Helligkorsgade 18 – Kolding's Oldest House
Denmark's rarest medieval townhouse, where 437 years of history meet contemporary art.
A Rare Survivor from Medieval Trade Routes
Helligkorsgade 18 represents one of Denmark's most precious architectural survivors, built in 1589 during an era when Kolding was a thriving trading hub. The house exemplifies the North German gable-house tradition that originated in prosperous trading towns and gradually spread to Danish settlements along the Little Belt during the Middle Ages. This construction method, which allowed owners direct street access and maximized limited urban space, was revolutionary for its time. Today, only three such structures remain in Kolding: Borch's Gard on Akseltorv and two houses on Helligkorsgade itself (numbers 18 and 20), making this architectural style exceptionally rare in Denmark.From Shoemaker's Workshop to Community Treasure
The house's human history is as compelling as its architecture. In 1704, master shoemaker Jørgen Hansen purchased the property, and his family maintained ownership for over two centuries until 1915. When the Hansen family's stewardship ended, a group of forward-thinking Kolding citizens recognized the building's irreplaceable cultural value and acquired it specifically to preserve it for future generations. The municipality later took possession and operated it as a tourist information office for many years, ensuring the structure remained accessible to the public.Architectural Character and Historic Details
The building's most distinctive feature is its wonky, half-timbered gable facade painted in warm orange-red tones, which creates an immediately recognizable silhouette on the otherwise modern shopping street. The timber framing, characteristic of Northern European medieval construction, is clearly visible and has been carefully maintained. A particularly poignant detail adorns the gable facing the garden: an embedded cannonball from the Battle of Kolding, fought on 23 April 1849, serving as a tangible reminder of Denmark's turbulent 19th-century history. Above the front door, an inscription reads: "O Lord, if you want to keep our house," reflecting the pious sentiments of its original inhabitants.Contemporary Role as Cultural Exhibition Space
The building now functions as an exhibition area for local and regional artists, breathing contemporary creative life into its centuries-old walls. This adaptive use honors both the structure's heritage and its role as a living cultural venue. The adjacent Turisthaven (Tourist Garden) provides a peaceful green respite in the city center, creating a small oasis that complements the historic building and offers visitors a moment of tranquility amid urban surroundings.Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate half-timbered facade and its warm orange-red coloring, which photographs beautifully against Kolding's pedestrian shopping street.
- Look carefully at the gable facing the garden to spot the embedded cannonball from the 1849 Battle of Kolding—a powerful historical artifact embedded in the wall itself.
- Pair your visit with the adjacent Turisthaven garden for a peaceful break, then explore nearby attractions including Borch's Gard and the Kolding city center's pedestrian streets and galleries.
- Check current exhibition details before visiting, as the building hosts rotating displays of local and regional artists throughout the year.
- Stand across the street to capture the full architectural profile of the gable house—this vantage point reveals the building's distinctive wonky proportions and medieval character.
A brief summary to Helligkorsgade 18
- Helligkorsgade 18, Kolding, 6000, DK
- +4576338100
Getting There
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Walking from Kolding City Centre
Helligkorsgade 18 is located in the heart of Kolding's pedestrian shopping district, approximately 5–10 minutes on foot from Kolding Railway Station. From the station, walk north through the city center following signs toward the main shopping streets. The building sits directly on Helligkorsgade, one of Kolding's primary retail thoroughfares. No parking is required for pedestrian access; the area is fully walkable and well-signposted.
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By Car with Parking
If driving, Kolding has several paid parking facilities within 2–5 minutes' walk of Helligkorsgade 18. The nearest multi-story car park is located on Jernbanegade, approximately 200 meters from the building. Parking costs approximately 25–35 Danish krone per hour (roughly 3–5 EUR). Street parking is limited and often time-restricted in the city center. Allow 10–15 minutes total from parking to the building.
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By Public Transport
Kolding Railway Station is the main transport hub, served by regional and intercity trains from Copenhagen, Aarhus, and other Danish cities. Journey times from Copenhagen are approximately 2.5–3 hours; from Aarhus approximately 1 hour. From the station, the city center and Helligkorsgade are a straightforward 10-minute walk. Local bus services also connect to the city center, with typical fares around 24 Danish krone (approximately 3 EUR) for a single journey.
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Cycling
Kolding is highly bicycle-friendly with extensive cycle paths throughout the city. From Kolding Railway Station, the ride to Helligkorsgade 18 takes approximately 5–8 minutes via dedicated cycle routes. Bike rental is available at several locations near the station, typically costing 50–100 Danish krone per day (approximately 7–13 EUR). The city center has numerous bike parking facilities near the shopping district.
