An energy absorbing device for the interior of a motor vehicle of the specification is described. The device includes two elements which are arranged movably relative to one another, having at least one actuator which is arranged between these elements and at least one receiving apparatus on the elements for fastening the actuator. The energy absorbing device is simple to manufacture and takes up a small amount of installation space, it uses a receiving apparatus shaped as a recess which is made in the elements and encloses the actuator at least partially.