Vejen is a medium-sized station town in South Jutland with 9,853 inhabitants (2020) located between Esbjerg and Kolding in Vejen Parish. Vejen is the capital of Vejen Municipality and belongs to the Region of Southern Denmark. The railway came to Vejen in 1874. Within a few years, the station town grew up along the country road between the station and the old village. The village was located around the church and inn by the old Kolding-Varde country road, the current secondary route 191. Today the city is centrally located both in relation to the E20 Esbjerg motorway and secondary route 191, which until the construction of the motorway before the year 2000 was called A1. The road is located by the Kongeå, border from 1864 to 1920 between Denmark and Prussia, when Southern Jutland was part of Germany until after the First World War. The road was a border town on the Danish side.
Vejen Kunstmuseum (Vejen Art Museum)
This small yet captivating
museum, located at Østergade 4 in central Vejen, focuses primarily on
the works of Danish sculptor and ceramist Niels Hansen Jacobsen, who
lived there after 1924 and inspired its founding. The permanent
collection showcases art from 1900 onward, with a strong emphasis on
Symbolism around that era. Visitors can explore sculptures, ceramics,
and other pieces in what was once the artist's home, including
impressive outdoor sculptures that add to the site's charm. The museum
is free to enter and open from 10:00 to 16:00. User reviews praise its
intimate atmosphere, knowledgeable guides who provide insightful
stories, and the surprising quality of exhibits for a free venue—though
some note it's best for art enthusiasts as it can be covered in under an
hour. It's a hidden gem for those interested in Danish modernism, with
the iconic Troll Fountain just outside serving as the city's trademark,
featuring a troll and gargoyles in an elaborate design.
Museum
Sønderskov (Sønderskov Castle)
Situated a few kilometers west of
Vejen at Sønderskovgårdvej 2 in Brørup, this Renaissance manor house
dates back to 1448, with the current structure built by nobleman Thomas
Juel between 1614 and 1620. It offers a glimpse into aristocratic life
during the Renaissance, with exhibitions on the region's cultural
history that change monthly. Highlights include restored interiors
reflecting count and baron lifestyles, a medieval cellar turned
restaurant (Restaurant Herregårdskælderen, open Wednesday-Sunday with
atmospheric dining), and a volunteer-maintained garden featuring a
kitchen herb area, bee-keeping school, and seasonal produce available in
the museum shop. The surrounding park is ideal for walks, especially in
summer when roses bloom. Admission is free, with hours Tuesday-Sunday
from 11:00 to 16:00. Reviews highlight the well-preserved history,
beautiful gardens for picnics, and excellent lunch options in the
basement, though some visitors wish for more English signage. It's
perfect for history buffs, combining architecture, exhibits, and nature
in a serene countryside setting.
Troldeparken (Troll Park)
Located at Rosengade 38A in Vejen, this whimsical, family-oriented park
draws inspiration from troll folklore and offers a large playground,
goat enclosure, and a forested area with a deer habitat. A unique
feature is "The Singing Rocks," a collection of large, intriguing
boulders that add a mystical touch. Entry is free, making it an
accessible spot for all ages. Activities include climbing, animal
interactions, and exploratory walks through the greenery. It's
especially popular with children, providing a safe, imaginative outdoor
space. Visitor feedback emphasizes its fun, no-cost appeal and the blend
of play areas with nature, though it can get crowded on weekends—pack a
picnic for a full afternoon.
Glad Zoo
Found in Lintrup near
Vejen, this compact zoo emphasizes animal encounters, with exhibits
allowing close views of various species, including birds of prey during
shows (note: shows are in Danish). The layout is spacious and
well-organized, ideal for a 2-3 hour visit. Highlights include
interactive elements like feeding times and a focus on conservation.
Rated 4.2/5 based on 33 reviews, visitors appreciate the intimate scale,
affordability, and how animals appear well-cared for, though some
mention limited variety compared to larger zoos. It's great for families
seeking a relaxed wildlife experience without overwhelming crowds.
Skibelund Krat (Memorial Park)
Just southwest of Vejen, this
memorial park serves as a historical site commemorating key events in
Danish history, including reunification monuments and statues. It's set
on a hill with panoramic views, offering peaceful walks amid nature and
reflective spots. The park ties into the region's border history along
the Kongeå River. Free to visit, it's a quiet escape for history
enthusiasts, with paths suitable for short hikes. Reviews (4.4/5 from 7)
note its serene atmosphere and educational value, especially the statues
and views, making it a thoughtful addition to a Vejen itinerary.
Kongeåstien (Kongeå Trail)
This marked hiking route follows the
scenic Kongeå River from Vamdrup through Vejen westward to the Wadden
Sea National Park coast between Ribe and Esbjerg. Spanning various
lengths, it offers nature immersion with shelters for overnight stays,
birdwatching, and peaceful riverside paths. It's part of the historic Ox
Road network, blending natural beauty with cultural significance. Ideal
for walkers or cyclists, sections near Vejen provide easy access for day
hikes. Tips include checking weather, as paths can be muddy, and
combining with canoeing rentals at Vejen Canoecenter for multi-activity
adventures. It's praised for its tranquility and biodiversity, appealing
to outdoor lovers seeking an authentic Danish landscape experience.
Other Notable Sights
Vejen Idrætscenter: A large sports complex
in Vejen with swimming pools, saunas, jacuzzi, and outdoor facilities.
Rated 4.4/5 from 9 reviews, it's noted for clean amenities but sometimes
chilly water temperatures; adding plants could enhance the vibe. Great
for active visitors or families.
Wellings Landsbymuseum: A village
museum showcasing rural Danish life, with a 4.3/5 rating from 6
reviews—perfect for cultural insights.
Enghave Dyre- og Naturpark:
Another animal park near Vejen, rated 3.4/5 from 21, offering nature and
wildlife encounters.
Poul la Cour Museet: A specialty museum on wind
energy pioneer Poul la Cour, with interactive exhibits (4.0/5 from 2).
Vejen Miniby: A miniature model of Vejen from 1900-1930 at Knudevejen
17, free and fun for a quick historical peek.
Runestenen Ved Bække
Kirke: A rune stone near Bække Church, a hidden gem with a quaint,
well-maintained church (3.7/5 from 3), ideal for Viking history fans.
In 1879 the town is described as follows: The road
with Church, Præstegaard, School, Railway station, Inn, Letter
collection place, Watermill.
At the turn of the century, the
town was described as follows: Byen Vejen (1280: Wægnæ, c. 1340:
Weghn), by Vardevejen, large market town-like village (1/2 1901: 161
houses and 1108 inhabitants), with church, vicarage, 3 schools ( The
road old and new as well as Bakkely Sk.), Realskole (built in 1900),
Mission house (built in 1895), Exercise house (built in 1882),
Afholds- og Højskolehjem (built in 1900), Lægebolig, Dyrlægebolig,
Sparekasse (built in 1867 ; 31/3 1901 was Savings. Credit DKK
565,791, Interest tax 4 pCt., Reserve tax DKK 23,966, Number of
Accounts 1801), Bank (created 1903, Share capital: DKK 100,000),
several industrial plants, as Elektricitetsværk (built 1903),
Andelsmejeri, Bryggeri, Chikoriefabrik ("Nørrejyll."), Tagpapfabrik,
Maskinfabrik, Jærnstøberi, Damp-Uldspinderi, Dampbageri, Farveri,
Lervarefabr., Margarinefabr. ("Alfa"), Mineralvandsfabr., M. M.,
Vejr- og Vandmølle, Haandværksdrift, Bogtrykkeri, Købmandshdlr.,
Hotel, Kro, Markedsplads (Marked i April, Juni og Sept.), Jærnbane-,
Telegraf- og Telefonst. and Post Office."
Over the past few
years, Vejen has experienced a great development in business and
cultural life. The city has gained a number of new inhabitants, who
are probably newcomers from nearby cities, who will take advantage
of the increasing opportunity for shopping and leisure interests in
the city.
Furthermore, new businesses are increasingly being
built around the E20 motorway, which runs just past the northern end
of the road. As a result, the city sign at the northern end of the
city has been moved several times.
Many houses in the city
center are restored houses from the 19th century or newly built shop
areas. On the outskirts of the city are many apartment blocks and
townhouses from the 1980s.
North-east of the city runs Vejen Å, which flows into Kongeå, which
formed the border between Denmark and Germany 1864-1920. 4 km south of
Vejen is the small settlement Skodborghus, which was an important border
crossing. Here is boundary stone no. 57 with the inscription Kr.Dm. (The
Kingdom of Denmark) on one side and Kr.Pr. (Kingdom of Prussia) on the
other. It is one of the few boundary stones that stands in its original
place.
5 km southwest of Vejen is Skibelund Krat, where there was
an unobstructed view of Kongeådalen and the lost Southern Jutland. From
1865, the area became a national meeting and celebration place, where
constitutional meetings are still held. Gradually, 22 memorials were
erected for Danish personalities.
In Askov 3 km west of Vejen is
the folk high school Askov Højskole. It was Denmark's oldest high school
Rødding Højskole. which in 1865 was moved to the Danish side of the
border. After the reunification, a new college was established in
Rødding.
Grønvangskolen in the western end of the city has 897 students,
divided into grades 0-10. grade.
Østerbyskolen in the eastern end of
the city has 465 pupils, divided into grades 0-9. grade levels, and 64
employees. In addition, there are 89 pupils and 49 employees at
ØsterbyCentret, which is an educational service for children who have
reduced cognitive function and need a lot of adult support.
Vejen
Gymnasium and HF offer STX and HF as well as HF3, where you learn the
same as at 2-year HF, but extended over 3 years with peace, structure
and support. The high school has 49 teachers and 500 students.
Vejen
Business College was founded in 1915 and is an independent institution.
Until 2013 it was called Vejen Handelsskole & Handelsgymnasium and
before that Vejen Erhvervsskole. The school offers the vocational
courses EUD, EUX and EUX Business as well as the Higher Business
Examination (HHX).
Vejen Idrætscenter has a swimming pool, several
sports halls, conference rooms and the possibility of many activities
and accommodation. Vejen Sports Forening is the city's football club.
Care center Kærdalen has 4 general care wards with 2-room apartments as
well as 2 dementia wards, rehabilitation and special wards with 1-room
apartments.
The town has 4 supermarkets, library, 2 pharmacies,
doctor's office, dentists and animal hospital.
Johannes Lauridsen (1847-1920), manufacturer, politician and director
of Danmarks Nationalbank
Ingrid Vang Nyman (1916-1959), illustrator
of the Pippi Longstocking books, granddaughter of Johannes Lauridsen
Johnny Vang-Lauridsen (1934-2020), director, known from the Margarine
War (from 1972), founded the factory Grønvang
Poul Dahl (1944-),
retired lieutenant colonel, author and politician (Venstre)
Bodil
Jørgensen (1961-), actor
Andrea Elisabeth Rudolph (1976-), radio and
TV host, i.a. at Vild med dans
Peter Graulund (1976-), former soccer
player in the Superliga
Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen (1988-), female
national football team player, twin to Lotte
Lotte Troelsgaard
Nielsen (1988-), female national football team player, twin to Sanne
Thomas Ernst (1989-), actor