Holmegaard Værk
A living glassworks museum where towering walls of Holmegaard glass, Nordic ceramics treasures and a working hotshop keep two centuries of Danish design glowing.
Holmegaard Værk is a vast glass and ceramics museum set in the former Holmegaard Glassworks on the edge of Holmegaard Mose in South Zealand. Here, nearly 200 years of Danish design history are told through more than 40,000 pieces of glass and 6,000 Kähler ceramics, atmospheric old furnaces, dramatic light installations and a working hotshop where glassblowers turn glowing masses into elegant art pieces before your eyes.
A brief summary to Holmegaard Værk
- Glasværksvej 55, Holmegaard, 4684, DK
- +4570701236
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan at least half a day to fully explore the glass halls, ceramics collections, hotshop demonstrations and the surrounding glassworkers’ village without rushing.
- Check demonstration times in advance so you arrive at the hotshop when glassblowers are active, as this is one of the most memorable parts of the visit.
- Wear layers; some halls near the furnaces can be warm, while large exhibition spaces and the moorland outside may feel cooler.
- Look out for the massive solidified glass block in the old tank furnace—an easy-to-miss but impressive reminder of the factory’s final production run.
- Bring a camera or phone with plenty of battery; the towering glass wall, light installations and hotshop action offer excellent photo opportunities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- 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 central Copenhagen, take a regional train toward Næstved; the journey typically takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on the departure. At Næstved Station, transfer to a local bus toward Holmegaard or Fensmark, with a ride of about 15–25 minutes and a short walk at the end. A combined one-way trip using train and bus usually costs in the range of 120–170 DKK per adult, depending on ticket type and discounts. Services run regularly during the day but can be less frequent in the evening, so check return times in advance.
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Car from Næstved town centre
From Næstved town centre, driving to Holmegaard Værk typically takes about 10–15 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The route follows local roads through semi-rural surroundings and is straightforward to navigate. There is visitor parking near the museum, but spaces can fill during school holidays and weekends, so allow extra time at busy periods. Fuel costs are modest given the short distance, and there are no road tolls on this route.
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Car from Copenhagen and Greater Copenhagen area
Travelling by car from Copenhagen to Holmegaard Værk usually takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact starting point. The drive uses major motorways for most of the distance before continuing on regional roads toward Holmegaard. There are no motorway tolls, and the main expense is fuel for the roughly 80–90 kilometre journey. Parking is available at or near the museum, though it can be busier on sunny weekends and during special exhibitions.
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Cycle from Næstved
For those comfortable on a bike, cycling from Næstved to Holmegaard Værk is a pleasant option in good weather. The ride generally takes around 30–45 minutes each way, following local roads and cycle-friendly stretches through gently rolling countryside. The terrain is mostly flat to mildly undulating, suitable for riders with basic fitness. There is no direct cost beyond bicycle rental if needed, but bring water and be prepared for wind and changing conditions common in coastal Denmark.
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
Where Denmark’s glass heritage still glows
Holmegaard Værk occupies the historic Holmegaard Glassworks, founded in 1825 beside Holmegaard Mose, where peat once fuelled the roaring furnaces. Stepping inside, you move through raw brick halls and soaring industrial spaces that still carry the patina of almost two centuries of production. The museum has transformed this disused factory into a living tribute to Danish glass, ceramics and design, while preserving the atmosphere of a working plant. The story begins with simple bottles and household containers that helped shape everyday life in Denmark. Over time, Holmegaard evolved into a design powerhouse, collaborating with leading designers to create refined stemware, vases and bowls that became staples of Scandinavian homes. Exhibitions trace this development chronologically, placing iconic pieces against the backdrop of changing tastes, technologies and social history.Walls of glass and Nordic ceramics treasures
One of the most striking spaces is the monumental glass collection: more than 40,000 unique pieces, one of every model ever produced at Holmegaard. They rise in towering shelves up to seven metres high and forty metres wide, forming a shimmering library of colour, shape and function. Seen together, they reveal how a single factory could continually reinvent itself, from thick utilitarian jars to feather-light wine glasses and sculptural art pieces. Alongside the glass, Holmegaard Værk houses the largest collection of Kähler ceramics in the Nordic region. Around 6,000 works showcase everything from humble kitchenware to exuberant art pottery, marked with the familiar “HAK” signature. These ceramics tell a parallel story of Danish craftsmanship, charting the shift from workshop tradition to modern design brand, and offering glimpses into domestic life over nearly two centuries.The heat of the hotshop and contemporary creativity
Holmegaard Værk is not just a retrospective; it is a working studio. In the hotshop, you can feel the heat radiating from the kilns as glassworkers gather molten glass on blowpipes, roll it across steel tables and coax it into shape with wooden blocks and metal tools. The rhythmic teamwork, the hiss of compressed air and the glow of the furnaces make this area feel like a theatre of craft. Resident artists and guest glassblowers use the historic setting as a laboratory for new ideas, producing pastel-toned champagne flutes, bold vases and experimental art objects. The museum’s lighting design and contemporary installations emphasise the drama of liquid glass cooling to a perfect form, tying the factory’s industrial past to a present-day design culture that still values hand skills and material experimentation.Stories of workers, peat bogs and solidified fire
Interpretive exhibits and audio stories bring to life the people who worked here over generations. Former glassworkers describe night shifts at the furnaces, the camaraderie of the workshop and the physical demands of managing glowing, heavy material day after day. These personal accounts give emotional depth to the machinery and tools still scattered through the halls. The museum also highlights the site’s relationship with Holmegaard Mose, the bog landscape that supplied fuel and shaped the local community. One of the most unusual sights is the huge tank furnace where, when production ceased in 2008, 45 tons of molten glass were left to cool in place. Today this solidified mass can be viewed inside the oven, a frozen wave of once-liquid fire, underlining both the scale of former production and the finality of the factory’s closure.Exploring the glass village and surrounding nature
Beyond the main buildings, the former glassworkers’ village offers quiet lanes and simple houses that speak of a company town built around a single industry. Walking through this area adds an intimate layer to the museum visit, illustrating how the factory shaped everyday routines, social life and local identity. The modest architecture contrasts with the spectacle of the museum interiors, grounding the story in lived experience. Close by, paths lead toward Holmegaard Mose, where open skies, reeds and wetland vegetation create a calm counterpoint to the heat and noise of the hotshop. This combination of industrial heritage, design museum and soft rural landscape makes Holmegaard Værk feel more like a small world than a single attraction, inviting you to linger, look closely and consider how materials, people and place have intertwined here for nearly 200 years.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
- Unique
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- 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
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
