Harteværket – Historic Hydropower and Water Playground in Kolding
A historic hydropower plant turned playful experience centre, where Kolding’s industrial past meets hands-on water experiments and tranquil river landscapes.
Harteværket is Kolding’s former hydropower plant, completed in 1920 and today transformed into an experience centre dedicated to energy, water and movement. Set in a green valley by Kolding Å, it combines industrial heritage with hands-on learning: you can explore the historic turbines, experiment with water at the large outdoor play area, and in season rent canoes or kayaks on the calm river. It is especially appealing to families and curious minds who enjoy playful science in a scenic setting.
A brief summary to Fonden Harteværket
- Alpedalsvej 107 A, Kolding, 6000, DK
- +4523283969
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Friday 12 pm-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Bring a change of clothes or quick-drying gear for children; the water playground is very hands-on and most kids end up happily soaked.
- Combine an indoor visit with a short canoe or kayak trip in season to experience both the engineering story and the surrounding river landscape.
- Check current opening hours and any special activity days in advance, as the centre typically has set days and seasonal variations.
- Wear sturdy shoes; paths around the river, dams and play areas can be damp or uneven after rain.
- If travelling with a stroller or wheelchair, focus on the main building, terrace and key outdoor zones, as some slopes and riverbanks are steep.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Local bus from Kolding city centre
From central Kolding, use a local city bus service heading towards the Harte or southern outskirts area; typical journeys take around 15–25 minutes depending on route and traffic. A single adult ticket usually costs in the range of 20–30 DKK. Buses run more frequently on weekdays than weekends, and you should expect a short walk on gently sloping residential roads from the nearest stop to the valley where Harteværket is located.
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Bike from Kolding city centre
Cycling from the centre of Kolding to Harteværket generally takes 20–30 minutes at a moderate pace. The route uses ordinary urban streets and local roads with some inclines as you approach the Harte area. There are no special fees, but riders should be comfortable sharing the road with traffic and handling a few short hills. Weather and wind can influence how easy the ride feels, especially for younger cyclists.
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Taxi from Kolding Station
A taxi from Kolding Station to Harteværket usually takes 10–15 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Daytime fares commonly fall in the region of 120–180 DKK each way, varying with time of day and any waiting time. This option is convenient if you are travelling with children, equipment for the water playground, or several people sharing the cost, and it drops you close to the main entrance area.
Fonden Harteværket location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Fonden Harteværket
From Pioneering Power Station to Living Experience Centre
Harteværket began life around 1920 as Kolding’s hydropower plant, built to harness the force of Kolding Å and secure electricity for the growing town. The long, low brick building sits tucked into a narrow valley, where dams and canals still guide water towards the old turbines. Inside, preserved machinery, control panels and pipework show how early 20th‑century engineers turned falling water into light and power for homes and factories. Today the former plant has been carefully converted into an experience centre, retaining the industrial character while adding exhibitions about energy, sustainability and daily life with electricity. Rather than a static monument, it presents the hydropower story as something you can see, hear and almost feel vibrating around you.Playing With Water’s Power Outdoors
Step outside and the atmosphere shifts from technical to playful. Terraces and grassy banks open onto a large water playground, where channels, gates and wheels invite you to grab handles, press buttons and redirect the flow. One big red button sends water coursing through a network of rills and basins, while robust water cannons tempt friendly soaking battles across the stream. This outdoor area is designed so that children experiment instinctively with cause and effect: blocking water here makes it rise there, adding speed to a wheel sets another mechanism in motion. It is energetic and wet, yet safely contained, with plenty of space on the edges for adults to watch, join in or photograph the aquatic chaos framed by wooded slopes.On the Water: Canoes, Kayaks and River Landscapes
Harteværket also serves as a gateway to Kolding Å from the water itself. In season there is rental of canoes and kayaks, allowing you to slip almost silently away from the historic buildings and follow the gentle curves of the river. The route passes low banks, reeds and patches of woodland, with the occasional bridge or meadow unfolding around each bend. For many visitors, a couple of hours paddling becomes a calm contrast to the busy play zones. You move at your own pace, watching reflections in the water and listening to birds rather than machinery. The combination of engineered river systems around the plant and the softer, more natural stretches further along highlights how closely technology and landscape are intertwined here.Architecture, Atmosphere and Seasonal Energy
The building itself blends solid brick walls, large windows and simple functional lines characteristic of early industrial structures in Denmark. It feels sturdy and honest, more workshop than palace, with the river and canals as constant companions at its feet. The hum of water, the echo of footsteps on concrete and the sight of moss on old stone give the place a quietly dramatic mood. Season changes the feel of Harteværket significantly. On bright summer days the river sparkles, the play area fills with splashes and shouts, and canoes slide in and out of the water. In cooler months the site is more contemplative: bare trees expose the engineering of dams and channels, and the indoor installations take centre stage. Throughout the year, the core themes remain the same: understanding water, respecting energy and enjoying movement.A Day Out for Curious Families and Active Minds
Harteværket works particularly well as a half‑day outing combining learning and leisure. Families can spend hours alternating between indoor exhibitions, outdoor experiments and short riverside walks. School groups and organised visits often use the site to explore science topics in a tangible way, where concepts like current, pressure and sustainable energy become something you can pump, release and watch in real time. Even without structured activities, the site rewards unhurried exploration. You might linger over details of the old control room, observe how the water level subtly changes along the canal, or simply sit on a bench and absorb the layered story of a place where industry, play and nature now share the same narrow valley.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Michaels Church
3.2 km
A modest 19th-century Catholic red-brick church in central Kolding, offering quiet reflection, intimate architecture and a glimpse of Denmark’s Catholic life.
Saint Nicolas Church
3.3 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Borchs Gård
3.4 km
A vividly painted Renaissance townhouse from 1595, Borchs Gård brings Kolding’s mercantile past to life on the edge of lively Akseltorv square.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
3.7 km
Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Kolding St.
3.8 km
The compact rail and bus hub that delivers you straight into Kolding’s mix of castle-topped history, cobbled streets and fjord-side modern design.
Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
4.0 km
St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s only Anglican church—an elegant Neo-Gothic landmark in Churchill Park, celebrated for its English architectural charm and tranquil location.
Troldborg Ring
20.3 km
Iron Age refuge fortress on a wooded hilltop, where grassy ramparts, “Devil’s Valley” slopes and wide views over Vejle Ådal bring deep Danish history to life.
Fredericia Vold
22.1 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Vejle Vindmølle
22.9 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
VisitVejle
23.7 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
The Midgård Well
24.1 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
Tirsbæk Gods
27.0 km
Experience Tirsbæk Gods, an enchanting Renaissance estate on Vejle Fjord offering historic architecture, idyllic gardens, and immersive events in Denmark’s scenic countryside.
Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum
28.0 km
Discover ancient artefacts and hidden history at Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum in Haderslev—a fascinating window into Denmark's past from the Stone Age to Vikings.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
28.3 km
Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.
Kongernes Jelling
28.3 km
UNESCO-designated Kongernes Jelling unites Viking mounds, rune stones, and a modern museum, tracing Denmark’s earliest kings and the nation’s Christian roots.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hartesløjfen ved Harteværket
0.3 km
A gentle 3.7 km loop where Kolding’s early hydroelectric heritage meets tranquil riverside woods, lakes and easy trails on the green fringe of the city.
Art Gallery - Artist Charlotte Bruun
0.8 km
Intimate working studio and contemporary gallery in Kolding, showcasing Charlotte Bruun’s expressive acrylic paintings and abstract works in a relaxed industrial-space setting.
Oplevelses- og læringshaven med biodiversitet
1.8 km
Intimate urban biodiversity garden in Kolding, where wild planting, quiet corners and outdoor learning spaces turn a former grey pocket into a living green classroom.
Stallerup Sø
2.3 km
Oplev Munkebo Oplevelses- og Læringshave: Koldings grønne oase for leg, læring og biodiversitet.
Harte Skov
2.7 km
Varied forest and valley slopes on the edge of Kolding, with trails, views, lakeside clearings and family-friendly facilities for easy nature escapes.
Landbomuseet Kolding
2.7 km
Step into a historic Danish farmstead where tractors, tools, animals and farmhouse interiors bring the story of rural life near Kolding vividly to life.
Vifdam park
2.9 km
A compact lakeside neighbourhood park in Kolding, where an artificial lake, play areas and quiet paths turn a dense residential quarter into an easy everyday escape.
St George's Garden
3.1 km
A modest neighbourhood park in Kolding, St George’s Garden offers simple lawns, trees and local life – a quiet pause between the town’s grander green spaces.
Gomonkey - Kolding
3.1 km
Forest high-ropes adventure in Kolding’s Hylkedal valley, with multi-level treetop courses, long ziplines and outdoor fun for families, friends and groups.
Springvandet ved slotssøbadet
3.2 km
Et moderne springvand på Slotsøens overflade, hvor vandsøjler, borgsilhuet og byliv mødes i et kort, gratis åndehul midt i Koldings historiske hjerte.
Nyt Mødested Ved Bramdrupdam Dam
3.2 km
A small lakeside pause along Troldhedestien, where simple wooden decks, calm water and everyday nature create a relaxed local meeting spot in Bramdrupdam.
Galleri Pagter
3.3 km
Intimate gallery in the heart of Kolding showcasing distinctive Danish ceramics and graphic art in a calm, carefully curated setting.
Anne Marie Carl Nielsen
3.3 km
Intimate bronze tribute to Denmark’s trailblazing female sculptor, quietly anchoring Kolding’s central square amid markets, daily life and shifting Jutland light.
Slotssøen
3.4 km
A small castle lake with big atmosphere, Slotssøen pairs medieval walls, swans and leafy paths to create Kolding’s most quietly evocative waterside walk.
Koldinghus
3.4 km
A 750‑year‑old royal fortress reborn as an award‑winning museum, where raw brick ruins, modern timber and sweeping tower views tell the story of Denmark in one castle.
Essential places to dine
Pho Ly Vietnam
2.0 km
Unfussy Vietnamese comfort food in central Kolding, serving steaming pho, crisp banh mi and bubble tea in a simple, budget-friendly setting all week.
The Burger Concept - Burger i Kolding
2.6 km
Straightforward, budget-friendly burgers and fries in a casual setting just outside Kolding’s center, ideal for quick, no-fuss meals and easy takeaway.
Restaurant The Grill Kolding
2.6 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet with fresh meats, salad bar, and seasonal dishes in family-friendly Kolding.
Jensens Bøfhus Kolding
2.7 km
Casual Danish steakhouse inside Kolding Storcenter, serving family‑friendly steaks, burgers, ribs and soft‑ice desserts from late morning to evening every day.
Mango Familierestaurant
2.7 km
Big, family-friendly Asian buffet inside Kolding Storcenter, combining sushi, hot dishes and grill in a casual, convenient setting for hungry shoppers and groups.
D'let - Det Grønne Køkken
2.7 km
Colorful Thai flavors, hearty hot dishes and a generous salad bar in one weigh‑and‑pay buffet, making mall dining easy for mixed tastes and hungry shoppers.
Peking Grill
2.8 km
Fresh Chinese takeaway and casual dining in central Kolding with generous portions and reliable quality.
Resturent LE
2.8 km
Contemporary Asian cuisine in central Kolding with diverse menu and flexible service options.
Spices of Dansborg
3.0 km
Cosy Indian restaurant on Kolding’s Låsbygade, serving aromatic curries, tandoori grills and biryanis in a warm, unhurried setting ideal for relaxed evenings.
Desi Indian Taste Kolding
3.1 km
Casual Indian–Pakistani flavours and halal-friendly comfort food served nightly on Kolding’s historic Låsbygade, ideal for easy dine-in or takeaway.
Le Restaurant Kolding
3.2 km
Casual Asian fusion dining in central Kolding, open daily with sushi, burgers, and meat specialties.
Hr & Fru Paps Vin & Tapas
3.2 km
Intimate Kolding wine bar and tapas hideaway serving Iberian-inspired small plates, candlelit atmosphere and conversational evenings in historic Låsbygade.
Flip The Burger
3.3 km
Small, central Kolding burger joint turning out big-flavor smashed patties, hand-cut fries and easygoing dinners just steps from the main square.
Kolding food
3.4 km
Central Kolding shawarma spot serving generous grill plates, durum rolls and box meals, ideal for a quick, filling bite between shops or after a night out.
Restaurant Valdemar
3.4 km
Family-run brasserie in Kolding’s historic centre, serving hearty Danish smørrebrød by day and modern European dishes by night beside the town square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kirppu
2.3 km
Big indoor flea supermarket in Kolding where locals rent stands and fill the aisles with ever-changing second-hand treasures, from vintage design to family cast-offs.
Bog & idé - Kolding Storcenter
2.5 km
Bright, modern book and gift shop inside Kolding Storcenter, mixing Danish reads, games and stationery with helpful service and long, convenient opening hours.
Message
2.5 km
Contemporary women’s fashion boutique in Kolding Storcenter, offering curated Scandinavian brands and complete outfits for workdays, weekends and nights out.
Plantorama Kolding
2.5 km
A modern 12,000 m² green universe in Kolding, blending garden center, pet shop, home décor and café with family‑friendly play zones and sustainable design.
Kids Coolshop
2.6 km
A colourful Kolding toy universe where shelves of games, LEGO, gadgets and cuddly friends make choosing the next gift as fun as unwrapping it.
Kolding Storcenter
2.6 km
Jutland’s largest shopping centre, blending big-name retail, dining and cinema with free parking, family-friendly design and year-round indoor comfort.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
2.7 km
Compact, colourful and full of affordable surprises, Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Kolding is a playful stop for gifts, gadgets, crafts and Scandinavian‑styled everyday fun.
Telia Kolding
2.7 km
Denmark's leading telecom retailer offering mobile devices, repairs, and connectivity solutions in Jutland's largest shopping center.
NP Vin - Vin Du Coeur
2.8 km
Curated wines and professional imports in Kolding's premier wine destination.
byHANSEN
3.3 km
A refined neighborhood florist in central Kolding, specializing in crafted bouquets, seasonal arrangements and thoughtful floral design for life’s big and small moments.
Michella´s Frugt og Grønt v/Mahmoud Aldherej
3.3 km
Compact, colourful greengrocer in central Kolding, perfect for fresh fruit, vegetables and picnic supplies between explorations of the city’s historic streets.
Filurfifi
3.4 km
A cosy Kolding design boutique filled with playful ceramics, Nordic home décor and character-inspired gifts for women, children and the home.
DNA Kolding
3.4 km
Stylish menswear and footwear in the heart of Kolding's downtown shopping district.
Only
3.4 km
Compact, trend-focused ONLY store in central Kolding, offering accessible Scandinavian women’s fashion, strong on denim and everyday outfits for quick wardrobe updates.
Kop & Kande Kolding C
3.4 km
Central Kolding’s cosy homeware and gift shop, where practical Danish kitchen design, glassware and tableware meet easy browsing on lively Helligkorsgade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kontoret Øl og Vinstue
2.9 km
Atmospheric Kolding bar in a historic townhouse, pouring beer and wine in warmly lit, wood‑paneled rooms that feel like the city’s convivial living room.
Domhuset Sportsbar
3.0 km
Straightforward Kolding sports bar with darts, big screens and cold beers in a relaxed pub setting on central Låsbygade.
danny og mille
3.0 km
Casual neighborhood bar in central Kolding offering relaxed drinks and social atmosphere.
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
3.5 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
The Cavern
3.5 km
A cozy, low-lit lounge tucked inside Den Engelske Pub, offering intimate drinks, warm conversation and a calm escape from Kolding’s lively weekend nightlife.
Rabalder Bar Kolding
3.5 km
Small, loud and laid-back, Rabalder Bar Kolding delivers sing-along hits, cheeky drink deals and late-night energy in a compact, central Kolding setting.
The Old Irish pub
3.6 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
Vegas Bet & Beer
3.6 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
Drop-inn ( 75 50 34 92 )
3.6 km
Unpretentious Kolding bodega in a former girls’ school, serving cold beer, nostalgic “mormor” music and everyday hygge in a cosy red-brick corner bar.
8eren
3.6 km
Kolding's premier cocktail bar and pool hall—where drinks, games, and good company meet.
Jernbanecaféen
3.6 km
Straightforward, central Kolding bar by the station, serving inexpensive drinks in a relaxed, lived‑in setting from midday until the early hours.
Papegøjen
3.6 km
A no-frills corner bodega in central Kolding where cold beer, card games and easy conversation keep the classic Danish pub culture very much alive.
Knuds Garage
3.6 km
Garage‑themed neighborhood bar in central Kolding with affordable drinks, board games, foosball and a cozy courtyard that turns evenings into easygoing social nights.
Snapstinget
3.8 km
One of Kolding’s oldest pubs, Snapstinget pairs ice-cold beer with billiards, darts and a warmly local atmosphere on a quiet street off the city’s sports grounds.
Jazz 6000
3.9 km
Intimate jazz stronghold in Kolding, presenting adventurous live concerts and collaborations that bring Danish jazz up close in a relaxed club atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- 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
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly