The Passage (A.L. Passagen)
Kolding's historic covered arcade where local shops, cafés, and the lively English Pub create an authentic downtown gathering space.
The Passage is a historic shopping arcade and cultural landmark in the heart of Kolding's city center. This charming pedestrian passage features independent boutiques, cafés, and the popular English Pub, making it a vibrant hub for both shopping and socializing. Built as a traditional European-style covered walkway, it preserves the character of Kolding's downtown while hosting local businesses and serving as a gathering point for residents and visitors alike.
A brief summary to The Passage
- A L Passagen, Kolding, 6000, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the English Pub for authentic Danish and English beers in a lively atmosphere. Peak hours are evenings and weekends, so arrive early if you prefer a quieter experience.
- Explore the independent boutiques and local shops for unique Danish design and locally-made goods not found in larger shopping centers.
- The covered arcade provides excellent shelter from rain and cold weather, making it an ideal destination on less-than-perfect Danish days.
- Combine your visit with the nearby open-air market at Akseltorv (Tuesday and Friday, 7am–1pm) and the pedestrian shopping streets in Kolding's city center.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from Kolding City Center
The Passage is located in the heart of Kolding's downtown district. From the main pedestrian shopping streets or Akseltorv square, the passage is within a 5–10 minute walk. Follow signs for A.L. Passagen or simply ask locals—it's a well-known landmark. No parking is required; the area is best explored on foot.
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Public Bus from Kolding Storcenter
Several city bus lines connect Kolding Storcenter (4 kilometers north) to the city center. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on the route. Buses run regularly throughout the day. Single tickets cost around 25–35 DKK. Exit at stops near Akseltorv or the main shopping district, then walk to The Passage.
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Taxi or Ride-Share from Kolding Train Station
Kolding Train Station is approximately 1 kilometer from The Passage. A taxi ride takes 5–10 minutes and costs approximately 80–120 DKK depending on traffic. Alternatively, the walk from the station to the city center takes 15–20 minutes and is straightforward via main streets.
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Cycling in Kolding
Kolding is a bike-friendly Danish town. If you have access to a bicycle, cycling to The Passage from most parts of the city takes 10–20 minutes. Bike parking is available throughout the city center. This is the most popular local transport method.
The Passage location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about The Passage
A Historic Passage Through Kolding's Heart
The Passage, known locally as A.L. Passagen, is a distinctive covered shopping arcade situated in the center of Kolding. This pedestrian passage represents a classic European approach to urban retail and leisure, creating an intimate, weather-protected environment where locals and visitors converge. The arcade's architecture reflects the character of Kolding's downtown district, offering a stark contrast to the modern megamalls that dominate the region. As a covered walkway lined with independent shops and cafés, it embodies the traditional European shopping experience that many travelers seek when exploring Danish towns beyond the capital.Shopping and Retail Character
The Passage houses a curated selection of independent boutiques and specialty shops that reflect local entrepreneurship and Danish design sensibilities. Unlike the sprawling Kolding Storcenter shopping mall located on the outskirts of town, The Passage maintains an intimate, human-scaled retail environment. The arcade's narrow corridors and shop windows create opportunities for leisurely browsing and discovering unique finds. Many of the businesses operating here are locally owned, contributing to the authentic character of Kolding's city center and offering goods that differ from the international chain stores found in larger shopping centers.Social Hub and Nightlife Destination
Beyond retail, The Passage functions as a significant social gathering point, particularly through its hospitality venues. The English Pub, one of Kolding's most popular nightlife destinations, operates within the passage and draws hundreds of patrons throughout the week. Open Monday to Friday from 2pm to 2am, Saturday from 2pm to 4am, and Sunday from 2pm to 8pm, the pub serves English and Danish beers and creates a lively atmosphere. This venue transforms The Passage into an evening entertainment destination, where both locals and visitors congregate for drinks and conversation. The presence of such establishments elevates The Passage beyond a simple shopping arcade into a multifunctional community space.Accessibility and Location Within Kolding
The Passage's location in Kolding's city center makes it easily accessible on foot from the surrounding downtown area. Its position contrasts with the peripheral location of Kolding Storcenter, which sits 4 kilometers north of the city center. For visitors exploring Kolding's downtown shopping district, The Passage serves as a natural waypoint alongside the pedestrian streets and open-air markets that characterize the city center. The covered nature of the arcade provides weather protection, making it an appealing destination regardless of Denmark's variable climate. The passage's integration into the urban fabric of Kolding means it functions as both a destination and a connecting element within the broader downtown shopping experience.Cultural and Community Significance
The Passage represents an important element of Kolding's urban identity and local culture. As a gathering space that has served the community for decades, it reflects the social patterns and preferences of Kolding residents. The mix of retail, dining, and entertainment venues creates a dynamic environment where everyday life and leisure intersect. For travelers interested in experiencing authentic Danish urban culture beyond tourist-focused attractions, The Passage offers genuine insight into how locals spend their time and interact within their community. The arcade's continued vitality and popularity among residents demonstrates its enduring relevance in an era when many traditional shopping passages have declined.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Borchs Gård
0.2 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
0.3 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
0.3 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.
0.4 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
0.4 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.
Saint Michaels Church
0.7 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.
Fredericia Vold
19.7 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Troldborg Ring
22.7 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
23.7 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
VisitVejle
24.5 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
The Midgård Well
24.8 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum
26.1 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.
Tirsbæk Gods
26.9 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
27.3 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
29.9 km
Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Helligkorsgade 18
0.1 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.
Borgerhaven
0.1 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.
The Spanish stairs
0.1 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.
Stable Yard
0.2 km
Historic whitewashed stables turned city museum, where royal horses, design heritage and Denmark’s only preserved Gestapo cell share one atmospheric courtyard.
Anne Marie Carl Nielsen
0.2 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
0.2 km
Intimate gallery in the heart of Kolding showcasing distinctive Danish ceramics and graphic art in a calm, carefully curated setting.
Little Kolding Å Park
0.3 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.
Castle Garden
0.3 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.
Koldinghus
0.3 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.
Guldtunnel
0.3 km
A once-ordinary underpass turned into a glowing golden light tunnel, Guldtunnelen adds a surprising touch of playful design to everyday Kolding strolls.
Søpromenaden
0.3 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.
Slotssøen
0.4 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.
Mindesten for Kolding Havns 100 Års Jubilæum
0.5 km
Discover 'Uffe hin Spage,' Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen's iconic bronze statue in Kolding's Byparken, celebrating Danish folklore and artistic heritage.
Old Cemetery
0.5 km
Historic 1806 cemetery turned tranquil green refuge, where copper beeches, cast‑iron fences and war memorials quietly tell two centuries of Kolding’s story.
Dansende Blomster og Mindetavlerne
0.6 km
Walk through Kolding's industrial heritage on an open-air art route celebrating the city's forgotten craftspeople and visionaries.
Essential places to dine
Spirit Sushi
0.0 km
Authentic Japanese sushi crafted with precision and fresh ingredients in central Kolding
Naz Barbecue Restaurant
0.0 km
Authentic Turkish barbecue in central Kolding—casual, accessible, and expertly grilled.
the mokka café
0.0 km
Modern Danish hygge in a hidden city passage, blending generous brunches, café classics and cocktails in a warm, all‑day living room in the heart of Kolding.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Kolding
0.1 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.
Rafaels Restaurant
0.1 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.
Vinbaren Kolding
0.1 km
Discover the perfect blend of fine wines and tantalizing tapas at Vinbaren Kolding - your cozy retreat in Denmark.
Den Blå Bistro
0.1 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.
Kål&co
0.1 km
Bright, veggie-forward café on Kolding’s Slotsgade, turning seasonal greens into hearty salad bowls, pitas and panini in a relaxed, modern setting.
Xin Chào Vietnamese Restaurant
0.1 km
Compact, central and casually modern, Xin Chào brings steaming pho, crisp dumplings and fresh Vietnamese flavours to Kolding’s historic Slotsgade every evening.
Restaurant Johansens
0.1 km
Refined Danish smørrebrød and modern Nordic plates in an intimate, candlelit dining room at the heart of Kolding’s historic center.
Onkel D's Foodhouse
0.1 km
Casual burger-and-fries comfort food in central Kolding, serving generous portions and Danish-style classics in a relaxed, no-fuss setting ideal for easy evenings.
Taco Og tarteletter Take Away
0.1 km
Unpretentious Kolding takeaway blending Danish tarteletter with Mexican-style tacos, perfect for relaxed evenings, hotel picnics and easy comfort-food cravings.
Madkassen
0.1 km
Hearty pizzas, grill favorites and ice cream in the heart of Kolding, a casual local spot that fuels busy days and late nights in the city center.
Cliff food bike
0.1 km
Compact soul-food kitchen born from a roaming food bike, serving bold, comforting flavours in Kolding’s historic centre just steps from Koldinghus castle.
Skagen Fiskerestaurant Kolding
0.2 km
Fresh fish and shellfish with a Skagen harbour feel, served in a bright, maritime restaurant on Kolding’s historic Akseltorv market square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Barnet genbrugsbutik
0.0 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.
Kims Kiosk Skateshop - Koldings skatebutik
0.1 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.
HARRESØ
0.1 km
An intimate Kolding concept store where Scandinavian minimalism meets international menswear, blending gallery-like interiors with a sharply curated selection of designer brands.
Rituals
0.1 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.
Gundtoft KOLDING CITY
0.1 km
Elegant women's fashion in Kolding's design-forward city centre, featuring curated Danish and international brands.
Janne K Kolding
0.1 km
Contemporary fashion boutique offering seasonal clothing and accessories in central Kolding.
Kul og Koks
0.1 km
Intimate Kolding menswear boutique pairing Scandinavian simplicity with curated, ready-to-wear outfits for everyday life and special occasions.
Femina Tønder ApS
0.1 km
A central Kolding women’s clothing shop offering practical, Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion in a compact, easy-to-browse high-street space.
Bog & idé Kolding City
0.1 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.
Lykke's Guld & Sølv
0.1 km
Longstanding Kolding jeweler on Jernbanegade, blending classic Danish craftsmanship, in-house repairs and a wide range of jewelry and watches for everyday and special occasions.
Store No 1b ApS
0.1 km
Boutique fashion in the heart of Kolding's charming pedestrian shopping district.
Kop & Kande Kolding C
0.2 km
Central Kolding’s cosy homeware and gift shop, where practical Danish kitchen design, glassware and tableware meet easy browsing on lively Helligkorsgade.
Sinnerup Kolding
0.2 km
Scandinavian design, contemporary living, and lifestyle inspiration under one expansive roof.
Only
0.2 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.
DNA Kolding
0.2 km
Stylish menswear and footwear in the heart of Kolding's downtown shopping district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
0.0 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
Vegas Bet & Beer
0.0 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
The Cavern
0.1 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
0.1 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
Rabalder Bar Kolding
0.1 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
0.1 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
0.1 km
Kolding's premier cocktail bar and pool hall—where drinks, games, and good company meet.
Jernbanecaféen
0.1 km
Straightforward, central Kolding bar by the station, serving inexpensive drinks in a relaxed, lived‑in setting from midday until the early hours.
Papegøjen
0.4 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.
Drop-inn ( 75 50 34 92 )
0.5 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.
Jazz 6000
0.5 km
Intimate jazz stronghold in Kolding, presenting adventurous live concerts and collaborations that bring Danish jazz up close in a relaxed club atmosphere.
Domhuset Sportsbar
0.6 km
Straightforward Kolding sports bar with darts, big screens and cold beers in a relaxed pub setting on central Låsbygade.
Kontoret Øl og Vinstue
0.7 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.
Snapstinget
1.1 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.
Daddys's Pub
1.1 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
Mørks Kælder
0.1 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
0.2 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Pitstop
0.3 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.
Koldingtivet Engen
0.7 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.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
9.2 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
14.4 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
19.7 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
21.4 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.
21.8 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
24.6 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
42.3 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
45.4 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
46.7 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
47.3 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
47.7 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
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Adults Only