Industrimuseet – Denmark’s Industrial Museum, Horsens

A living industrial museum in Horsens’ old gasworks, where roaring engines, workers’ homes and playful workshops bring Denmark’s modern story to life.

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Industrimuseet

Set in Horsens’ former gasworks and power station, Industrimuseet is a vivid journey through Denmark’s transformation from craft to heavy industry and the modern welfare state. Across several historic buildings, you wander factory halls, a recreated shopping street, workers’ homes from different decades, an old schoolroom and hands‑on workshops. Engines roar to life, kids tinker in playful repair shops, and the smell of oil, metal and fresh coffee from the retro café ties the whole time‑travel experience together.

A brief summary to Industrimuseet

Gasvej 17, Horsens, 8700, DK
+4575620788
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Budget
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Plan at least 2–3 hours: there are multiple buildings, outdoor areas and many interactive stations, so rushing through means you will miss some of the most engaging exhibits.
Families should pack outdoor-friendly clothing so children can enjoy the large industrial-themed playground, which can be windy and a bit chilly outside the summer months.
Check for demonstration times of the large engines and workshops; seeing and hearing the machinery in motion adds a powerful extra dimension to the visit.
Consider the Horsens museum pass if you also intend to visit the former prison, city museum or art museum during the same week, as it can be better value than separate tickets.
Wear comfortable shoes; floors in older industrial buildings can be uneven, and you will likely walk back and forth between halls, homes, the street scene and the outdoor play area.

Getting There

Train and short walk from Horsens Station

From within Jutland, regional trains connect to Horsens Station from cities such as Aarhus and Vejle in roughly 30–45 minutes. A standard adult single ticket on these routes typically costs around 70–110 DKK, depending on distance and time of day. Services usually run at least once an hour throughout the day. From the station, expect about a 15–20 minute urban walk on mostly flat pavements that is manageable with a stroller but may feel long for very young children.
Local bus within Horsens

Horsens has local city buses linking residential districts and the centre with the industrial area near Gasvej. Travel times inside town are generally 10–20 minutes, depending on origin and traffic. A single adult ticket on local buses typically costs in the range of 20–30 DKK and can usually be bought with a contactless card or travel card when boarding. Buses are low-floor on most routes, but space for prams and wheelchairs can be limited at busy times.
Car or rental car in Horsens

Arriving by car from nearby Jutland towns such as Vejle, Skanderborg or Silkeborg usually takes 30–45 minutes on main roads. There is typically free or low-cost parking around the industrial area near the museum, but spaces can fill up on school holidays and weekends, so allow extra time to find a spot. Fuel costs will vary by distance, but for planning, a return drive from Aarhus or Vejle would often add around 60–120 DKK in petrol or diesel at current prices.
Bicycle from central Horsens

From Horsens city centre, cycling to the museum area is a practical and scenic option, generally taking 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route follows ordinary city streets with some dedicated bike lanes, mostly flat and suitable for everyday bicycles. There is no extra cost beyond any rental fee if you are hiring a bike in town, which commonly falls somewhere around 100–150 DKK per day, and basic bike racks are usually available near the museum entrance.

Industrimuseet location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Industrimuseet

From Gasworks Yard to Time Machine

Industrimuseet occupies the atmospheric grounds of Horsens’ former gasworks and power plant, where brick facades, tall chimneys and industrial courtyards frame your visit. Inside these preserved utility buildings, Denmark’s leap from agrarian society to industrial nation is told as a concrete, physical story. The old power station halls, pipework and iron structures are not just a backdrop but an integral exhibit, reminding you that this was once the beating heart supplying the town with energy. Rather than abstract timelines, the museum anchors history in specific machines, workshops and offices. You move between engineering spaces and domestic interiors, sensing how new technologies reshaped both factory floors and everyday life at home. The setting keeps everything firmly rooted in Horsens, yet the narrative reaches out to the broader Danish welfare model that emerged from this period of rapid change.

Engines, Workshops and the Noise of Progress

One of the most memorable spaces is the large machine hall, lined with imposing engines, turbines and production equipment from the 19th and 20th centuries. When the heavy machinery is demonstrated, you feel the floor vibrate slightly and hear the deep chug and hiss that once defined industrial workdays. Interpretation focuses on how these innovations multiplied output, but also on the skills needed to operate and maintain them. Around the site you find traditional workshops: a smithy, carpentry shop, typography and packaging printing facilities, and textile production. Tools are laid out on benches as if workers have just stepped away for a break. Assembly lines invite you to try repetitive tasks such as putting together ball bearings, turning the abstract idea of mass production into a physical challenge. The technical detail is balanced with clear explanations, making it approachable whether you are mechanically minded or simply curious.

Everyday Lives in Workers’ Homes and Streets

Across the yard, a row of workers’ apartments shows how living conditions changed across the 20th century. You walk from small, sparse early rooms with shared facilities to brighter interiors with modern appliances, televisions and more personal belongings. The shift in furniture, fabrics and household gadgets tells a quiet story about rising wages, new consumer goods and evolving social expectations. Nearby, a recreated shopping street presents small shops with original fittings and signage: tobacconists, bakeries, shoe and clothing stores stocked with period products. These environments show how retail followed industrialization, from rationing and basic necessities to a broader range of choices. School desks and blackboards in the old classroom highlight changes in education, discipline and children’s daily routines in an industrial town.

Hands-On History for Curious Kids

Industrimuseet places strong emphasis on playful learning, making it particularly engaging for younger visitors. Interactive exhibits let children push buttons, turn wheels and experiment with simple mechanisms. A dedicated children’s moped workshop is set up at child height with tools and overalls, inviting them to explore how engines and components fit together in a safe, supervised environment. Outside, a large themed playground pays tribute to Horsens’ industrial heritage. A towering gas-tank-shaped climbing structure, steam-engine play tower and seesaws styled like classic Danish motorbikes turn the museum yard into an active extension of the exhibitions. This combination of movement, role play and tactile exploration helps children connect with stories that might otherwise feel remote.

Café Nostalgia and Themed Museum Pass

In a retro-inspired café, simple traditional dishes and cakes echo the food many Danes associate with grandparents’ kitchens. Café interiors with formica tables, patterned curtains and vintage posters align with the mid‑century rooms seen in the exhibitions. It is a natural pause point between buildings, and a chance to reflect on how quickly daily life has changed in just a few generations. Industrimuseet is also one of four Horsens institutions included in a common museum pass, alongside the former state prison, the city museum and the art museum. The shared ticket encourages you to place industrial history within a broader cultural framework of punishment, civic identity and creativity. Taken together, these sites reveal how an industrial city on Jutland’s east coast has continually reinvented itself while preserving key chapters of its past.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Bilka Horsens

0.7 km

Experience the rich theatrical heritage of Odense at the historic Comediehuus, a cultural landmark since its inception.

Horsens Tourist Information Centre

2.1 km

Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter unite in the vibrant city center.

Jættestuen grønhøj

4.7 km

5.000 år gammel jættestue midt i det østjyske kulturlandskab – et stille møde mellem bondestenalderens stenkonstruktioner, skov, marker og Bygholm Sø.

Årtusindeskifte Eg

6.5 km

An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.

Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED

13.0 km

Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.

Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj

13.0 km

Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.

Ejer Bavnehøj

13.1 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.

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

26.5 km

A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.

VisitVejle

26.6 km

Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.

Vejle Vindmølle

27.3 km

Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.

Vejle Kunstforening

27.3 km

Discover the serene beauty of Sneglehøjen, Odense's tranquil natural retreat.

Saksild Beach

27.7 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

29.0 km

A literary memorial where Denmark's beloved fairy tale author found inspiration amid rolling hills and sparkling lakes.

Bestig Himmelbjerget

29.0 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

Horsens Museum

0.3 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.

Wanna Be Mermaid

0.3 km

A bold, contemporary mermaid by Maria Rubinke on Horsens’ harbourfront, blending fairytale symbolism, waterfront scenery and modern public art in one quick stop.

Mindesmærke over faldne frihedskæmpere

0.4 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.

Horsens Art Museum

0.4 km

Hilltop hub of contemporary Danish art, pairing bold architecture, major national artists and parkland sculpture in leafy Caroline Amalie Lund.

Lunden

0.5 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.

Church of Our Saviour

0.6 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.

Horsens Holder

0.6 km

A lively street festival that turns Horsens’ central Søndergade into a relaxed urban playground of music, food, stalls and community life for all ages.

Rådhusparken

0.8 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.

Horsens Marina

0.9 km

Atmospheric fjord‑end marina blending red fishing sheds, modern yacht facilities and easy city access on the waterfront edge of Horsens.

Langelinieanlægget

1.0 km

Horsens' beloved waterfront park where sandy beaches, summer culture, and fjord views create the perfect urban escape.

Vitus Beringsparken

1.3 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.

Planetstien

1.4 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.

Horsens Banegård Park

1.5 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

1.7 km

Step inside Horsens’ storied cotton factory to experience Denmark’s industrial transformation—hands-on workshops, authentic machinery, and immersive exhibitions await.

North Beach

1.8 km

Semi-wild shoreline, big skies and rich birdlife make North Beach at Nørrestrand Horsens’ quietly scenic escape for walks, simple swims and unhurried nature time.

Traditional Danish restaurant and banquet hall in a quiet Horsens street, combining white-tablecloth charm, hearty cooking and a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.

Intimate women’s fashion boutique on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian everyday style, personal advice and seasonal looks in a cosy setting.

Central Horsens sports bar with 23 screens, pool tables, and competitive games in a welcoming, energetic atmosphere.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Oskar hossman

0.9 km

Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.

Sölibat Natklub

1.0 km

Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.

PDD

1.6 km

Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.

Scandic Opus Horsens

2.2 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.

Horsens New Style Dance Club

5.9 km

Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.

Team Paderborner

19.0 km

Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.

Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub

21.7 km

Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering

Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub

temabar APS 23-05

26.5 km

Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.

NOX Network Ltd.

27.1 km

Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.

AHA Livestage

33.5 km

Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.

Luksusmassage Århus

37.0 km

Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.

Tucan Swinger & wellness Club

38.8 km

Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.

KLUB22

38.9 km

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

39.2 km

Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

V58

39.2 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at V58 in Aarhus, where live music meets an energetic atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Industrimuseet – Denmark’s Industrial Museum, Horsens

A brief summary to Industrimuseet

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train and short walk from Horsens Station

Local bus within Horsens

Car or rental car in Horsens

Bicycle from central Horsens

Industrimuseet location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Industrimuseet

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Industrimuseet

From Gasworks Yard to Time Machine

Engines, Workshops and the Noise of Progress

Everyday Lives in Workers’ Homes and Streets

Hands-On History for Curious Kids

Café Nostalgia and Themed Museum Pass

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Bilka Horsens

Horsens Tourist Information Centre

Jættestuen grønhøj

Årtusindeskifte Eg

Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED

Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj

Ejer Bavnehøj

Det gamle vandtårn

The Midgård Well

VisitVejle

Vejle Vindmølle

Vejle Kunstforening

Saksild Beach

H.C. Andersen bench

Bestig Himmelbjerget

Unmissable attractions to see

Horsens Museum

Wanna Be Mermaid

Mindesmærke over faldne frihedskæmpere

Horsens Art Museum

Lunden

Church of Our Saviour

Horsens Holder

Rådhusparken

Horsens Marina

Langelinieanlægget

Vitus Beringsparken

Planetstien

Horsens Banegård Park

Horsens Garden

North Beach

Essential places to dine

Dollys

UNDA

Restaurante Venezia

Café Ella

Restaurant Munken

Great sushi

Bone's Horsens

Corfitz restaurant - bar

Restaurant Eydes

Cafe Vivaldi

Kamii Horsens

Restaurant Mamma's

rundtenom

GRAN Social

Det Ny Kronborg

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Brainchild

Kjærs Magasiner

The & Idé ApS

Bog & idé Horsens

Hviid

JACK & JONES

Tøjbutikker

Seeds

HOMME FEMME STORE

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