Viborg Kunsthal
Contemporary art in an 18th‑century lakeside distillery, Viborg Kunsthal blends bold exhibitions, residencies and events with a relaxed café and green surroundings.
Viborg Kunsthal is a leading contemporary art centre in central Viborg, housed in a characterful 18th‑century former distillery overlooking the town’s lakes. Inside, bright white galleries host changing exhibitions by Danish and international artists, alongside talks, concerts, family workshops and the Riddergade artist‑in‑residence programme. After exploring the art, pause in the cosy café or combine your visit with a lakeside stroll or a walk through historic streets and nearby parkland.
A brief summary to Viborg Kunsthal
- Riddergade 8, Viborg, 8800, DK
- +4587873221
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-8 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan around the opening hours: the Kunsthal is usually open Tuesday–Sunday from late morning, with extended evening hours on Thursdays that often include free entry in the final hours.
- Allow time to combine your visit with a walk by the lakes and through Borgvold park; the setting is a big part of the experience, especially in clear weather.
- Check the current exhibition and events programme in advance if you are interested in artist talks, workshops or concerts, as these are often tied to specific dates.
- Photography for personal use is generally fine in many contemporary art venues, but always confirm on site and be respectful of any works where photography is restricted.
- Use the café as a midway break between galleries; it is a good spot to browse leaflets on other Viborg cultural sites and plan the rest of your day.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from Viborg city centre
From Viborg’s central shopping streets or the cathedral area, reaching Viborg Kunsthal on foot typically takes 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is gently sloping with some short inclines but generally uses paved pavements and lakeside paths. It is suitable for most visitors, including those pushing prams; wheelchair users may prefer the slightly longer but smoother streets rather than steeper park paths, especially in wet or icy weather.
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Local bus within Viborg
City buses run between Viborg Station, the central districts and stops close to the lakes and old town, with typical journey times of 5–10 minutes from the station area. A single adult ticket on local buses in Viborg usually costs around 20–25 DKK and can be bought from the driver or via regional ticketing apps. Services are more frequent on weekdays and daytime; evening and Sunday departures are less regular, so check the timetable if you plan a late Thursday visit.
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Train to Viborg plus short transfer
Regional trains connect Viborg with larger Jutland towns such as Aarhus and Aalborg, with journey times in the range of 45–75 minutes depending on route and service. Standard second‑class fares typically fall between 80–140 DKK one way, with discounts available using Danish rail passes or advance tickets. From Viborg Station, you can either walk to the Kunsthal in about 15–20 minutes or transfer to a local bus or taxi for a quicker connection.
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Driving and parking in Viborg
Arriving by car, you approach central Viborg and follow signs toward the lakes and historic centre. The area around Viborg Kunsthal offers free parking without time limits in designated spaces, but these can fill during busy weekday hours and special events. Streets are narrow in places and traffic is calmer than in larger cities, yet it is wise to allow extra time to find a spot and walk a few minutes to the entrance, especially in high season or during major exhibitions.
Viborg Kunsthal location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Viborg Kunsthal
An art centre by the lakes of Viborg
Viborg Kunsthal sits just above Viborg’s tranquil lakes, its pale historic façade a calm counterpoint to the bold contemporary art inside. The building dates back to 1734, when it was constructed as a distillery, and its solid masonry, deep windows and simple roofline still hint at its industrial past. Today the surroundings feel distinctly cultural rather than commercial: water, trees and the nearby Borgvold park frame the art centre in soft greenery. Step through the entrance and the mood shifts to light and spacious. Carefully reworked in the 1990s, the interior is now a sequence of white‑walled rooms and long sightlines, designed so that artworks rather than architecture take centre stage. Large windows and high ceilings pull in daylight, while polished floors and clean details give the spaces a quiet, reflective quality that suits both large installations and intimate pieces.Contemporary art with an international outlook
Viborg Kunsthal focuses entirely on contemporary art, presenting a rolling programme of exhibitions rather than a permanent collection. Over the years it has shown ambitious projects by both established and emerging artists, often with an experimental or cross‑disciplinary edge. Painting, sculpture and photography share wall space with video works, sound pieces and site‑specific installations that respond directly to the building and its surroundings. The curatorial approach is outward‑looking, inviting artists from Denmark and abroad to work in Viborg for shorter or longer periods. Themes frequently touch on current social questions, the environment or global visual culture, yet the presentations remain accessible even if you are not steeped in art theory. Explanatory texts are usually concise, and many exhibitions encourage slower looking rather than information overload.Residencies, workshops and live events
Beyond exhibitions, the Kunsthal acts as a working hub for artists and a learning space for visitors. The Riddergade Artist‑in‑Residence programme provides studios and support for visual artists developing new projects in Viborg, adding an element of active production behind the gallery walls. It is not unusual to encounter traces of these residencies in the form of open studios, talks or works in progress. Parallel activities are a regular feature of the calendar. Lectures, artist conversations and occasional concerts bring an atmospheric, almost salon‑like feel to the rooms after hours. Families find hands‑on workshops where children can experiment with materials linked to current shows, while adults may join short courses or guided walkthroughs that introduce particular artists or themes. These layers of activity make the Kunsthal feel less like a static museum and more like a living cultural laboratory.Architecture, mosaics and outdoor wanderings
One of the most distinctive features associated with Viborg Kunsthal is a 151‑metre mosaic work by Danish artist Mette Winckelmann, which stretches through the urban landscape nearby. Its shifting colours and geometric patterns echo some of the visual boldness you encounter inside, blurring the boundary between institution and city. Combined with the lakeside setting, this makes the area around the Kunsthal rewarding to explore on foot before or after your visit. Inside, the architectural conversion has preserved just enough of the old structure to give character without overshadowing the art. Uneven walls, glimpses of timber and traces of former industrial use sit alongside crisp new surfaces and discreet lighting tracks. The result is a quietly charismatic backdrop, especially photogenic when large works are placed against original details.Café pause and a compact, relaxed visit
A small café area offers coffee, simple refreshments and a place to sit with a catalogue or simply watch visitors drift between rooms. The overall scale of Viborg Kunsthal is manageable; most people can comfortably explore the exhibitions in one to two hours without feeling rushed. Seating is dotted discreetly through the galleries, and step‑free access makes it feasible for visitors with reduced mobility. Leaving the building, you step almost immediately into one of Viborg’s most scenic quarters. Gentle paths lead around the lakes, while the historic centre and Borgvold park unfold within a short stroll. Seen in this context, Viborg Kunsthal becomes both a cultural anchor and a natural waypoint in a wider day discovering this compact, atmospheric town.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vi er Viborg
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Viborg View
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Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.
Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads
1.0 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup
8.4 km
A modest countryside liberation stone near Viborg, quietly commemorating Denmark’s freedom in 1945 amid open fields and a peaceful village setting.
Bølling Lake
30.6 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Museum Salling
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Dive into Denmark's past at Museum Salling, where Limfjord's heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, ancient artifacts, and engaging storytelling in scenic Skive.
Store Troldhøj
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A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Slotsholmen
31.9 km
Denmark's island of power: nine centuries of royal rule, government, and cultural heritage in Copenhagen's heart.
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.
Springvand
32.0 km
Northern Europe's grandest fountain transforms Silkeborg's lakeside with water jets soaring 33 meters high and mesmerizing evening light shows.
silkeborg
32.2 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
32.2 km
Historic main square in the center of Roskilde, surrounded by vibrant markets, cafés, and the iconic cathedral—where Danish tradition meets everyday city life.
Landal Søhøjlandet
32.3 km
Escape to Landal Søhøjlandet in Denmark's Lake District: Family fun, water park thrills, outdoor adventures, and tranquil nature await in this scenic holiday paradise near Silkeborg.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
32.3 km
Bronze tribute to Silkeborg’s founding industrialist, anchoring the historic town square and local traditions at the heart of Denmark’s lake district.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
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Discover Byparkens Legeplads, a lively playground in Roskilde’s city park, blending creative play, family-friendly amenities, and community spirit in an urban green oasis.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bible Garden
0.1 km
A living biblical library where over 100 scriptural plants bloom in thematic beds within historic Borgvold park.
Borgvold Park
0.2 km
Historic fortress earthworks turned lakeside park, blending English-style landscaping, a unique Bible Garden and family-friendly play areas in central Viborg.
Domkirkekvarteret i Viborg
0.2 km
Walk through Viborg’s Cathedral Quarter, where cobbled lanes, old townhouses and the granite cathedral weave a thousand years of Danish power, faith and law into one intimate streetscape.
Viborg Cathedral
0.2 km
Twin‑towered granite cathedral with a 900‑year‑old crypt, royal history and Joakim Skovgaard’s vivid biblical frescoes at the heart of Viborg’s old quarter.
Skovgaard Museum in Viborg
0.2 km
An intimate art museum in Viborg’s former baroque town hall, celebrating the Skovgaard family’s Golden Age landscapes, church art and living artistic legacy.
Museum Wibergis
0.2 km
Autumn 2026: Step into 1000 years of Danish power struggles through vivid animation and immersive storytelling.
Agern Skulptur
0.3 km
A small but striking outdoor artwork on Viborg’s edge, where clean contemporary lines meet soft Danish light and greenery in an open-air pause for reflection.
Sortebrødre Plads
0.3 km
A quiet little square in Viborg’s historic centre, where echoes of the Black Friars meet everyday city life between cathedral, church and cobbled streets.
Latinerhaven
0.3 km
A fragrant historical oasis where fire-scarred earth bloomed into Viborg's most peaceful garden.
Viborg Museum - Administration
0.3 km
Viborg Museum reveals the city’s fascinating evolution through hands-on exhibits, local artifacts, and engaging displays, nestled in the historic core of Viborg’s old town.
Willow Garden
0.4 km
A small willow-framed oasis in central Viborg, perfect for a short, tranquil pause amid trees, lawns and soft light between the city’s historic sights.
Vægtertorvet
0.5 km
A small, newly renewed square beside Viborg’s old guardhouse, where the city’s former night watchmen and its thousand-year story of law and order still echo softly.
Viborg Søerne
0.5 km
Twin glacial lakes in Viborg's heart offering scenic walks, water sports, and rich medieval history.
Klosterskoven
0.6 km
Small, atmospheric woodland on Viborg’s edge, offering easy forest trails, quiet nature and a quick escape from city streets into soft, leafy calm.
Søparken
0.6 km
Atmospheric living museum in a historic 1820s papermill, featuring live demonstrations, hands-on crafts, and working steam machines in rural Viborg.
Essential places to dine
Brygger Bauers Grotter
0.1 km
Fine dining and tapas in atmospheric brewery caves beneath central Viborg, where candlelit stone vaults and local history frame a lingering evening of food and wine.
Restaurant Arthur/ Brygger Bauers Grotter
0.1 km
French-inspired gourmet dining in atmospheric brick-lined cellars beneath Viborg’s historic streets, where candlelight, fine wines and thoughtful plates define the evening.
Restaurant Golf Hotel
0.2 km
Calm, classic lakefront dining inside Golf Hotel Viborg, pairing polished Danish-European dishes with tranquil views of Viborg’s green lakeside setting.
Restaurant Latinerly
0.3 km
Hearty steaks, live music and late‑night dancing in a historic Viborg cellar that blends cosy restaurant, buzzing bar and intimate nightclub under one vaulted roof.
Restaurant Salonen
0.3 km
Lakeside hotel dining in Viborg, where classic Danish and European dishes meet calm views over the town’s serene chain of lakes inside Golf Hotel Viborg.
Smiling Sushi
0.3 km
All‑you‑can‑eat sushi and classic rolls in a simple, modern setting on one of Viborg’s central shopping streets, ideal for relaxed meals and casual meet‑ups.
Restaurant Kehlet
0.3 km
Cosy Italian comfort food on Viborg’s main square, serving stone-baked pizzas, hearty pasta and relaxed, family-friendly dining from lunchtime into the evening.
Resturant ROD
0.3 km
Refined Nordic cuisine rooted in ingredient integrity and meticulous craftsmanship.
Tortillaflats Viborg
0.4 km
Cosy Mexican family restaurant in Viborg’s old town, serving hearty northern‑style dishes, colourful drinks and relaxed, sociable evening meals at moderate prices.
Nytorv 11
0.4 km
Lively family-run gastro bar on Viborg’s central square, serving generous brunches, modern comfort food and cocktails from late morning to late night.
OX-M
0.4 km
Refined European cuisine and premium beef in central Viborg
Cafe K Viborg
0.4 km
All-day brasserie-style café in central Viborg, blending cozy Scandinavian design, flexible dining and a relaxed social buzz from breakfast to late evening.
Guldkalven
0.4 km
Cosy cellar restaurant in central Viborg, serving creative mini smørrebrød in a relaxed, modern Danish setting just steps from the historic Hjultorvet square.
Den Gyldne Okse
0.4 km
Hearty Danish–American steakhouse in Viborg’s old town, serving generous grilled plates in cosy wood‑lined rooms and a sheltered courtyard off a cobbled side street.
Me Vietnamese Kitchen & Isbar
0.5 km
Casual Vietnamese comfort food and an ice-cream bar in the heart of Viborg’s old town, ideal for relaxed lunches, simple dinners and sweet breaks on Hjultorvet.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dahl Vinhandel A / S
0.3 km
Viborg's premier destination for wines with personality, craft spirits, and gourmet discoveries.
Saint
0.4 km
Contemporary Nordic fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of historic Viborg's shopping district.
Tine Lund Viborg
0.5 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion, footwear, and jewelry in the heart of Viborg.
Sinnerup Viborg
0.5 km
Stylish Danish lifestyle store in central Viborg, blending modern interiors, furniture, décor and women’s fashion in one inspiring, design-led space.
Creme Fraiche Viborg
0.5 km
A compact women’s fashion boutique on Viborg’s Vestergade, blending approachable Scandinavian style, practical basics, and seasonal outfits in a relaxed high-street setting.
Teenfashion.dk - House of Teens Viborg
0.5 km
Compact, trend-focused fashion boutique in Viborg’s centre, dedicated entirely to stylish clothing and outfits for tweens and teenagers.
Garnshoppen
0.5 km
A cosy central Viborg knit shop where colourful yarns, expert advice and inspiring patterns come together for creative makers of all levels.
Femilet
0.5 km
Premier intimate apparel specialist in Viborg with expert fitting and curated brand selection.
Common Company ApS
0.5 km
A compact women’s fashion boutique in central Viborg, blending Scandinavian simplicity with wearable, city-ready style for everyday wardrobes and weekend outings.
H&M
0.5 km
Contemporary fashion for every style and season in Viborg's shopping heart.
Viborg Vest Marked
0.5 km
Viborg's authentic market hall celebrating seasonal produce, organic goods, and local artisanal specialties.
Kop & Kande
0.6 km
Specialist homeware and kitchenware in Viborg's town centre, staffed by passionate experts.
Only
0.6 km
Central Viborg women’s fashion store offering trend-led Danish style, strong denim selections and everyday wardrobe staples in a bright, modern boutique.
Antik Og Gammel
0.6 km
A cosy antique trove in Viborg’s old town, where Danish vintage finds, homely charm and slow browsing turn a quick stop into a small journey back in time.
