Holmegaard Værk
A former glassworks turned living museum where glowing furnaces, 40,000 glass pieces and Nordic ceramics trace 200 years of Danish design and craftsmanship.
Holmegaard Værk is a vast glass and ceramics museum and former glassworks in South Zealand, where 200 years of Danish design history are brought to life. In the old factory halls you can watch glowing glass being blown in a working hotshop, wander past a towering wall of more than 40,000 Holmegaard glass pieces, and explore Scandinavia’s largest collection of Kähler ceramics. Immersive light installations, soundscapes and stories from former glassworkers connect industrial heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary art in one atmospheric complex on the edge of Holmegaard Mose.
A brief summary to Holmegaard Værk
- Glasværksvej 55, Holmegaard, 4684, DK
- +4570701236
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan at least three hours to explore the hotshop, glass wall, Kähler collection and special exhibitions without rushing.
- Check the day’s schedule on arrival so you can time your visit around live glassblowing demonstrations in the hotshop.
- Wear light layers: exhibition halls can feel cool, while standing near the furnaces in the hotshop gets noticeably warm.
- Photography is generally allowed in the exhibition halls; avoid flash near glassblowers and artworks to protect both craft and atmosphere.
- Combine an indoor museum visit with a short walk towards Holmegaard Mose to appreciate the landscape that powered the original glassworks.
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
Getting There
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Regional train and bus from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen, take a regional train towards Næstved, a journey of about 1–1.5 hours depending on service. At Næstved, transfer to a local bus towards Holmegaard or Fensmark and ride for roughly 15–25 minutes to the stop closest to Holmegaard Værk. Standard adult fares for the combined trip are typically in the range of 120–180 DKK one way, depending on ticket type and time of travel. Services run regularly during the day, but evening and weekend departures can be less frequent, so checking timetables in advance is important.
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Car from Næstved and South Zealand
From central Næstved and surrounding South Zealand towns, Holmegaard Værk is generally a 10–25 minute drive through local countryside. There is on‑site or nearby parking, usually free or low cost, but spaces can fill up during school holidays and special events, so arriving earlier in the day offers more flexibility. The approach uses standard paved roads suitable for all vehicles and does not require special equipment.
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Cycling from Næstved area
Confident cyclists can ride from Næstved to Holmegaard Værk in around 30–45 minutes, following local roads and cycle‑friendly routes through gently rolling terrain. The distance makes it suitable for most adults and older children accustomed to cycling, though weather and wind can influence the effort required. Bringing basic rain gear and lights is advisable outside the summer months, and a good lock is useful for securing your bike while you explore the museum.
Holmegaard Værk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Holmegaard Værk
Where Danish glass history still glows
Holmegaard Værk occupies the preserved buildings of Holmegaard Glassworks, founded in 1825 on the edge of Holmegaard Mose to tap the peat needed to fire its furnaces. For nearly two centuries this remote factory shaped everything from humble milk bottles to design icons found on Danish tables. Today the production lines have fallen silent, but the site has been reborn as a museum where the story of glass, ceramics and industrial design unfolds under the same lofty roofs. As you step inside the former workshops, the red-brick walls, steel beams and tall chimneys frame a place that feels part factory, part cultural laboratory. The transformation has kept the raw character of an industrial site while layering in light, sound and contemporary exhibitions, so the past and present of Danish craft sit side by side.The wall of 40,000 glasses
One of Holmegaard Værk’s signature sights is the immense glass wall: more than 40,000 unique pieces displayed on shelving that soars several metres into the air and runs the length of the hall. Every model ever produced at the glassworks is represented, from sturdy beer tumblers and soda bottles to delicate stemware, vases and sculptural one‑offs. Walking along this installation is like paging through two centuries of changing taste. Colours shift from smoky greens and browns to crisp clear crystal and playful modern hues. Subtle variations in lip, stem and base reveal how form follows function, while labels and displays explain the designers behind key classics.Hotshop heat and living craftsmanship
Holmegaard Værk is not only about finished objects; it is also a working hotshop. In one of the great halls, a new generation of glassblowers fire up the furnaces and gather glowing blobs of molten glass on the end of long pipes. You can watch as they roll, blow, cut and shape the material into bowls, glasses and art pieces in a carefully choreographed dance. Benches and railings bring you close enough to feel the warmth and hear the hiss of compressed air, while staff explain techniques and tools. Guest artists are regularly invited to experiment here, so the museum doubles as a contemporary studio where new work is born in the shadow of historic kilns.Kähler ceramics and monumental glass art
