Erik Ballings Plads
Where Danish cinema's greatest visionary is celebrated through iconic characters and cultural memory.
A charming public square in the heart of Nyborg's pedestrian zone, Erik Ballings Plads honors the legacy of Denmark's most beloved 20th-century filmmaker. The square features a striking metal sculpture of characters from the iconic Olsen Gang film series, making it a beloved gathering spot for both locals and visitors. Positioned at the intersection of Vægtergade and Nørrevoldgade, this cultural landmark celebrates the creative spirit of a director who shaped Danish cinema and television for generations.
A brief summary to Erik Ballings Plads
- Nørrevoldgade, Nyborg, 5800, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the metal sculpture's details and capture quality photographs of the Olsen Gang characters.
- Combine your visit with exploration of nearby Nyborg Castle and Borgmestergaarden, both within easy walking distance, to experience a fuller picture of Nyborg's heritage.
- The square is surrounded by cafes and shops in the pedestrian zone, making it an ideal spot to rest and observe local life while enjoying refreshments.
- If you're a fan of Danish cinema or the Olsen Gang films, ask locals for stories about Erik Balling—many residents have personal connections to his legacy.
- The square is accessible year-round and weather-independent, making it a reliable stop regardless of season or weather conditions.
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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On foot from Nyborg town center
Erik Ballings Plads is located within Nyborg's pedestrian zone at the intersection of Vægtergade and Nørrevoldgade. From Nyborg Station, the walk takes approximately 8–12 minutes. Simply head toward the town center and follow signs for the pedestrian district. The square is well-signposted and easily accessible on foot.
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By car with parking
Drive to Nyborg Harbor Parking or Vestervold Parking, both offering free or low-cost parking near the town center. From either lot, Erik Ballings Plads is a 5–10 minute walk through the pedestrian zone. Parking costs approximately 20–40 Danish Krone per hour at harbor facilities, though Vestervold Parking near the castle is free.
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By regional bus
Nyborg is served by regional bus services connecting to other towns on Funen and across Denmark. Buses arrive at Nyborg Station, from which the square is a short walk. Journey times from nearby towns range from 20–60 minutes depending on origin. Check local transit schedules for current routes and fares.
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By train
Nyborg Station is served by regional and intercity trains connecting to Odense, Copenhagen, and other major Danish cities. Journey times from Copenhagen are approximately 90 minutes. From the station, Erik Ballings Plads is a straightforward 8–12 minute walk into the town center.
Erik Ballings Plads location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Erik Ballings Plads
A Tribute to Danish Cinema's Greatest Visionary
Erik Ballings Plads stands as a living monument to one of Denmark's most influential cultural figures. Born in Nyborg on November 29, 1924, Erik Balling became one of the most beloved Danish filmmakers of the 20th century. His career spanned decades of creative achievement, during which he served as director, producer, and writer. In 1957, at just 32 years old, Balling became the youngest-ever head of Nordisk Film, Denmark's premier film production company. His legacy extends far beyond his birthplace, but Nyborg proudly reclaims its native son through this dedicated public square.The Olsen Gang's Enduring Cultural Impact
The most recognizable feature of Erik Ballings Plads is the striking metal sculpture depicting Egon, Keld, and Benny—the three main characters from the wildly popular Olsen Gang film series. These characters became cultural icons throughout Scandinavia and beyond, representing a uniquely Danish brand of clever, lighthearted crime capers that captivated audiences for decades. The sculpture has become a major attraction for both tourists and locals, serving as a tangible connection to the films that defined an era of Danish entertainment. Visitors frequently pause to photograph themselves alongside these beloved characters, making the square a natural gathering point in Nyborg's town center.Cinematic Masterpieces and Television Epics
Beyond the Olsen Gang series, Erik Balling's creative output included some of Denmark's most celebrated television productions. He is particularly renowned for creating the television epic "Matador," which became a cornerstone of Danish broadcasting history, and "Huset På Christianshavn" (The House on Christianshavn), another landmark series that showcased his storytelling prowess. His collaboration with writer Henning Bahs proved exceptionally fruitful, resulting in numerous acclaimed works that demonstrated Balling's versatility across both film and television mediums. These productions established him as a visionary capable of tackling complex narratives and creating emotionally resonant stories that resonated with audiences across generations.The Heart of Nyborg's Pedestrian District
Located at the intersection of Vægtergade and Nørrevoldgade, Erik Ballings Plads occupies a prime position within Nyborg's vibrant pedestrian zone. The square serves as a natural hub connecting the town's main commercial and cultural areas, making it an essential waypoint for anyone exploring Nyborg's historic center. The surrounding streets are lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings that reflect centuries of Danish merchant life and urban development. The square's strategic location ensures it remains one of the most visited and photographed spots in Nyborg, drawing people who come to experience both the cultural significance and the everyday vitality of the town.A Living Connection to Nyborg's Cultural Heritage
Erik Ballings Plads represents more than just a public space—it embodies Nyborg's pride in its most famous son and his extraordinary contributions to Danish culture. The square serves as a gathering place where the town's identity intersects with national cultural memory. Whether visitors come to pay homage to Balling's cinematic legacy, to photograph the iconic Olsen Gang sculpture, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere of a well-loved public square, Erik Ballings Plads offers a window into the creative spirit that has defined Danish entertainment for over half a century. The square stands as a testament to how a small town can produce artists of international significance, and how communities honor those who bring them recognition and pride.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Erik Ballings Plads
0.0 km
Where Danish cinema's greatest visionary is celebrated through iconic characters and cultural memory.
Mindesmærke for kaptajn Peter Bredal
0.3 km
A solemn memorial to a 17th-century Danish captain whose frozen fleet became legend.
Nyborg Fortress
0.4 km
Medieval parliament seat where Danish kings shaped a nation's destiny and founded a Nordic empire.
Nyborg Vold
0.4 km
Stroll the grassy ramparts and mirror-still moats that once guarded Denmark’s medieval power center, now a peaceful green belt wrapping historic Nyborg.
Den Hvide Jomfru
0.5 km
A modest white monument on Nyborg’s old fortress embankment, Den Hvide Jomfru blends legend, landscape and history into a quiet, atmospheric pause.
Nyborg St.
0.7 km
A historic rail gateway on Funen’s east coast, Nyborg Station links castle town charm with fast, modern connections across Denmark via the Great Belt.
Befrielsessten i Vindinge
3.8 km
A modest village liberation stone in front of Vindinge Church, quietly commemorating Denmark’s 1945 freedom amid the calm of rural eastern Funen.
Befrielsessten i Skalkendrup
7.3 km
A quiet memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945
Damestenen
14.7 km
Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Rolfshøj
15.1 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
27.0 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Carl Nielsen Museum
27.1 km
Discover the life and work of Carl Nielsen at this intimate Odense museum, where music, history, and Danish cultural heritage blend in interactive exhibits.
H. C. Andersens House
27.1 km
Explore the spellbinding H.C. Andersen’s House in Odense, where world-class storytelling, innovative design, and interactive exhibitions bring fairy tales to life.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
27.1 km
A luminous Brick Gothic cathedral in central Odense, where Denmark’s last Viking king, royal tombs and a masterpiece altarpiece share a serene, living sacred space.
VILLE VAU
27.1 km
A world-class architectural landmark offering immersive exhibitions on Denmark’s maritime past and present, set in a dramatic underground dry dock by Kronborg Castle.
Unmissable attractions to see
Church of Our Lady
0.2 km
Medieval red-brick landmark founded by Queen Margrete I, Nyborg’s Church of Our Lady blends royal history, Gothic architecture and living Lutheran tradition.
Mindesten for Slaget ved Nyborg 1659
0.2 km
A modest stone in a small green corner of Nyborg that quietly commemorates the brutal 1659 battle which helped secure Denmark’s survival as an independent kingdom.
Nyborg Voldspil
0.2 km
Denmark’s oldest open‑air theatre, staging big summer musicals on Nyborg’s historic ramparts beneath tall trees and long Nordic evening skies.
Nyborg Lokalhistoriske Arkiv
0.2 km
Paper trails, photographs and quiet stories: Nyborg’s local history archive opens a focused window onto the town’s streets, families and everyday past.
Nyborg Volde
0.2 km
Grassy fortress ramparts circling Nyborg’s old royal heart, now a leafy park of historic earthworks, castle views and relaxed walks above the town.
Landporten
0.3 km
Step through Nyborg’s historic land gate, once the town’s only entrance, and wander grassy ramparts where fortress walls meet tranquil park-like scenery.
Mads Lerches Gård
0.3 km
Step into an 18th-century merchant's home and discover the intimate world of prosperous Nyborg.
Borgmestergården
0.3 km
Step through the red half‑timbered façade into four centuries of Nyborg history, where a merchant’s and mayor’s home now tells the town’s intimate story.
Børge Jensens Plads
0.3 km
Experience the Befrielsessten in Sulkendrup: A serene memorial park honoring Denmark's World War II liberation amidst lush countryside.
Nyborg Castle
0.3 km
Medieval power centre and early Danish capital, where moats, ramparts and royal halls tell the story of kings, parliaments and the kingdom’s first constitution.
Bastionen Nyborg
0.4 km
Nyborg's vibrant cultural hub hosting 35,000+ annual visitors and 200+ events.
Mindesmærke for D-Dag
0.4 km
Compact yet powerful, Nyborg’s D‑Day Memorial quietly honours Danish war sailors and links a small coastal town to the vast drama of 6 June 1944.
Nyborg Water Tower
0.5 km
A proud 1890s brick water tower turned cultural hideaway, rising from Nyborg’s Queen’s Bastion where fortress history meets industrial ingenuity.
Chr. Hansens Have
0.5 km
A former pharmacist’s private refuge turned public pocket park, Christian Hansen’s Garden offers calm greenery, local history and a gentle pause on Nyborg’s Blue Clover Path.
Dronningens Bastion
0.5 km
Historic earthen ramparts crowned by Nyborg’s 1899 water tower, where medieval fortifications and industrial heritage meet in a tranquil green corner of the castle landscape.
Essential places to dine
Jimbo's Kaffebar
0.1 km
Cosy Nyborg kaffebar where well-made coffee, hearty panini and relaxed evening drinks meet in a warm, lived-in neighbourhood atmosphere.
Central Cafeen
0.1 km
Historic Danish eatery in the heart of Nyborg, serving classic comfort dishes like smørrebrød and æggekage in cosy, unpretentious surroundings.
Mamma's Nyborg
0.1 km
Casual Italian pizzas, pasta and focaccia in Nyborg’s historic centre, offering a warm, family‑friendly evening stop for relaxed dine‑in meals or easy takeaway.
Aiko Sushi
0.1 km
Intimate Japanese restaurant in Nyborg’s old town, serving carefully crafted sushi made with local Danish produce in a relaxed, modern setting.
Roeds Brasserie
0.1 km
Refined bistro dining with impeccable service and curated wines in the heart of Nyborg.
King's Running Sushi & Wok
0.2 km
Casual all‑you‑can‑eat sushi and wok in the heart of Nyborg, mixing conveyor‑belt plates, tablet ordering and playful robot service in a lively setting.
Den Gode Smag ApS
0.2 km
Central square café-brasserie in Nyborg serving tapas, hearty classics and good wine in a cozy, candlelit setting just steps from the historic castle.
Pomona Pizza Nyborg
0.2 km
Thin-crust pizza, hearty kebab and easygoing vibes in a central Nyborg pizzeria that doubles as a convenient sit‑down spot and busy takeaway hub.
Den Smalle Café
0.2 km
A petite Kongegade café turned catering hub, Den Smalle Café blends cozy Scandinavian charm with simple, wholesome food prepared in the heart of Nyborg.
Nyborg Thai Food
0.2 km
Authentic Thai cuisine in Nyborg's center—dine in or take away.
Restaurant Apoli
0.2 km
Intimate Italian‑inspired café‑restaurant on historic Slotsgade, pairing handmade brunch, antipasti and dinners with one of Nyborg’s most charming castle views.
Sneppen
0.2 km
Intimate Nyborg restaurant marrying modern Nordic flavors and excellent bread with a relaxed, candlelit atmosphere on historic Slotsgade.
Chicago burger
0.2 km
Straightforward, American-style burgers in Nyborg’s compact town center, ideal for a quick, filling meal or takeaway between castle, harbor, and coastal strolls.
Pizza King
0.2 km
Casual pizzeria in the heart of Nyborg serving hearty slices, classic pizzas and fast favourites for an easy, budget‑friendly meal any day of the week.
Rio Bravo
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere at Rio Bravo Beer Hall in Nyborg—where good times and great brews come together!
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Vinspecialisten Nyborg
0.1 km
Atmospheric wine shop and cosy coffee & wine bar on Nyborg’s Nørregade, blending curated bottles, tastings and local charm in an intimate, owner-driven setting.
Nyborg Paletten v/Jan Andersen
0.1 km
A cozy Nyborg art and secondhand shop where paints, paper, books and curious finds share shelves in a compact, creative corner on Nørregade.
H&M
0.1 km
Compact high-street fashion hub in the heart of Nyborg, bringing everyday basics, family essentials and seasonal trends together on lively Nørregade.
Pigernes Magasin
0.1 km
Intimate women’s fashion and lingerie boutique tucked above a central Nyborg street, blending personalised fittings with relaxed, small‑town Danish charm.
Gen&Brug Nyborg
0.1 km
Lively second-hand treasure trove in central Nyborg, where everyday bargains and characterful vintage finds meet a down-to-earth, reuse-first ethos.
Uldbutikken Marcusholm
0.1 km
A small, personal yarn and craft shop in Nyborg’s historic centre, where warm wool, handmade ceramics and expert advice create a cosy creative retreat.
Linn V/Tina Rasmussen
0.1 km
Intimate owner-run womenswear boutique in central Nyborg, offering classic Scandinavian style and personal service along cosy Mellemgade.
Helle Svansø
0.1 km
A cosy Nyborg specialty shop where Italian delicacies, handpicked wines and colourful ceramics come together in lovingly curated gift-worthy combinations.
Intersport Nyborg
0.1 km
Nyborg's trusted sports retailer with expert service and complete outdoor gear selection.
Imerco
0.1 km
Central Danish homeware and kitchen store on Nyborg’s historic square, ideal for practical gear, Scandinavian design pieces and thoughtful gifts in one stop.
Tippy
0.1 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of historic Nyborg's charming medieval center.
Tinga Tango v/Anette Langholm
0.2 km
A cosy Nyborg design boutique blending Scandinavian home décor, colour and hygge across two light-filled shopfronts on lively Kongegade.
Kop & Kande
0.2 km
Compact Danish homeware and gift shop in Nyborg’s town centre, blending practical kitchen tools, tableware and lamps with a cozy, everyday local atmosphere.
Tøjeksperten
0.2 km
Premium menswear specialist in Nyborg's heart, offering quality clothing with exceptional customer service and a generous 365-day return policy.
Pyre Studio
0.2 km
Independent Nyborg boutique offering thoughtfully curated contemporary clothing in a calm, studio-like space on historic Kongegade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ophav
0.1 km
Nyborg's refined casual dining hub blending bar, restaurant, and café culture with seasonal local cuisine.
Chr. II's Pub
0.2 km
Casual Danish pub in Nyborg's historic centre, where locals gather for authentic neighbourhood hospitality.
Øksendrup Cider
0.2 km
Cosy Nyborg cider bar showcasing organic East Funen apples, slow‑fermented bottles and intimate tastings in the historic heart of Denmark’s former royal city.
Laboratoriet Nyborg
0.2 km
Atmospheric wine bar and bottle shop in a historic 1824 apothecary laboratory, tucked in a Nyborg courtyard and serving carefully chosen wines, snacks and coffee.
Phønix I/S
0.2 km
Cozy, no-frills bar and burger spot in central Nyborg, serving cold beers, simple comfort food, and relaxed local nightlife just off the town’s historic streets.
Corner Bar
0.5 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar on Nyborg’s Strandvejen corner, serving cold drinks, easy conversation and a playful weekend wheel of fortune from late morning.
Terningen Henrik Skovlykke Vedel Hansen
19.8 km
Cozy neighborhood bar in Årslev with billiards, hearty Danish comfort food and a relaxed local atmosphere from late morning coffee to late-night beers.
Den Gyldne Hund
20.9 km
Smoky, harbourfront pub in Lohals where locals, sailors and visitors share simple drinks, sea air and classic Danish værtshus atmosphere.
Marina's Sportslounge
21.0 km
Laid-back village sports bar in Tranekær, mixing live matches, simple small plates and a friendly Langeland local-pub feel.
Hjallese Puben
26.0 km
Vibrant neighborhood bar where Odense locals gather for music, drinks, and authentic Danish pub atmosphere.
Den Lille Kro Odense
26.4 km
A classic Odense brown bar with history in its walls, cold beer on tap and a warmly worn, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar.
Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe
26.5 km
Cozy Odense shisha lounge blending Middle Eastern café culture with Danish hygge, soft music, and long, sociable evenings over fragrant hookah and drinks.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
26.8 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
The Flower and the Bee
26.9 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Rabalder Bar Odense
26.9 km
A small, homely Odense bar styled like grandma’s living room, serving easygoing drinks and sing‑along hits in the heart of the city’s weekend nightlife.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
KJ's bodel
0.1 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Muzirkus
1.3 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
22.4 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
BUTCHERS Odense
26.9 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Boogie Dance Café
27.2 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dansebar Odense
27.3 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
28.0 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
30.4 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Gecco Bar & Natklub
36.9 km
Loud, colorful, and unapologetically party‑focused, Gecco Bar & Natklub is Slagelse’s straightforward late‑night spot for dancing, drinks, and familiar club hits.
Gammeltorv
37.0 km
Slagelse's vibrant weekend nightclub where locals and visitors dance until dawn.
The Upper Hill
37.0 km
A lively, well-loved pub and wine bar on Slagelse’s main square, delivering authentic Danish nightlife, craft drinks, and regular social events in a warm, modern setting.
Slagelse Jazzklub
37.2 km
Western Zealand's premier jazz venue celebrating five decades of live music, dining, and authentic club culture.
Kasket karl
42.2 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
Langelands Jazzklub
42.5 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Swingergaarden
44.7 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Casual
- Lively
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly