Madkælderen Koldinghus
Seasonal Danish cuisine and candlelit cellar ambience beneath the vaulted stone of Koldinghus, where modern gourmet dining meets centuries of royal castle history.
Tucked beneath the ancient vaults of Koldinghus castle, Madkælderen pairs modern Danish cooking with a deeply atmospheric, medieval cellar setting. Seasonal, locally sourced menus reinterpret classic smørrebrød and hearty Danish dishes for lunch, while fixed multi-course dinners with inclusive drinks unfold on selected evenings. Candlelight on rough stone walls, low arches and a hum of conversation make this one of Kolding’s most characterful dining rooms, ideal for a long lunch, gourmet evening or celebratory gathering in royal surroundings.
A brief summary to Madkælderen Koldinghus
- Koldinghus 1, Kolding, 6000, DK
- +4575504798
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-3 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-3 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-3 pm
- Friday 12 pm-3 pm
- Saturday 11 am-3 pm
- Sunday 11 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Reserve ahead for evening service; the fixed multi-course dinners with inclusive drinks are offered on limited nights and often sell out.
- Arrive a little early for lunch to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and take in the details of the vaulted cellar before the room fills.
- Mention any dietary preferences when booking; the kitchen is used to adapting Danish classics for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free guests.
- Combine your meal with a visit to Koldinghus itself, allowing extra time to explore the castle galleries and views before or after dining.
- Bring a light layer, especially outside summer; cellar temperatures can feel pleasantly cool compared with the courtyard above.
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
Madkælderen Koldinghus 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 Madkælderen Koldinghus
Dining in the Castle’s Old Cellar
Madkælderen sits in the vaulted basement of Koldinghus, the former royal castle that dominates Kolding’s skyline. Down a short flight of steps, the light softens, ceilings dip into brick arches and thick walls wrap the dining room in a gentle hush. It feels at once intimate and grand, as if you have slipped behind the scenes of the castle to share a meal where royals once stored their provisions. Tables are laid with simple Nordic care: clean lines, pale wood, flickering candles and white linen play against the rough stone. The contrast between the building’s age and the restaurant’s contemporary touch is part of the charm. You are very much in a working castle, yet the space is undeniably a modern restaurant, with an open, relaxed atmosphere rather than formal pomp.Modern Takes on Classic Danish Flavours
At lunchtime, Madkælderen leans into the Danish love of the midday meal. Platters and buffets feature familiar staples like marinated herring with accompaniments, smoked salmon, prawns, liver paté, frikadeller, roasted pork, potato salads and local cheeses, often reworked with lighter sides and seasonal garnishes. It is a generous, lingering style of lunch that invites second helpings and conversation. In the evening, the cellar shifts gear. On selected nights a fixed, multi-course menu is served, typically beginning with an aperitif and small snacks before a sequence of carefully plated dishes built around seasonal produce. A curated wine or juice pairing is common, and the menu changes regularly to reflect what is best from local farms, fisheries and producers. Coffee, sweets and perhaps a digestif usually round off the experience.Stories in Stone and Glass
Much of Madkælderen’s appeal lies in how closely food and setting are entwined. Staff are often keen to share small anecdotes about the castle, its role in Danish history and the cellar’s past as a storage space dating back centuries. Between courses, it is easy to imagine barrels of grain and casks of wine lining these same walls in the 15th century. Details reward a slower look: the curve of each vault, traces of old brickwork, heavy doors and glimpses toward the castle courtyard. Subtle lighting picks out textures in the masonry, while glassware and polished cutlery catch the glow, creating a soft shimmer against the darker backdrop. The result is atmospheric without feeling theatrical; history is simply part of the backdrop.A Setting for Celebrations and Slow Meals
With around 80 seats, the restaurant is large enough for convivial gatherings yet small enough to feel personal. Long tables work well for groups and festive occasions, while smaller tables tucked into niches offer privacy for couples and quiet conversation. The acoustics of the vaulted ceiling soften noise, adding to the sense of being cocooned underground. Beyond individual meals, Madkælderen often hosts receptions, weddings and special events tied to the castle. The possibility of combining dining with an evening visit to exhibitions or a stroll around the ramparts makes it an appealing choice for marking milestones. For many visitors, a meal here becomes the anchor point of a wider exploration of Koldinghus.Practicalities and Atmosphere
Though set within a historic structure, the restaurant is designed to be welcoming and accessible, including for guests using wheelchairs. Lunch service typically runs daily, while dinner is focused on mid‑week and weekend evenings and usually requires advance reservation due to the fixed‑menu concept. Prices reflect the gourmet approach and unique setting: this is more of a special‑occasion or long‑lunch destination than a quick, budget-friendly bite. The overall mood balances relaxed Danish hygge with the quiet drama of dining in a castle cellar. Whether you come for a generous traditional lunch or a structured evening tasting menu, the combination of carefully prepared food, attentive service and centuries-old surroundings makes Madkælderen a memorable stop in the heart of Kolding.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolas Church
0.2 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
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.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
0.4 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
0.6 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
0.8 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
22.4 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
23.4 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
VisitVejle
24.2 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
The Midgård Well
24.5 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
26.4 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
26.7 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
27.1 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
29.7 km
Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Castle Garden
0.1 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.
Galleri Pagter
0.1 km
Intimate gallery in the heart of Kolding showcasing distinctive Danish ceramics and graphic art in a calm, carefully curated setting.
The Spanish stairs
0.1 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.
Slotssøen
0.2 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.
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.
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.
The Passage
0.3 km
Encounter the legacy of pioneering sculptor Anne Marie Carl Nielsen through this evocative public artwork in the vibrant central square of Kolding.
Helligkorsgade 18
0.3 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.
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.
Borgerhaven
0.3 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.
Springvandet ved slotssøbadet
0.3 km
Et moderne springvand på Slotsøens overflade, hvor vandsøjler, borgsilhuet og byliv mødes i et kort, gratis åndehul midt i Koldings historiske hjerte.
St George's Garden
0.4 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.
Dansende Blomster og Mindetavlerne
0.5 km
Walk through Kolding's industrial heritage on an open-air art route celebrating the city's forgotten craftspeople and visionaries.
Vifdam park
0.5 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.
Little Kolding Å Park
0.5 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.
Essential places to dine
Madkælderen Koldinghus
0.0 km
Seasonal Danish cuisine and candlelit cellar ambience beneath the vaulted stone of Koldinghus, where modern gourmet dining meets centuries of royal castle history.
Restaurant Valdemar
0.1 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.
Atami Sushi Restaurant
0.1 km
All‑you‑can‑eat sushi with tablet ordering and robot service in the heart of Kolding’s Akseltorv, blending modern Japanese flavours with a casual Danish city vibe.
Skagen Fiskerestaurant Kolding
0.1 km
Fresh fish and shellfish with a Skagen harbour feel, served in a bright, maritime restaurant on Kolding’s historic Akseltorv market square.
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.
Madkassen
0.2 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.
Kolding food
0.2 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 Johansens
0.2 km
Refined Danish smørrebrød and modern Nordic plates in an intimate, candlelit dining room at the heart of Kolding’s historic center.
Flip The Burger
0.2 km
Small, central Kolding burger joint turning out big-flavor smashed patties, hand-cut fries and easygoing dinners just steps from the main square.
Hr & Fru Paps Vin & Tapas
0.2 km
Intimate Kolding wine bar and tapas hideaway serving Iberian-inspired small plates, candlelit atmosphere and conversational evenings in historic Låsbygade.
Xin Chào Vietnamese Restaurant
0.2 km
Compact, central and casually modern, Xin Chào brings steaming pho, crisp dumplings and fresh Vietnamese flavours to Kolding’s historic Slotsgade every evening.
Kål&co
0.2 km
Bright, veggie-forward café on Kolding’s Slotsgade, turning seasonal greens into hearty salad bowls, pitas and panini in a relaxed, modern setting.
Le Restaurant Kolding
0.2 km
Casual Asian fusion dining in central Kolding, open daily with sushi, burgers, and meat specialties.
Vinbaren Kolding
0.2 km
Discover the perfect blend of fine wines and tantalizing tapas at Vinbaren Kolding - your cozy retreat in Denmark.
Rafaels Restaurant
0.2 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Michella´s Frugt og Grønt v/Mahmoud Aldherej
0.1 km
Compact, colourful greengrocer in central Kolding, perfect for fresh fruit, vegetables and picnic supplies between explorations of the city’s historic streets.
Store No 1b ApS
0.2 km
Boutique fashion in the heart of Kolding's charming pedestrian shopping district.
Gundtoft KOLDING CITY
0.2 km
Elegant women's fashion in Kolding's design-forward city centre, featuring curated Danish and international brands.
Femina Tønder ApS
0.2 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
0.2 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
0.2 km
Contemporary fashion boutique offering seasonal clothing and accessories in central Kolding.
byHANSEN
0.2 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.
Lykke's Guld & Sølv
0.2 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.
Rituals
0.2 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.
Kul og Koks
0.3 km
Intimate Kolding menswear boutique pairing Scandinavian simplicity with curated, ready-to-wear outfits for everyday life and special occasions.
HARRESØ
0.3 km
An intimate Kolding concept store where Scandinavian minimalism meets international menswear, blending gallery-like interiors with a sharply curated selection of designer brands.
Filurfifi
0.3 km
A cosy Kolding design boutique filled with playful ceramics, Nordic home décor and character-inspired gifts for women, children and the home.
Red Barnet genbrugsbutik
0.3 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.
Kop & Kande Kolding C
0.3 km
Central Kolding’s cosy homeware and gift shop, where practical Danish kitchen design, glassware and tableware meet easy browsing on lively Helligkorsgade.
Only
0.3 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rabalder Bar Kolding
0.2 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
0.2 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
The Cavern
0.2 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.
8eren
0.2 km
Kolding's premier cocktail bar and pool hall—where drinks, games, and good company meet.
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
0.2 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
Jernbanecaféen
0.3 km
Straightforward, central Kolding bar by the station, serving inexpensive drinks in a relaxed, lived‑in setting from midday until the early hours.
Vegas Bet & Beer
0.3 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
Knuds Garage
0.3 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.
Domhuset Sportsbar
0.4 km
Straightforward Kolding sports bar with darts, big screens and cold beers in a relaxed pub setting on central Låsbygade.
Kontoret Øl og Vinstue
0.5 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
0.6 km
Intimate jazz stronghold in Kolding, presenting adventurous live concerts and collaborations that bring Danish jazz up close in a relaxed club atmosphere.
Papegøjen
0.7 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 )
0.7 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.
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.
Snapstinget
1.4 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Discoteque Tordenskiold
0.2 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
0.2 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
0.4 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
0.6 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.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
9.0 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
21.3 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.
21.5 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
24.4 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
42.1 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
45.1 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
46.5 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
47.1 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
47.5 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
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly