Horsens Holder Street Festival
A lively street festival that turns Horsens’ central Søndergade into a relaxed urban playground of music, food, stalls and community life for all ages.
Horsens Holder is a lively street festival transforming Søndergade, Horsens’ broad pedestrian boulevard, into a day-long playground of music, food, stalls and community activities. Centered in the heart of the city, the event turns the shopping street into an open-air venue with stages, family-friendly entertainment and local businesses spilling out onto the pavement, creating a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that celebrates Horsens’ urban life and creative energy.
A brief summary to Horsens Holder
- Søndergade, Horsens, 8700, DK
- +4576290000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 5 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Aim for earlier in the day if you are visiting with children or prefer a calmer atmosphere, and later in the afternoon or evening if you want livelier crowds and music.
- Wear layered clothing and bring a light waterproof jacket; the festival is outdoors and Danish coastal weather can shift quickly even in summer.
- Bring a small reusable bag and maybe a foldable cup or bottle so you can sample food, drinks and small purchases without generating extra waste.
- If you have mobility needs, take advantage of the wide, level pedestrian street and use nearby cafés or hotels for rest breaks and accessible facilities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Train and on-foot
From Horsens Station, frequent regional trains connect with major Danish cities such as Aarhus and Vejle, with journey times typically between 20 and 45 minutes and standard adult one-way fares usually in the 60–120 DKK range depending on distance and ticket type. From the station it is an easy urban walk of around 10–15 minutes along level sidewalks to Søndergade, suitable for most mobility levels and usable year-round except in severe winter conditions.
-
Local bus within Horsens
City buses in Horsens run regular routes that stop near the central shopping area around Søndergade, with typical travel times of 5–20 minutes from residential districts depending on traffic and route. Single tickets are generally in the 20–30 DKK range and can usually be bought on board or via local ticket apps. Buses are low-floor on most lines, but be aware that frequency can drop in evenings and on weekends, so check departure times to avoid longer waits after the festival program finishes.
-
Car or taxi to Horsens center
Arriving by car from nearby towns typically takes 20–40 minutes on regional roads, depending on where you start. Public parking areas are available within walking distance of Søndergade, often with time limits or hourly fees in the 10–20 DKK per hour range; during festival days spaces near the center can fill quickly, so allow extra time to find a spot slightly further out. Taxis from suburbs or nearby villages usually cost in the 120–250 DKK range each way and can be a good option in the evening when bus services are less frequent.
Horsens Holder location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Windy Conditions
-
Hot Weather
-
Cold Weather
Discover more about Horsens Holder
Festival Spirit on Horsens’ Main Street
Horsens Holder is a city-wide celebration that quite literally takes over Søndergade, Horsens’ central pedestrian artery. For one day, the usual rhythm of shopping and commuting is replaced by music drifting between the buildings, stalls lining the cobbles and a friendly buzz that stretches along Denmark’s famously broad high street. The festival turns this everyday urban corridor into a communal living room where locals and visitors mingle in the open air. Because it unfolds right in the middle of town, the surroundings are as much a part of the experience as the program itself. Historic facades and modern shopfronts form a backdrop to impromptu performances, pop-up bars and family-focused activities. You move between pockets of energy – a small stage here, a children’s zone there – with the comfortable sense that everything you need is within a short stroll.Music, Activities and Local Flavor
The heart of Horsens Holder lies in its mix of entertainment formats rather than a single headline act. Expect a changing line-up of live music on temporary stages, from local bands to broader crowd-pleasers, interspersed with DJs and smaller acts anchoring the soundscape along the street. The volume is energetic without feeling overwhelming, allowing conversations to flow as easily as the tunes. Between the stages you’ll typically find food trucks, outdoor grills and stalls set up by nearby cafés and restaurants, showcasing casual street food alongside drinks and sweet treats. The festival also creates space for community stands, simple games, craft activities and occasional demonstrations, turning Søndergade into a relaxed showcase of Horsens’ everyday creativity.Atmosphere for All Ages
One of the defining features of Horsens Holder is its inclusive feel. Because the event is woven into a pedestrian zone with level paving and wide thoroughfares, it is easy to navigate with strollers, wheelchairs or walking aids. Families drift between child-friendly corners and quieter seating pockets, while groups of friends make the most of pop-up bars and outdoor tables. The mood across the street is casual and unpretentious. People linger at high tables, lean against storefronts with an ice cream or coffee, or simply sit on benches watching the scene unfold. As the day progresses, the ambience subtly shifts from daytime family outing to more sociable, adults-oriented evening without ever losing its welcoming character.Urban Setting and Seasonal Conditions
Set in the very center of Horsens, Horsens Holder is framed by the conveniences of the city. Shops, permanent cafés and nearby hotels add layers of comfort, from accessible restrooms to indoor retreats if the weather turns. Since the festival is outdoors, clear or mildly overcast days make for the most pleasant experience, but typical Danish summer weather – including the occasional shower – is taken in stride with awnings, umbrellas and sheltered nooks. The compact footprint on Søndergade allows you to come and go easily, dipping in for a quick taste of the atmosphere or settling in for several hours. You’re always within reach of services, making it simple to adapt your visit to changing weather, energy levels or the needs of younger participants.Planning Your Visit and Making the Most of It
Because Horsens Holder operates as an open street festival rather than a gated venue, there is no entrance fee and no single point of access. You can tailor your time here: arrive earlier in the day for a more relaxed, family-centric ambience, or focus on the late afternoon and evening when music and socializing usually peak. Many visitors weave the festival into a broader day in Horsens, combining it with time in nearby shops, cafés or cultural sights. To get the best from the event, consider layering your clothing to match changeable coastal weather and plan breaks at indoor venues along the street if you intend to stay for several hours. With its central location, walkability and varied program, Horsens Holder works equally well as a spontaneous stop during a city stroll or as the main reason for a dedicated trip into town.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bilka Horsens
0.5 km
Experience the rich theatrical heritage of Odense at the historic Comediehuus, a cultural landmark since its inception.
Horsens Tourist Information Centre
1.7 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter unite in the vibrant city center.
Jættestuen grønhøj
4.2 km
5.000 år gammel jættestue midt i det østjyske kulturlandskab – et stille møde mellem bondestenalderens stenkonstruktioner, skov, marker og Bygholm Sø.
Årtusindeskifte Eg
5.9 km
An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.
Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj
12.8 km
Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.
Ejer Bavnehøj
12.9 km
A modest Danish hill with a mighty horizon, Ejer Bavnehøj blends reunification history, beacon legends and big-sky views into an easy, rewarding countryside stop.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
12.9 km
Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
Det gamle vandtårn
23.8 km
Skanderborg's 41.5-meter castle-style water tower from 1908—a striking symbol of industrial heritage and urban progress.
The Midgård Well
26.1 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
VisitVejle
26.2 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
Vejle Vindmølle
27.0 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Vejle Kunstforening
27.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of Sneglehøjen, Odense's tranquil natural retreat.
Saksild Beach
28.2 km
Discover Denmark's best-kept secret: Saksild Beach, a family-friendly paradise with soft sands, shallow waters, and endless coastal charm on the Odder coast.
H.C. Andersen bench
28.7 km
A literary memorial where Denmark's beloved fairy tale author found inspiration amid rolling hills and sparkling lakes.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
28.7 km
Discover breathtaking views and rich history at Himmelbjerget, Denmark's iconic Sky Mountain in the heart of the Lake District, offering hiking, boat trips, and cultural experiences.
Unmissable attractions to see
Church of Our Saviour
0.0 km
Medieval brick, Baroque grace and a renewed interior meet at Horsens’ historic town-square church, the oldest building within the city and its spiritual centre.
Mindesmærke over faldne frihedskæmpere
0.2 km
A modest corner memorial on Borgergade where Horsens quietly honours its fallen World War II resistance fighters and the hard-won freedoms they defended.
Rådhusparken
0.4 km
A modest green pause in the heart of Horsens, where everyday city life meets street art, dog walkers and quiet benches beneath mature trees.
Industrimuseet
0.6 km
A living industrial museum in Horsens’ old gasworks, where roaring engines, workers’ homes and playful workshops bring Denmark’s modern story to life.
Horsens Art Museum
0.6 km
Hilltop hub of contemporary Danish art, pairing bold architecture, major national artists and parkland sculpture in leafy Caroline Amalie Lund.
Wanna Be Mermaid
0.7 km
A bold, contemporary mermaid by Maria Rubinke on Horsens’ harbourfront, blending fairytale symbolism, waterfront scenery and modern public art in one quick stop.
Horsens Museum
0.7 km
Intimate local-history museum in a 1915 park-side villa, tracing 10,000 years of Horsens life from prehistoric graves and merchants’ mansions to war, industry and exploration.
Lunden
0.8 km
Leafy city park by day, open-air rock stage by night – Lunden is Horsens’ green gathering place and the home of the Rock i Lunden summer concerts.
Vitus Beringsparken
0.8 km
A compact 1950s city park in central Horsens, Vitus Beringsparken blends green lawns, rhododendrons and local history into a quiet pause between station and shops.
Horsens Banegård Park
0.9 km
A compact green pause beside Horsens railway station, where commuters, locals and dog walkers share a simple slice of lawn, trees and benches in the city’s busy heart.
Horsens Garden
1.1 km
Step inside Horsens’ storied cotton factory to experience Denmark’s industrial transformation—hands-on workshops, authentic machinery, and immersive exhibitions await.
Lilian's tree
1.2 km
Ancient tree, riverside serenity, and family-friendly art in Horsens' most beloved waterfront escape.
Planetstien
1.3 km
Walk or cycle through a scaled solar system along Horsens Fjord, where art, astronomy and easy nature trails meet on the scenic Planetstien path.
Bygholm Park
1.4 km
Leafy manor grounds that blend playgrounds, picnics and lakeside trails into Horsens’ most effortless everyday escape.
Horsens Marina
1.5 km
Atmospheric fjord‑end marina blending red fishing sheds, modern yacht facilities and easy city access on the waterfront edge of Horsens.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Munken
0.1 km
Candlelit Danish comfort and seasonal cooking in a cosy Horsens dining room, where classic flavours, warm service and unhurried evenings define the experience.
Corfitz restaurant - bar
0.2 km
Casual city‑centre café, restaurant and bar on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, serving hearty comfort food, drinks and all‑day people‑watching on Søndergade.
Restaurant Eydes
0.3 km
Historic cellar dining where Danish-French cuisine meets centuries of local tradition.
Bone's Horsens
0.3 km
Lively American-style family restaurant in central Horsens, serving BBQ ribs, steaks, burgers and all-you-can-eat sides in a cosy, memorabilia-filled saloon setting.
Restaurante Venezia
0.3 km
Authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming Horsens setting.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.3 km
Casual brasserie-style café on Horsens’ busy Søndergade, serving comfort food, coffee and drinks all day in a warm, modern setting with street-side seating.
Great sushi
0.3 km
Premium all-you-can-eat sushi with theatrical presentation and authentic Japanese technique in central Horsens.
Kamii Horsens
0.3 km
Modern sushi bar and Asian steak restaurant in central Horsens, where fresh handcrafted rolls meet warm kitchen favourites and flexible menus for every occasion.
Restaurant Mamma's
0.4 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting on Grønnegade.
rundtenom
0.4 km
Closed but fondly remembered Danish eatery in central Horsens, once known for classic smørrebrød, generous stegt flæsk evenings and a warm, homely atmosphere.
GRAN Social
0.4 km
Contemporary Danish comfort food, weekend DJs and crafted cocktails meet under one stylish roof at this all‑day restaurant and bar in central Horsens.
Restaurant Oksen
0.4 km
Horsens's premier steakhouse since 1986, serving expertly prepared beef and Danish hospitality.
Det Ny Kronborg
0.4 km
Traditional Danish restaurant and banquet hall in a quiet Horsens street, combining white-tablecloth charm, hearty cooking and a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Ji-Mi's
0.4 km
Intimate tasting-menu restaurant in Horsens’ Latin Quarter, showcasing local Danish produce and thoughtful wine pairings in a cosy, chef-led dining room.
Hien's Vietnamesisk Køkken
0.4 km
Cozy Vietnamese kitchen in central Horsens, serving fresh rolls, bánh mì, noodles and signature house specialties in a relaxed, everyday-friendly setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The & Idé ApS
0.0 km
Atmospheric concept store on Horsens’ main square, blending tea shop, gift boutique, deli treats and women’s fashion into one warmly hygge shopping stop.
Bog & idé Horsens
0.1 km
Central Horsens bookstore and gift shop combining books, games and stationery in a relaxed, family-friendly setting on pedestrian Søndergade.
