Elia: Denmark’s Colossal Modern Sculpture in the Heart of Herning
Elia is a monumental contemporary sculpture in Herning, combining industrial grandeur with avant-garde artistry, famed for its dramatic flame and unique scale.
Elia is an awe-inspiring monumental sculpture by Ingvar Cronhammar, located in Herning’s Birk district. This vast steel dome, rising from an open parkland, merges industrial ambition with artistic vision. Its smoking spire, four walkways, and the mysterious 'Thunder Tube' invite contemplation and make Elia a unique, must-visit landmark—at once futuristic and deeply rooted in Danish culture.
A brief summary to Tekstilmuseet
- Vestergade 20, Herning, 7400, DK
- +4596261900
- Visit website
- 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
- Bring a camera—Elia’s dramatic lightning flame erupts without warning, making for spectacular photos if you catch it.
- The site is always open and free to wander, but evenings offer especially atmospheric lighting during the flame event.
- Wear sturdy shoes if planning to ascend the sculpture; the climb involves multiple broad concrete steps.
- Wheelchair users and strollers can access the parkland but not the sculpture summit itself.
- Elia is part of a creative district with museums and smaller outdoor artworks—consider a wider exploration of Birk's cultural offers.
Getting There
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Walking
Elia can be reached on foot from Herning’s city center in around 40 minutes. Travelers will notice the transition from the bustling heart to Birk’s modernist campus district, passing notable landmarks like the Herning Art Museum. The final stretch brings you into open parkland where Elia’s silhouette dominates the horizon, making it easy to orient yourself. The route is mostly flat and accessible, though suitable footwear is advised for the sculpture's approach.
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Public Transport
Frequent local buses travel from Herning Station towards the Birk district. It’s an 8–12 minute ride, typically costing DKK 22 for a single adult ticket. Disembark at one of the stops near Birk Centerpark; from there, Elia is visible and less than a 10-minute walk across landscaped grounds, with art installations lining the approach.
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Taxi
A taxi from Herning’s central areas provides the quickest access, usually taking under 10 minutes. Expect to pay in the DKK 100–140 range, depending on time of day and traffic. Taxis can drop you directly in the Birk Centerpark area, from which Elia is clearly visible across the park’s open lawns.
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Driving
For those arriving by car, ample public parking is available close to Birk Centerpark, usually offered free of charge. No tolls or special permissions are required for this district. The parking is set within walking distance to Elia, making the final approach across landscaped parkland both straightforward and scenic.
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