Elia: Denmark’s Giant Modern Sculpture in Herning

Elia is a breathtaking, avant-garde sculpture in Herning, Denmark—a fusion of contemporary art, architecture, and elemental spectacle, captivating visitors of all ages.

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Elia is a monumental domed sculpture created by artist Ingvar Cronhammar, located on the outskirts of Herning, west of the Limfjord region. Rising above a grassy field, this striking, walkable landmark features a 60-metre diameter, dramatic torpedo-like spikes, and on occasion spouts columns of fire into the Danish sky. Not a typical statue, Elia offers a thought-provoking, immersive experience that draws visitors for art, reflection, and a dose of modern Nordic audacity.

A brief summary to Elia

Birk Centerpark 15, Herning, 7400, DK
Visit website

Local tips

Elia’s fire display is random—don’t plan around it, but if you see the warning lights flash, a flame eruption is imminent.
The wind can be surprisingly strong on the exposed dome—bring an extra layer, especially outside of summer.
Combine your visit with a tour of the Birk Centerpark art district, home to contemporary museums and unique architecture.
There is free public access to Elia day and night—the sculpture is especially impressive at dusk or under dramatic cloudscapes.

Getting There

Driving

From Limfjord’s central districts, travelers can drive toward Herning, heading into the Birk Centerpark area known for its striking modern art and business campuses. The journey typically takes about 1–1.5 hours via the region’s main motorway routes. Free parking is available at the Birk Centerpark adjacent to Elia, but spaces can fill up during major event days.
Public Transport

Regional trains from stations around Limfjord arrive at Herning Station in just over an hour. From the station, local buses run at regular intervals toward the Birk Centerpark area. It’s a 10–15-minute ride (Danish bus tickets average DKK 22–28 per adult), with Elia visible as you approach the art cluster. From the bus stop, it’s a short walk across landscaped grounds to the sculpture.
Taxi

Taxis from Herning Station cover the final segment in about 8–12 minutes. Expect to pay DKK 110–160, depending on traffic and time of day, with drop-off convenient directly at Birk Centerpark’s entrance to Elia.

Discover more about Elia

Set amid a broad, open parkland and industrial creative campus near Herning, Elia lets visitors encounter one of Scandinavia’s most imposing pieces of modern public art. Designed by renowned Swedish-Danish sculptor Ingvar Cronhammar and inaugurated in 2001, Elia’s vast steel dome seems to rise from the earth like a prehistoric structure from a distant future. Its 32-ton steel shell forms a walkable ring over 60 meters across, pierced at four points by tall, sleek masts—each over 30 meters high and reminiscent of both rockets and ancient obelisks. In the center, a circular opening offers a sense of the unknown, making the sculpture both awe-inspiring and a little mysterious. Elia’s power lies not only in its scale but in its occasional displays: at unpredictable intervals, a flame erupts from the heart of the structure, shooting four meters into the air in a short, thunderous burst. This fiery spectacle, powered by gas and only triggered when weather and safety conditions permit, adds a dramatic and almost mythic quality to each visit. There’s no guarantee you’ll witness a fire-burst, making every experience unique. Visitors are encouraged to walk the gentle slope up to Elia and circumnavigate its ring, taking in views of the surrounding Birk Centerpark art district, known for its fusion of cultural institutions, modernist architecture, and tech companies. The sculpture is deliberately open and accessible 24/7, echoing its theme of inviting everyone to contemplate the essential forces—earth, fire, metal, and imagination. There’s no charge to visit, making it an ideal destination for families, architecture fans, and travelers seeking offbeat Nordic icons. Though wheelchair access is possible on the surrounding grounds, the dome’s ring is only accessible by stairs, so some may find mobility limited. The wide lawn can get exposed and windy; seasoned travelers know to pack an extra jacket. With its otherworldly scale and creative context, Elia is a true outlier amidst Denmark’s gently rolling fields and classic townscapes.