Louise Viborg Aps
0.6 km
Compact, city‑center women’s fashion boutique in Viborg, offering curated brands, flattering fits and friendly styling help in a relaxed, street‑level setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Holms Vinotek
0.4 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Bodega Hegnet
0.4 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Rockabilly Bar
0.5 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Mathias Kælderen
0.5 km
Cosy cellar bar in central Viborg offering hygge-filled evenings, rustic charm and relaxed drinks just steps below the historic streets of Sankt Mathias Gade.
Ølluminati Brewbar
0.5 km
Microbrewery bar in Viborg’s old town, serving ever-changing small-batch craft beers and ciders in a cozy, quirky setting with a relaxed, music-filled atmosphere.
Café Børsen
0.5 km
A long‑standing Viborg café‑bar where Danish hygge, history and late‑night drinks meet in one cozy, central hangout on Gravene.
Sportspub Målet
0.6 km
Classic Danish sports bodega in central Viborg, where cold beer, big matches, karaoke and late-night hygge keep the lights on long after the final whistle.
Tema Bar
0.6 km
A loud, late‑night party bar in central Viborg with colorful lights, mainstream beats and no‑frills drinks, perfect for weekend dancing and a casual night out.
Rabalder Bar Viborg
0.6 km
Casual, colorful bar energy in the heart of Viborg’s old town, blending easygoing Danish hygge with lively late-night drinks and sociable weekend parties.
CRAVE Bar
0.6 km
Cosy Viborg bodega and karaoke bar where cold beers, pool games and sing-along nights blend into an easygoing, late-night local hangout.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
0.6 km
Unpretentious central Viborg bar with friendly staff, late weekend hours, affordable drinks and occasional karaoke nights in a laid-back pub setting.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
0.8 km
High-energy après-ski style beer bar in central Viborg, pouring big drafts, loud music and late-night party vibes with free entry and group-friendly seating.
Roxy Malt Viborg
0.8 km
Cosy Irish-style pub in central Viborg with specialty beers, cocktails, live music and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere for unhurried nights out.
Mødestedet Viborg ApS
1.8 km
Cosy local bar and meeting place in Viborg, blending classic Danish pub vibes with flexible space for social events, dance evenings and everyday gatherings.
Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen
12.2 km
Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
3.5 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.
Der Kuhstall Mønsted
14.0 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.
Buddy Holly
31.3 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Kedelhuset
32.2 km
Kedelhuset: Silkeborg’s buzzing live music and culture venue, blending industrial heritage with creative energy in the lively riverside Papirfabrikken district.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
32.2 km
Scandinavia’s celebrated Riverboat Jazz Festival: riverside concerts, boat gigs, and open-air revelry set against Silkeborg’s scenic lakes and vibrant summer spirit.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
32.6 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Rustik & Flamingo
38.2 km
Rustik & Flamingo offers upscale cocktails and a vibrant late-night dance floor, making it one of Randers’ premier nightlife and party destinations.
Jagtbar Randers
38.3 km
A lively late-night bar in Randers’ city center known for its dynamic events, energetic crowds, and welcoming atmosphere—a favorite for unforgettable nights out.
Tante Olga - Bar
38.3 km
Beloved for its dynamic live music, unique ambiance, and lively events, Tante Olga is a cornerstone of Randers nightlife and a top local destination for music lovers.
Randers Rave
38.9 km
Compact, bass-heavy nightclub in Randers NØ, where an unassuming façade hides a late-night dance floor fueled by rave-inspired lights, DJs and high energy.
Mariager Sejlklub
41.5 km
Experience the laid-back maritime charm of Mariager Sejlklub, where local sailing culture meets tranquil fjord views on Denmark’s scenic Mariager Fjord.
Piano Herning
44.1 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.
Bart
44.1 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.
Murphy's Pub
44.1 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.
Mindegade5
44.3 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- LGBT Friendly
