Elia – Denmark’s Colossal Skyward Sculpture
Experience the monumental power and modern mystery of Elia, Denmark’s largest outdoor sculpture, fusing steel, fire, and artistic vision near Herning.
Elia is an awe-inspiring, monumental contemporary sculpture near Herning, Denmark, created by renowned artist Ingvar Cronhammar. Towering 32 meters in diameter with a height of 11 meters, this immense steel dome dominates the landscape at the Birk Centerpark. Its striking silhouette and sporadic bursts of flame offer a modern meditation on humanity's relationship with technology, nature, and energy, making it both a dramatic visual landmark and a profound cultural symbol.
A brief summary to Ytteborgs kartoffelmark
- 2237+HM, Herning, DK
Local tips
- Bring a camera—Elia’s scale and the unpredictable fire jet create excellent photo opportunities, especially at dusk or early morning.
- Check weather conditions—wind and rain can intensify the sculpture’s atmosphere, but sturdy shoes are recommended as the walkways can be slippery.
- No facilities on-site—bring water or snacks if you plan to linger, as benches and shelters are minimal in the immediate area.
- The sculpture’s flame shoots unpredictably, usually every couple of hours, so plan for a leisurely visit if you want to see the spectacle.
- Combine with a visit to the surrounding Birk art and sculpture park, which features several other intriguing contemporary artworks.
Getting There
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Walking
Starting from Herning’s central pedestrian zone, head toward the modern campus and cultural complex of Birk Centerpark visible to the east, marked by museums and striking contemporary buildings. The walk is roughly 35–45 minutes across a mix of urban streets and landscaped green spaces. Elia’s sculptural silhouette will rise ahead, making for an easy visual target. The route is mostly flat, and suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists.
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Public Transport
From Herning station or main bus hubs, frequent local buses serve the Birk Centerpark district, popular among students and art lovers. The journey takes under 15 minutes, with single fares typically 24–30 DKK. Once in Birk, recognizable modern art landmarks and university buildings orient you easily toward Elia, which dominates the open space nearby. Expect short walks (5–10 minutes) from most bus stops.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from the city center to Elia is a short journey, usually 8-12 minutes depending on traffic. Typical fares are in the 90–120 DKK range. Taxis drop visitors at Birk Centerpark’s main entrance, from which Elia’s dome is clearly visible across the campus lawns.
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Driving & Parking
If driving, follow local signage for Birk Centerpark, known for its public art installations. Parking is available close to the sculpture, usually free of charge. Spaces may be limited during university hours or local events, so early arrival is recommended for convenience.
Discover more about Ytteborgs kartoffelmark
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Herning Turist
13.5 km
Experience panoramic views of Vejle's landscapes from the accessible Udsigtstårn observation tower.
Mindesten for H.Pontoppidan
14.2 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.
Lagkagehuset
14.4 km
Experience innovative contemporary art in Vejle's historic vending machine gallery, open 24/7 with free admission.
Ilva
14.5 km
Experience contemporary art in a repurposed 1950s vending machine at Vejle's innovative Kunsthal Vejle.
Scandic Regina
14.5 km
Experience panoramic views of Vejle's natural beauty from the Udsigtstårn at Østengård.
Louis Nielsen Herning
14.9 km
Experience contemporary art in a unique setting at Kunsthal Vejle, where a historic vending machine becomes a dynamic exhibition space.
Herning City Hotel
15.0 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views and serene landscapes at Udsigtstårn in Vejle, Denmark.
Befrielsessten i Gullestrup
18.6 km
A 1949 liberation stone honoring Denmark's freedom in the quiet village of Gullestrup.
Mindesten for Jens Vejmand
20.5 km
A windbreak memorial to a stoneworker whose life inspired Denmark's most beloved folk song.
Bølling Lake
29.4 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
34.7 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Kongernes Jelling
37.3 km
UNESCO-designated Kongernes Jelling unites Viking mounds, rune stones, and a modern museum, tracing Denmark’s earliest kings and the nation’s Christian roots.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
37.4 km
Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
37.7 km
Roskilde’s historic main square blends medieval roots with lively markets and café culture, making it an essential stop in the heart of town.
Silkeborg Water Tower
37.8 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Unmissable attractions to see
Naturcenter Harrild Heath
9.9 km
Historic watermill, wide open heath and clear river meet at Naturcenter Harrild Heath, a calm Central Jutland base for trails, learning and big‑sky nature.
Deep Forest Art Land
11.4 km
An enchanting West Jutland forest turned open-air gallery, where more than 80 contemporary artworks hide among trees, streams and winding paths.
Knudmose søerne
11.8 km
A restored bog landscape where winter sports, nature trails, and waterbird habitats create diverse recreational experiences.
MCH Messecenter Herning
13.6 km
Scandinavia’s powerhouse for fairs, shows, sport and concerts, where Herning’s quiet heathland becomes a buzzing city of events and experiences.
Knudmose
13.7 km
Former bog turned green playground on Herning’s edge, where a man-made hill, dog forest and winding trails offer easy everyday escapes into light, air and open space.
Elia
13.7 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.
P-plads, Knudmosebjerget
13.8 km
Unassuming car park, big horizons: your easy starting point for Knudmosebjerget’s hilltop views, protected wetlands and everyday escapes on Herning’s edge.
De Geometriske Haver
14.1 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.
Locked - Escape Room
14.1 km
Experience Denmark's rural heritage at Høgdal, an open-air museum near Them showcasing traditional farm life.
HEART Herning Museum Of Contemporary Art
14.3 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.
Sdr. Anlæg
14.3 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 skulpturpark
14.3 km
A free, open-air gallery in Herning’s Birk district, where contemporary sculptures are scattered through tranquil green parkland beside the monumental Elia.
Carl Henning Pedersen og Else Alfeldt's Museet
14.4 km
A circular, tile-clad art universe in Herning where bold architecture, CoBrA-inspired paintings and imaginative sculptures immerse you in colour and fantasy.
Frilandsmuseet Herning
14.6 km
Step from central Herning straight into a thatched 1800s village, where open‑air farmsteads, soundscapes and intimate exhibits bring Jutland’s heathland past to life.
Lokalhistorisk Arkiv I Herning
14.6 km
A quiet local history archive where Herning’s evolution from heathland settlement to modern town is preserved in photographs, papers, and personal stories.
Essential places to dine
A Hereford Beefstouw, BOXEN
13.3 km
Classic Danish steakhouse craftsmanship brought inside Jyske Bank Boxen, serving serious steaks, wine and design-led ambience right where Herning’s big events unfold.
Charolais Kroen ApS
14.6 km
Open-grill steaks, hearty portions and kro-style warmth in a rustic, centrally located Herning steakhouse dating back to 1977.
På Farten
14.6 km
Hurtigt, mættende pizzaria- og kebabstop lige ved Herning Banegård – et uformelt knudepunkt for rejsende, pendlere og lokale på farten fra formiddag til sen aften.
Restaurant Jin
14.6 km
Relaxed Chinese buffet and sushi spot opposite Herning station, offering Mongolian barbecue, family‑friendly comfort food and easygoing, central dining.
China Café
14.7 km
Casual, budget-friendly Chinese comfort food in the heart of Herning Centret, ideal for quick lunches and relaxed family dinners between shopping stops.
Jensens Bøfhus
14.7 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
14.7 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and grill on Hammerum Hovedgade, serving affordable pizzas, kebabs and comfort food to locals and visitors in suburban Herning.
Sooshi Herning Centret
14.7 km
Fresh sushi crafted with passion in the heart of Herning's shopping district.
Dirty Ranch Steakhouse
14.7 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
14.7 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.
Mezza
14.7 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 Flammen
14.8 km
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.
Bandhan Restaurant
14.8 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
14.8 km
Compact Thai takeaway in central Herning, serving bold curries, noodles and generous portions at budget-friendly prices for quick, flavour-packed meals.
Restaurant 30Februar
14.8 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Baldur´s Archery APS
9.2 km
Denmark's premier archery specialist with expert guidance, premium equipment, and three decades of bowhunting expertise.
Viktor
14.7 km
Contemporary men’s fashion inside Herning Centret, offering smart, wearable Nordic style in a convenient, fully indoor shopping environment.
BUDDY
14.7 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.
Degn
14.7 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.
NEED • STORE
14.7 km
Contemporary streetwear and everyday fashion inside HerningCentret, offering relaxed Scandinavian style with the convenience of Jutland’s largest indoor mall.
Wunderwear
14.7 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.
Basic & More
14.7 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.
NORMAL Herning, HerningCentret
14.7 km
Central Jutland's premier shopping destination with 80+ stores, family events, and free parking.
Pillayar Stores
14.8 km
Authentic Asian groceries and specialty provisions in the heart of Herning.
Dalgashus
14.9 km
Compact city‑centre arcade in Herning, combining everyday services, small shops and sheltered walkways in a convenient, low‑key shopping passage.
Dohm ApS
14.9 km
Polished Scandinavian menswear boutique in central Herning, blending premium brands, personal service and clean design on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
Wunderwear City
14.9 km
Herning’s intimate multi‑brand lingerie boutique, blending decades of fitting expertise with modern Scandinavian style in a cosy Søndergade setting.
Antik og design Compagniet
14.9 km
Warehouse of Scandinavian design heritage and vintage furniture treasures in rural Jutland.
Ma-Griff
14.9 km
Smart, distinctive women's fashion on Herning's vibrant pedestrian shopping street.
AL-Ting
14.9 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hosekræmmeren
9.9 km
Brande's beloved pub where tradition meets lively social atmosphere in the heart of town.
min PUB
12.1 km
A cozy, basement-style neighborhood bar tucked into Herning’s Industriparken, serving straightforward beers and friendly conversation away from the city-center nightlife.
Black Wolves
13.1 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.
City-cafeen
14.7 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
14.8 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.
Murphy's Pub
14.8 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
14.8 km
Authentic Danish pub culture in Herning's heart—nearly 50 years of genuine hospitality and late-night atmosphere.
The Old Irish Pub
14.8 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.
Fox and Hounds
14.9 km
Scottish pub excellence in the heart of Herning with craft beers, premium whiskeys, and genuine Danish hospitality.
Bart
14.9 km
Herning's premier sports bar and dart venue with craft beers, creative cocktails, and lively entertainment.
Baren Herning
14.9 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
14.9 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
15.0 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
15.0 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.
Don Quijote
15.1 km
Authentic local bar where Herning's working-class community gathers for affordable drinks and genuine connection.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Mindegade5
14.8 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
28.0 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.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
32.5 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
37.7 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
38.5 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
38.5 km
Kedelhuset: Silkeborg’s buzzing live music and culture venue, blending industrial heritage with creative energy in the lively riverside Papirfabrikken district.
temabar APS 23-05
46.3 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
Tartan Pub
46.3 km
A Scottish-inspired pub in the heart of Vejle, offering a vibrant mix of dance nights, craft brews, and cozy atmosphere perfect for locals and travelers alike.
East End Holstebro
46.3 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
50.2 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.
NOX Network Ltd.
50.6 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
52.1 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Scandic Opus Horsens
53.5 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
PDD
53.7 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Klodshans Horsens ApS
53.9 km
Discover live music, local art, and Danish hygge at Klodshans Horsens—a cozy harbor-side bar at the heart of the city's nightlife and cultural scene.
