Tekstilmuseet – The Textile Museum of Herning
Industrial looms, children’s factory fun and 2,000 years of cloth history in Herning’s former textile mill, where Central Jutland’s fabric story comes vividly alive.
Housed in the former Herning Cloth Factory, Tekstilmuseet in Central Jutland tells the story of how textiles shaped this region and dressed the world. In evocative factory halls filled with original looms, spinning machines and vivid exhibits like “Made in Midtjylland,” you follow the boom of the 1950s when small workshops became an industrial powerhouse. Hands‑on activities, a playful children’s factory, the ancient Hammerum Girl’s dress, plus a cozy café and shop make this an engaging stop for all ages.
A brief summary to Tekstilmuseet
- Vestergade 20, Herning, 7400, DK
- +4596261900
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Time your visit for a Wednesday or other machine days if you want to experience the big looms and spinning machines running with full sound and motion.
- Plan at least 1.5–2 hours to explore the “Made in Midtjylland” exhibition in depth and still leave time for the children’s factory and café.
- Families should bring socks or closed shoes for kids who want to move comfortably around the interactive children’s areas.
- Check current ticket concessions; children and young people often enter free, and students or seniors may receive discounted admission.
- Combine your museum stop with a stroll through central Herning to see how a former textile town has evolved into a modern design and business hub.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Local bus within Herning
From Herning town centre and the main railway station, local buses typically reach the Vestergade area in about 5–10 minutes, with short walks along level pavements at each end. A single adult ticket within the city usually costs around 20–30 DKK, and low‑floor buses offer step‑free boarding. Services run frequently during the day but may be reduced on evenings and weekends, so check the latest timetable before you set out.
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On foot from central Herning
If you are already in central Herning, Tekstilmuseet lies within roughly 10–20 minutes’ walking distance from the main shopping streets, depending on your starting point. The route follows urban sidewalks that are mostly flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though winter weather can make surfaces slippery. This is a good option if you want to combine your museum visit with exploring the compact town centre.
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Train plus short transfer
Regional trains connect Herning with cities such as Aarhus, Viborg and Holstebro, with typical journey times from about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours and standard adult fares often in the 80–160 DKK range each way, depending on distance and ticket type. From Herning Station, you can continue to Tekstilmuseet by a short bus ride or a 10–20 minute walk on city streets. Trains generally run throughout the day, but some early morning and late evening departures are less frequent.
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Taxi within Herning
Taxis are widely available at Herning Station and in the centre, and a direct ride to Tekstilmuseet usually takes around 5–10 minutes in normal traffic. Fares for such short trips are commonly in the range of 80–140 DKK depending on time of day, waiting time and exact distance. Taxis are a convenient choice if you are travelling with young children, have limited mobility or are visiting outside regular bus hours.
Tekstilmuseet location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Tekstilmuseet
Where Threads Once Roared
In the heart of Herning, Tekstilmuseet occupies the red‑brick buildings of the old Herning Cloth Factory, a place where textile machines once thundered from morning to night. As you step into the high factory halls, the polished concrete, steel beams and lines of heavy looms still feel ready for another long shift. This is not a museum built to imitate an industrial space – it is the real thing, carefully preserved so you can sense the energy that fueled Central Jutland’s textile adventure. The layout follows the original flow of production, from raw fibers to finished cloth. You pass spindles, carding machines and weaving looms, all arranged much as the workers would have known them. Interpretation panels and thoughtfully placed objects help you imagine the rhythm of work, from the first clatter of the morning start‑up to the last thread trimmed at the end of the day.Made in Midtjylland: A Region Reinvented
The core exhibition, “Made in Midtjylland,” traces how a modest rural area transformed into a textile hub with global reach. In the 1950s, small backyard workshops and basement knitwear operations multiplied, then fused into larger factories that provided livelihoods across Central Jutland. Tekstilmuseet charts that leap, showing how sewing machines on kitchen tables evolved into a full‑scale industry exporting clothes far beyond Denmark. Through photographs, film clips and personal stories from former workers and entrepreneurs, the museum reveals the social side of this growth: the long hours, the camaraderie on the factory floor, the pride of shipping garments abroad, and eventually the challenge when production moved overseas. It is a story of innovation and resilience, told at human scale through the lives behind the machines.Living Machinery and the Senses of the Factory
One of the museum’s most distinctive features is its working machinery. On selected days, volunteers who once knew these looms and spinners as everyday tools bring them to life again. The hall fills with the clack of shuttles, the whir of belts and the faint tang of oil, offering a rare multisensory glimpse into mid‑20th‑century factory conditions. Even when the machines are still, the museum uses sound, light and clever staging to evoke the atmosphere of a busy mill. Safety rails and clear walkways keep you close to the action without ever feeling overwhelmed. For many visitors, this is where the technical fascination of engineering meets the emotional pull of everyday working lives.From Hammerum Girl to Children’s Factory
Tekstilmuseet does not only focus on the high industrial decades. One highlight is the story of the Hammerum Girl and her nearly 2,000‑year‑old textile fragments, which reveal just how long people in this region have spun, woven and worn cloth. Carefully displayed garments and reconstructions show ancient techniques that echo surprising similarities to later industrial methods. Younger visitors are drawn to the playful “children’s factory,” where museum learning turns into a game of production. Here, kids can role‑play as workers, handling soft materials, moving mock goods and discovering how teamwork and timing matter when you are part of a larger process. It is a gentle introduction to labor history wrapped in fun, helping families explore complex themes together.Café, Shop and Contemporary Connections
After exploring the exhibition halls, the museum café offers a quieter corner with warm drinks, light bites and views back toward the factory buildings. It is an inviting place to pause, reflect on the stories you have just encountered and watch the pace of modern Herning outside the old industrial shell. In the museum shop, textiles return to their roots. Scarves, towels and other woven goods – many produced on the museum’s own looms – share space with books, toys and design items. This small retail space acts as a bridge between past and present, reminding you that Central Jutland’s textile know‑how is still very much alive.Part of a Larger Story of Central Jutland
Tekstilmuseet belongs to Museum Midtjylland, a network of cultural history museums that together tell the wider tale of this part of Denmark. Here, the focus is firmly on how textiles shaped Herning’s identity, from early craft traditions to industrial export success and today’s design‑driven economy. Visiting the museum offers both a compact introduction to the region and a deep dive into one defining industry. Whether you are fascinated by machinery, social history, fashion or simply the ingenuity behind everyday objects, Tekstilmuseet weaves those threads into a single, coherent narrative that lingers long after you leave.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Befrielsessten i Gullestrup
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Mindesten for Jens Vejmand
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Bølling Lake
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Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
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Statue of Michael Drewsen
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Silkeborg Water Tower
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Springvand
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Tollundmanden
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lau Tune Møller
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Fermaten
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Frilandsmuseet Herning
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Lokalhistorisk Arkiv I Herning
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A quiet local history archive where Herning’s evolution from heathland settlement to modern town is preserved in photographs, papers, and personal stories.
Nordisk Film Biografer Herning
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Modern multiplex in central Herning with comfortable screens, big-sound blockbusters and classic cinema snacks for easygoing evenings and family-friendly outings.
Herning Station
1.0 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.
Zency Herning
1.1 km
Professional, minimalist massage clinic in central Herning offering tailored therapeutic and wellness treatments in a calm, contemporary setting.
Sdr. Anlæg
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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.
P-plads, Knudmosebjerget
1.3 km
Unassuming car park, big horizons: your easy starting point for Knudmosebjerget’s hilltop views, protected wetlands and everyday escapes on Herning’s edge.
Herning Rocker
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High-energy one-day rock festival on Herning’s edge, blending big Danish acts, street-food tents and a friendly local crowd in an open-air field setting.
Knudmose
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Park
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Locked - Escape Room
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Befrielsessten i Herning
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Mindeparken
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A serene ornamental memorial park in eastern Herning, where hedge-framed garden rooms, quiet lawns and oak groves honour Second World War history.
Essential places to dine
Ibolicious Kebab
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Casual Turkish-style kebab and shawarma in homemade bread, served fast and budget-friendly on a lively central street in downtown Herning.
Singapore Kitchen Pizza & Grill
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Asian-inspired pizza and casual dining in the heart of Herning
Møllegrillen Herning
0.3 km
Central Herning’s no-nonsense grill bar for generous burgers, pizza and classic Danish fast-food favourites served quick, hot and at moderate prices.
