Hiking routes in East Jutland

The waymarked hiking route that goes all the way around Horsens Fjord offers a versatile hiking experience with varied nature types and island hopping on the islands in the fjord, Hjarnø and Alrø. From urban panorama trails to hilly forests, meadow, idyllic rural field paths, islands, small port towns, and ample cultural history. The roundtrip can be started at many different locations but it makes sense to start and end in the city of Horsens and do the hike over a few days/stages. There are several loops connected to the main route. 

Follow Denmark's only river, the Gudenå, all the way from its source to its mouth at Randers Fjord. This southernmost section of the trail offers exciting and diverse nature experiences and major natural attractions — from Denmark’s largest marsh area to the forested hills and lakes. 

Take a trip around this beautiful island in the Kattegat on a lovely coastal hike through unique, protected countryside. Feel the island atmosphere and see if you can spot some of the island’s thousands of wild rabbits. If 21 kilometres is too much, there are also signposted routes of 12, 5 and 3 kilometres, all of which have their starting point at the harbour, where you can also park the car. 

Experience the entire coastline of the Juelsminde Peninsula out to the Kattegat on this popular route, which is among the most varied and exciting coastal routes in Denmark. Forest, beach, agriculture, manor houses, meadows and cosy harbour towns are on the menu on the trip to the resort town of Juelsminde. Take the trip in one go or select a part of the route. There are many parking options and bus connections along the entire route. Parking by the harbour in Snaptun. 

The wildly idyllic car-free island of Tunø has a beautiful signposted hiking route that goes all the way around the island. Almost all the way you have a view of the sea, and a large part of the way you walk on high slopes with a stunning view. Most of the trip is on grass paths. Take the children with you and go on the popular treasure hunt. Walk around, answer questions along the way and get a medal as proof. Tunø is car-free, so park around the harbour at Hou. 

One of Denmark’s best routes for long-distance hiking can be found on this paved railway path through beautiful countryside in Bakkelandet between Horsens and Silkeborg. On the long trip, you almost never get out on a busy road, and wander over The Uncovered Bridge along the way. The trip can be divided into stages or done over two days with an overnight stay in Brædstrup. There is parking in Horsens at Scandic Hotel Opus on Egebjergvej.   

The signposted coastal path at Hou takes you along the fine beaches of the Odder coast from Hou to Hølken Beach and back through the ferry town of Hou. Along the way, there are optimal opportunities to enjoy the summer weather with an ice cream or a dip in the gentle waves of the Kattegat. There is parking in several places in Hou town - including at the official car park for Hou Beach on Villavej and at Hølken Beach. 

Bygholm Lake is one of the Horsens area’s most beloved excursion destinations. The route around the lake goes all the way down to the lake shore in the wooded area by Åbjerg Forest. Along the way you will come close to the well-kept graveyard Grønhøj and a campsite with shelters and a playground. There is parking in many places. Among other things, at the car park on Åbjergskovvej at the southwest corner of the lake. 

Beautiful varied hiking route. Along the way you will experience major shifts in landscape from town to forest, agriculture, beach, fjord, meadow, bog and cosy villages on the signposted route. The trip has a bit of everything. There is ample opportunity for parking and bus connections along the entire route, so the trip can be divided into stages. Yiou can park at Strandparken in Horsens and follow Næsset to the path. 

Horsens Fjord’s beautiful landscape with forest, rural idyll, islands and harbour towns can be explored on this route. With the help of a bicycle ferry, it is possible to cross the fjord with stops on the islands of Alrø and Hjarnø. The route is still under development, but most of the trip is already signposted. During the trip you will discover Horsens new harbour, the beautiful forest area of Sondrup Hills, Boller Castle and fine panoramic routes along the coast. 

Experience the entire coastline of the Juelsminde Peninsula out to the Kattegat on this coastal route. Forest, beach, agriculture, manor houses, meadows and cosy harbour towns are on the menu on the trip to the resort town of Juelsminde. Take the trip in one go or select a part of the route. There are many parking options and bus connections along the entire route. Parking at the harbour in Snaptun. 

