The city is surrounded by typical moraine landscape with low hills and valleys created by glaciers during the last ice ages. It is believed the name Horsens derives from the old Danish words hors (horse) and næs (headland).

The city is currently undergoing a development with new industry moving to Horsens. A lot of electronics and graphical companies are based there. Horsens also has the only Industrial Museum in Denmark. The city is also home to VIA University College.

Horsens has a widely known music and art festival, Stoneass Festival, which is held every August.