Experience the dramatic award-winning museum
The walls of the old Horsens State Penitentiary could tell many violent, fantastic and fascinating stories. As a guest at the museum, you are guaranteed to have a unique, thoughtful and memorable experience you will never forget.
As soon as you enter Europe's largest prison museum, all your senses are brought into play. The exhibitions offer experiences that can be seen, heard and smelt. Precisely for this reason, a tour of the fantastic building is a great experience for both children and adults. And this is why the museum has repeatedly won awards for its exciting exhibitions. You are given the exceptional opportunity to get behind bars and meet former inmates as shadows on the walls. Life in the PRISON and the story of the Danish prison system are also told through the use of screens, telephones and intercoms.
On the walls, doors and closets, you can read the sometimes vehement, sometimes humorous messages from the inmates painted or drawn as an eternal reminder of their time in the state penitentiary. Together with the digital tools, they help to tell the authentic story of life behind bars.
Escape tunnels, executions, and dungeon cells
The Horsens Prison Museum is packed with remarkable stories. Perhaps the most famous is that of escape artist Carl August Lorentzen, who dug an impressive 18-meter-long tunnel leading from his cell to freedom. This incredible feat took immense hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Lorentzen’s inspiring story captivated the Danish public, teaching them the famous saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Visitors can also explore the dark dungeon cells once used for punishing, correcting, and disciplining prisoners.
Learn about Horsens State Prison’s significant role during World War II and delve into the story of Werner Best, the leader of the German occupying forces, who was sentenced to death and served time in Horsens after the war.
See where and how death row inmates were executed during the prison’s early days in the 1800s. And find out how conjugal visits were arranged for inmates who received romantic visits!
Activities for children
Although the prison’s stories can be intense, they are presented in a family-friendly manner. Children are more than welcome, and there are special activities tailored for young visitors. A great way for families to explore the prison is through Det Skjulte Stempel (The Hidden Stamp) activity. This fun and engaging game presents the museum’s exhibits in a playful way, almost like an escape room designed for children. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a former inmate’s booklet filled with puzzles to solve, helping you and your family "escape" back to freedom.
You’ll also receive a booklet for the activity Fuglen er Fløjet (The Bird Has Flown). A flock of birds has wandered into the prison, and it’s your job to find them.
Guided Tours
During holidays and on select dates, you can join guided tours with the museum’s expert storytellers. There are also special tours where former prison guards share their personal experiences from working at the state prison.
You can book guided tours through this link.
Prices and Opening Hours
The Prison Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round and also opens on Mondays from July to September. For current opening hours and prices, visit this page.
Do also visit the city’s other exciting museums
Experience four museums in Horsens with just one ticket: The museum pass gives you seven days’ access to the Prison, The Industrial Museum, Horsens Art Museum and Horsens Museum. Learn more about the museum pass here.