Beyond glass, the museum houses around 6,000 works from the Kähler ceramics tradition, the largest such collection in the Nordic region. Arranged to trace the development of a beloved Danish brand, these pieces range from humble kitchenware to exuberant art pottery. Shapes, glazes and decorative styles map changing fashions and everyday life from the 19th century to today. In the spacious Hebsgaard Hall, large‑scale glass art and collaborations with prominent artists are installed with dramatic lighting. Here, colourful panels, sculptural forms and experimental techniques show how glass can become architecture and storytelling, not just tableware. The sheer scale of the room and its artworks contrasts with the intimacy of the smaller exhibition spaces.Stories from the glass village and the moor
Holmegaard Værk also explores the human side of industry. Audio installations share memories from generations of glassworkers who spent their lives at the factory, describing shift work, camaraderie and the challenges of a physically demanding craft. Old furnaces now hold solidified masses of glass, frozen mid‑flow when production ceased in 2008, like geological formations in a man‑made cave. Outside, paths lead towards the former glassworkers’ village and the landscape of Holmegaard Mose. The connection between peat bog, fuel and glass production is explained in exhibitions that link local nature, technology and community. It is a reminder that design objects on a dining table begin with raw materials in the ground and the skilled hands of people who shaped them.Exploring a day inside 15,000 square metres
With around 15,000 square metres of indoor space and extensive outdoor grounds, Holmegaard Værk invites unhurried wandering. Families linger at creative stations where you can decorate or create simple glass‑related crafts, while design enthusiasts study iconic forms in detail. Changing special exhibitions, often with an international or cross‑disciplinary angle, add fresh perspectives on glass and ceramics. Throughout, considered lighting, clear information boards and seating areas make it easy to pause and absorb what you are seeing. Whether you stay for a focused couple of hours or spend most of a day moving between hotshop, collections and the surrounding landscape, the experience ties together industrial heritage, Danish design history and the continuing life of glass as an artistic material.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Næstved Station
6.9 km
Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Visit Sydsjælland & Møn
7.2 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Genforeningssten i Næstelsø
8.9 km
Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.
Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads
9.3 km
Medieval market town square where Danish history, culture, and modern commerce converge in southern Zealand.
Genforeningssten i Saltø Skov
10.9 km
A granite memorial stone marking Denmark's 1920 reunification with South Jutland, standing at a forest crossroads near Næstved.
Vallø Slotskro
28.1 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Befrielsessten i Køge
29.7 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
Comwell Køge Strand
29.8 km
Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
29.8 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Køge Torv
29.9 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
Visit
29.9 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
30.1 km
Harbourfront monument where stone, sea breeze and maritime symbols keep the naval battles of Køge Bugt and their admirals alive on Køge’s working waterfront.
“Slaget i Køge Bugt”
30.1 km
Harbourfront monument on Køge’s quay, quietly marking the dramatic naval battles once fought in the bay where today only fishing boats and leisure craft glide.
Køge Church
30.1 km
Medieval tower, Denmark's first lighthouse, baroque treasures in a historic port town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
30.1 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Holmegårds Mose
1.2 km
Ancient raised bog, Stone Age archaeology and quiet wildlife trails meet in this restored wetland wilderness on Zealand, where peat, glass and nature share the same story.
BonBon-Land
4.2 km
Cheeky candy characters, looping coasters and green picnic lawns combine at BonBon-Land, Denmark’s quirky countryside theme park for all ages.
Genforeningssten i Herlufsholm
5.5 km
Borgnakke Skov: A serene Næstved woodland blending ancient oak trees, rich biodiversity, and tranquil walking trails—an essential outdoor escape in southern Zealand.
Herlufsholm broerne
5.6 km
Små historiske broer, stille Suså-vand og grønt ådalslandskab gør Herlufsholm broerne til et roligt, lokalt åndehul i udkanten af Næstved.
Herlufsholm Park
6.4 km
Riverside tranquility along the Suså, where Danish heritage meets natural woodland.
Ladby Kirkeruin
6.4 km
Quiet medieval church ruins on a low hill outside Næstved, where low stone walls, old graves and wide rural views evoke centuries of village life and worship.
Councilman Garden / Herlufsholm Forest
6.5 km
Protected Danish woodland sanctuary with riverside trails and 460 years of educational heritage.
