Holmegaard Værk
A former glassworks reborn as a glowing world of Danish glass, ceramics and light, where historic furnaces, vast collections and living craftsmanship meet.
Holmegaard Værk is a vast glass, ceramics and design museum set inside the historic Holmegaard Glassworks on the edge of Holmegaard Mose in South Zealand. Across former factory halls and atmospheric furnace rooms, you wander past more than 40,000 pieces of Holmegaard glass, 6,000 Kähler ceramics, immersive light installations and a working hotshop where contemporary glassblowers fire up the ovens once again. It is part industrial heritage site, part design showcase and part creative playground for families.
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
Local tips
- Plan at least 2–3 hours to see both the glass and Kähler ceramics collections, the hotshop demonstrations and the atmospheric furnace hall without rushing.
- Time your visit to catch the glassblowing sessions in the hotshop, typically running in blocks late morning and early afternoon; check the day’s schedule on arrival.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; some of the vast brick halls can feel cool, while the hotshop is noticeably warmer near the furnaces.
- If visiting with children, look for the glass and ceramics ateliers where simple, quick creative activities let them decorate or shape a small piece to take home.
- Combine the museum with a short walk around Holmegaard Mose or the old glassworkers’ village to appreciate the landscape that powered the factory.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Copenhagen
Driving from central Copenhagen to Holmegaard Værk typically takes around 1–1.25 hours, depending on traffic. The fastest routes use major motorways across Zealand before smaller regional roads lead into the countryside near Holmegaard. There is usually free or low-cost parking by the museum, but spaces can fill on busy weekends and school holidays, so allow extra time to park and walk from the car park to the entrance.
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Train and bus via Næstved
From Copenhagen, regional trains to Næstved generally take 1–1.25 hours, running at least once an hour during the day. From Næstved, local buses towards Holmegaard or Fensmark add about 20–30 minutes, plus a short walk from the nearest stop to the museum. A combined return journey within Zealand by train and bus usually costs in the range of 150–250 DKK per adult, depending on ticket type and time of day.
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Taxi from Næstved
If you arrive in Næstved by train or intercity bus, local taxis can take you directly to Holmegaard Værk in about 10–15 minutes. This option is convenient if you are travelling with luggage or young children, but expect to pay roughly 180–260 DKK each way, varying with traffic and time of day. Taxis are usually available at the main station rank; at quieter times it is wise to book ahead or ask station staff for assistance.
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
Discover more about Holmegaard Værk
From working glassworks to design powerhouse
Holmegaard Værk occupies the old Holmegaard Glassworks, which began production in 1825 beside Holmegaard Mose, where peat once fuelled the roaring ovens. The factory grew from making simple bottles to refined tableware, helping define Danish glass design through the 20th century. When industrial production ceased in the 2000s, the sprawling complex might easily have fallen silent. Instead, it has been reimagined as a cultural centre where the story of nearly two centuries of craftsmanship is told through objects, architecture and light. Stepping inside, you sense the building’s industrial past everywhere: brick facades, steel beams, tall chimneys and the cavernous tank furnace hall are all preserved. Rather than recreating a nostalgic workshop, the museum layers contemporary design and carefully choreographed lighting onto the original fabric, so that pipes, furnaces and cooling channels become sculptural backdrops for the collections.Scandinavia’s largest glass and ceramics collections
The heart of Holmegaard Værk is its staggering collections. More than 40,000 pieces of Holmegaard glass are presented in high, warehouse-like galleries, many arranged on shelving that soars several metres to the ceiling. Every era is represented, from chunky green bottles and mouth-blown wine glasses to sleek, coloured stemware and sculptural vases that helped carry Danish design into homes around the world. Alongside the glass stands the largest collection of Kähler ceramics in the Nordic region. Rows of decorative vases, tableware and experimental studio pieces trace how clay, glaze and pattern evolved over generations. Together, glass and ceramics show how form, function and beauty intertwined in everyday Scandinavian objects long before “Danish design” became a global label.Heat, light and living craftsmanship
Beyond the static displays, the museum comes alive in the hotshop. Here, teams of contemporary glassblowers work in front of visitors, gathering honey-like molten glass from the furnace and shaping it into bowls, lamps or delicate stemware with practiced, choreographed movements. The blast of heat, the hiss of compressed air and the rhythmic turning of blowpipes reveal how demanding the craft has always been. In the former tank furnace hall, a spectacular 45‑ton mass of glass still fills the old oven, slowly solidified when production stopped. Carefully programmed lighting plays across this vast object and the surrounding pipes, evoking the glow of a working factory while underlining the site’s shift from industry to immersive art.Stories, soundscapes and creative workshops
Holmegaard Værk is designed to be explored at your own pace, guided by subtle sound, text and multimedia rather than dense academic labels. Audio stories voiced as personal accounts from glassworkers recount life on shifts, village traditions and the camaraderie that grew around the factory over generations. These narratives bring human warmth to the machinery and give context to the thousands of objects in the cases. Hands-on ateliers for glass decoration and ceramics invite you to experiment with the same materials used in the galleries, on a smaller scale. Simple techniques allow both adults and children to produce pieces to take home, turning the visit from passive observation into a tactile encounter with craft.Landscape, village and a day out in South Zealand
Outside the main halls, paths lead through the former glassworkers’ village and out towards Holmegaard Mose, a low, open landscape that once supplied the peat for the furnaces. The juxtaposition of wilderness, brick factory buildings and gleaming design objects highlights how closely industry and nature were intertwined here. On fine days, the outdoor areas offer quiet corners to pause between galleries. With its mix of industrial heritage, large-scale design collections, working artisans, shop and on-site dining, Holmegaard Værk easily fills half a day. It also pairs naturally with other South Zealand attractions nearby, making it a compelling anchor for exploring this quieter corner of Denmark beyond Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Næstved Station
6.9 km
Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Visit Sydsjælland & Møn
7.2 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Genforeningssten i Næstelsø
8.9 km
Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.
Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads
9.3 km
Medieval market town square where Danish history, culture, and modern commerce converge in southern Zealand.
Genforeningssten i Saltø Skov
10.9 km
A granite memorial stone marking Denmark's 1920 reunification with South Jutland, standing at a forest crossroads near Næstved.
Vallø Slotskro
28.1 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Befrielsessten i Køge
29.7 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
Comwell Køge Strand
29.8 km
Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
29.8 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Køge Torv
29.9 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
Visit
29.9 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
30.1 km
Harbourfront monument where stone, sea breeze and maritime symbols keep the naval battles of Køge Bugt and their admirals alive on Køge’s working waterfront.
“Slaget i Køge Bugt”
30.1 km
Harbourfront monument on Køge’s quay, quietly marking the dramatic naval battles once fought in the bay where today only fishing boats and leisure craft glide.
Køge Church
30.1 km
Medieval tower, Denmark's first lighthouse, baroque treasures in a historic port town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
30.1 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Holmegårds Mose
1.2 km
Ancient raised bog, Stone Age archaeology and quiet wildlife trails meet in this restored wetland wilderness on Zealand, where peat, glass and nature share the same story.
BonBon-Land
4.2 km
Cheeky candy characters, looping coasters and green picnic lawns combine at BonBon-Land, Denmark’s quirky countryside theme park for all ages.
Genforeningssten i Herlufsholm
5.5 km
Borgnakke Skov: A serene Næstved woodland blending ancient oak trees, rich biodiversity, and tranquil walking trails—an essential outdoor escape in southern Zealand.
Herlufsholm broerne
5.6 km
Små historiske broer, stille Suså-vand og grønt ådalslandskab gør Herlufsholm broerne til et roligt, lokalt åndehul i udkanten af Næstved.
Herlufsholm Park
6.4 km
Riverside tranquility along the Suså, where Danish heritage meets natural woodland.
Ladby Kirkeruin
6.4 km
Quiet medieval church ruins on a low hill outside Næstved, where low stone walls, old graves and wide rural views evoke centuries of village life and worship.
Councilman Garden / Herlufsholm Forest
6.5 km
Protected Danish woodland sanctuary with riverside trails and 460 years of educational heritage.
Medicinsk-historisk Museum
6.7 km
A small 1817 hospital turned medical time capsule, showcasing instruments, stories and healing plants that trace the evolution of healthcare in Næstved and beyond.
Vægmaleri
6.8 km
Experience Danish heritage and contemporary art amid tranquil parkland at Rønnebæksholm, Næstved’s historic manor turned vibrant cultural hub.
Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter
6.9 km
Historic cavalry barracks turned vibrant cultural village with concert halls, theatre, galleries and a family‑friendly atmosphere in the heart of Næstved.
Befrielsessten i Næstved
6.9 km
A modest granite liberation stone in Næstved’s former cavalry barracks, framed by cannons and culture, quietly honouring Denmark’s freedom in 1945.
Slægtsten
7.0 km
Næstved’s former barracks transformed into a dynamic cultural center, hosting concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and community events in historic surroundings.
Næstved Museum
7.0 km
Compact town museum in historic Næstved, tracing South Zealand’s journey from archaeological finds and medieval streets to Holmegaard glass and modern everyday life.
Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen
7.0 km
Historic military barracks turned bustling cultural center, Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter is Næstved’s hub for arts, music, theater, and creative events all year round.
Rådmandshaven
7.1 km
Tranquil riverside meadows and woodland paths just behind Næstved’s town buildings, offering easy walks, open lawns and calm Suså River views steps from the centre.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Gulerodshuset
3.8 km
Rural-feel restaurant on the outskirts of Næstved, serving hearty Danish classics and group-friendly buffets in a cosy, countryside-style setting.
Bone's Næstved
3.8 km
Family-friendly American BBQ in Næstved with signature ribs, hearty steaks and an all-you-can-eat salad and soft ice bar in relaxed, spacious surroundings.
Tokyo Running Sushi Storcenter
4.3 km
Casual conveyor‑belt sushi and hot dishes in the middle of Næstved Storcenter, ideal for an easy all‑you‑can‑eat break between shopping rounds.
Madtemplet Skovens Restaurant
5.7 km
Traditional Danish cooking and flexible event spaces nestled by Herlufsholm Forest, where hearty meals and green surroundings meet just outside central Næstved.
Restaurant The Grill Næstved
6.1 km
All‑you‑can‑eat grill and brunch buffets inside Bowl’n’Fun Næstved, where family‑friendly dining, bowling and games come together under one lively roof.
The Italian
6.9 km
Authentic southern Italian cooking, charcoal-grilled specialities and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on Næstved’s historic Kvægtorvet square.
Ristorante Italia
6.9 km
Longstanding Italian favourite by Næstved Station, serving pizzas, pastas and hearty grills in a warm, family-friendly setting since 1989.
The Burger Næstved
6.9 km
Casual Danish burger joint in Næstved serving brioche‑bun classics, generous sides and easy takeaway in a relaxed, mid‑range neighborhood setting.
Café & Bar - Fenomeno (Næstved)
6.9 km
Central Næstved café‑bar serving burgers, pasta and drinks in a relaxed, all‑day setting just steps from the station.
GuGu Quest
6.9 km
Compact central Næstved sushi spot with generous rolls, flexible combo menus and a strong takeaway focus for easy, modern dining.
Foodlovers
6.9 km
Fixed‑price Italian‑inspired buffet with free‑flow drinks and desserts in bright, plant‑filled surroundings on Dania 42 in Næstved.
Il Ponte
6.9 km
Næstved's authentic wood-fired pizzeria serving hand-crafted Italian pizza with crispy crusts and quality toppings.
Broadway Burgers
7.0 km
Flame-grilled comfort in central Næstved, serving generous American-style burgers, fries and dips in a relaxed, no-fuss setting on busy Jernbanegade.
Tatami Sushi
7.0 km
Modern, casual sushi in the heart of Næstved, combining classic rolls, warm Asian dishes and easy takeaway from a bright, centrally located dining room.
MA TEO Madbar Næstved
7.0 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian cuisine in the heart of Næstved's dining scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dansk
3.9 km
Big-box family clothing on a budget-friendly scale, Dansk Outlet Næstved keeps locals and travellers kitted out for Danish weather and everyday life in one easy stop.
Dissing
4.2 km
Contemporary men’s style in the heart of Næstved Storcenter, blending smart-casual Scandinavian looks with the convenience of South Zealand’s largest mall.
H&M
4.2 km
Bright, budget-friendly Scandinavian fashion for all ages inside Næstved’s main shopping centre, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a wider mall visit.
Matinique Næstved
4.2 km
Crisp Scandinavian menswear and modern tailoring, tucked inside South Zealand’s largest shopping centre at Næstved Storcenter.
Shop Næstved
4.3 km
Southern Zealand's largest shopping center with 70+ stores, dining, and family entertainment.
Næstved Storcenter
4.3 km
South Zealand's premier shopping destination with 70+ stores, free parking, and regional reach.
Arabisk Butik
7.1 km
Compact Middle Eastern–inspired grocery in central Næstved, packed with spices, rice, fresh produce and everyday essentials for curious cooks and locals alike.
INTERSPORT Seiffert Næstved
7.1 km
Central Næstved sports store on Hjultorv, offering practical gear, expert shoe fitting and everyday activewear for locals and visitors alike.
Johs. Clausen Næstved
7.1 km
Classic women’s fashion and lingerie on Næstved’s central square, offering quality European brands, attentive service, and a relaxed boutique atmosphere on Hjultorv.
Frelsens Hær Næstved
7.1 km
A modest, community-focused Salvation Army thrift shop in central Næstved, where second-hand finds support local social work and everyday Danish life.
Butik ØLUND
7.1 km
Slow fashion boutique in central Næstved with curated Scandinavian brands, timeless designs and personal styling in an intimate, minimalist setting.
Kræmmerhus ApS
7.1 km
A cosy Næstved specialty shop where fine coffee, tea, chocolates and delicacies meet beautifully wrapped gifts and personalised, old-fashioned service.
Femilet
7.2 km
Specialist lingerie and loungewear boutique in central Næstved, offering expert fitting, Scandinavian comfort and elegant essentials for everyday wear.
Karabulut
7.2 km
A compact, no‑frills neighborhood store on Torvestræde in central Næstved, ideal for quick snacks and everyday essentials between sights and errands.
Bog & idé Langes Boghandel - Næstved
7.2 km
Generations of books, games, and gifts in the heart of historic Næstved.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bodega Dueslaget
6.9 km
Traditional Danish neighborhood bodega in Næstved, serving cold beers, simple drinks and plenty of local atmosphere from morning until late on weekends.
Grønvej 2 Næstved ApS
6.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Næstved serving cold beer, simple spirits and everyday local atmosphere on a quiet side street off the town’s commercial core.
Birk´s Bar
6.9 km
Næstved's authentic neighborhood pub where community, billiards, and genuine hospitality thrive.
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
7.0 km
Volunteer-run jazz club in Næstved’s historic barracks courtyard, hosting intimate live concerts in the cosy Musikstalden hall at Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter.
The Beach
7.0 km
Næstved's vibrant karaoke bar where everyone becomes a star in a tropical-themed celebration of music and community.
Landsby Pubben
7.0 km
A classic Næstved "værtshus" with cold beer, billiards and a lived-in charm that turns a simple drink into a slice of local everyday life.
Cheers
7.1 km
Næstved's cozy social hub where genuine Danish hospitality meets lively evening atmosphere.
Step Inn I / S
7.1 km
Long‑running Irish pub in central Næstved, blending cosy wooden interiors, sociable pints and late‑night weekend vibes on historic Ramsherred.
The Old Irish Pub
7.1 km
Authentic Irish pub energy in central Næstved, open late Friday and Saturday with live music and draught beer.
Bar z
7.1 km
Cosy late-night bar in central Næstved, blending easygoing drinks, music and a compact club vibe on weekend evenings along historic Ramsherred.
Champagne Riget
7.1 km
Næstved's premier champagne bar where curated bubbles meet refined gastronomy in elegant surroundings.
Underhuset
7.2 km
A classic Danish bodega on Næstved’s Axeltorv, blending cosy wood-panel charm, cold beer and local live music into a friendly town-square living room.
La Boutique
7.2 km
Elegant wine bar and bottle shop on Næstved’s Axeltorv, where curated wines, fine spirits and gourmet details turn a simple drink into a small celebration.
Sluk Efter
7.2 km
Unpretentious local pub on Kindhestegade in central Næstved, pouring cold beers and simple drinks in a cozy, social setting from midday to late night.
Humle Ølbar
7.3 km
Cosy craft beer bar in central Næstved, pairing a rotating selection of Danish and international brews with intimate, hygge‑rich surroundings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
