the wider Herning region
Arriving by car from the wider Herning area, you can follow main approach roads toward the Birk district on the eastern side of town and aim for the business and campus zone around the sculpture park. The drive from most nearby suburbs takes 10–20 minutes. Public parking areas in and around Birk serve offices and cultural institutions; these are typically free or low-cost, but time limits and weekday occupancy can apply, so check local signs on arrival. Once parked, expect a short, level walk across mixed paved and gravel surfaces to reach the sculptures.
Herning skulpturpark location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Herning skulpturpark
A landscape where art and heathland meet
Herning Sculpture Park, set in the Birk district on the eastern edge of Herning, blurs the boundary between curated artwork and Danish parkland. Here, grassy clearings, mature trees and small water features form a natural backdrop for an evolving collection of sculptures by Danish and international artists. Instead of white gallery walls, you get open sky, shifting clouds and the famously soft light of the Jutland heath. The park stretches as a green corridor between cultural institutions and business buildings in Birk, so you move constantly between art, nature and everyday life. A quiet weekday might find you sharing the pathways with local dog walkers, students on bicycles and office workers taking a breather, all weaving around striking shapes in metal, stone, concrete and wood.An open-air gallery of materials and ideas
Sculptures here are deliberately diverse in both scale and material. Some works stand as tall landmarks, visible from a distance across lawns, while others hunker close to the ground, half-hidden among shrubs or at the edge of a pond. Polished steel reflects the sky; rough-hewn stone pieces echo the region’s glacial boulders; weathering steel and timber slowly patinate in the wind and rain. Many pieces invite you to walk around them, look through them, or see how they frame the surrounding landscape. The park’s layout encourages discovery: slightly curving paths, small side tracks and open lawns let you choose your own route and rhythm. Repeat visits reward closer attention, as you notice how certain works change character with the seasons or when seen from a new angle.Birk’s art cluster and the monumental Elia
The sculpture park is part of a broader cultural constellation in Birk, long known for its bold experiments in art and architecture. Close by, the monumental Elia sculpture by Ingvar Cronhammar rises from a grassy bowl like a dark, futuristic crater, its broad steps leading up to a viewing platform and four towering columns that occasionally emit a burst of fire into the sky. The spare, industrial aesthetic of Elia contrasts with the gentler, varied forms scattered through the park. Around the park you also find distinctive modern buildings, educational institutions and cultural venues, making Birk a compact microcosm of Herning’s commitment to contemporary art. A slow wander between sculptures, Elia, and nearby museums can easily fill half a day for art-minded visitors.A free, always-open urban escape
One of the park’s quiet strengths is its accessibility. Entry is free, and the grounds are open at all hours, allowing you to experience the works under early-morning mist, bright midday sun or long Scandinavian summer evenings. Gravel and grass paths loop through the area; while generally easy-going, some sections and side tracks can be less comfortable for wheelchairs and prams, especially in wet weather. There are no formal queues, ticket offices or barriers to negotiate—just slip into the green space and start exploring at your own pace. Benches and grassy patches invite impromptu picnics, sketching sessions or simply sitting to watch wind move through trees and shadows shift across the sculptures’ surfaces.Best seasons, light and slow time
Herning’s changeable weather shapes the park’s character. In spring and summer, foliage softens the harder edges of the works and birdsong competes with the distant hum of traffic. Autumn brings rich colours that play beautifully against rusted steel and stone; in winter, bare branches and low, pale light give the sculptures a starker, almost graphic quality. Clear, bright days are ideal for photography, but overcast weather can be just as rewarding, flattening shadows and enhancing subtle textures. A relaxed visit usually takes around an hour, but art lovers, photographers and families who combine the park with Elia and nearby institutions often linger for several hours.Who will enjoy Herning Sculpture Park
Herning Sculpture Park particularly suits travellers who appreciate contemporary art, thoughtful urban green spaces and unhurried walking. It is gentle enough for children to explore under supervision, with plenty of open space to move around without feeling constrained by museum rules. Solo travellers will find it a peaceful place to decompress, while couples may enjoy the quiet, slightly offbeat atmosphere as part of a wider cultural day in Herning. Whether you treat it as a destination in its own right or a connecting thread between Birk’s larger attractions, the park offers something simple yet valuable: free access to art in everyday surroundings, woven into the daily life of a Jutland town.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ilva
1.3 km
Experience contemporary art in a repurposed 1950s vending machine at Vejle's innovative Kunsthal Vejle.
