This Danish city's 12th-century castle sits near calm lakes and dense forests. Its streets are lined with local pubs, while museums tell stories of its medieval past.
Kolding, Denmark's eighth-largest city, stretches along Kolding Fjord in Southern Jutland. You can climb the tower of 13th-century Koldinghus Castle for views across the city, browse through Danish furniture collections at Trapholt Museum, or walk among 2,000 plant species in the Geographical Garden. The city's active student population and design school create a creative atmosphere, while the medieval Saint Nicholas Church reminds visitors of the city's long history.
Getting to Kolding
The central railway station connects Kolding directly with Copenhagen, Hamburg, and Aarhus through InterCity services. If you arrive by car, the city sits at the intersection of major Danish motorways, making it easily accessible from all directions. The nearest airport is in Billund, about 40 minutes away by car.
City Center and Shopping
Walk through the medieval streets of central Kolding, where you'll find Jutland's largest shopping center next to small independent boutiques and design stores. During weekdays, university students fill the streets, while weekends bring a calmer pace with cafe tables extending onto the sidewalks.
Trapholt Museum
At Trapholt Museum, you'll find Danish art created after 1900 and one of Denmark's largest chair collections. The museum building sits on a hill overlooking Kolding Fjord, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the water. You can explore the outdoor sculpture park throughout the year.
Design School Kolding
Since 1967, Design School Kolding has educated students in fashion, graphic design, and textiles. The school's influence extends beyond its walls - you'll see student exhibitions and design events across the city throughout the year.
The Geographical Garden
Walk through 14 hectares of carefully organized plant life at the Geographical Garden. More than 2,000 different species of trees, bushes, and plants grow in sections based on their origin regions. The paths take you through areas representing different parts of the world, from Asian woodlands to North American prairie plants.
Koldinghus Castle
Visit the partially restored Koldinghus Castle to see the last royal residence in Jutland. The municipal museum inside displays collections from medieval times to the 1940s, including Danish art, local artifacts, and gold and silver items. The castle's chapel and great hall continue to host governmental ceremonies.
Evening Activities
Head to the streets northwest of Akseltorv in the evening to find bars and restaurants. The city's high number of pizzerias has earned it the nickname "Slicetown" - you'll find more pizza places per capita here than anywhere else in Denmark. For live performances, check the program at Godset music venue, which hosts about 120 concerts each year.
