Økolariet – Sustainable Science Center in Vejle
Hands‑on climate, nature and sustainability center in central Vejle, with immersive exhibits, a rooftop garden and free admission for all ages.
Økolariet in central Vejle is an interactive science and experience center dedicated to climate, the planet and sustainability. Across several floors of hands‑on exhibits, you explore themes like biodiversity, waste, energy, food, water and future cities, from a simulated sewer to a rooftop garden. Aimed at both children and adults, it combines playful installations, experiments and thoughtful storytelling to show how everyday choices shape the world around us. Free admission and daily opening hours make it an easy, enriching stop in Vejle’s compact city center.
A brief summary to Økolariet
- Dæmningen 11, Vejle, 7100, DK
- +4576812060
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least two to three hours if you want to explore all floors, try the interactive stations and include a break in the lunchroom or on the rooftop garden.
- If visiting with children, prepare them for the sewer section and live rats, which are fascinating but can feel intense for some younger visitors.
- Opening hours run 10:00–16:00 from 1 February to late December, with full closure in January; check for special seasonal openings before you go.
- Bring your own snacks or lunch; there is no café, but you can eat packed food in the indoor lunchroom or outside on the roof when the weather cooperates.
- Combine your visit with a short city walk along Vejle’s pedestrian streets or the nearby riverfront to make a relaxed half‑day in the city center.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Drink Options
Getting There
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Train and short walk
Take a regional or intercity train to Vejle Station, which is a major hub on the Jutland line. From many Danish cities, journeys take 30–90 minutes depending on distance and service type, with typical one‑way fares from about 80–250 DKK in standard class. Trains run frequently throughout the day. From the station, Økolariet is directly opposite across the main forecourt, reached in a few minutes on mostly level, paved surfaces suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Local bus within Vejle
If you are staying in Vejle’s outer neighbourhoods, use the city’s yellow local buses to Vejle Trafikcenter at the railway station. Most lines stop here every 15–30 minutes during the day, with reduced frequency in evenings and on Sundays. A single adult ticket within the city typically costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines or via regional transport apps. From the bus stands, it is a short, step‑free walk across the station area to Økolariet.
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Car from the surrounding region
Driving from nearby towns in South and East Jutland, travel times to central Vejle are usually 20–45 minutes via main roads and the E45 motorway. Public parking garages and outdoor car parks are available within a 5–10 minute walk of Økolariet, with typical rates around 10–20 DKK per hour and maximum‑stay restrictions on some street spaces. The streets immediately around the station can be busy at peak times, so allow extra time for finding a space, and check signage for time limits and payment methods.
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Bicycle from Vejle city area
From most central districts of Vejle, Økolariet can be reached by bicycle in about 5–15 minutes using the city’s network of bike‑friendly streets. The approach includes some gentle inclines typical of Vejle’s terrain, and traffic can be moderate around the station area at rush hour. Simple bicycle stands are available near the entrance but are not guarded or lockable, so bring a sturdy lock and avoid leaving valuables in baskets or panniers.
Økolariet 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 Økolariet
A green knowledge hub in the heart of Vejle
Økolariet sits just opposite Vejle’s railway station, a bright, modern science center devoted entirely to climate, the planet and sustainable living. Step inside and you move from the busy city into a dense world of models, films, soundscapes and experiments that unpack how our everyday lives are woven into global environmental systems. The building itself functions like a vertical walk through an ecosystem, each floor revealing a different layer of the story. From the entrance you are guided into themed zones rather than traditional museum galleries. Clear visual design, large illustrations and playful installations make complex ideas about energy, waste, food and biodiversity surprisingly tangible. It feels less like a museum and more like an exploratory lab, where pushing buttons and testing ideas is not only allowed but encouraged.Interactive journeys through sewers, forests and minds
One of Økolariet’s signatures is its immersive approach to environmental topics. In the sewer exhibition, you quite literally follow the journey of wastewater, moving through dim corridors with the rumble of pipes and encounters with live rats that bring the underground world to life. It is humorous and slightly edgy, but always tied back to questions of hygiene, infrastructure and pollution. Elsewhere, a stylised river valley lets you play your way through aquatic food chains and water quality, while a biodiversity section introduces a talking tree that “tells” stories from the forest and prompts you to consider what a balanced ecosystem needs to survive. In the exhibition “Kostbar Klode”, you are invited into the fictional Ida’s brain to explore how her thoughts about diet, climate and identity shape what ends up on her plate.Imagining a sustainable year 2100
A newer highlight is the future‑focused exhibition that transports you to the year 2100 via a glowing portal. Here, Økolariet does not dwell on disaster scenarios; instead it sketches a possible Denmark where the green transition has succeeded, renewable energy dominates, and climate anxiety has faded into history. Through models of neighbourhoods, interactive screens and sound design, you encounter a society that has changed technology, habits and values to live within planetary boundaries. The scenarios are grounded in real research yet presented at eye level, encouraging you to ask: which of these futures could start today, in my own kitchen, commute or garden? Rather than prescribing behaviour, the exhibition nudges visitors to experiment with small changes and to see themselves as part of a broader story of transition.Outdoor roof garden and nature connections
On the rooftop, a compact garden offers a breath of fresh air above the city streets. Raised beds, pollinator‑friendly plants and simple interpretations show how even small urban spaces can support insects, birds and climate adaptation. It is a quiet, leafy counterpoint to the busier indoor galleries and a reminder that sustainability can be beautiful as well as practical. Økolariet’s work stretches beyond the building through a strong nature‑guide programme and school service. Throughout the year educators lead free excursions into the surrounding Vejle River Valley, using nearby forests, meadows and waterways as living classrooms that connect directly back to themes introduced inside the center.Designed for families, schools and curious minds
The center is deliberately multi‑sensory, with sound, light, movement and tactile elements built into almost every section. Many activities are at child height, yet the underlying content is substantial enough to engage teenagers and adults. Signage and exhibits balance Danish context with globally relevant questions, making it a useful stop for international visitors interested in how Denmark tackles sustainability. There is no full café, but a dedicated packed‑lunch room and the roof terrace invite you to pause between exhibits. A small shop focuses on sustainably produced items and educational toys, reflecting the broader ethos of the place. With free admission and generous opening hours from February to late December, Økolariet works as a targeted outing or an unhurried half‑day deep dive into how we might live more lightly on the planet.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
VisitVejle
0.1 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
The Midgård Well
0.3 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
Vejle Vindmølle
0.8 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Troldborg Ring
12.5 km
Iron Age refuge fortress on a wooded hilltop, where grassy ramparts, “Devil’s Valley” slopes and wide views over Vejle Ådal bring deep Danish history to life.
Fredericia Vold
20.6 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Årtusindeskifte Eg
21.4 km
An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.
Jættestuen grønhøj
24.1 km
5.000 år gammel jættestue midt i det østjyske kulturlandskab – et stille møde mellem bondestenalderens stenkonstruktioner, skov, marker og Bygholm Sø.
Kolding St.
24.3 km
The compact rail and bus hub that delivers you straight into Kolding’s mix of castle-topped history, cobbled streets and fjord-side modern design.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
24.3 km
Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Saint Nicolas Church
24.4 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Borchs Gård
24.5 km
A vividly painted Renaissance townhouse from 1595, Borchs Gård brings Kolding’s mercantile past to life on the edge of lively Akseltorv square.
The Passage
24.5 km
Kolding's historic covered arcade where local shops, cafés, and the lively English Pub create an authentic downtown gathering space.
Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
24.5 km
St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s only Anglican church—an elegant Neo-Gothic landmark in Churchill Park, celebrated for its English architectural charm and tranquil location.
Helligkorsgade 18
24.5 km
Denmark's rarest medieval townhouse, where 437 years of history meet contemporary art.
Old Cemetery
24.9 km
Discover St Alban's Church, Copenhagen's striking English Gothic landmark, nestled by Kastellet and Churchill Park, uniting Nordic and British heritage in a serene riverside setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kunsthal Vejle
0.1 km
Artist-run contemporary art on Banegårdspladsen, transforming Vejle’s busy station square into a free, around-the-clock urban gallery for local and international voices.
Anno Dom 1913
0.1 km
Compact yet characterful, Anno Dom 1913 is Vejle’s early 20th‑century fountain monument anchoring historic Kirketorvet with stone, water, and quiet civic pride.
Brunnen Rathaus
0.2 km
A modest ground-level fountain on Vejle’s main square, Brunnen Rathaus adds playful water, reflections and sound to the neo‑Gothic backdrop of the town hall.
The Vejle Local Heritage Archive
0.3 km
A quiet, document-filled heart of Vejle where photographs, records and maps preserve the city’s everyday history and help visitors trace stories across generations.
Mariaparken
0.4 km
A former parking lot turned vibrant green hub, Mariaparken blends multi-sport play, hammocks, grills and events into Vejle’s most central urban park.
Vejle Art Museum
0.4 km
Free Danish art, from Golden Age painting to sensory contemporary installations, in a compact and inviting museum right in the centre of Vejle.
Byparken
0.5 km
Vejle's cherished urban park: fountains, streams, and tranquil green space in the city heart.
Tyrelodspynten
0.8 km
Compact hilltop park and neighborhood viewpoint where Vejle, its valley and Vejle Fjord unfold in a broad panorama above the trees of Sønderskoven.
Kulturmuseet
0.8 km
Industrielle spinderihaller forvandlet til et levende museum om Vejles historie – fra moselig og jernalder til natteliv, arbejde og hverdagsliv i dag.
Spinderihallerne
0.8 km
Historic mill reimagined as Vejle's beating heart for art, design, innovation, and creative community.
Vejle Kunstforening
0.8 km
Contemporary art in a historic 19th‑century windmill, where changing exhibitions and intimate spaces bring Vejle’s creative scene into a unique circular gallery.
Biblioteksparken
1.0 km
Experience the serene beauty and cultural vibrancy of Biblioteksparken, Vejle's cherished urban oasis.
Befrielsessten i Vejle
1.1 km
Et stille hjørne af Vejle, hvor en enkel mindesten og et lille grønt anlæg fortæller den store historie om Danmarks befrielse i 1945.
Vejle Havn Mole
1.4 km
A sleek fjordside pier framed by yachts, bold waterfront architecture and open sky, Vejle Havn Mole blends modern Danish design with calm, everyday harbor life.
Pedersholm
1.7 km
Historic manor and leafy woodland on the edge of Vejle, where quiet paths, old trees and a stately façade create a gentle green pause between town and countryside.
Essential places to dine
Jacobsen - Danish Eating House
0.1 km
Hearty Danish classics with a modern twist, served in a historic 1848 townhouse on Vejle’s church square with cosy dining rooms and extensive take-away.
OASIA - sushi & wok
0.1 km
Fresh-made sushi and wok cuisine in central Vejle's premier hotel dining destination.
Bistecca
0.1 km
Modern Italian bistro and steakhouse in Vejle’s ToRVEhallerne, pairing fresh pasta, dry-aged steaks and a whisky bar in a stylish, lounge-like setting.
Restaurant Toscana v/Araz Tofek
0.1 km
Bright Italian dining in Vejle's central square with Mediterranean cuisine and curated wines.
Cafe Vivaldi Vejle
0.2 km
Lively riverside café in central Vejle, serving generous brunches, pizzas and casual classics from late morning to evening in bright, modern surroundings.
No 14 Vinbar
0.2 km
Spanish wines and tapas in an intimate historic courtyard setting, where expertise meets warmth.
Tortilla Flats, Vejle
0.2 km
Vibrant Mexican dining on Vejle's waterfront since 1987—authentic flavors, colorful atmosphere, and warm hospitality.
IZA Vejle
0.2 km
Japanese-inspired gastropub tucked in a historic Vejle backyard, serving pan-Asian sharing menus, bao and ramen with creative drinks in a cosy evening setting.
Nara Sushi
0.2 km
Casual all‑you‑can‑eat sushi on Dæmningen in central Vejle, with tablet ordering, plenty of seating over two floors and a broad menu of rolls, skewers and warm bites.
Madindustrien
0.2 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and “honest meals” served in a cosy courtyard restaurant that doubles as a relaxed banquet venue in the heart of Vejle.
Garage Burgerbar
0.2 km
No‑nonsense American‑style burgers, fries and shakes served in a laid‑back, garage‑inspired bar right on Vejle’s central square, perfect for a quick and inexpensive bite.
Cafe Velvet
0.2 km
Casual, all-day café in the heart of Vejle, known for generous brunch plates, comfort-food classics and a relaxed, central meeting-point atmosphere.
1401 - Tapas & Burgers
0.2 km
Casual Nordic tapas, gourmet burgers and brunch served in a relaxed, share‑friendly setting right on Vejle’s central Rådhustorvet.
Meat & Eat Premium
0.2 km
Central Vejle steakhouse-style restaurant specialising in generous meat dishes, burgers and platters in a casual, social setting just off the main square.
Caféen Den Gamle Arrest
0.2 km
Atmospheric café-restaurant in Vejle’s former town jail, blending historic brickwork and cosy candlelight with casual meals, drinks and sociable, laid-back charm.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kas'mir Vejle
0.1 km
A calm, contemporary women’s fashion boutique on Vejle’s main shopping street, blending Scandinavian style, quality fabrics and carefully chosen accessories.
Kop & Kande
0.2 km
Central Vejle homeware and gift shop offering Danish design, practical kitchen tools and thoughtful presents in a bright, well-organised space on Søndergade.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 km
Colorful Danish design and affordable everyday essentials in Vejle's vibrant city center.
Normal
0.2 km
Danish discount treasure hunt with fixed low prices and 100 new surprises every week.
Søstrene Grene, Vejle
0.2 km
A cosy Danish design and hobby universe in central Vejle, where winding aisles, soft lighting and changing collections invite slow browsing and small creative discoveries.
Gavehuset/Per Dam Nielsen
0.3 km
A traditional, small-scale gift and bag shop on Vejle’s Grønnegade, offering locally rooted presents and everyday accessories in a calm, personal setting.
Fair Trade Butik Salam
0.3 km
A colourful fair-trade world shop in central Vejle, where ethical gifts, handmade crafts and global stories meet Scandinavian everyday life.
Noa Noa
0.3 km
A calm, Scandinavian fashion boutique in Vejle’s centre, showcasing Noa Noa’s feminine, bohemian-inspired designs in a warm, homely setting on Torvegade.
Bryggen
0.3 km
Vejle's vibrant shopping heart where contemporary design meets Nordic retail culture and diverse dining.
The Body Shop
0.3 km
Compact, cruelty‑free beauty hub on Nørregade in Vejle, packed with nature‑inspired skincare, body treats and ready-to-wrap gifts for quick yet mindful shopping.
Only
0.4 km
Central Vejle’s go-to women’s fashion store for trend-focused denim, dresses and everyday styles in a bright, modern high-street setting.
Underground
0.4 km
Compact streetwear and sneaker specialist in Vejle’s central shopping streets, blending skate-inspired labels and everyday urban style in an easygoing setting.
Frk. Brøndum ApS
0.4 km
A cosy Danish fashion boutique on Vejle’s Nørregade, offering curated everyday style, friendly guidance and relaxed browsing in the heart of the pedestrian streets.
Bahne
0.4 km
A bright, central lifestyle store in Vejle, combining Scandinavian home design, fashion, wellness and gift ideas under one stylish roof on Nørregade.
Gina Tricot
0.4 km
Compact Scandinavian womenswear store in central Vejle, offering fast-changing, affordable fashion and accessories along the city’s main pedestrian shopping street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lucky's Sports-bar
0.1 km
Lively sports hub in central Vejle, blending big-screen action, shuffleboard and arcade fun with a relaxed pub atmosphere and late-night bar energy.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Vejle A/S
0.1 km
High-energy Alpine after-ski bar in the heart of Vejle, serving big beers, loud party hits and late-night antics on Dæmningen’s busy nightlife strip.
Charly's Pub
0.1 km
Cozy, live-music–driven pub in the heart of Vejle, pouring special beers and cocktails for an adult crowd in a relaxed, late-opening, party-friendly setting.
The Old Irish Pub
0.2 km
Lively Irish-themed bar and late-night discotheque bringing music, pints and party vibes to central Vejle’s Dæmningen street.
Tartan Pub
0.2 km
Vejle's legendary Scottish pub since 1975—dance, drink, and connect in authentic Celtic charm.
Mi Bar
0.2 km
Vejle's premier cocktail bar crafting quality drinks in a welcoming weekend atmosphere.
BarMix Vejle
0.2 km
Late‑night energy, chart hits and a mature party crowd in the heart of Vejle’s nightlife strip on Dæmningen.
Sømærket v/Margit Østergaard Nielsen
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school brown bar by Vejle’s harbor, pouring inexpensive beers in a lively, no-frills atmosphere that feels more local living room than lounge.
The Knee-high bar
0.2 km
Vejle's beloved underground bar where low ceilings and high spirits create unforgettable nights.
Lumskebugten Vejle
0.3 km
Authentic Danish bodega where maritime charm, live music, and genuine hospitality create unforgettable evenings.
The Cat And Barrel
0.4 km
A warmly lit craft beer pub in central Vejle, blending British-style coziness, Danish microbrews, sports on screen and lively quiz and karaoke nights.
Klausen Bar
0.5 km
Unpretentious Danish bodega-style bar in central Vejle, offering inexpensive drinks, karaoke nights and a cosy local atmosphere from noon till late on select days.
Ølstuen
0.6 km
Authentic Danish pub where locals gather for affordable beer, genuine conversation, and timeless community spirit.
Marys Pub
0.6 km
Cosy, no-frills neighbourhood pub in central Vejle, pouring affordable beers and easygoing Danish hospitality from late morning until late at night.
Borgerkroen
0.7 km
A classic Danish neighborhood bar on lively Vestergade in Vejle, serving cold beer, warm conversation and unpretentious pub atmosphere from late morning to midnight.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
temabar APS 23-05
0.2 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
NOX Network Ltd.
4.2 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
15.7 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
20.7 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
AHA Livestage
21.1 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Pitstop
24.3 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Mørks Kælder
24.4 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
24.4 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Koldingtivet Engen
24.4 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
PDD
25.2 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Oskar hossman
25.9 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
Sölibat Natklub
26.1 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.
Scandic Opus Horsens
27.0 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.
Fishi
30.1 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
36.0 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Educational
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Wheelchair Access