Herning is a contemporary city where you can mix business and leisure. Attend events at the world-class exhibition centre and discover the city’s vibrant café culture. Attractions like a contemporary art museum and a family-friendly zoo add to the appeal of Herning.
Things to do in Herning
From conferences to trade fairs, Messecenter Herning hosts high-profile events throughout the year. It’s one of the largest exhibition centres in Scandinavia and is located in the heart of Herning. In addition to corporate events, Messecenter Herning doubles as a venue for concerts, theatre shows and sporting events.
See works by masters like Piero Manzoni, Jannis Kounellis and Jan Schoonhoven at the HEART Herning Museum of Contemporary Art. The collection is housed in a striking, architect-designed building set on the picturesque grounds. Walk through light-filled galleries and stroll around the sculpture garden dotted with works by Danish artists like Robert Jacobsen and Sven Dalsgaard. Enjoy lunch at the café and browse art-inspired gifts at the museum shop.
See animals from across the globe at Jyllands Park Zoo. From tropical snakes and rainforest frogs to African icons like lions and giraffes, the zoo is home to more than 70 species. Watch keepers toss fish to playful seals and learn more about unique species like armadillos, ostriches and servals.
Stretch your legs on a section of the 500-kilometre-long Ox Road of Hærvejen. The long-distance walking trail passes through Herning and winds through picturesque forests and farmland. Anglers head to the River Skjern for some of the best salmon fishing in Denmark.
You’ll find everything from upmarket steakhouses to farm-to-table bistros in Herning. The city offers a wide range of culinary experiences for every occasion. Like the rest of Denmark, Herning is passionate about café culture. The city is dotted with cafes where you can enjoy coffee accompanied by cakes and pastries.
Getting around Herning
Herning is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. The city is on the Jutland peninsula, a one-hour drive from Aarhus and 3.5 hours from Copenhagen. Copenhagen Airport is 3.5 hours away by car or train.