Fru Kristof
0.3 km
Unpretentious chicken and grill bar on Herning’s Islandsvej, serving generous portions of classic Danish fast food for a quick, inexpensive daytime bite.
Coffee City Karma
0.4 km
Authentic Turkish döner and fresh Italian pizza in the heart of Herning, open late.
Lones Køkken
0.4 km
No‑frills, central Herning grill and pizza house serving big portions, fast comfort food and late‑night bites on lively Bredgade.
SushiArt Herning
0.4 km
Compact, central Herning sushi spot focused on fresh, sustainable ingredients, organic rice and convenient takeaway boxes for an easy, modern meal.
Backyard Burger
0.5 km
Flame-grilled burgers crafted with quality ingredients in a playful, swing-filled setting.
Brasseriet
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Upscale European brasserie blending seasonal ingredients, curated wines, and attentive hospitality in central Herning.
Herning Kebab House
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Fresh-made kebabs, burgers, and pizzas in central Herning with warm service and reliable quality.
Tap Del Bar
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Spanish-inspired gastrotapas, an impressive wine wall and crafted cocktails come together in a cosy, central Herning bar-restaurant made for social dining.
Restaurant Pizzeria Marco Polo
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Long‑running Italian family restaurant on Herning’s main square, serving generous pizzas, fresh pasta and hearty classics in a warm, central setting.
Brdr. Price Herning
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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.
Bryggeriet Herning
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Restaurant Sankt Jørgen Herning
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Al Hádi Inter Food
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Herning's premier international grocery store bringing authentic Middle Eastern, Asian, and Indian flavors to Denmark.
Uhrskov Vinhandel
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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.
Garnshoppen
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A cozy, color-filled yarn shop in central Herning, where Nordic fibers, patterns and personal advice inspire knitters and crocheters of every level.
botex Herning
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Specialist curtain and home-textile store on Herning’s main street, offering Scandinavian-style window solutions, bedding and rugs with personal, practical advice.
Dampkongen
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Denmark's trusted vaporizer specialist with expert guidance and secure online shopping.
Rikki Vanggaard
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Intimate Herning boutique offering curated women’s fashion, signature pieces and thoughtful styling guidance in a calm, Scandinavian-chic setting.
Design HUB
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Entrepreneur-driven design store in central Herning, showcasing emerging Danish creatives, unique objects and a collaborative spirit behind the shopfront.
Danmission Op Shop
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Normal
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BØRNEHJØRNET – Genbrugsbutik og mødested for familier for børn
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Mappstore (Herning City)
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Dalgashus
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Lambæk Guld Og Sølv ApS
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Ma-Griff
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Jydepotten A/S
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Vestre Hjørnet
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Heidi's Bier Bar
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Petit Bar
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Baren Herning
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The Old Irish Pub
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Lively Irish-style pub in central Herning, pouring pints, screening football and keeping the party going with music, quizzes and late-night bar energy.
Bart
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Herning's premier sports bar and dart venue with craft beers, creative cocktails, and lively entertainment.
Bodega Gadespejlet ApS
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Authentic Danish pub culture in Herning's heart—nearly 50 years of genuine hospitality and late-night atmosphere.
Murphy's Pub
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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.
Fox and Hounds
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Scottish pub excellence in the heart of Herning with craft beers, premium whiskeys, and genuine Danish hospitality.
Piano Herning
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Cozy, centrally located bar in Herning with warm lighting, close-up atmosphere and late-night opening hours, ideal for relaxed drinks and sociable evenings.
City-cafeen
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Unpretentious bar-café in central Herning, offering inexpensive drinks, cosy pub-style atmosphere and a relaxed, local slice of Danish værtshus culture.
Glamour Place
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Black Wolves
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min PUB
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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East End Holstebro
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B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
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Riverboat Jazz Festival
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Kedelhuset
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Der Kuhstall Mønsted
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NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
41.9 km
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Liglad Day & Nightlife
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ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
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Restaurant Latinerly
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Vejle Jazzklub
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The Last Waterhole
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temabar APS 23-05
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Tartan Pub
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Team Paderborner
60.6 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Wheelchair Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
