Rundtenom, Horsens

A corner of Horsens devoted to Danish comfort food

Rundtenom occupied a modest frontage on Grønnegade, a short stroll from Horsens’ pedestrian core, but inside it unfolded as a warm, wood-accented dining room dedicated to classic Danish cooking. The name itself was a playful old Danish word tied to a simple slice of rye bread or a round in the bar, and that sense of everyday conviviality set the tone. Tables were close enough for a bit of chatter, candles softened the light, and the atmosphere felt more like a neighbourhood living room than a formal restaurant. From the start, the focus here was on recognisably Danish flavours: crisp pork, creamy potatoes, tangy pickles and velvety sauces. It was the kind of place where the menu read like a greatest-hits list of national favourites, but executed with care rather than nostalgia alone.

Smørrebrød artistry on rye bread

At lunchtime, Rundtenom leaned into the country’s most famous culinary export: smørrebrød. Dense slices of rye bread were the canvas for carefully built open sandwiches, stacked with combinations such as roast beef crowned with remoulade and crispy onions, or egg and prawns brightened with dill and lemon. The toppings were arranged with a sense of order and colour, making each plate feel almost like a miniature still life. Portions were generous enough to satisfy a workday appetite, but there was room to mix and match two or three pieces for a more lingering meal. Traditional pairings like liver pâté with bacon sat alongside slightly lighter options, giving the midday menu a balance between hearty and manageable.

Hearty evening plates and famed stegt flæsk

As day turned to evening, the kitchen shifted toward warm dishes that suited slow, sociable dinners. Stegt flæsk with parsley sauce became the restaurant’s signature: thick slices of pork belly fried until the rind blistered and crackled, served with boiled potatoes and a pale green, herb-flecked sauce that pooled invitingly on the plate. Dedicated evenings offered ad libitum helpings, turning dinner into an unhurried ritual of refills and conversation. Alongside it, wienerschnitzel in the Danish style, fish fillets with coarse rye crumbs and creamy gravies rounded out the menu. Vegetarian plates were woven in too, often echoing the same comforting textures with meat-free twists, ensuring the table could be shared by diverse diets without losing that classic feel.

Design details and a homely rhythm

The interior avoided showiness in favour of sturdiness: oak chairs, solid tables and simple decor that let the food take centre stage. Neutral tones, a few well-chosen wall pieces and neatly set tables created a setting that felt both tidy and unpretentious. The layout supported small groups and couples equally well, from quick weekday lunches to lingering Friday evenings. Soft background music and the clink of cutlery underscored the relaxed tempo. The overall rhythm of a visit was predictable in the best way: settle in, browse a compact but focused menu, linger over a main course and perhaps a simple dessert, then step back out into central Horsens feeling well fed.

From local favourite to culinary memory

Over time, Rundtenom became part of the city’s landscape for those seeking traditional Danish fare in the centre. Its combination of familiar dishes, central address and approachable setting made it a reliable option for both everyday meals and small celebrations. Catering and out-of-house platters extended its reach into offices and private gatherings, carrying smørrebrød and hot dishes well beyond Grønnegade. In 2025 the restaurant closed and the premises moved on to a new chapter under different management. Yet the name still evokes a particular moment in Horsens’ food scene, when a small dining room dedicated wholeheartedly to the national kitchen helped keep classic recipes alive in a modern provincial town.