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Elia: Herning's Monumental Flame-Breathing Sculpture

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

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Elia is a colossal steel sculpture in Herning, Denmark, designed by Ingvar Cronhammar. This 60-meter diameter dome, topped with four towering columns, occasionally emits an 8.4-meter flame, symbolizing the fusion of art and technology.

A brief summary to Mindeparken

  • Parkvej, Herning, 7400, DK
  • 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

  • Visit during different times of the day to see how lighting affects the sculpture's appearance.
  • Climb the staircases for a panoramic view of Herning and the surrounding area.
  • Be aware that the flame eruptions are random and occur approximately once every 18 days.
  • Check local event calendars for guided tours or special events at Elia.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the climb to the viewing platforms involves several steps.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Herning's central square, head towards the Birk Centerpark area, passing through the city's eastern districts. The walk is approximately 3 kilometers and takes about 30–40 minutes. Along the way, you'll pass by local shops and residential areas before reaching the open fields where Elia is prominently visible.

  • Public Transport

    Buses from Herning's central bus station run directly to Birk Centerpark. The journey takes about 10–15 minutes, with tickets costing around 20 DKK. Disembark at the 'Birk Centerpark' stop, from where Elia is a short walk away, clearly signposted.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from Herning's city center to Elia typically take 10–15 minutes, with fares ranging from 100 to 150 DKK, depending on traffic conditions.

  • Driving

    Driving from Herning's city center to Elia involves heading towards the Birk Centerpark area. The drive takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Parking is available near the sculpture, with no tolls applicable for this route.

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Discover more about Mindeparken

Elia stands as a testament to modern art and engineering in Herning, Denmark. Conceived by artist Ingvar Cronhammar and inaugurated in 2001, this monumental sculpture is a hemispherical steel dome measuring 60 meters in diameter. Rising from the dome are four imposing columns, each reaching 32 meters into the sky, capped with red domes that are illuminated from below. At the heart of Elia lies a gas burner, which unpredictably shoots a flame 8.4 meters high, approximately once every 18 days, creating a dramatic spectacle that embodies the fusion of art and technology. The sculpture is also designed to attract lightning, producing resonant sound effects within its 33,000 cubic meter interior space. Visitors can ascend the wide staircases integrated into the dome, leading to platforms that offer panoramic views of Herning and the surrounding landscape. Elia's presence has become an iconic symbol of the city's commitment to contemporary art and innovation.

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