Vrå lies between Hjørring and Aalborg. Art, architectural history and the opportunity to take a guided tour at Vrå Højskole offer different ways to experience the town. The annual August exhibition by the Vrå-udstillingen artists’ association provides a specific time to visit; the art collection and churches from different periods are other attractions in their own right.

Art Collection and August Exhibition

Kunstbygningen i Vrå houses Denmark’s largest collection of works by the artist Svend Engelund. It also presents changing special exhibitions of contemporary and modern art by established and emerging artists from Denmark and abroad. This places two distinct interests in art at the centre: Engelund’s work as the focus of a named collection, and a changing programme that includes other artistic perspectives. Those with a particular interest in one artist can focus on the collection; those looking for changing perspectives can also take in the special exhibitions.

The Vrå-udstillingen artists’ association holds its annual exhibition at Kunstbygningen every August. If the exhibition is the main focus of your trip, the month is an important planning consideration; check the specific dates in advance. The history of Vrå-udstillingen dates back to 1942. At the time, at the suggestion of folk high school principal Arne Brandt Pedersen, Svend Engelund showed his paintings during the folk high school’s autumn gathering. The artists’ association brings together members from all areas of the visual arts. Leading architectural firms ensure that the visual arts are complemented each year by contemporary architecture.

Church History from Different Periods

At Vrå Kirke, the tower, porch and altarpiece date from the 15th century; the wall paintings date from the early 16th century. Vrå Valgmenighedskirke belongs to a later period of construction: it was built in 1900 and extended in 1918. A typical example of the architecture of independent congregational churches at the beginning of the 20th century, it is also larger than many of these often simple churches. For those interested in cultural history, the contrast lies both in their dates and their character: older building features and wall paintings on the one hand, and a larger independent congregational church with its own history of construction around 1900 on the other.

Tours, Archive and Getting There

Vrå Højskole offers guided tours for individuals, families and friends. Visitors can see the workshops, rooms and accommodation; there is also an opportunity to talk with teachers and students. The tour therefore combines a look around the premises with the chance for personal conversation.

Vrå og Omegns Lokalhistoriske Arkiv is open on Tuesdays from 2 to 5 pm or by appointment. If you plan to visit the archive, arrange your visit for these opening hours or make an appointment. Vrå Bryghus & Bryggeri is located in Vrå’s old railway station building.

Regional trains stop at Vrå Station. Check the timetable before travelling if you are arriving by train. This lets you include the rail connection in your plans, while exhibition dates and the archive’s opening hours can help structure the cultural part of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Grønnerup, Sindal, Bindslev, Tårs, Nørre Rubjerg, Nørlev, Uggerby, Lønstrup

For the wider travel overview: Hjørring Municipality.