JACK & JONES
0.1 km
Central Horsens menswear hub for denim, casual staples and smart-casual outfits on lively Søndergade, ideal for a quick wardrobe update during a city stroll.
Hviid
0.1 km
Intimate womenswear boutique on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, offering quality-focused Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, unhurried service.
Kjærs Magasiner
0.1 km
Vintage treasures and contemporary art in the creative heart of Horsens
Tøjbutikker
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant shopping and cultural hub of Søndergade in Horsens, featuring over 150 diverse shops and lively events.
Seeds
0.1 km
Scandi-style children’s boutique in the heart of Horsens, offering cozy, practical fashion for babies, kids and teens along the pedestrian Søndergade shopping street.
HOMME FEMME STORE
0.1 km
Contemporary menswear and womenswear with a clean, urban Scandinavian feel, set on Horsens’ lively Søndergade pedestrian street.
Søstrene Grene
0.2 km
Scandinavian design meets everyday creativity in Horsens' premier lifestyle and home décor destination.
SELECTED
0.2 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion for men and women on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, blending clean design, versatile pieces and a calm, minimalist store feel.
Tøjbutik
0.2 km
Straightforward, central clothing shop on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a wider stroll through the compact city center.
ONLY
0.2 km
Central Horsens womenswear store blending denim heritage, fast-changing trends and affordable Scandinavian style on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
Rituals
0.2 km
A soothing cosmetics boutique on Horsens’ main shopping street, blending spa-like calm, scented rituals and beautifully packaged gifts for body and home.
Boutique Mary
0.3 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian everyday style, personal advice and seasonal looks in a cosy setting.
Kings & Queens Horsens
0.3 km
Youthful fashion hub in central Horsens, bringing together trend-led Scandinavian and international brands for men and women in one approachable, urban-style store.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
VINöL Gastro - Rock - Bar
0.1 km
Cosy Horsens hangout where specialty brews, hearty comfort food and a rock-driven soundtrack once turned a Borgergade corner into an intimate local institution.
Vitus Berings Pub
0.1 km
Casual Danish pub on Horsens’ Søndergade, pouring affordable beers, showing sports and offering a cosy, no-frills slice of local nightlife in the town center.
Jagtbar Horsens
0.2 km
Hunting-lodge charm meets downtown nightlife at this cosy Horsens bar–club, where early-evening hygge evolves into a high-energy dance floor.
Bar' Rolig
0.2 km
Relaxed games bar in Horsens' historic center with pool, darts, and friendly vibes.
B-A-R 2 Aps
0.3 km
Casual, central and unpretentious, B-A-R 2 Aps is a friendly neighborhood bar in Horsens’ old town, ideal for relaxed drinks from daytime pit stop to late-night meet-up.
Kokomo Horsens
0.3 km
Three floors of tropical cocktails, DJs and late-night energy in the heart of Horsens’ old town nightlife district.
Cashpoint Sportsbar
0.3 km
Horsens's premier sports bar with multiple screens and live betting action.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Horsens A/S
0.3 km
High-energy Alpine after-ski bar in central Horsens with big beer steins, Schlager singalongs and a late-night dance-floor party vibe.
Restaurant Wulff ApS
0.3 km
Late-night bar and nightclub-style hangout in central Horsens, turning quiet Rædersgade into a lively social hub on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
The Golden Horse
0.4 km
Unpretentious local bar in central Horsens, pouring affordable drinks from morning to late night amid slot machines, sports on TV and easygoing neighborhood chat.
Vores lille Vinbar
0.4 km
An intimate Horsens wine bar where candlelight, jazz and personal guidance meet a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass and bottle.
Hemingway's Horsens
0.4 km
Late-night bar and nightclub in central Horsens, delivering cocktail-fueled weekends, loud music, and a packed dance floor until the early morning hours.
Stalden
0.4 km
Relaxed pool and sports bar in central Horsens, blending cue sports, big-screen matches, board games, casual bites and easygoing drinks in one social hangout.
Horsens Sport og Pool Bar
0.4 km
Central Horsens sports bar with 23 screens, pool tables, and competitive games in a welcoming, energetic atmosphere.
Morzybitten
0.5 km
Cozy Danish pub‑brasserie in central Horsens, pairing classic smørrebrød and hearty dishes with a remarkably broad beer list and occasional intimate live music.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly