Holmegaard Værk
A historic Danish glassworks reborn as a vast living museum, where towering glass walls, working furnaces and ceramics collections illuminate 200 years of design.
Holmegaard Værk is Denmark’s great temple to glass and ceramics, a former 19th‑century glassworks transformed into a vast design museum in the South Zealand countryside. Inside the preserved factory buildings you can watch glassblowers at work in a modern hotshop, wander past a towering wall of some 40,000 Holmegaard glass pieces and explore the Nordic region’s largest Kähler ceramics collection. Atmospheric light installations, historic furnaces and hands-on creative workshops make this an engaging stop for design lovers, families and anyone curious about Danish craftsmanship and industrial heritage.
A brief summary to Holmegaard Værk
- Glasværksvej 55, Holmegaard, 4684, DK
- +4570701236
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Time your visit to catch the hotshop demonstrations, typically running in blocks during the late morning and early afternoon, so you can see glass being blown from start to finish.
- Allow at least two to three hours to explore the main glass wall, Kähler ceramics and special exhibitions without having to rush between the large halls.
- Bring headphones or use the museum’s audio offerings to hear former glassworkers describe life at the factory as you walk through the historic furnace rooms.
- If you are interested in trying creative activities, check opening times for the glass and ceramics ateliers and factor in extra time for making your own piece.
- Wear layers you can easily remove; some areas near the furnaces are warm, while other exhibition halls can feel cooler and more spacious.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Copenhagen
Driving from central Copenhagen to Holmegaard Værk typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, using the main motorway network across Zealand. The route follows fast highways most of the way and then smaller country roads for the final stretch. There is on-site parking at the museum, and no special vehicle is required. Fuel costs will vary, but expect to spend roughly DKK 150–250 on petrol for a return journey in a standard car, depending on consumption and current prices.
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Train and bus via Næstved
From larger cities in Denmark, you can usually reach Næstved by regional train in about 1 to 1.5 hours from Copenhagen and around 45 to 60 minutes from Ringsted. Standard adult fares on these routes often range from about DKK 80–180 one way, depending on time and ticket type. From Næstved, local buses and occasional regional services run towards Holmegaard; the bus segment generally takes 15–30 minutes and costs around DKK 25–40. Services are less frequent in the evenings and on weekends, so checking timetables in advance is important.
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Taxi from Næstved
If you arrive by train in Næstved and prefer a direct connection, local taxis can cover the roughly 10–15 kilometre trip to Holmegaard Værk in about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in the area typically start with a base fee and then a per‑kilometre rate; for this distance, you can expect a one‑way cost in the approximate range of DKK 200–350. Taxis are usually available at the station, but booking ahead is advisable during busy periods or late in the day.
Holmegaard Værk 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 Holmegaard Værk
From Working Glassworks to Design Powerhouse
Holmegaard Værk occupies the old Holmegaard Glassworks at the edge of Holmegaard Mose, where production began in 1825 to take advantage of the peat that once fired the furnaces. Today the chimneys and brick halls no longer ring with factory shifts, but the complex has been carefully reimagined as a museum dedicated to Danish glass and ceramics. The industrial bones are still visible in gantries, pipes and soot-darkened walls, preserving the feel of a place where generations once worked in intense heat. Rather than freezing the site in time, the museum treats the old factory as a living backdrop. You move through former production halls, storage rooms and furnace spaces that now host exhibitions, light works and soundscapes. It is part history lesson, part atmospheric stage set, showing how a rural industrial outpost grew into Denmark’s most famous name in glass design.A Glittering Wall of 42,000 Glass Pieces
The museum’s signature sight is a monumental glass installation: around forty thousand Holmegaard pieces displayed on shelves that soar roughly seven metres high and stretch some forty metres along the hall. Each object represents a design once produced at the glassworks, forming a chronological panorama of nearly two centuries of Danish glass. Bottles, drinking glasses, vases and decorative pieces progress from simple early utilitarian forms to sleek mid‑century classics and colourful contemporary designs. Softly tuned lighting emphasises the clarity, colour and cut of the glass, throwing reflections onto the surrounding brickwork. Standing at the base of the wall, you can pick out familiar silhouettes that once stood in Danish homes as everyday objects, now elevated to design icons. It is an unusually concrete way of seeing industrial history: not through text, but through thousands of physical objects presented all at once.Living Heat in the Modern Hotshop