Medicinsk-historisk Museum
6.7 km
A small 1817 hospital turned medical time capsule, showcasing instruments, stories and healing plants that trace the evolution of healthcare in Næstved and beyond.
Vægmaleri
6.8 km
Experience Danish heritage and contemporary art amid tranquil parkland at Rønnebæksholm, Næstved’s historic manor turned vibrant cultural hub.
Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter
6.9 km
Historic cavalry barracks turned vibrant cultural village with concert halls, theatre, galleries and a family‑friendly atmosphere in the heart of Næstved.
Befrielsessten i Næstved
6.9 km
A modest granite liberation stone in Næstved’s former cavalry barracks, framed by cannons and culture, quietly honouring Denmark’s freedom in 1945.
Slægtsten
7.0 km
Næstved’s former barracks transformed into a dynamic cultural center, hosting concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and community events in historic surroundings.
Næstved Museum
7.0 km
Compact town museum in historic Næstved, tracing South Zealand’s journey from archaeological finds and medieval streets to Holmegaard glass and modern everyday life.
Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen
7.0 km
Historic military barracks turned bustling cultural center, Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter is Næstved’s hub for arts, music, theater, and creative events all year round.
Rådmandshaven
7.1 km
Tranquil riverside meadows and woodland paths just behind Næstved’s town buildings, offering easy walks, open lawns and calm Suså River views steps from the centre.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Gulerodshuset
3.8 km
Rural-feel restaurant on the outskirts of Næstved, serving hearty Danish classics and group-friendly buffets in a cosy, countryside-style setting.
Bone's Næstved
3.8 km
Family-friendly American BBQ in Næstved with signature ribs, hearty steaks and an all-you-can-eat salad and soft ice bar in relaxed, spacious surroundings.
Tokyo Running Sushi Storcenter
4.3 km
Casual conveyor‑belt sushi and hot dishes in the middle of Næstved Storcenter, ideal for an easy all‑you‑can‑eat break between shopping rounds.
Madtemplet Skovens Restaurant
5.7 km
Traditional Danish cooking and flexible event spaces nestled by Herlufsholm Forest, where hearty meals and green surroundings meet just outside central Næstved.
Restaurant The Grill Næstved
6.1 km
All‑you‑can‑eat grill and brunch buffets inside Bowl’n’Fun Næstved, where family‑friendly dining, bowling and games come together under one lively roof.
The Italian
6.9 km
Authentic southern Italian cooking, charcoal-grilled specialities and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on Næstved’s historic Kvægtorvet square.
Ristorante Italia
6.9 km
Longstanding Italian favourite by Næstved Station, serving pizzas, pastas and hearty grills in a warm, family-friendly setting since 1989.
The Burger Næstved
6.9 km
Casual Danish burger joint in Næstved serving brioche‑bun classics, generous sides and easy takeaway in a relaxed, mid‑range neighborhood setting.
Café & Bar - Fenomeno (Næstved)
6.9 km
Central Næstved café‑bar serving burgers, pasta and drinks in a relaxed, all‑day setting just steps from the station.
GuGu Quest
6.9 km
Compact central Næstved sushi spot with generous rolls, flexible combo menus and a strong takeaway focus for easy, modern dining.
Foodlovers
6.9 km
Fixed‑price Italian‑inspired buffet with free‑flow drinks and desserts in bright, plant‑filled surroundings on Dania 42 in Næstved.
Il Ponte
6.9 km
Næstved's authentic wood-fired pizzeria serving hand-crafted Italian pizza with crispy crusts and quality toppings.
Broadway Burgers
7.0 km
Flame-grilled comfort in central Næstved, serving generous American-style burgers, fries and dips in a relaxed, no-fuss setting on busy Jernbanegade.
Tatami Sushi
7.0 km
Modern, casual sushi in the heart of Næstved, combining classic rolls, warm Asian dishes and easy takeaway from a bright, centrally located dining room.
MA TEO Madbar Næstved
7.0 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian cuisine in the heart of Næstved's dining scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dansk
3.9 km
Big-box family clothing on a budget-friendly scale, Dansk Outlet Næstved keeps locals and travellers kitted out for Danish weather and everyday life in one easy stop.
Dissing
4.2 km
Contemporary men’s style in the heart of Næstved Storcenter, blending smart-casual Scandinavian looks with the convenience of South Zealand’s largest mall.
