Euro Away Days: Hipster Herning has plenty to offer Man United fans
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Manchester United head off to pastures new this week to face Denmark’s FC Midtjylland but how much do we all actually know about the Europa League newboys from the little town of Herning?
The club were founded just months before the Red Devils won an historic treble in 1999, as the result of a merger between Herning Fremad and Ikast FS, and they’ve gone from strength to strength ever since.
But that’s enough about the club, we’re here to talk about the best things Herning has to offer, and despite being home to fewer than 50,000 people – about 10 per cent of Manchester or 20,000 fewer than Barrow! – there’s much to be seen and done.
Small it may be, but that doesn’t mean this Jutland municipality isn’t a cracking little away day.
Here’s what you need to know about Denmark’s 17th most populous town…
Food
For a small town, Herning has a lot to offer when it comes to food, and caters for pretty much any international cuisine.
But if it’s traditional Danish grub you seek, then Vores Cafe and Restaurant is as good as you’ll come across during your stay.
Across the road from Vores (literally, have we mentioned it’s a small place?) is Charolais Kroen where you can enjoy one of the best steaks in town in the unique environment of an old church.
But if you can’t make your mind up, head for the town square which features a surprising array of dining options, from Italian to Chinese and Spanish.
Drink
Just because not many people live there, doesn’t mean there isn’t a love for the beer.
Bryggeriet Herning is a restaurant, but it’s main draw is it’s excellent homemade beers.
The brewery produces a special homemade beverage every month and it’s well worth sampling the latest to come out of the barrel alongside a tidy range of ales and pilsners.
Nightlife
We aren’t going to say Herning will provide the best pub crawl you’ve ever had, but there’s certainly enough to ensure you have a sore head the next morning.
The Petit Bar is a good little place to begin the night, with its low-key atmosphere perfect for that first round or two.
Herning really comes up trumps with its Irish bar – Murphy’s Pub – thanks to an excellent assortment of Danish beers and worldwide whiskies.
To wrap up proceedings, any local will tell you to head to the Fox and Hounds.
A buzzing Scottish-themed bar with a delightful selection of pretty much anything you can ask for.
Throw in the live music they regularly play, and you’ll be fitting right in at Herning’s best nightspot.
Culture
Mega fun counts as culture, right?
Then welcome to Baboon City.
Basically it’s a giant indoor play area for all ages where you get to act, like, yep, a baboon.
Dodgems? Check. Giant trampolines? Check. Monkey Bars? Check. Arcade Games? Check. Giant sumo wrestling suits? Check.
History buffs however should head slightly south of Herning to Soby Lignite.
The area was an old lignite mine which at its peak sprouted a makeshift town of nearly 2,000 people. Today it’s a popular attraction for those eager to delve into Denmark’s past.
Back in Herning there’s plenty of other doses of history, including numerous museums and some intriguing architecture.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
