This year, we made the exciting decision to take part in Heartland Festival—an immersive celebration of contemporary culture that we had long heard about but never experienced firsthand. Set in the magical surroundings of Egeskov Castle on the island of Funen, Heartland is much more than a festival. It’s a living, breathing convergence of music, art, thought, and food—a space where community and creativity meet in harmony. What sets Heartland apart is its unique blend of live talks, contemporary art, cutting-edge music, and a culinary program that goes far beyond the ordinary. It’s a festival designed around shared experiences and meaningful connections. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Heartland is deeply rooted in the local community while embracing a wide spectrum of global voices, cultures, and perspectives.

This year’s festival was a blast—with a new attendance record of 28,000 guests and a completely sold-out Saturday bathed in glorious sunshine, Heartland 2025 stands as one of the best editions yet. The weather was simply amazing, and the overall experience truly magical. Here’s why:

A Musical Line-Up That Moves You

Music is the beating heart of Heartland. The line-up expertly weaves together legendary acts with innovative emerging artists, offering a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Over the years, the festival has hosted major names like Eddie Vedder, Solange, The Smashing Pumpkins, LCD Soundsystem, and Lykke Li.

This year’s music program continued that legacy with an impressive line-up featuring Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Alanis Morissette, Figurines, Nik & Jay, Cat Power, MØ, Emma Sehested Høeg, Visti Vinyl Collective, and APHACA, among others.

We attended on Friday the 13th and were thrilled with the day’s musical offering. Among our favorite performances:

Visti’s Vinyl Collective

They delivered an upbeat set that kept the audience fully engaged. The vibes were perfect: great music and smiling faces everywhere.

Figurines

Their concert was a time capsule of indie rock greatness. Surrounded by long-time fans, the energy was electric, and the sing-alongs made the experience even more memorable.

Alanis Morissette

ICONIC doesn’t even begin to cover it. With a perfectly crafted setlist, she took us back to the unforgettable sounds of Jagged Little Pill and beyond. It was one of those concerts you never want to end—pure emotion and timeless music. WOW.

Art Beyond Walls

At Heartland, art is not hidden behind gallery walls—it’s part of the landscape. The festival presents bold, thought-provoking contemporary works from both international and Danish artists. Past contributors have included Brian Eno, Olafur Eliasson, Jeremy Deller, and Jeanette Ehlers.

This year, we were captivated by installations from Johanne Anastasia Stoffersen, Olaf Breuning, and Marianne Hesselbjerg, among others. Scattered throughout the scenic grounds, each piece invited reflection and conversation, reinforcing the idea that art is for everyone—and belongs everywhere.

Food as a Cultural Experience

At most festivals, food is a necessity. At Heartland, it’s an art form. The Food program is driven by an ambition to create unique culinary experiences centered around local produce and exceptional quality. It’s not just about eating—it’s about discovering.

With a lineup of renowned chefs, culinary experts, and food entrepreneurs, the offerings at Heartland elevate festival dining into something extraordinary. Names like Claus Meyer, Jesper Gøtz, David Zilber, Frederik Bille-Brahe, Sine Klejs, Thomas Rode, Kong Hans Kælder, Jasper Koch, and Mette Martinussen have all contributed to this gastronomic celebration.

This year, the Heartland Banquet with Falsled Kro, Rasmus Bruun, Eva Hurtigkarl, and the Long Table Dinner with Christian Bøjlund and Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality were part of the program.

Every bite told a story, and the variety was as inspiring as it was delicious.

Conversations That Matter

Perhaps the most unexpected and enriching part of Heartland is its Talks program. It’s rare to find a music festival where world-class thinkers, writers, and activists take the stage to engage in deep, critical conversations. Past speakers include Judith Butler, Salman Rushdie, Slavoj Žižek, Vivienne Westwood, and many more.

The topics are timely, challenging, and always thought-provoking—covering everything from politics and philosophy to climate, technology, and art. It’s this layer of intellectual depth that truly sets Heartland apart from other festivals.

A Festival Like No Other

Our first Heartland Festival wasn’t just an event—it was an experience that touched all senses and inspired us on multiple levels. Where else can you dance to iconic music, admire world-class art, savor exquisite food, and hear brilliant minds debate the world’s most pressing issues—all in one day?

We left Egeskov with unforgettable memories, fresh perspectives, and a deep appreciation for the power of culture when it’s curated with care, vision, and heart.

Heartland, we’ll be back.