The Crime Book Festival, Denmark, Krimimessen, is held at Fængslet, the intriguing Old State Penitentiary in Horsens, every year right before Easter. Horsens Library is the driving force behind Krimimessen and has throughout the years worked together with many Danish publishing houses and book stores.

Krimimessen was held for the first time in 2001. Back then, the theme was the Nordic crime novel and had around 200 guests and five Nordic authors. In 2024, the number of visitors reached 7.500 at the crime festival, and we had around 100 authors and lecturers. Throughout the years, Krimimessen has had visitors from not only the Nordic countries, but also Germany, England, Scotland, France, Italy, Portugal, South Africa and the United States.

Krimimessen is open Saturday from 9.30am-5pm and Sunday from 9.30am-4pm.

Next time, Krimimessen will be held on the 29th and 30th of march 2025.

You can purchase tickets for an adventure at the prison now – and the prices are:

Adult, Saturday: 200 kr.
Adult, Sunday: 150 kr.
Adult, Weekend: 300 kr.
Child (0-17 years), for free

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Questions from authors and publishing houses: Lida Wengel, liwe@horsens.dk, phone +45 76292424
General enquiries etc.: Pia Andersen, bibpa@horsens.dk

How to find us:

FÆNGSLET
Fussingsvej 8
8700 Horsens

For more specific travel details: Rejseplanen

Need to find your way from the railway station to Horsens Old State Penitentiary? Look here!