Café Ella, Horsens
Light-filled museum café in Horsens pairing seasonal local lunches and an award-winning bøfsandwich with leafy views over Lunden park and contemporary art.
Café Ella is a light-filled museum café set inside Horsens Art Museum in the green parkland of Lunden. By day it serves refined yet relaxed Danish-style lunches built on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with picture windows framing trees and sculpture outside. The house specialty is a prize-winning bøfsandwich, celebrated nationally, alongside fresh salads, open sandwiches and tempting cakes. It is as much a pause between art galleries as a destination lunch spot in its own right.
A brief summary to Café Ella
- Carolinelundsvej 2, Horsens, 8700, DK
- +4520206163
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 11 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Aim for an early lunch around opening time if you want a quieter atmosphere and the best chance of getting a window table overlooking Lunden’s greenery.
- If you are curious about the award-winning bøfsandwich, plan to arrive hungry; it is a rich, filling dish best enjoyed as a main meal rather than a quick snack.
- Check the current exhibition schedule at Horsens Art Museum and combine your café visit with time in the galleries before or after your meal.
- On bright days, leave a little extra time to wander through Lunden park after lunch; the contrast between indoor art and outdoor sculptures is part of the experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Café Ella location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Café Ella
A café tucked into art and greenery
Café Ella sits within Horsens Art Museum, looking out over the leafy lawns and sculptures of Lunden park. Large windows pull the surrounding greenery right into the dining room, so the café feels bright in all seasons and particularly atmospheric on clear days. Inside, the space is casual but carefully put together, with simple Nordic furnishings that echo the museum’s clean lines. Thanks to its position between galleries, the café naturally attracts museum-goers, but it also draws locals who come purely for lunch in these calm surroundings. The blend of contemporary art, parkland views and clinking cutlery gives the room a pleasantly unhurried rhythm.From local fields to seasonal plates
The kitchen at Café Ella is built around fresh, local produce sourced from the Horsens area whenever possible. Menus focus on lunch rather than evening dining, with service typically running from late morning until mid-afternoon on most days.[1][2] Expect a concise selection rather than an extensive card, with each dish built around a few well-chosen ingredients. You will often find updated takes on Danish café classics: open-faced sandwiches with robust rye bread, generous salads layered with grains and herbs, and warm plates that change with the season. Vegetarians usually have several options, and there is nearly always something sweet on offer for a post-museum treat, from cakes to small desserts served with coffee.The famous bøfsandwich story
Café Ella’s best-known dish is its bøfsandwich – a hearty Danish burger served with rich gravy – which has been awarded the title of Denmark’s best multiple times in recent years.[1][4] The version here is carefully composed: a well-seared beef patty, soft bun, onions in several textures, pickles and a deeply flavored sauce that ties everything together. This signature plate gives the café a culinary identity beyond the museum walls and has turned it into a minor pilgrimage spot for burger enthusiasts. It is a substantial dish, worth planning your appetite around, and pairs well with a cold beer or soft drink if you want to linger over lunch.Atmosphere, pace and character
Despite its award-winning reputation, Café Ella maintains an easygoing feel. Tables are spaced to allow conversation, and the background soundtrack is more clink of cutlery and low voices than loud music. Daylight does most of the work, softening the white walls and highlighting small design details without fuss. Being a daytime venue, the pace is gentlest at opening and gradually builds through lunch, then tails off toward closing. On school holidays and exhibition days the room can feel lively, with a mix of families, couples and solo visitors taking a break between galleries. Outside on fine days, the surrounding parkland offers extra breathing space before or after your meal.Practical details for your visit
Café Ella operates on a lunch-focused schedule, usually opening around 11:00 and closing mid-afternoon, with Mondays as a common rest day.[1] Booking is wise for larger groups or weekends, especially if you hope to sample the bøfsandwich at peak times. Prices are moderate for Denmark: not budget, but fair for the quality of produce and the unique museum setting. The café lies a short distance from central Horsens, close enough to reach by a brief drive, cycle or a longer walk through town. Once you arrive at the museum complex, you step straight into a calm corner of the city, with art indoors and lawns outside. It works equally well as a lunch anchor for a museum visit or as a standalone meal in one of Horsens’ more characterful daytime dining rooms.Combining culture, nature and food
Part of Café Ella’s charm is how easily you can weave it into a broader day out. Before or after eating, the galleries of Horsens Art Museum offer changing exhibitions of contemporary art, while Lunden’s trees, pathways and play areas unfold just beyond the café windows.[1][2] This combination makes the café suitable for a wide spectrum of visitors, from families with children needing a relaxed lunch stop to solo travelers breaking up a cultural day with a well-made meal. Whether you come specifically for its decorated bøfsandwich or simply for a quiet coffee in an artful setting, the café anchors this corner of Horsens with a satisfying mix of flavor and place.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bilka Horsens
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Horsens Tourist Information Centre
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Jættestuen grønhøj
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Årtusindeskifte Eg
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An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
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Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj
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Ejer Bavnehøj
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Det gamle vandtårn
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The Midgård Well
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VisitVejle
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Saksild Beach
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Vejle Vindmølle
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Vejle Kunstforening
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H.C. Andersen bench
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Bestig Himmelbjerget
28.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lunden
0.1 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.
Horsens Museum
0.2 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.
Industrimuseet
0.4 km
A living industrial museum in Horsens’ old gasworks, where roaring engines, workers’ homes and playful workshops bring Denmark’s modern story to life.
Mindesmærke over faldne frihedskæmpere
0.5 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.
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.
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.
Rådhusparken
1.0 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.
Langelinieanlægget
1.1 km
Horsens' beloved waterfront park where sandy beaches, summer culture, and fjord views create the perfect urban escape.
Horsens Marina
1.1 km
Atmospheric fjord‑end marina blending red fishing sheds, modern yacht facilities and easy city access on the waterfront edge of Horsens.
Vitus Beringsparken
1.4 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.
North Beach
1.4 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.
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.
Fugletårn
1.7 km
Simple wooden birdwatching tower with wide views over Horsens’ Nørrestrand wetland reserve, perfect for peaceful bird spotting, sky-watching and quiet nature breaks.
Horsens Garden
1.8 km
Step inside Horsens’ storied cotton factory to experience Denmark’s industrial transformation—hands-on workshops, authentic machinery, and immersive exhibitions await.
Essential places to dine
Café Ella
0.0 km
Light-filled museum café in Horsens pairing seasonal local lunches and an award-winning bøfsandwich with leafy views over Lunden park and contemporary art.
Restaurante Venezia
0.4 km
Authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming Horsens setting.
Restaurant Munken
0.5 km
Candlelit Danish comfort and seasonal cooking in a cosy Horsens dining room, where classic flavours, warm service and unhurried evenings define the experience.
Dollys
0.6 km
Harbourfront, family-run Danish restaurant in Horsens serving hearty classics, generous portions and cosy marina views at a comfortable, mid-range price.
UNDA
0.6 km
Harbourfront restaurant and lounge in Horsens, where bold design, soft acoustics and harbour views create an all‑day setting from brunch to late‑night cocktails.
Corfitz restaurant - bar
0.8 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.
Great sushi
0.8 km
Premium all-you-can-eat sushi with theatrical presentation and authentic Japanese technique in central Horsens.
Bone's Horsens
0.8 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.
Restaurant Eydes
0.9 km
Historic cellar dining where Danish-French cuisine meets centuries of local tradition.
Kamii Horsens
0.9 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.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.9 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.
Restaurant Mamma's
0.9 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting on Grønnegade.
rundtenom
0.9 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
0.9 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
1.0 km
Horsens's premier steakhouse since 1986, serving expertly prepared beef and Danish hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kjærs Magasiner
0.5 km
Vintage treasures and contemporary art in the creative heart of Horsens
The & Idé ApS
0.6 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
0.7 km
Central Horsens bookstore and gift shop combining books, games and stationery in a relaxed, family-friendly setting on pedestrian Søndergade.
JACK & JONES
0.7 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
0.7 km
Intimate womenswear boutique on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, offering quality-focused Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, unhurried service.
Brainchild
0.7 km
Witty Danish design classics reimagined as playful, accessible home décor at Horsens harbor.
Tøjbutikker
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant shopping and cultural hub of Søndergade in Horsens, featuring over 150 diverse shops and lively events.
HOMME FEMME STORE
0.8 km
Contemporary menswear and womenswear with a clean, urban Scandinavian feel, set on Horsens’ lively Søndergade pedestrian street.
Seeds
0.8 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.
Søstrene Grene
0.8 km
Scandinavian design meets everyday creativity in Horsens' premier lifestyle and home décor destination.
SELECTED
0.8 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion for men and women on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, blending clean design, versatile pieces and a calm, minimalist store feel.
Rituals
0.9 km
A soothing cosmetics boutique on Horsens’ main shopping street, blending spa-like calm, scented rituals and beautifully packaged gifts for body and home.
ONLY
0.9 km
Central Horsens womenswear store blending denim heritage, fast-changing trends and affordable Scandinavian style on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
Tøjbutik
0.9 km
Straightforward, central clothing shop on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a wider stroll through the compact city center.
Boutique Mary
0.9 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian everyday style, personal advice and seasonal looks in a cosy setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tænkeboxen
0.5 km
Traditional Danish bar in central Horsens with long opening hours, inexpensive drinks and a relaxed, regulars-first atmosphere on Gersdorffsgade.
VINöL Gastro - Rock - Bar
0.6 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
0.7 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
0.8 km
Hunting-lodge charm meets downtown nightlife at this cosy Horsens bar–club, where early-evening hygge evolves into a high-energy dance floor.
The Long Field Road
0.8 km
AC Horsens’ Irish-inspired fan pub, where yellow-and-black passion, cold beer and stadium buzz come together in one lively Horsens clubhouse.
Bar' Rolig
0.8 km
Relaxed games bar in Horsens' historic center with pool, darts, and friendly vibes.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Horsens A/S
0.8 km
High-energy Alpine after-ski bar in central Horsens with big beer steins, Schlager singalongs and a late-night dance-floor party vibe.
Kokomo Horsens
0.8 km
Three floors of tropical cocktails, DJs and late-night energy in the heart of Horsens’ old town nightlife district.
B-A-R 2 Aps
0.8 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.
Cashpoint Sportsbar
0.8 km
Horsens's premier sports bar with multiple screens and live betting action.
Restaurant Wulff ApS
0.9 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.
Hemingway's Horsens
0.9 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.
Vores lille Vinbar
0.9 km
An intimate Horsens wine bar where candlelight, jazz and personal guidance meet a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass and bottle.
The Golden Horse
0.9 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.
Stalden
1.0 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sölibat Natklub
0.9 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.
Oskar hossman
1.0 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
PDD
1.8 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
1.8 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
6.2 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Team Paderborner
18.6 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
21.5 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
temabar APS 23-05
26.7 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
NOX Network Ltd.
27.4 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
AHA Livestage
33.9 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
36.7 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
KLUB22
38.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
38.8 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
V58
38.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at V58 in Aarhus, where live music meets an energetic atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
equalclub
38.9 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly