Harteværket

About the museum

The Harteværket in the Kolding Å valley was planned by the Kolding engineer Mikkel Thomsen and went into operation in 1920; it is considered Denmark's first large hydroelectric power plant. Thomsen's idea was as bold as it was simple: a dam near Ferup forces the water of the Alminde Å to flow against its natural direction and to collect in the Donssøerne lakes. From there, it flows via Stallerup Sø and a canal under today's highway into a penstock about 80 meters long that leads down to the turbines.

At 25.4 meters, the plant has the greatest head of any in the country; about 6,000 liters of water per second flow through the striking red pipe. The turbines and generators are essentially still the original machines from 1920 and still produce electricity today – how much depends on the amount of water supplied.

Today the Fonden Harteværket, a foundation owned by the energy provider EWII and the Kolding Kommune, runs the power plant at the same time as a visitor center about energy, water, and activity. On guided tours, visitors learn the history of the plant, follow the path of the water from the intake canal to the turbine room, and experience the machines – on operating days, also in action. Around the plant, hiking trails, a water playground, and canoe tours invite you to explore.

Highlights

• Original turbines and generators from 1920, still in operation
• Greatest head of any Danish hydroelectric plant (25.4 m)
• The red penstock and the hand-dug canals
• The story of the engineer Mikkel Thomsen
• Free water playground and trampolines
• Canoe tours on the Kolding Å and to Stallerup Sø

Founded

1920

Operated by

Fonden Harteværket

Director

Edvard Køhrsen

Admission & discounts

Public guided tours only with a ticket via Billetten. The outdoor area, water playground, and trampolines are free. Payment at the info center is by MobilePay.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Because of the many stairs and differences in elevation, the power plant is not suitable for people with severe mobility impairments.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area

Family tour "Mikkels fodspor" (Mikkel's footsteps) on the trail of the plant's builder. Free water playground with water cannons (late March to mid-October) and a trampoline park open year-round; canoe rental with child seats.

Getting there & parking

The Harteværket is located in the Kolding Å valley, about 3 km from the center of Kolding; GPS address Alpedalsvej 107A, 6000 Kolding.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available

Info center with coffee, ice cream, and the like (payment by MobilePay). Two restrooms open around the clock and a lounge (Mødestedet) with a fireplace where you may eat food you bring with you; fire pit and firewood available for a fee. Dogs on a leash are welcome in the outdoor area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit