Old Cemetery (Den Gamle Kirkegård), Kolding
Historic 1806 cemetery turned tranquil green refuge, where copper beeches, cast‑iron fences and war memorials quietly tell two centuries of Kolding’s story.
Tucked between residential streets close to Kolding’s center, the Old Cemetery is a tranquil green refuge and one of Denmark’s most evocative burial grounds. Laid out in 1806 as an extension to Sankt Nicolai Church, it blends avenues of ancient trees, distinctive cast-iron grave fences and war memorials to soldiers of several nations. Part peaceful park, part open-air history book, it offers quiet paths, layered stories and space for reflection away from the city’s bustle.
A brief summary to Old Cemetery
- Clemensgade 19B, Kolding, 6000, DK
- +4575507870
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan at least an hour to wander slowly along the main avenues and smaller side paths; the atmosphere and details reveal themselves best at an unhurried pace.
- Look for information boards at selected graves to uncover stories behind notable Kolding residents and the cemetery’s very first burial from 1806.
- Visit in late spring or early autumn to see the copper beeches at their most atmospheric, with either fresh red foliage or deep carpets of fallen leaves.
- Keep voices low and be cautious with photography, especially near recent graves or during visible ceremonies, as this is an active burial ground.
- Wear flat, comfortable shoes; paths are generally easy but can be uneven or slippery with leaves, especially around the oldest plots and in damp weather.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Local bus
From central Kolding, city buses running along Tøndervej provide an easy way to reach the Old Cemetery area, with a journey time of about 5–15 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Expect standard urban fares in the range of 20–30 DKK per adult, payable with contactless cards or travel cards. Services are generally frequent during the day on weekdays and Saturdays but may be less frequent in the evenings and on Sundays, so checking the timetable in advance is advisable.
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Walking from Kolding center
The Old Cemetery lies within walking distance of Kolding’s central streets, making it a pleasant approach on foot through residential neighborhoods. The walk typically takes 15–25 minutes at a relaxed pace, mostly on paved sidewalks with gentle gradients suitable for most visitors. Surfaces within the cemetery itself can be uneven, so those with limited mobility should take care, especially in wet or icy conditions.
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Taxi within Kolding
Taxis in Kolding can drop you close to the cemetery entrances along Tøndervej or Clemensgade, which is convenient if you are short on time or have mobility concerns. A typical ride from central Kolding takes around 5–10 minutes, with prices often falling in the 80–140 DKK range depending on distance and traffic. Taxis run year‑round, but availability can be tighter late at night or during local events, so pre‑booking is sensible if you are on a schedule.
Old Cemetery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Old Cemetery
A quiet refuge in the heart of Kolding
The Old Cemetery in Kolding, known locally as Den Gamle Kirkegård, feels almost like a secret garden folded into the city grid. Enclosed by streets yet buffered by tall hedges and mature trees, it forms a green pocket where traffic noise drops to a murmur. Broad avenues intersect with narrow paths, inviting you to slow your pace, listen to birdsong and read the names and dates that have shaped more than two centuries of local history. Although it remains an active burial ground, the atmosphere is gentle rather than sombre. Moss-softened stones, flowering shrubs and carefully clipped lawns lend the place a park-like character. Benches tucked beneath spreading crowns of copper beeches turn the cemetery into a natural pause point for residents and visitors seeking shade, solitude or a contemplative stroll.Two hundred years of Kolding stories in stone
Established in 1806 as an overflow cemetery for Sankt Nicolai Church, the Old Cemetery charts Kolding’s transformation from a small market town to a modern city. Many of the earliest graves are simple slabs, their lettering fading, but others are grand family plots marked by obelisks, columns and carved symbols of faith and remembrance. Here lie city officials and merchants, craftsmen and factory owners, clergymen and teachers, as well as local characters whose nicknames live on in stone. Among the most poignant markers is the grave of 17‑year‑old Barbara, the cemetery’s first burial, resting close to the priest who consecrated the ground. Nearby, information boards at selected graves open windows onto individual lives, connecting dates and titles to anecdotes about everyday work, social ambitions and personal tragedies. As you wander, you trace not just genealogies but the social fabric of Kolding over generations.War memorials and international resting places
One of the cemetery’s most striking features is the war memorial mound, where history steps beyond the local. Here, Spanish, French, German and Danish soldiers are buried side by side, their graves recalling conflicts that once shook this borderland region. Neat rows of crosses and stones mark the resting places of those who never returned home, turning this quiet corner into a small, international field of memory. Flag days and commemorative ceremonies periodically animate this section, but even in silence the symbolism is powerful. It underlines Kolding’s role in the shifting story of the Danish–German frontier and the Slesvig wars, making the cemetery a compact lesson in European history as well as a place of mourning. The juxtaposition of military discipline and the softness of grass and trees adds to the emotional weight.Cast‑iron craftsmanship and majestic trees
Den Gamle Kirkegård is celebrated for its remarkable collection of cast‑iron grave fences. These ornate railings, enclosing family plots, range from austere geometric designs to exuberant scrollwork and floral motifs. Over two hundred individual fences have been catalogued, representing dozens of patterns and revealing changing tastes and technologies across the nineteenth century. Rust, lichen and peeling paint lend them a textured patina that photographers and design enthusiasts will appreciate. Equally distinctive are the many copper beeches planted during the era of national revival in the nineteenth century. Their reddish foliage filters the light, casting a warm, almost theatrical glow over certain avenues in spring and summer. Close inspection reveals graft lines on the trunks, a tangible reminder of how demand for these fashionable trees outstripped natural supply and led to widespread grafting. In autumn, fallen leaves create rust-coloured carpets, transforming the cemetery’s mood once again.A contemplative walk rather than a typical attraction
Visiting the Old Cemetery is less about ticking off sights and more about allowing yourself time to drift between past and present. Paths are generally level and easy to follow, though surfaces can be uneven, especially near the oldest plots. It is a place to walk slowly, read inscriptions, notice tiny details on ironwork and stone, and perhaps sit a while beneath the branches of a beech or lime tree. Because the cemetery still serves its original purpose, respect and discretion are essential. Voices carry, and ceremonies may be underway, so it is wise to keep a low profile near fresh graves. Photography is possible, especially of landscapes, trees and historic monuments, but sensitivity to mourners should guide your lens. Treated with care, Den Gamle Kirkegård rewards you with a layered, atmospheric glimpse into Kolding’s soul.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Michaels Church
0.2 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.
Borchs Gård
0.5 km
A vividly painted Renaissance townhouse from 1595, Borchs Gård brings Kolding’s mercantile past to life on the edge of lively Akseltorv square.
Saint Nicolas Church
0.6 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
0.9 km
Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
0.9 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.
Kolding St.
0.9 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.
Fredericia Vold
20.3 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Troldborg Ring
22.9 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.
Vejle Vindmølle
24.1 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
VisitVejle
24.9 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
The Midgård Well
25.2 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
Tirsbæk Gods
27.4 km
Experience Tirsbæk Gods, an enchanting Renaissance estate on Vejle Fjord offering historic architecture, idyllic gardens, and immersive events in Denmark’s scenic countryside.
Træskohage fyr
27.8 km
An awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral at the heart of Odense, steeped in royal history as Denmark’s only sainted king’s final resting place.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
30.3 km
Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.
Kongernes Jelling
30.3 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
Little Kolding Å Park
0.4 km
A small, quiet green pocket along Kolding Å where river, trees and town meet, perfect for a brief pause, a dog walk or a gentle riverside stroll.
Borgerhaven
0.5 km
A small 1930s garden tucked behind historic walls, where flowers, old brickwork and a cannonball in the gable tell Kolding’s story in a single quiet courtyard.
Helligkorsgade 18
0.5 km
A beloved, free-entry family park in central Kolding featuring creative playgrounds, lakeside pedal boats, mini-golf, picnic spots, and open-air relaxation for all ages.
Guldtunnel
0.5 km
A once-ordinary underpass turned into a glowing golden light tunnel, Guldtunnelen adds a surprising touch of playful design to everyday Kolding strolls.
The Passage
0.5 km
Encounter the legacy of pioneering sculptor Anne Marie Carl Nielsen through this evocative public artwork in the vibrant central square of Kolding.
Anne Marie Carl Nielsen
0.5 km
Intimate bronze tribute to Denmark’s trailblazing female sculptor, quietly anchoring Kolding’s central square amid markets, daily life and shifting Jutland light.
Galleri Pagter
0.6 km
Intimate gallery in the heart of Kolding showcasing distinctive Danish ceramics and graphic art in a calm, carefully curated setting.
The Spanish stairs
0.6 km
A broad, tile-clad staircase with Lin Utzon’s art, the Spanish Stairs link Kolding’s old streets to its castle hill in a gently Mediterranean-feeling urban pause.
Koldinghus
0.7 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.
Stable Yard
0.7 km
Historic whitewashed stables turned city museum, where royal horses, design heritage and Denmark’s only preserved Gestapo cell share one atmospheric courtyard.
Castle Garden
0.7 km
A tranquil belt of lawns, trees and lake reflections wrapped around Koldinghus, where everyday life and 750 years of castle history share the same green hillside.
Slotssøen
0.9 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.
Søpromenaden
0.9 km
A modest lakeside ribbon where central Kolding slows down, Søpromenaden offers a quiet urban waterside walk, everyday greenery, and simple benches by the shore.
Kolding Besættelsestidssamling
0.9 km
Intimate World War II bunker museum in Kolding, revealing local stories of occupation, resistance and policing inside an authentic underground command post.
Springvandet ved slotssøbadet
0.9 km
Et moderne springvand på Slotsøens overflade, hvor vandsøjler, borgsilhuet og byliv mødes i et kort, gratis åndehul midt i Koldings historiske hjerte.
Essential places to dine
Trattoria-Pizzeria Piccola Italia
0.1 km
Neighbourhood-style Italian trattoria in Kolding serving crisp stone-baked pizzas, rustic pasta and warm hospitality in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Den Hvide Hest
0.2 km
Refined Danish gastronomy where local ingredients and creative technique create unforgettable culinary moments.
Sawadee Thai
0.2 km
Cosy Thai takeaway and eat-in spot in central Kolding, serving generous curries, woks and noodle favourites in a friendly, no-fuss neighbourhood setting.
Restaurant Over Aaen
0.3 km
Casual Spanish‑inspired dining with brunch, tapas and steaks served on a heated year‑round terrace overlooking Kolding’s central stream and pedestrian street.
Cafe Marcello's
0.3 km
All‑day cafe‑restaurant in central Kolding serving generous brunches, burgers, pasta and steaks in a relaxed, sociable setting just off the river.
Bone's Kolding
0.3 km
Bustling American-style BBQ joint in central Kolding, serving big plates, salad bar and soft-ice in a memorabilia-filled setting made for easygoing family meals.
Salinaz
0.4 km
Cosy South American–inspired steakhouse in central Kolding, serving flame-grilled meats and hearty sides in an intimate, evening-only setting.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Kolding
0.5 km
Classic Danish steakhouse dining in Kolding’s second-oldest gabled house, where expertly grilled beef meets candlelit old-town atmosphere and a serious wine list.
Naz Barbecue Restaurant
0.5 km
Authentic Turkish barbecue in central Kolding—casual, accessible, and expertly grilled.
Flip The Burger
0.5 km
Small, central Kolding burger joint turning out big-flavor smashed patties, hand-cut fries and easygoing dinners just steps from the main square.
Spirit Sushi
0.5 km
Authentic Japanese sushi crafted with precision and fresh ingredients in central Kolding
Kolding food
0.5 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.
Den Blå Bistro
0.5 km
French-inspired bistro at the heart of Kolding, blending classic Gallic dishes, Danish ingredients and a cosy, candlelit atmosphere ideal for both lunch and long dinners.
Rafaels Restaurant
0.5 km
Cosy Italian restaurant on Kolding’s historic Slotsgade, serving generous pizzas, pastas and classic dishes in a warm, lively setting ideal for dinners and celebrations.
Kål&co
0.6 km
Bright, veggie-forward café on Kolding’s Slotsgade, turning seasonal greens into hearty salad bowls, pitas and panini in a relaxed, modern setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Jungle Records
0.3 km
A cosy, crate-stacked vinyl den in central Kolding, Jungle Records is where analogue sound, local character and slow, satisfying browsing come together.
Sinnerup Kolding
0.4 km
Scandinavian design, contemporary living, and lifestyle inspiration under one expansive roof.
DNA Kolding
0.4 km
Stylish menswear and footwear in the heart of Kolding's downtown shopping district.
Only
0.4 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
0.4 km
Central Kolding’s cosy homeware and gift shop, where practical Danish kitchen design, glassware and tableware meet easy browsing on lively Helligkorsgade.
Filurfifi
0.4 km
A cosy Kolding design boutique filled with playful ceramics, Nordic home décor and character-inspired gifts for women, children and the home.
Kul og Koks
0.5 km
Intimate Kolding menswear boutique pairing Scandinavian simplicity with curated, ready-to-wear outfits for everyday life and special occasions.
HARRESØ
0.5 km
An intimate Kolding concept store where Scandinavian minimalism meets international menswear, blending gallery-like interiors with a sharply curated selection of designer brands.
Kims Kiosk Skateshop - Koldings skatebutik
0.5 km
Core skate shop and community hub in central Kolding, blending boards, shoes and streetwear with the laid-back energy of a classic Danish kiosk.
byHANSEN
0.5 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.
Rituals
0.5 km
A softly lit Rituals boutique on Østergade in Kolding, where serene design, layered scents and thoughtful gift sets turn everyday routines into small indulgent rituals.
Red Barnet genbrugsbutik
0.5 km
Compact, community-driven second-hand shop in central Kolding where bargain hunting, sustainability and support for Save the Children come together under one roof.
Bog & idé Kolding City
0.5 km
Central Kolding’s one-stop book and gift shop, combining Danish reads, games, stationery, hobby items and handy photo services in a bright, well-organised space.
Janne K Kolding
0.5 km
Contemporary fashion boutique offering seasonal clothing and accessories in central Kolding.
Femina Tønder ApS
0.5 km
A central Kolding women’s clothing shop offering practical, Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion in a compact, easy-to-browse high-street space.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Drop-inn ( 75 50 34 92 )
0.2 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.
Papegøjen
0.3 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.
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
0.5 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
Vegas Bet & Beer
0.6 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
The Cavern
0.6 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.
The Old Irish pub
0.6 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
Rabalder Bar Kolding
0.6 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.
Knuds Garage
0.6 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.
8eren
0.7 km
Kolding's premier cocktail bar and pool hall—where drinks, games, and good company meet.
Jernbanecaféen
0.7 km
Straightforward, central Kolding bar by the station, serving inexpensive drinks in a relaxed, lived‑in setting from midday until the early hours.
Snapstinget
0.7 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.
Domhuset Sportsbar
0.8 km
Straightforward Kolding sports bar with darts, big screens and cold beers in a relaxed pub setting on central Låsbygade.
Kontoret Øl og Vinstue
0.9 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.
Jazz 6000
1.0 km
Intimate jazz stronghold in Kolding, presenting adventurous live concerts and collaborations that bring Danish jazz up close in a relaxed club atmosphere.
Daddys's Pub
1.4 km
Cosy neighborhood pub on Tvedvej in Kolding, serving cold beers, bar‑side conversation and a generous dose of everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Discoteque Tordenskiold
0.5 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Koldingtivet Engen
0.6 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Mørks Kælder
0.6 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
0.8 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
9.7 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
Fishi
14.1 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
AHA Livestage
20.2 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.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
21.0 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
NOX Network Ltd.
22.2 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
temabar APS 23-05
25.1 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
42.8 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
45.3 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
PDD
47.2 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Oskar hossman
47.8 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
48.2 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
