Statue of Michael Drewsen, Silkeborg
A modest bronze in Silkeborg’s main square that honours town founder Michael Drewsen and marks the spot where a paper mill grew into a modern market town.
Set in Silkeborg’s central square, the bronze Statue of Michael Drewsen honours the industrialist who founded the town and launched its paper mill on the banks of the Gudenå. Standing before the old town hall and surrounded by shops, cafés, and fountains, the monument anchors daily life in Torvet while quietly recalling Silkeborg’s transformation from rural estate to modern market town.
A brief summary to Statue of Michael Drewsen
- Torvet, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a stop at the statue with a slow loop around Torvet to appreciate the old town hall, nearby church, and historic hotel that frame the square.
- Visit during daytime for clearer views of the surrounding architecture; early mornings and late afternoons are typically quieter and better for photos.
- Use the statue as an easy meeting point when exploring Silkeborg’s pedestrian streets, cafés, markets, and nearby museums on foot.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Aarhus
From Aarhus, regional trains run to Silkeborg Station roughly twice per hour during the day, with a journey time of about 45–60 minutes. A standard adult ticket typically costs around 80–120 DKK one way, depending on fare type. From Silkeborg Station it is an easy, mostly flat 10–15 minute walk through the town centre to Torvet, suitable for most visitors and stroller-friendly.
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Bus within Silkeborg and nearby suburbs
Local and regional buses connect Silkeborg’s residential areas and nearby towns to the central bus stops close to Torvet, with typical journey times of 10–30 minutes. Single tickets usually cost in the range of 20–40 DKK, purchased via ticket machines or travel apps. Services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and weekends, so check the timetable in advance if returning late.
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Car from regional destinations in Jutland
Silkeborg is linked to other Jutland towns by major roads, and driving from cities such as Viborg, Herning, or Horsens generally takes 30–60 minutes. Several public car parks are located within walking distance of the town centre; fees vary but expect around 10–20 DKK per hour in the most central zones, with some time-limited free options slightly further out. The square itself is part of a pedestrian area, so you will complete the last few hundred meters on foot.
Statue of Michael Drewsen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Statue of Michael Drewsen
A founder watching over Silkeborg’s heart
Michael Drewsen was the driving force behind Silkeborg’s leap from quiet manor estate to thriving industrial town in the mid-19th century. As manager and co-founder of the paper mill that rose beside the Gudenå River in 1844, he helped turn a sparsely populated area into a busy trading centre within just a few decades. The statue that bears his name celebrates this transformation, capturing him as a civic leader whose decisions shaped the city’s future. Today the bronze figure stands prominently on Torvet, Silkeborg’s main square, facing the handsome brick facade of the old town hall. Around him, the town he imagined has long since materialised: pedestrian streets, commercial life, and cultural institutions radiate out from this compact urban core. The monument serves as a visual reminder that modern Silkeborg has a remarkably short, but intense, history.The story behind the monument
The Drewsen statue was erected as a tribute to the man often referred to as the founder of Silkeborg, commemorating both his role in establishing the paper mill and his broader influence on the town’s development. The monument’s placement is deliberate: Torvet is framed by key historic buildings, including the old town hall and Hotel Dania, underlining Drewsen’s close connection to the institutions that anchored civic life. His legacy stretches beyond industry. Drewsen helped promote Silkeborg as a trading town, supported infrastructure projects, and encouraged initiatives that tied the community more closely to the surrounding lakes and forests. The statue distils this legacy into a single figure, inviting you to consider how one person’s vision can alter the course of a whole region.A compact square rich in atmosphere
Torvet itself is more than just a backdrop. The city square is paved and largely car-free, with shops, cafés, and restaurants spilling onto terraces in warmer months. Fountains provide movement and sound, while the church tower and historic facades frame the view. The statue of Michael Drewsen stands amid this everyday bustle, giving the space a focal point that is both sculptural and symbolic. Depending on the time of day, the square’s character changes. On market days, stalls bring colour and local produce. At quieter moments you may find only a few people on benches, the murmur of conversation and the trickle of water filling the air. The monument anchors all these changing scenes, an unhurried presence in a lively urban setting.Linking Silkeborg’s past and present
Within a short stroll of the statue, you can trace Silkeborg’s story from manor estate to modern cultural town. The nearby Silkeborg Hovedgård and museum sites recount earlier centuries of regional history, while exhibitions and displays elsewhere in the city explore the paper mill era and the growth of industry along the Gudenå. Seen in this wider context, the Drewsen statue becomes a starting point for understanding how a single industrial venture sparked a new town. The monument also subtly links to the surrounding lake district and forested hills that drew entrepreneurs, writers, and artists to Silkeborg in the 19th century. Figures like Hans Christian Andersen visited the area, inspired by the landscapes that would later help define Silkeborg as an outdoor and cultural destination. Standing by the statue, you stand at the intersection of industry, nature, and urban life.A brief but worthwhile stop in central Jutland
Although the statue itself is modest in size and can be appreciated in a few minutes, it rewards a moment of reflection. It is an easy landmark to include in a wider walk through Silkeborg’s centre, combining architecture, shopping streets, and perhaps a visit to a museum or a lakeside promenade. The open layout and flat surfaces of the square make the area broadly accessible. Whether you pause here with a coffee, wait for friends by the plinth, or simply cross Torvet on your way elsewhere, the Statue of Michael Drewsen offers a concise introduction to the town’s origins. It is a small monument with a large backstory, quietly telling how a paper mill and its determined manager gave rise to the city around you.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
silkeborg
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Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Water Tower
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A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Lovisehøj
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A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
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Store Troldhøj
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A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Bølling Lake
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A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
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Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Randershøj
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A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
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Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
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Discover Denmark's automotive history at Jutland's Automobile Museum in Gjern, showcasing vintage cars and motorcycles from the early 1900s to iconic post-war models, offering a unique glimpse into the nation's motoring heritage.
Abbey Mill
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Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.
Øm Klostermuseum
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Jutland
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Mossø
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Discover the serene beauty of Mossø, Denmark's third-largest lake, offering hiking, watersports, and historical sites in the heart of the Danish Lake District.
The Uncovered Bridge
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A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Vægmaleri
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Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
0.3 km
Step into Silkeborg’s oldest manor house to meet Tollund Man, explore bog mysteries and trace the town’s journey from Iron Age wetlands to modern Jutland hub.
Tollundmanden
0.3 km
Meet the Tollund Man, a 2,400‑year‑old bog body whose hauntingly preserved face and story of ritual, death and discovery define Museum Silkeborg’s Iron Age heart.
Springvand
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Silkeborg Langsø’s towering fountain turns the town’s central lake into a stage of water and light, blending engineering spectacle with everyday lakeside life.
Galerie Moderne Silkeborg
0.4 km
One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
0.4 km
A living paper workshop in Silkeborg’s old factory, where you watch pulp become sheets, learn about banknote paper and try your hand at this quietly magical craft.
Silkeborg Archive
0.4 km
Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.
The Hjejle Agency
0.4 km
Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.
Badeanstalten
0.4 km
Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
0.5 km
Swinging jazz, riverboats and long Nordic evenings fuse in Silkeborg’s lake district for a five-day celebration where the entire town becomes a waterside stage.
Kedelhuset
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Intimate live music and performance venue in Silkeborg’s former paper mill boiler house, blending industrial charm with a modern black box concert hall.
Slotsholmen
0.7 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views over Silkeborg's heather-clad hills and serene lakes at Kongestolen, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Silkeborg Søerne
0.7 km
Denmark's premier water gateway—paddle, cruise, and explore the pristine lakes of Søhøjlandet from the heart of Silkeborg.
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
1.1 km
Riverfront modern art sanctuary in Silkeborg, uniting Asger Jorn’s bold legacy, CoBrA masterpieces and hands-on creativity in an intimate, light-filled museum.
Dronningestolen
1.1 km
A modest forest hill with a royal name, Dronningestolen offers a framed Silkeborg panorama, woodland quiet and a sense of history above the lakeside town.
Essential places to dine
Panorama Mad & Vin
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Classic Danish lunch and French brasserie cooking in Silkeborg’s old town hall, with white tablecloths, city views and a warm, urban-hygge atmosphere.
Drewsens Spisehus Silkeborg
0.0 km
Stylish Nordic sharing plates, brunch and speciality coffee served in Silkeborg’s historic town hall, overlooking the lively main square on Torvet.
Jensens Bøfhus
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Casual Danish steakhouse on Silkeborg’s main square, serving familiar grills, burgers and family-friendly favourites in relaxed, central surroundings.
Underhuset
0.1 km
Family‑run brasserie on Silkeborg’s central square, blending Danish classics and French‑inspired dishes with a cosy dining room and lively terrace on Torvet.
Torvets Kebab & Pizza
0.1 km
Central Silkeborg’s no‑nonsense stop for generous kebab, salad‑topped pizzas and quick, budget‑friendly meals just a short stroll from the main town square.
Cafe K Silkeborg
0.2 km
Silkeborg's vibrant casual dining hub where quality brunch, cocktails, and community converge.
Four Hands Restaurant
0.2 km
Intimate, chef-led dining in central Silkeborg where a daily changing set menu, seasonal Danish produce and warm hygge hospitality turn dinner into an evening-long experience.
Daruma Ramen
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Cosy Japanese noodle bar on Søndergade in Silkeborg, serving comforting ramen and crisp chicken katsu in a simple, relaxed setting ideal for casual meals.
Asian Restaurant & Café
0.2 km
Cozy Southeast Asian flavors in the heart of Silkeborg, pairing Vietnamese and Thai dishes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
Regatta Sandwich
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Freshly baked Italian sandwiches in the heart of Silkeborg—quality ingredients, casual charm.
Hot Inn
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Casual Middle Eastern–inspired comfort food, fresh from the charcoal grill, served in a simple, welcoming space on bustling Nygade in central Silkeborg.
BABBA
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Mediterranean-inspired social dining, wine and cocktails in a cosy Silkeborg townhouse with a lively bar and atmospheric courtyard terrace.
Joci Sushi
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Casual, central Silkeborg sushi spot with generous platters, warm purple-toned interiors and a strong takeaway culture on lively pedestrian Nygade.
Marco Polo - Silkeborg
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Authentic Italian and Brazilian cuisine in cozy Silkeborg surroundings.
Gusto Silkeborg
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Savor delicious sandwiches, pizzas, and salads at Gusto Silkeborg – your culinary stop in the heart of Denmark.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
b.young Silkeborg
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A contemporary Danish womenswear boutique in central Silkeborg, offering accessible Scandinavian style, versatile outfits and relaxed, easy-going browsing.
Normal
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Denmark's original discount retailer where treasure hunting meets affordability in quirky, welcoming surroundings.
TOFT SHOP
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Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.
Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S
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Family-run multibrand womenswear house in central Silkeborg, combining 400 m² of contemporary fashion, personal styling and Scandinavian labels on lively Vestergade.
Bustedwoman.com
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Curated European fashion and personalized styling in Silkeborg's premier women's boutique.
Bivs.dk
0.1 km
Silkeborg's dedicated children's clothing and toy specialist with extended daily hours.
Femilet
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Premium Scandinavian lingerie and intimate wear for women seeking comfort, quality, and perfect fit.
Buksecompagniet
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Independent Silkeborg fashion store mixing timeless Scandinavian basics, denim and footwear with seasonal trends for both men and women on lively Søndergade.
Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S
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Established jeweller on Silkeborg’s main square, blending classic gold and silver pieces, quality watches and attentive service in a calm, central setting.
H&M
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Central Silkeborg fashion stop combining global H&M style with small-town convenience on the lively Torvet square.
Bog & idé - Silkeborg Vestergade
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Silkeborg's beloved bookstore and stationery hub since 1930, offering books, office supplies, and gifts.
Helm
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Two centuries of Danish leather heritage meets contemporary design in Silkeborg's premier bag and luggage destination.
DressLab
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Scandinavian fashion curated for contemporary women in the heart of Silkeborg.
Companys Silkeborg
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Modern Scandinavian womenswear in a calm, central Silkeborg boutique, ideal for curated wardrobe updates between café stops and city-center strolls.
Imerco
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Central Silkeborg homeware hub for Danish design, practical kitchen gear and cosy hygge accents, ideal for gifts, souvenirs and everyday essentials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kaffebaren
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Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Café Kling Klang
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Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Roxy Malt
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Irish-inspired Silkeborg pub with live music, quizzes, speciality beers and a cosy courtyard, blending retro charm with late-night energy in the town centre.
The Admiral Pub
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Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
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Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Butchers Silkeborg
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Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
Bifrost Sports Pub
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Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
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Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Sportspubben Målet
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A cozy, no-frills sports pub in central Silkeborg, where big screens, cold beer and local chatter turn every match day into a shared living room.
Rabalder Bar
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Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
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Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Cafe' Paradis
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A compact, old‑school bodega in central Silkeborg, serving cold beers, local atmosphere and late‑night conversation in an unpretentious, lived‑in bar setting.
Bodega Hjørnet
0.8 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
Bakkens bodega
0.9 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Århusvej where locals, cold drafts and simple pub fare create a slice of everyday Silkeborg life from late morning to late evening.
The Smoke Pub
0.9 km
A classic Silkeborg bodega on Borgergade, where smoke, cold beer and easy conversation create an unpretentious local living room from late morning to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
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Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Team Paderborner
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Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Vesterbro Pub
32.5 km
Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
34.1 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Piano Herning
35.5 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant nightlife in a cozy piano bar with live music, great cocktails, and classic Danish hospitality in the center of town.
Murphy's Pub
35.5 km
Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.
Bart
35.5 km
Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.
Mindegade5
35.8 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
36.0 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Scandic Opus Horsens
37.3 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
Jazzens Venner
37.4 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
Der Kuhstall Mønsted
37.9 km
Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.
Sölibat Natklub
38.7 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
Hemingway's Horsens
38.7 km
Late-night disco bar in central Horsens with a mature crowd, classic hits from past decades and a cozy-but-lively atmosphere every Friday and Saturday.
Morzybitten
38.8 km
Experience the essence of Danish 'hygge' at Morzybitten, Horsens' premier barista and beer bar with live music.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
