Prison history and industry to discover
The Fængselsmuseet brings a long chapter of Horsens’ history to life at its historic site: it is housed in former prison buildings that were used as a prison from 1853 to 2006. Exhibition topics include drugs, the biker gang and Denmark’s last execution by axe. The museum also has an 18-metre-long escape tunnel. Guided tours, children’s activities and talks round out the offering; dates may vary.
The Industrimuseet focuses on historic engines and machines. Some can be started up during your visit, although individual demonstrations may follow a schedule. The museum’s playground offers another way to explore industrial history: it takes up the theme and has a seven-metre-high slide attached to a gas tank. Here, you can encounter the industrial past and a practical play area in one place.
Art, city history and public sculptures
The Horsens Art Museum collects experimental contemporary art, with an emphasis on Danish art. It has been located in Caroline Amalielund since 1984; the art is displayed both indoors and outdoors. The Horsens Museum offers a different perspective on the city’s history: its exhibitions trace Horsens from prehistoric times to the present. Thousands of archaeological finds illustrate social development and ways of life over a period of 10,000 years.
Historical traces can also be read in the cityscape. The names Graven and Kattesund refer to different parts of the former medieval city structure: Graven follows the old western rampart and moat, while Kattesund recalls a former northern palisade. The area in front of Frelsers Kirke is one of the oldest surviving historic districts in the trading town of Horsens. The Skulpturalléen offers a walk with views of public art, where more than 30 sculptures can be discovered.
Routes on different scales
The routes around Horsens differ in length, course and use. A continuous, signposted hiking route of about 60 kilometres runs around Horsens Fjord; a corresponding cycle route also crosses several municipal boundaries. Both provide access to nature close to the fjord. By contrast, the Naturstien Horsens–Silkeborg is a 61-kilometre-long, paved and almost car-free route for cyclists, hikers and horse riders. It passes several historic sites associated with the former railway, including old station buildings.
Den Genfundne Bro is another distinctive railway landmark in the region’s history: the restored historic railway bridge is considered an example of industrial engineering and was uncovered and restored in 2014. There is a large car park on site, as well as tables and benches for picnics. Wheelchair users can access the bridge via a level asphalt path from the car park. The Gudenåstien offers a different scale again: the 175-kilometre-long trail follows Denmark’s longest river from its source on the Jutland Ridge through Søhøjlandet to the edge of Randers Fjord. It is divided into 18 stages, each six to 14 kilometres long. One stage runs through Horsens Municipality from the source towards Ry. When comparing them, the concrete differences are helpful: the fjord route, paved path and long-distance trail each offer different details on length and use.
An island perspective on Endelave
Endelave lies in the Kattegat off Horsens Fjord and adds its own perspective on nature and wildlife watching to your travel plans. The ferry operated by Horsens Municipality runs daily between the island and Snaptun ferry port; the crossing takes about an hour. Check the exact departure times before travelling. Endelave offers hiking and cycling tours through varied, unspoilt nature in every season. The island is also known for its wild rabbits; a rabbit tour offers a good chance of seeing them.
Discover more destinations: Østbirk, Horsens, Brædstrup, Slagballe, Hovedgård, Assendrup, Aarhus Municipality, Norddjurs Municipality.
Go to the overview of destinations: Central Jutland.
