Jens Vejmand Monument
A windbreak memorial to a stoneworker whose life inspired Denmark's most beloved folk song.
A modest roadside memorial honoring Jens Vejmand, a 19th-century stoneworker whose humble life inspired one of Denmark's most beloved folk songs. Located on Sindingvej north of Tjørring, the monument takes the form of a windbreak—the very shelter behind which Jens labored, breaking stones for road construction. The site serves as both a rest stop and a poignant tribute to working-class resilience, drawing visitors interested in Danish cultural heritage and literary history.
A brief summary to Mindesten for Jens Vejmand
- Sindingvej, Herning, 7400, DK
- +4596272222
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during mild weather to fully appreciate the outdoor setting and the surrounding landscape that inspired Aakjær's poetry.
- Listen to recordings of 'Jens Vejmand' before or after your visit to deepen your understanding of the cultural significance and emotional resonance of the site.
- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Tjørring churchyard to see Jens's original wooden grave marker, which is still preserved there.
- The site functions as a rest stop on the Herning-Holstebro route, making it ideal for a brief pause during a road trip through Jutland.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Herning
Drive north from Herning toward Holstebro on Route 16 (Holstebrovej). The monument is located on Sindingvej, approximately 12 kilometers north of Herning city center, near the village of Tjørring. Travel time is approximately 15–20 minutes. There is a small roadside parking area adjacent to the monument. No entrance fee is required.
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Bicycle from Tjørring
From Tjørring village center, cycle north on Sindingvej for approximately 2 kilometers. The route follows quiet country roads with moderate terrain. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes. The monument has a small rest area suitable for cyclists. This is a pleasant option during fair weather months (May–September).
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Bus from Herning
Local bus services operate between Herning and surrounding villages, though frequency is limited. Journey time from Herning city center is approximately 25–35 minutes depending on route and stops. Confirm current schedules with local transit operators, as services may vary seasonally. The monument is accessible from the nearest bus stop on Sindingvej.
Mindesten for Jens Vejmand location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Mindesten for Jens Vejmand
The Man Behind the Monument
Jens Vejmand—whose name translates to "Jens the Road Worker"—was a stoneworker who spent his entire adult life at this roadside location, breaking stones into small pieces for road construction. Despite physical hardships including disability, poor eyesight, and limited mobility, he labored here day after day, through summer heat and winter cold, earning a meager living. He worked at this spot until his death in 1901, and was buried in the nearby Tjørring churchyard with only a decayed wooden marker—the family could not afford a proper tombstone.Literary Inspiration and National Song
In May 1901, Danish writer and poet Jeppe Aakjær encountered Jens at this very location and recorded the meeting in his account book: "The stonebeater, Tjørring, 25 øre." Years later, moved by Jens's story of hardship and dignity, Aakjær wrote a poem titled "Hvem sidder der bag skærmen" ("Who Sits Behind the Windbreak"), which became universally known as "Jens Vejmand." The song captures the pathos of a working man whose life was defined by stones—both the ones he broke and the absence of one marking his grave. In 1907, composer Carl Nielsen set the poem to music, transforming it into a Danish national treasure. Today, the song remains one of Denmark's most cherished folk melodies, taught in schools and sung by generations of Danes.The Monument as Windbreak
The memorial itself is constructed as a functional windbreak—a direct reference to the shelter behind which Jens worked. This architectural choice transforms the monument from mere commemoration into a living echo of his daily reality. The windbreak design serves both practical and symbolic purposes: it protects visitors at the roadside rest stop while simultaneously embodying the very conditions under which Jens labored. The simplicity of the structure reflects the modest, unpretentious life it honors.A Roadside Rest Stop with Historical Depth
Situated along the highway between Herning and Holstebro on Sindingvej, the monument functions as a practical stopping point for travelers. The rest area allows visitors to pause, reflect, and contemplate the intersection of labor, art, and social history. The lush surrounding landscape contrasts with the austere nature of Jens's work, inviting contemplation of how beauty and hardship coexist in human experience. The location remains largely unchanged from Jens's era, preserving the sense of place that inspired Aakjær's enduring tribute.Cultural Significance in Danish Heritage
The monument stands as a testament to Danish cultural values: respect for working people, appreciation for artistic expression rooted in lived experience, and the power of storytelling to preserve human dignity. Jens Vejmand's story transcends his individual life to represent countless laborers whose contributions built the infrastructure of modern society. The song bearing his name has become a vehicle for remembering not just one man, but an entire class of workers whose names are otherwise forgotten by history. The monument ensures that his story—and by extension, theirs—endures.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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