Welcome to HORSENS
The host city of BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026
Welcome to Horsens, a quintessential Scandinavian city where Danish history and tradition meet modern culture, scenic nature, and unexpected experiences. Located by the lowland Horsens Fjord on the mainland peninsula of Denmark, Jutland, Horsens offers a perfect introduction to the Nordic lifestyle, combining charming city life, coastal landscapes, and authentic Danish atmosphere. Here, the energy of a vibrant city meets the warmth of a small town – a place full of soul, creativity, rich cultural experiences, and a true sense of Danish “hygge”.
Photo credit: Horsens Folkeblad
DURING THE TOURNAMENT
From 24 April to 3 May, the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals will be celebrated throughout Horsens – not only inside Forum Horsens where the matches take place, but across the city as well. During the championship, you can experience badminton activities, family events and a festive city atmosphere in both the arena area and the city centre – including on Søndergade, the pedestrian street, at Torvet and at Bytorv Horsens. The official city programme includes an opening party on 24 April, badminton activities, a World Championships lounge, Late Night shopping on 1 May, and a festive final show on the town square, Torvet, on 3 May.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
The old Horsens State Penitentiary: A unique cultural experience
With a perfect mix of fascinating history and exciting modern experiences, the old Horsens State Penitentiary attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. You can explore the popular museum, attend a variety of events, or even try spending a night behind bars!
If you’re looking for a new perspective on life, a visit to the old Horsens State Penitentiary is a must. The museum is open every day for visitors and gives you a chance to feel the powerful stories that have unfolded behind these walls. The award-winning museum lets you step into the world of prisoners, with exhibits that tell gripping stories from over 150 years of history. You can see the old cells, learn about daily life behind bars, and even view the impressive escape tunnel dug by the infamous “escape king” Carl August Lorentzen.
Beyond the museum, the penitentiary hosts concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year. The walls have echoed with the sounds of international stars like Metallica, Foo Fighters, Rammstein, and Aerosmith, as well as famous Danish artists performing in the prison yard.
The penitentiary’s old infirmary has been transformed into a hostel where you can have the unique experience of sleeping in a real prison cell. While the rooms have been renovated for comfort, you can still feel the authenticity of the place—and leave with a great story to tell!
Photo credit: Jesper Rais
Photo credit: Sarah Green – Fjordminoen
Nature & outdoor adventures
When you are not watching world-class badminton, Horsens offers plenty to explore. The city is home to award-winning museums, a vibrant shopping district and striking street art, while nature is always close by. Just a short trip from the city centre, you can enjoy green forests, rolling hills, peaceful lakes, and the beautiful Horsens Fjord. Whether you enjoy walking, cycling, or simply spending time by the water, Horsens lets you experience Scandinavian springtime at its best – fresh, scenic, and sometimes a little rainy and windy, so bringing an umbrella is never a bad idea. We recommend visiting The Uncovered Bridge or following the Fjordmino trail along Horsens Fjord.
Discover the grand history of a small city
For visitors who want to explore the city’s history, Horsens offers a story dating back to the early Middle Ages, although people have lived in the area for thousands of years in small settlements by the water and in the surrounding hills. Once known as the home of many silversmiths, the city boomed during its industrial heyday in the 18th and 19th century with factories producing and processing tobacco and clothing – and later – radios, TVs, and telephones. However, even as industrious and prosperous as it was, from 1853 and onwards Horsens was renowned for a whole other reason: Horsens State Prison.
Today, the prison has been converted into a great cultural event space and award-winning museum that lets visitors step into the world behind bars through gripping stories from more than 150 years of history. You can see the old cells, learn about daily life in the prison, and even view the impressive escape tunnel dug by the infamous “escape king” Carl August Lorentzen.
Horsens also offers cultural highlights such as Horsens Art Museum and the Industrial Museum, making it easy to combine sport, sightseeing and local history during your stay in the city.
Photo credit: Jesper Rais – Horsens Prison (Museum)
Photo credit: Jesper Balleby – Horsens centrum
Shopping along street art & sculptures
Only around 15 minutes on foot from Forum Horsens, you can wander through the charming cobblestone streets of the city centre, where cafés, galleries and shops showcase Danish design and local creativity. Horsens offers great shopping opportunities, from international brands to Scandinavian craft and delicacies. Make your trip extra colorful by following The Boulevard of Sculptures, a three km route passing right through the high street displaying almost 100 sculptures, murals, and other forms of street art. Throughout the tournament the streets and Bytorv Horsens will also be filled with activities and experiences worth exploring.
Photo credit: Sarah Green
GETTING AROUND IN HORSENS
Getting around Horsens during the tournament is relatively easy. Activities take place both in the city centre and around Forum Horsens, and it takes around 15 minutes to walk from Forum Horsens to Torvet, the heart of the city. During the championship, visitors can follow signs with shuttlecocks to find their way between the arena and the centre. That makes it easy to combine matches with shopping, dining and city experiences on the same day.
TRAIN
For those who want to experience sight or visit a nearby city, we recommend buying a train ticket at the train station. It’s an easy way to get around in Denmark e. g. to Aarhus or Billund for shopping, Legoland or sightseeing.
Bicycle – Experience Horsens the Danish Way
Cycling is a popular and easy way to get around in Denmark, and a great way to experience Horsens like a local. In Horsens, several free city bikes are available for rent if you’re staying at one of the local hotels. Bikes can also be borrowed from the ticket office at Horsens Prison Museum (1 km from city centre).
Photo credit: Destination Kystlandet
ELECTRIC BICYCLE & SCOOTER
Electric means of transport are also available, and local shops also offer a variety of electric scooters that can be used for transportation.
TAXI
Taxis are widely available in Horsens and provide a comfortable way to travel directly to Forum Horsens or any other place in town. A taxi stand is located just outside Horsens Train Station. Simply follow the signs at the station to find the correct pickup area. You may also order a taxi by phone by calling Horsens Taxi at +45 75 50 30 00.
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
In Horsens, you can find food for every mood, whether you are into modern or classic cuisine, spicy or savory. The city centre, especially around Torvet and the pedestrian street Søndergade, is the gastronomic heart of Horsens, with a wide range of cafés, restaurants and casual dining spots. There are also convenient food options in and around Bytorv Horsens. From cozy cafés and artisanal pastries to contemporary Nordic cuisine and international dishes, Horsens offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a relaxed meal between matches and experiences.
Photo credit: Jesper Rais – Smørrebrød: Classic open-faced sandwiches on rye bread
Photo credit: Jesper Rais
STAYING IN HORSENS
Horsens and its surrounding areas offer delightful accommodation options during Thomas & Uber Cup 2026. Whether you’re looking for a cozy hotel in the city or a peaceful stay in the countryside, there are numerous choices to suit your needs, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay during the event. Here are a few suggestions for you.
Note: Most hotel accommodation in Horsens city centre has already been fully booked for the period. However, some rooms/stays may open due to cancellations, or still be available, at Hotel Pejsegården, Four Points Flex by Sheraton Horsens, Hotel Juelsminde Strand, and Montra Odder Parkhotel – all 30-45 minutes by car from Forum Horsens.