Herning Turist
1.9 km
Experience panoramic views of Vejle's landscapes from the accessible Udsigtstårn observation tower.
Lagkagehuset
2.7 km
Experience innovative contemporary art in Vejle's historic vending machine gallery, open 24/7 with free admission.
Scandic Regina
3.0 km
Experience panoramic views of Vejle's natural beauty from the Udsigtstårn at Østengård.
Mindesten for H.Pontoppidan
3.0 km
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.
Louis Nielsen Herning
3.2 km
Experience contemporary art in a unique setting at Kunsthal Vejle, where a historic vending machine becomes a dynamic exhibition space.
Herning City Hotel
3.4 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views and serene landscapes at Udsigtstårn in Vejle, Denmark.
Befrielsessten i Gullestrup
5.3 km
A 1949 liberation stone honoring Denmark's freedom in the quiet village of Gullestrup.
Mindesten for Jens Vejmand
9.0 km
A windbreak memorial to a stoneworker whose life inspired Denmark's most beloved folk song.
Bølling Lake
22.1 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
30.2 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Silkeborg Water Tower
32.6 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
32.8 km
Discover Byparkens Legeplads, a lively playground in Roskilde’s city park, blending creative play, family-friendly amenities, and community spirit in an urban green oasis.
silkeborg
33.0 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
33.0 km
Historic main square in the center of Roskilde, surrounded by vibrant markets, cafés, and the iconic cathedral—where Danish tradition meets everyday city life.
Unmissable attractions to see
De Geometriske Haver
0.2 km
A sculptural maze of hornbeam hedges where triangles, squares and circles turn landscape architecture into a walkable geometric artwork in Herning’s Birk Centerpark.
Carl Henning Pedersen og Else Alfeldt's Museet
0.3 km
A circular, tile-clad art universe in Herning where bold architecture, CoBrA-inspired paintings and imaginative sculptures immerse you in colour and fantasy.
HEART Herning Museum Of Contemporary Art
0.3 km
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.
Elia
0.6 km
A colossal black steel dome on Herning’s edge, Elia blends industrial drama, fire, and open sky into one of Northern Europe’s most arresting contemporary sculptures.
Herning Centret
1.5 km
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.
Mindeparken
2.2 km
A serene ornamental memorial park in eastern Herning, where hedge-framed garden rooms, quiet lawns and oak groves honour Second World War history.
Herningsholm Museum
2.3 km
Sixteenth‑century manor, heathland tales and textile roots meet under one timbered roof in Herning’s oldest building.
Befrielsessten i Herning
2.3 km
Experience Elia, Herning's monumental steel sculpture with unpredictable flame bursts and panoramic views.
Locked - Escape Room
2.4 km
Experience Denmark's rural heritage at Høgdal, an open-air museum near Them showcasing traditional farm life.
Kirppu
2.5 km
Denmark's largest indoor flea market supermarket with 120+ rotating vendors and constantly refreshed inventory.
Knudmose søerne
2.6 km
A restored bog landscape where winter sports, nature trails, and waterbird habitats create diverse recreational experiences.
Zency Herning
2.9 km
Professional, minimalist massage clinic in central Herning offering tailored therapeutic and wellness treatments in a calm, contemporary setting.
Sdr. Anlæg
3.0 km
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.
Herning Station
3.1 km
Central Jutland’s compact rail and bus hub, Herning Station quietly connects a busy events town and its countryside to the rest of Denmark.
Nordisk Film Biografer Herning
3.1 km
Modern multiplex in central Herning with comfortable screens, big-sound blockbusters and classic cinema snacks for easygoing evenings and family-friendly outings.
Essential places to dine
China Café
1.7 km
Casual, budget-friendly Chinese comfort food in the heart of Herning Centret, ideal for quick lunches and relaxed family dinners between shopping stops.
Kuplen - Cafe-Restaurant-Bar
1.7 km
Light-filled café-restaurant-bar overlooking Herning’s golf greens, blending relaxed everyday meals with flexible event spaces in a calm, green-edge setting.
Sooshi Herning Centret
1.9 km
Fresh sushi crafted with passion in the heart of Herning's shopping district.
Jensens Bøfhus
1.9 km
Easygoing Danish steakhouse in Herning serving familiar steaks, ribs and comfort dishes in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings with long, convenient opening hours.
Hammerum Pizzeria
2.1 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and grill on Hammerum Hovedgade, serving affordable pizzas, kebabs and comfort food to locals and visitors in suburban Herning.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Lund - Herning
2.3 km
The original Danish Hereford steakhouse near Herning, where classic grilled beef, fine wine and Scandinavian design come together in historic Lund surroundings.
Dirty Ranch Steakhouse
2.7 km
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.
Restaurant Den Kinesiske Mur Herning
2.8 km
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.
Bandhan Restaurant
2.9 km
Cosy Indian restaurant on Østergade in central Herning, serving fragrant curries, tandoori grills and generous vegetarian dishes in a warm, relaxed setting.
Pinto Thai Take A Way
2.9 km
Compact Thai takeaway in central Herning, serving bold curries, noodles and generous portions at budget-friendly prices for quick, flavour-packed meals.
Charolais Kroen ApS
2.9 km
Open-grill steaks, hearty portions and kro-style warmth in a rustic, centrally located Herning steakhouse dating back to 1977.
Restaurant 30Februar
2.9 km
Inventive Franco-Italian dining with a subtle Asian accent, served in an intimate candlelit room in the very heart of Herning’s evening life.
Mezza
2.9 km
Cozy Lebanese meze and grill in central Herning, where deep flavors, warm hospitality and shared plates turn dinner into a lingering evening ritual.
Restaurant Ck, Herning ApS
2.9 km
Casual yet polished Danish dining on Østergade, where seasonal Nordic-inspired plates and a cozy city-center setting create an unhurried, grown-up evening out.
Ristorante Ravello ApS
2.9 km
Southern Italian countryside cooking and Amalfi Coast spirit served in a warm, modern dining room on Østergade in the heart of Herning.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
NORMAL Herning, HerningCentret
1.5 km
Central Jutland's premier shopping destination with 80+ stores, family events, and free parking.
Basic & More
1.5 km
Budget-friendly Danish homeware and everyday essentials in Herning, where ever-changing surplus finds and simple Nordic style turn shopping into a relaxed treasure hunt.
NEED • STORE
1.8 km
Contemporary streetwear and everyday fashion inside HerningCentret, offering relaxed Scandinavian style with the convenience of Jutland’s largest indoor mall.
Viktor
1.8 km
Contemporary men’s fashion inside Herning Centret, offering smart, wearable Nordic style in a convenient, fully indoor shopping environment.
BUDDY
1.8 km
Bright, family-friendly toy universe in Herning where shelves of games, figures and creative playsets make gift hunting easy for kids of all ages.
Wunderwear
1.8 km
Intimate lingerie and swimwear boutique inside Herning Centret, offering expert fittings, quality brands and discreet, personal service for women of all shapes and sizes.
Degn
1.8 km
A modern women’s fashion boutique in Herning, blending Scandinavian style and international labels for wearable outfits, from everyday essentials to polished occasion looks.
IGEN Op Shop
3.1 km
A spacious Herning charity shop where quality second-hand finds, friendly volunteers and circular shopping all support the Danish Cancer Society’s work.
Dohm ApS
3.2 km
Polished Scandinavian menswear boutique in central Herning, blending premium brands, personal service and clean design on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
Wunderwear City
3.2 km
Herning’s intimate multi‑brand lingerie boutique, blending decades of fitting expertise with modern Scandinavian style in a cosy Søndergade setting.
SEKTION 1
3.3 km
Design-led fashion boutique in the heart of Herning, blending Scandinavian style, curated collections and a calm, contemporary shopping atmosphere.
Femilet
3.3 km
Central Herning lingerie boutique offering comfortable, well-fitted Scandinavian underwear, nightwear and swimwear in a calm, personal and discreet shopping atmosphere.
Collezioni
3.3 km
Upscale women’s fashion boutique in central Herning, blending Scandinavian understatement with international luxury brands, curated outfits and design-conscious interiors.
AL-Ting
3.4 km
A cosy two-storey lifestyle boutique in Herning, where Danish design, interiors, fashion and gourmet treats come together in a warmly hygge-infused setting.
Free-wheelin` Head & Growshop
3.4 km
A compact, colourful headshop in central Herning, stocking smoking gear, glass, CBD and grow essentials with laid-back vibes and knowledgeable, no-rush advice.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
City-cafeen
2.9 km
Unpretentious bar-café in central Herning, offering inexpensive drinks, cosy pub-style atmosphere and a relaxed, local slice of Danish værtshus culture.
Piano Herning
3.0 km
Cozy, centrally located bar in Herning with warm lighting, close-up atmosphere and late-night opening hours, ideal for relaxed drinks and sociable evenings.
Fox and Hounds
3.0 km
Scottish pub excellence in the heart of Herning with craft beers, premium whiskeys, and genuine Danish hospitality.
Murphy's Pub
3.1 km
Cozy Irish-style pub in the heart of Herning, pouring good beer, hosting live music and quizzes, and blending Irish charm with Danish hygge late into the night.
Bodega Gadespejlet ApS
3.1 km
Authentic Danish pub culture in Herning's heart—nearly 50 years of genuine hospitality and late-night atmosphere.
Bart
3.1 km
Herning's premier sports bar and dart venue with craft beers, creative cocktails, and lively entertainment.
The Old Irish Pub
3.1 km
Lively Irish-style pub in central Herning, pouring pints, screening football and keeping the party going with music, quizzes and late-night bar energy.
Baren Herning
3.1 km
Casual late-night bar on Østergade with upbeat music, affordable drinks and a friendly local crowd, ideal for relaxed nights out in central Herning.
Petit Bar
3.5 km
Compact, old-school neighborhood bar in central Herning with inexpensive drinks, smoky charm, music-fueled evenings and a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe.
Heidi's Bier Bar
3.6 km
High-energy Alpine-style beer hall in central Herning, mixing Tyrolean décor, towering beers, party games, and club-level nightlife for big, social nights out.
Vestre Hjørnet
3.8 km
Classic Danish bodega on a Herning street corner, where morning coffee blends into late-night beers and local conversation fills a worn but welcoming room.
min PUB
4.0 km
A cozy, basement-style neighborhood bar tucked into Herning’s Industriparken, serving straightforward beers and friendly conversation away from the city-center nightlife.
Don Quijote
4.1 km
Authentic local bar where Herning's working-class community gathers for affordable drinks and genuine connection.
Horse Power MC
4.9 km
Straight-talking biker clubhouse bar in Herning, where rock music, cold beers and local MC culture come together in a compact, characterful hangout.
Black Wolves
5.1 km
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Mindegade5
3.2 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
32.5 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
33.1 km
Scandinavia’s celebrated Riverboat Jazz Festival: riverside concerts, boat gigs, and open-air revelry set against Silkeborg’s scenic lakes and vibrant summer spirit.
Kedelhuset
33.1 km
Kedelhuset: Silkeborg’s buzzing live music and culture venue, blending industrial heritage with creative energy in the lively riverside Papirfabrikken district.
East End Holstebro
35.5 km
High-energy disco club in central Holstebro, where DJs, flashing lights, and a packed dance floor keep the party going into the early morning hours.
Der Kuhstall Mønsted
36.2 km
Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
41.6 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
42.2 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
42.4 km
Lively, affordable bar at Viborg’s historic center—Terminalen offers all-day drinks, local vibes, and Danish hygge for city explorers and socializers.
Restaurant Latinerly
42.5 km
A vibrant culinary and nightlife landmark in Viborg, Restaurant Latinerly blends Nordic dining, creative cocktails, and festive energy in a historic setting.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
43.7 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
Vejle Jazzklub
50.1 km
Experience the soulful rhythms of jazz in the heart of Bredsten at Vejle Jazzklub.
The Last Waterhole
56.0 km
A beloved Vejle pub promising lively nights, affordable drinks, live music, and authentic Danish camaraderie just steps from the city’s vibrant heart.
Team Paderborner
56.6 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
temabar APS 23-05
56.8 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