H&M
4.2 km
Bright, budget-friendly Scandinavian fashion for all ages inside Næstved’s main shopping centre, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a wider mall visit.
Matinique Næstved
4.2 km
Crisp Scandinavian menswear and modern tailoring, tucked inside South Zealand’s largest shopping centre at Næstved Storcenter.
Shop Næstved
4.3 km
Southern Zealand's largest shopping center with 70+ stores, dining, and family entertainment.
Næstved Storcenter
4.3 km
South Zealand's premier shopping destination with 70+ stores, free parking, and regional reach.
Arabisk Butik
7.1 km
Compact Middle Eastern–inspired grocery in central Næstved, packed with spices, rice, fresh produce and everyday essentials for curious cooks and locals alike.
INTERSPORT Seiffert Næstved
7.1 km
Central Næstved sports store on Hjultorv, offering practical gear, expert shoe fitting and everyday activewear for locals and visitors alike.
Johs. Clausen Næstved
7.1 km
Classic women’s fashion and lingerie on Næstved’s central square, offering quality European brands, attentive service, and a relaxed boutique atmosphere on Hjultorv.
Frelsens Hær Næstved
7.1 km
A modest, community-focused Salvation Army thrift shop in central Næstved, where second-hand finds support local social work and everyday Danish life.
Butik ØLUND
7.1 km
Slow fashion boutique in central Næstved with curated Scandinavian brands, timeless designs and personal styling in an intimate, minimalist setting.
Kræmmerhus ApS
7.1 km
A cosy Næstved specialty shop where fine coffee, tea, chocolates and delicacies meet beautifully wrapped gifts and personalised, old-fashioned service.
Femilet
7.2 km
Specialist lingerie and loungewear boutique in central Næstved, offering expert fitting, Scandinavian comfort and elegant essentials for everyday wear.
Karabulut
7.2 km
A compact, no‑frills neighborhood store on Torvestræde in central Næstved, ideal for quick snacks and everyday essentials between sights and errands.
Bog & idé Langes Boghandel - Næstved
7.2 km
Generations of books, games, and gifts in the heart of historic Næstved.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bodega Dueslaget
6.9 km
Traditional Danish neighborhood bodega in Næstved, serving cold beers, simple drinks and plenty of local atmosphere from morning until late on weekends.
Grønvej 2 Næstved ApS
6.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Næstved serving cold beer, simple spirits and everyday local atmosphere on a quiet side street off the town’s commercial core.
Birk´s Bar
6.9 km
Næstved's authentic neighborhood pub where community, billiards, and genuine hospitality thrive.
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
7.0 km
Volunteer-run jazz club in Næstved’s historic barracks courtyard, hosting intimate live concerts in the cosy Musikstalden hall at Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter.
The Beach
7.0 km
Næstved's vibrant karaoke bar where everyone becomes a star in a tropical-themed celebration of music and community.
Landsby Pubben
7.0 km
A classic Næstved "værtshus" with cold beer, billiards and a lived-in charm that turns a simple drink into a slice of local everyday life.
Cheers
7.1 km
Næstved's cozy social hub where genuine Danish hospitality meets lively evening atmosphere.
Step Inn I / S
7.1 km
Long‑running Irish pub in central Næstved, blending cosy wooden interiors, sociable pints and late‑night weekend vibes on historic Ramsherred.
The Old Irish Pub
7.1 km
Authentic Irish pub energy in central Næstved, open late Friday and Saturday with live music and draught beer.
Bar z
7.1 km
Cosy late-night bar in central Næstved, blending easygoing drinks, music and a compact club vibe on weekend evenings along historic Ramsherred.
Champagne Riget
7.1 km
Næstved's premier champagne bar where curated bubbles meet refined gastronomy in elegant surroundings.
Underhuset
7.2 km
A classic Danish bodega on Næstved’s Axeltorv, blending cosy wood-panel charm, cold beer and local live music into a friendly town-square living room.
La Boutique
7.2 km
Elegant wine bar and bottle shop on Næstved’s Axeltorv, where curated wines, fine spirits and gourmet details turn a simple drink into a small celebration.
Sluk Efter
7.2 km
Unpretentious local pub on Kindhestegade in central Næstved, pouring cold beers and simple drinks in a cozy, social setting from midday to late night.
Humle Ølbar
7.3 km
Cosy craft beer bar in central Næstved, pairing a rotating selection of Danish and international brews with intimate, hygge‑rich surroundings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Industrial
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
