Holmegaard Værk
A historic Danish glassworks reborn as a luminous museum, where 40,000 pieces, glowing furnaces and ceramics trace two centuries of design and craft.
Holmegaard Værk is a striking museum of glass, ceramics and design housed in the historic Holmegaard Glassworks in South Zealand. Here, nearly 200 years of Danish glassmaking unfold through more than 40,000 pieces displayed in soaring shelves, alongside live glassblowing in the former hotshop, immersive light installations, and large-scale works in Hebsgaard Hall. It is both an industrial heritage site and a living workshop, where past and present glass artisans share the same glowing furnaces.
A brief summary to Holmegaard Værk
- Glasværksvej 55, Holmegaard, 4684, DK
- +4570701236
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan at least two to three hours so you can see both the vast glass collection and live glassblowing without rushing through the factory halls.
- Bring a light sweater: the hotshop can be warm, but many exhibition halls are spacious and can feel cool outside summer.
- If you enjoy photography, visit earlier in the day when the museum is quieter; the glass walls and lighting reward patient composition.
- Check ahead for special exhibitions or family activities, as temporary shows and workshops can add extra layers to your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes: much of the experience involves walking and standing on former industrial floors across several large halls.
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
Getting There
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Regional train and bus from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take a regional train toward Næstved, a journey of about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, with departures typically at least twice per hour. A standard adult ticket usually costs around 120–180 DKK one way in standard class. From Næstved station, connect to a local bus toward Holmegaard or Fensmark; the bus ride takes roughly 15–25 minutes, and tickets cost about 24–40 DKK depending on zones. Services run most days but may be less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so checking timetables in advance is important.
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Car from Næstved and South Zealand
If you are already in Næstved or elsewhere in South Zealand, driving is a straightforward way to reach Holmegaard Værk. From central Næstved, the journey typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Fuel costs for the short distance are modest, but if you are driving from Copenhagen the trip is around 70–90 minutes each way, with fuel and possible tolls adding up to roughly 150–300 DKK in total depending on vehicle and route. Parking is generally available near the museum, though designated spaces can be busier on school holidays and weekends.
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Cycling from nearby towns
From nearby areas such as Næstved, experienced cyclists can reach Holmegaard Værk in around 35–50 minutes, depending on pace and chosen route. The terrain is mostly gentle, with a mix of smaller country roads and sections that may share space with local traffic. There is no direct cost beyond any bike rental, which commonly ranges from about 100–250 DKK per day in regional towns. This option is best in daylight and fair weather, and riders should bring lights and reflective gear outside summer months.
Holmegaard Værk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Holmegaard Værk
From Moorland Glassworks to Design Icon
Holmegaard Værk occupies the original Holmegaard Glassworks, founded in 1825 on the edge of Holmegaard Bog, where peat once fired the furnaces day and night. For almost two centuries, this remote industrial enclave shaped everyday life in Denmark, producing everything from humble milk bottles and jars to elegant stemware that found its way onto dinner tables across the country. Entire families worked here over generations, and the factory buildings still carry the imprint of that intense, round‑the‑clock craft. As Danish design matured in the 20th century, Holmegaard moved from pure utility into the realm of modern aesthetics. Collaborations with pioneering designers turned simple glass into sculptural objects, and the brand became synonymous with clean lines and functional beauty. When large‑scale production ceased in 2008, the question was how to preserve both the physical site and the intangible culture of glassmaking. Holmegaard Værk is the ambitious answer: a museum that treats the old factory as its most important exhibit.Walls of Glass and Stories in Every Shape
One of the museum’s most arresting spaces is the vast glass hall, where more than 40,000 unique pieces are displayed on shelving that soars seven metres high and stretches for dozens of metres. Each object represents a specific design produced at Holmegaard over the decades, forming a glittering timeline of changing tastes, technologies and techniques. Color, clarity and form shift subtly from shelf to shelf, inviting slow, detailed looking. Rather than isolating objects behind barriers, the displays emphasize rhythm and repetition. You see series of tumblers evolving, vases gaining new curves, and candleholders echoing broader trends in Nordic interiors. Lighting plays a crucial role, with carefully angled beams making the glass glow as if still warm from the furnace. Audio storytelling threads through the space, sharing first‑hand memories from former glassworkers and placing these polished designs back into the noise, heat and effort of the factory floor.Where Furnaces Still Glow
Holmegaard Værk is not only about finished pieces: it is just as much about the demanding physical process behind them. In the revived hotshop, you can watch contemporary glassblowers gather molten glass on long pipes, roll it on the marver, and coax it into vessels and artworks with practiced movements. The rhythmic whoosh of the furnace doors and the orange glare from the glory holes bring the former industrial hall vividly to life. Nearby, preserved historic furnaces reveal the evolution of production. A particular highlight is the enormous tank furnace, whose forty‑five‑ton glass mass gradually solidified after the final shutdown. Today, the frozen interior can be viewed as a kind of accidental sculpture: a cross‑section of arrested motion that hints at the sheer volume once produced here. Together, these spaces underline how much strength, coordination and teamwork lie behind a single apparently effortless glass bowl.Ceramics, Light and Contemporary Collaborations
Holmegaard Værk is also home to one of Scandinavia’s largest ceramic collections, anchored by thousands of works from Kähler. These pieces trace the journey of Danish pottery from rustic earthenware to refined studio ceramics, revealing how everyday objects like vases and tableware became carriers of artistic expression. Glazed surfaces, stamped marks and changing silhouettes offer another lens on domestic culture over nearly two centuries. Large halls host installations that merge glass, light and contemporary art, including works by influential glaziers who collaborate with painters and sculptors. Carefully designed exhibition lighting turns transparent panels and cast pieces into luminous fields of color and shadow. The interplay between industrial brick walls, steel structures and delicate glass emphasizes the contrast between heavy infrastructure and fragile material.Exploring the Factory Site Today
Walking through the complex, you move between former production buildings, storage spaces and workshops now repurposed for exhibitions, studios and activity areas. Traces of conveyor systems, chimneys and loading bays remain visible, giving a strong sense of place. Outside, the low profile of the factory sits in quiet dialogue with the surrounding bog landscape that once supplied its fuel, tying the story of design back to natural resources. Holmegaard Værk balances interpretation with hands‑on engagement: you may encounter areas dedicated to drawing, experimenting with simple glass forms under guidance, or exploring material samples. The overall atmosphere is contemplative rather than rushed, encouraging you to slow down and notice small variations in thickness, bubbles, color and reflection. By the time you leave, everyday drinking glasses and vases feel transformed, charged with a new appreciation for the craft and history embedded in their clear surfaces.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Næstved Station
6.9 km
Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Visit Sydsjælland & Møn
7.2 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Genforeningssten i Næstelsø
8.9 km
Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.
Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads
9.3 km
Medieval market town square where Danish history, culture, and modern commerce converge in southern Zealand.
Genforeningssten i Saltø Skov
10.9 km
A granite memorial stone marking Denmark's 1920 reunification with South Jutland, standing at a forest crossroads near Næstved.
Vallø Slotskro
28.1 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Befrielsessten i Køge
29.7 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
Comwell Køge Strand
29.8 km
Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
29.8 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Køge Torv
29.9 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
Visit
29.9 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
30.1 km
Harbourfront monument where stone, sea breeze and maritime symbols keep the naval battles of Køge Bugt and their admirals alive on Køge’s working waterfront.
“Slaget i Køge Bugt”
30.1 km
Harbourfront monument on Køge’s quay, quietly marking the dramatic naval battles once fought in the bay where today only fishing boats and leisure craft glide.
Køge Church
30.1 km
Medieval tower, Denmark's first lighthouse, baroque treasures in a historic port town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
30.1 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Holmegårds Mose
1.2 km
Ancient raised bog, Stone Age archaeology and quiet wildlife trails meet in this restored wetland wilderness on Zealand, where peat, glass and nature share the same story.
BonBon-Land
4.2 km
Cheeky candy characters, looping coasters and green picnic lawns combine at BonBon-Land, Denmark’s quirky countryside theme park for all ages.
Genforeningssten i Herlufsholm
5.5 km
Borgnakke Skov: A serene Næstved woodland blending ancient oak trees, rich biodiversity, and tranquil walking trails—an essential outdoor escape in southern Zealand.
Herlufsholm broerne
5.6 km
Små historiske broer, stille Suså-vand og grønt ådalslandskab gør Herlufsholm broerne til et roligt, lokalt åndehul i udkanten af Næstved.
Herlufsholm Park
6.4 km
Riverside tranquility along the Suså, where Danish heritage meets natural woodland.
Ladby Kirkeruin
6.4 km
Quiet medieval church ruins on a low hill outside Næstved, where low stone walls, old graves and wide rural views evoke centuries of village life and worship.
Councilman Garden / Herlufsholm Forest
6.5 km
Protected Danish woodland sanctuary with riverside trails and 460 years of educational heritage.
Medicinsk-historisk Museum
6.7 km
A small 1817 hospital turned medical time capsule, showcasing instruments, stories and healing plants that trace the evolution of healthcare in Næstved and beyond.
Vægmaleri
6.8 km
Experience Danish heritage and contemporary art amid tranquil parkland at Rønnebæksholm, Næstved’s historic manor turned vibrant cultural hub.
Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter
6.9 km
Historic cavalry barracks turned vibrant cultural village with concert halls, theatre, galleries and a family‑friendly atmosphere in the heart of Næstved.
Befrielsessten i Næstved
6.9 km
A modest granite liberation stone in Næstved’s former cavalry barracks, framed by cannons and culture, quietly honouring Denmark’s freedom in 1945.
Slægtsten
7.0 km
Næstved’s former barracks transformed into a dynamic cultural center, hosting concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and community events in historic surroundings.
Næstved Museum
7.0 km
Compact town museum in historic Næstved, tracing South Zealand’s journey from archaeological finds and medieval streets to Holmegaard glass and modern everyday life.
Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen
7.0 km
Historic military barracks turned bustling cultural center, Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter is Næstved’s hub for arts, music, theater, and creative events all year round.
Rådmandshaven
7.1 km
Tranquil riverside meadows and woodland paths just behind Næstved’s town buildings, offering easy walks, open lawns and calm Suså River views steps from the centre.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Gulerodshuset
3.8 km
Rural-feel restaurant on the outskirts of Næstved, serving hearty Danish classics and group-friendly buffets in a cosy, countryside-style setting.
Bone's Næstved
3.8 km
Family-friendly American BBQ in Næstved with signature ribs, hearty steaks and an all-you-can-eat salad and soft ice bar in relaxed, spacious surroundings.
Tokyo Running Sushi Storcenter
4.3 km
Casual conveyor‑belt sushi and hot dishes in the middle of Næstved Storcenter, ideal for an easy all‑you‑can‑eat break between shopping rounds.
Madtemplet Skovens Restaurant
5.7 km
Traditional Danish cooking and flexible event spaces nestled by Herlufsholm Forest, where hearty meals and green surroundings meet just outside central Næstved.
Restaurant The Grill Næstved
6.1 km
All‑you‑can‑eat grill and brunch buffets inside Bowl’n’Fun Næstved, where family‑friendly dining, bowling and games come together under one lively roof.
The Italian
6.9 km
Authentic southern Italian cooking, charcoal-grilled specialities and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on Næstved’s historic Kvægtorvet square.
Ristorante Italia
6.9 km
Longstanding Italian favourite by Næstved Station, serving pizzas, pastas and hearty grills in a warm, family-friendly setting since 1989.
The Burger Næstved
6.9 km
Casual Danish burger joint in Næstved serving brioche‑bun classics, generous sides and easy takeaway in a relaxed, mid‑range neighborhood setting.
Café & Bar - Fenomeno (Næstved)
6.9 km
Central Næstved café‑bar serving burgers, pasta and drinks in a relaxed, all‑day setting just steps from the station.
GuGu Quest
6.9 km
Compact central Næstved sushi spot with generous rolls, flexible combo menus and a strong takeaway focus for easy, modern dining.
Foodlovers
6.9 km
Fixed‑price Italian‑inspired buffet with free‑flow drinks and desserts in bright, plant‑filled surroundings on Dania 42 in Næstved.
Il Ponte
6.9 km
Næstved's authentic wood-fired pizzeria serving hand-crafted Italian pizza with crispy crusts and quality toppings.
Broadway Burgers
7.0 km
Flame-grilled comfort in central Næstved, serving generous American-style burgers, fries and dips in a relaxed, no-fuss setting on busy Jernbanegade.
Tatami Sushi
7.0 km
Modern, casual sushi in the heart of Næstved, combining classic rolls, warm Asian dishes and easy takeaway from a bright, centrally located dining room.
MA TEO Madbar Næstved
7.0 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian cuisine in the heart of Næstved's dining scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dansk
3.9 km
Big-box family clothing on a budget-friendly scale, Dansk Outlet Næstved keeps locals and travellers kitted out for Danish weather and everyday life in one easy stop.
Dissing
4.2 km
Contemporary men’s style in the heart of Næstved Storcenter, blending smart-casual Scandinavian looks with the convenience of South Zealand’s largest mall.
H&M
4.2 km
Bright, budget-friendly Scandinavian fashion for all ages inside Næstved’s main shopping centre, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a wider mall visit.
Matinique Næstved
4.2 km
Crisp Scandinavian menswear and modern tailoring, tucked inside South Zealand’s largest shopping centre at Næstved Storcenter.
Shop Næstved
4.3 km
Southern Zealand's largest shopping center with 70+ stores, dining, and family entertainment.
Næstved Storcenter
4.3 km
South Zealand's premier shopping destination with 70+ stores, free parking, and regional reach.
Arabisk Butik
7.1 km
Compact Middle Eastern–inspired grocery in central Næstved, packed with spices, rice, fresh produce and everyday essentials for curious cooks and locals alike.
INTERSPORT Seiffert Næstved
7.1 km
Central Næstved sports store on Hjultorv, offering practical gear, expert shoe fitting and everyday activewear for locals and visitors alike.
Johs. Clausen Næstved
7.1 km
Classic women’s fashion and lingerie on Næstved’s central square, offering quality European brands, attentive service, and a relaxed boutique atmosphere on Hjultorv.
Frelsens Hær Næstved
7.1 km
A modest, community-focused Salvation Army thrift shop in central Næstved, where second-hand finds support local social work and everyday Danish life.
Butik ØLUND
7.1 km
Slow fashion boutique in central Næstved with curated Scandinavian brands, timeless designs and personal styling in an intimate, minimalist setting.
Kræmmerhus ApS
7.1 km
A cosy Næstved specialty shop where fine coffee, tea, chocolates and delicacies meet beautifully wrapped gifts and personalised, old-fashioned service.
Femilet
7.2 km
Specialist lingerie and loungewear boutique in central Næstved, offering expert fitting, Scandinavian comfort and elegant essentials for everyday wear.
Karabulut
7.2 km
A compact, no‑frills neighborhood store on Torvestræde in central Næstved, ideal for quick snacks and everyday essentials between sights and errands.
Bog & idé Langes Boghandel - Næstved
7.2 km
Generations of books, games, and gifts in the heart of historic Næstved.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bodega Dueslaget
6.9 km
Traditional Danish neighborhood bodega in Næstved, serving cold beers, simple drinks and plenty of local atmosphere from morning until late on weekends.
Grønvej 2 Næstved ApS
6.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Næstved serving cold beer, simple spirits and everyday local atmosphere on a quiet side street off the town’s commercial core.
Birk´s Bar
6.9 km
Næstved's authentic neighborhood pub where community, billiards, and genuine hospitality thrive.
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
7.0 km
Volunteer-run jazz club in Næstved’s historic barracks courtyard, hosting intimate live concerts in the cosy Musikstalden hall at Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter.
The Beach
7.0 km
Næstved's vibrant karaoke bar where everyone becomes a star in a tropical-themed celebration of music and community.
Landsby Pubben
7.0 km
A classic Næstved "værtshus" with cold beer, billiards and a lived-in charm that turns a simple drink into a slice of local everyday life.
Cheers
7.1 km
Næstved's cozy social hub where genuine Danish hospitality meets lively evening atmosphere.
Step Inn I / S
7.1 km
Long‑running Irish pub in central Næstved, blending cosy wooden interiors, sociable pints and late‑night weekend vibes on historic Ramsherred.
The Old Irish Pub
7.1 km
Authentic Irish pub energy in central Næstved, open late Friday and Saturday with live music and draught beer.
Bar z
7.1 km
Cosy late-night bar in central Næstved, blending easygoing drinks, music and a compact club vibe on weekend evenings along historic Ramsherred.
Champagne Riget
7.1 km
Næstved's premier champagne bar where curated bubbles meet refined gastronomy in elegant surroundings.
Underhuset
7.2 km
A classic Danish bodega on Næstved’s Axeltorv, blending cosy wood-panel charm, cold beer and local live music into a friendly town-square living room.
La Boutique
7.2 km
Elegant wine bar and bottle shop on Næstved’s Axeltorv, where curated wines, fine spirits and gourmet details turn a simple drink into a small celebration.
Sluk Efter
7.2 km
Unpretentious local pub on Kindhestegade in central Næstved, pouring cold beers and simple drinks in a cozy, social setting from midday to late night.
Humle Ølbar
7.3 km
Cosy craft beer bar in central Næstved, pairing a rotating selection of Danish and international brews with intimate, hygge‑rich surroundings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Avenue Næstved
7.0 km
Lively nightspot and flexible event hall in central Næstved, mixing dancefloor energy, festive dinners, stand-up comedy and themed parties under one roof.
Crazy Daisy Næstved
7.1 km
High‑energy weekend nightclub in central Næstved, packing loud beats, flashing lights and a late‑night local crowd into a compact, classic Danish town‑club setting.
Swingergaarden
27.0 km
Discreet countryside swingers club near Slagelse, offering themed adult nights, intimate play spaces and a rules-based, consent-focused environment for open-minded guests.
Bloom Nightclub
29.9 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
The Flame
29.9 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
29.9 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Tropicana DC
40.2 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Klubhuset
40.2 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
41.5 km
Dynamic live music venue in Roskilde, specializing in jazz and contemporary genres, with an intimate setting and vibrant community engagement throughout the year.
Danseriet
42.5 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Dansebar Roskilde
42.7 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
42.7 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Loke MC - Helheim
43.4 km
Rural Danish biker clubhouse with Norse-mythology flair, offering intimate late-night gatherings, loud rock playlists and a no-frills bar far from mainstream nightlife.
Club El Diablo
53.0 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Pier To Heaven
55.6 km
Experience maritime charm and exquisite drinks at Pier To Heaven in Klintholm Havn.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
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
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
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