In the hotshop, the factory spirit is revived by a new generation of glass artists. Here you can watch as glowing gathers of molten glass are gathered from the furnace, rolled, blown and shaped into bowls, vases or sculptural pieces. The proximity to the furnaces means you feel the dry wave of heat and hear the constant low roar of burners and the clink of tools on metal benches. Demonstrations show how teams of makers coordinate swift, precise movements to keep the glass workable. At times guest artists join the resident glassblowers, using the workshop as a creative laboratory. This blend of craft performance and artistic experimentation underlines the museum’s ambition to be not only a guardian of heritage, but also a place where new work is created on site.Ceramics, Collaborations and Light-Filled Installations
Holmegaard Værk also holds a major collection of Kähler ceramics, with thousands of works tracing the evolution of another beloved Danish design house. From richly glazed art pieces to simple household pottery, the display reveals changing tastes in colour, pattern and form from the 19th century to today. Together with the glass collection, it forms one of Scandinavia’s largest combined presentations of glass and ceramic design. Elsewhere in the vast halls, large-scale glass art and installations explore how glass interacts with light. One former furnace room centres on a solidified 45‑tonne glass mass left in place when production ceased, now animated by carefully programmed lighting that moves through icy blues and furnace reds. Large windows, controlled spotlights and darkened corners are used to powerful effect, drawing attention to surfaces, shadows and reflections.Voices, Workshops and the Landscape Beyond
Throughout the museum you can hear short audio stories recounting life at the glassworks: anecdotes about shift work, family traditions and the skills passed between generations. Combined with archival photographs and historic tools, these voices turn the imposing factory spaces into something more intimate and human. For visitors keen to try their own hand, separate ateliers offer glass decoration and simple ceramics activities designed so that finished pieces can be taken home the same day. Beyond the buildings, paths lead through the old glassworkers’ village and out towards Holmegaard Mose, where the surrounding landscape offers a calmer counterpoint to the intensity of the furnace halls and exhibition spaces inside.Planning Your Time Inside the Museum
The complex is extensive, with around 15,000 square metres of indoor space and additional outdoor grounds, so visits easily stretch from a short look around to a half‑day immersion. Many guests weave between the hotshop schedule, the main glass wall, ceramics displays and temporary exhibitions in large halls that can host photography, design or art shows. A museum shop emphasises contemporary glass and ceramics linked to the collections, while an on‑site eatery offers a convenient place to pause between sections. Because there is so much under one roof, it is worth allowing time simply to wander: peering into side rooms, stepping closer to specific pieces in the towering glass wall, or sitting for a moment to watch light move across installations. Whether your interest lies in industrial archaeology, Scandinavian design, hands‑on creativity or atmospheric architecture, Holmegaard Værk offers enough depth and variety to reward an unhurried visit.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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Avenue Næstved
7.0 km
Lively nightspot and flexible event hall in central Næstved, mixing dancefloor energy, festive dinners, stand-up comedy and themed parties under one roof.
Crazy Daisy Næstved
7.1 km
High‑energy weekend nightclub in central Næstved, packing loud beats, flashing lights and a late‑night local crowd into a compact, classic Danish town‑club setting.
Swingergaarden
27.0 km
Discreet countryside swingers club near Slagelse, offering themed adult nights, intimate play spaces and a rules-based, consent-focused environment for open-minded guests.
Bloom Nightclub
29.9 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
The Flame
29.9 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
29.9 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Tropicana DC
40.2 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Klubhuset
40.2 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
41.5 km
Dynamic live music venue in Roskilde, specializing in jazz and contemporary genres, with an intimate setting and vibrant community engagement throughout the year.
Danseriet
42.5 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Dansebar Roskilde
42.7 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
42.7 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Loke MC - Helheim
43.4 km
Rural Danish biker clubhouse with Norse-mythology flair, offering intimate late-night gatherings, loud rock playlists and a no-frills bar far from mainstream nightlife.
Club El Diablo
53.0 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Pier To Heaven
55.6 km
Experience maritime charm and exquisite drinks at Pier To Heaven in Klintholm Havn.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Art Deco Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- LGBT Friendly