The signposted coastal path at Hou takes you along the fine beaches of the Odder coast from Hou to Hølken Beach and back through the ferry town of Hou. Along the way, there are optimal opportunities to enjoy the summer weather with an ice cream or a dip in the gentle waves of the Kattegat. There is parking in several places in Hou town - including at the official car park for Hou Beach on Villavej and at Hølken Beach. 

Borre Knob is a beautiful natural gem in Horsens Fjord. The elongated peninsula is known by few, but it is possible to take the beautiful walk out to the tip on both sides of the peninsula on the beach and on inland trails. From the tip there is a beautiful view and a good overview of the fjord islands. Borre Knob is known as the peninsula of roses due to the many rose bushes, but there is also forest and a lake here. On the peninsula it is quite peaceful, and there is an opportunity to eat at the picnic site on the east side. Parking at the car park at the end of Søborgvej. 

The beautiful small harbour town at the entrance to Norsminde Fjord offers a maritime atmosphere and great places to eat. This tour takes you through the harbour environment and around the small headland on the south side of the fjord along grass paths. Parking by the harbour. 

From Horsens town, this nice path goes on the south side of Horsens Fjord to Boller Nederskov Forest with a beautiful view of the fjord. During the trip you can learn more about our solar system. At the end of the Planet Path is Boller Breakwater with a beautiful view over Horsens. Boller Castle is in the old forest, which has a beautiful flower park with the opportunity to enjoy a packed lunch. If necessary, extend the trip with a round trip of the forest. There is parking at the new park Bakkelunden on Bjerrevej in Horsens or near the castle on Boller Slotsvej. 

At the beautiful old sanatorium south of Stouby, which today serves as one of the country’s best spa and wellness hotels, lies a breathtaking park on the edge of the forest with old historic hiking trails. The Treatment Paths were once used to treat tuberculosis patients. Today, they are publicly available to all. There are four signposted spa paths, each with its own colour, 1.5-2.4 kilometres long. For example, take the trip up the spiral-shaped snail hill, to Træskohage lighthouse, through the forest and down to the jetty by the small beach. Parking at Hotel Vejlefjord on Sanatorievej. 

Juelsminde town is surrounded by beach on three sides. From the popular marina you can walk on a lovely path on Storstranden, which leads out to the distinctive tip of the landscape, Bjørnsknude. From here you have a magnificent view of Funen, the Little Belt, Endelave and Samsø. The trip continues on the other side of the tip along Grønbjerggaard Beach. Make the walk a round trip by walking back through the town, or follow Bjørnsknudevej back to Storstranden. Parking at the harbour or in the large car park at Rousthøjs Alle/Juelsminde Strand Camping. 

Sondrup Beach is located quite peacefully in the countryside by Skablund Forest on the north side of Horsens Fjord. This short walk goes along the coast west of the beach on alternating gravel and grass paths. The trip ends at Vorsøvej. Here you can extend the walk by turning left and continuing towards Brigsted. You can also go for a walk in the cosy village of Sondrup Strand or combine it with a walk around the beautiful countryside of Sondrup Hills. Parking by the public car park from Sondrupvej. 

Take the trip out to the tip of the large Gyllingnæs peninsula. This trip goes along the west coast of the peninsula from the ford, which is located at the end of a small gravel road. The trip is primarily on the beach, and along the way you will pass the lovely peninsula’s beautiful manor house. The last stretch of way out to the tip of the peninsula, Kalsenakke, you walk along Kalsehoved forest. On the way back you can go inside the forest for the sake of variety. It is not possible to continue the trip along the east coast. Parking at Vadegrunden. 

There are many kilometres of uninterrupted beach on the Odder coast. On this beach trip in the summer country between Hou and Saksild, you walk on some of Jutland’s east coast’s best beaches. Here there are good opportunities to walk in bare feet. Remember your suncream! Parking at the car park on Villavej in Hou or the car park on Plantagevej in Saksild. 

Bygholm Lake is one of the Horsens area’s most beloved excursion destinations. The route around the lake goes all the way down to the lake shore in the wooded area by Åbjerg Forest. Along the way you will come close to the well-kept graveyard Grønhøj and a campsite with shelters and a playground. There is parking in many places. Among other things, at the car park on Åbjergskovvej at the southwest corner of the lake. 

The Nørrestrand wildlife reserve is beautifully situated on the northern outskirts of the town of Horsens. The large meadow area, which has a rich bird life, has fine trails in wooded terrain on the south side, while to the north you walk on idyllic winding country roads. There are stunning views in many places. Along the way you will pass wild horses and a large bird tower. There is parking in many places. For example, at the end of Flintebakken or Rønnevej in the south or in the car park by Nordre Strandvej in the west. 

Mos Lake is Jutland’s largest lake, located in Søhøjlandet. The hike goes on the north side alternately on a charming country road with good views and trails. The trip here shares a course with the signposted Aarhus-Silkeborg Hiking Route. On the south side, you walk primarily on country roads. To the west is the historic Klostermølle and the large hill The Sugar Loaf (Sukkertoppen), which has a terrific view of the lake at more than 100 metres. Other highlights are the idyllic village of Boes and Vædebro Strand in the east.  Parking at the car park on Klostermøllevej. 

At Brædstrup is this fine lake with a beach and jetty. There is a footpath around the lake that runs through the generally agricultural land, quite close to the shore of the lake. The trip can be combined with a round trip in Ring Forest, The Health Path (Hjertestien) in Brædstrup or a walk in the town centre that has a surprisingly good shopping facilities. Parking in the car park at Søkildevej. 

The Vestbirk Lakes, which are part of the Gudenåen river, are beautifully situated in Bakkelandet. At the three lakes Naldal Lake, Bredvad Lake and Vestbirk Lake there are no paths all the way down to the water, but we recommend a walk around the area with lots of beautiful nature and stunning views in many places. The area also includes the Uncovered Bridge and Vestbirk Hyropowerplant which is among the most popular nature attractions in Denmark. Naldal Lake is a swimming lake, and here you can take a dip on the trip. 

Rørbæk Lake is located in beautiful wooded terrain with protected nature. The lake is not far from the source of the Gudenå river, and we recommend this tour between the sources of the Gudenå and Rørbæk along the south side of the lake. Parking at the source of the Gudenå river on Vandskellet or at Nature Centre Koutrupgaard on Koutrupvej.  

Northwest of Odder, near Torrlid, is this small lake, well hidden in Nørre Forest. There are several walks in Nørre Forest, but the short route around the lake is less than two kilometres long and is on well-maintained forest roads. In the forest you will find both the highest point and the highest tree in Odder Municipality. Parking on the side of the road on Nørreskovvej. 

The Hedensted Lakes are a new recreational area on the western edge of Hedensted town consisting of seven smaller lakes. There are trails and footpaths around the lakes that make it possible to get around each lake. There is a toilet building, packed lunch site, disc golf course, and a campfire hut with shelters in the area. Follow the signs to the Hedensted Lakes from Årupvej. Along the gravel road there are signs for parking. 

You will find another new recreational area south of Bygholm Lake by Torsted Meadow Lake (Engsø). In the large fenced area there are footpaths that lead around the lake. There are also a number of grazing sheep in the area, which is characterised by meadows and pastures. Parking at the corner between Vågøvej and Sandøvej. There is also access to the enclosure from Sverigesvej opposite the allotment garden area. 

You will find one of Denmark’s most beautiful forests between Juelsminde and Vejle located right on the coast. Here there are very high slopes, where the trees lie higgledy-piggledy down towards the sea. In the forest, there are three signposted routes between 2.3 and 4.9 kilometres in length. You will find the ruins of an old castle, and there are three nature campsites - including a uniquely located shelter at the top of the slope. Parking in the car park at the end of Staksrodevej. 

Beautiful hilly forest in the area by Sondrup and Uldrup Hills. The forest offers several beautiful viewpoints - including Blakshøj at an altitude of 74 metres, from where the view of Horsens Fjord is impressive. There are signposted routes that lead around Sondrup Hills (4.4 km) and Uldrup Hills (5.4 km). The two routes are in extension of each other, so you can combine them. Parking in the car park on Sondrupvej. 

The big watershed is more than just the place where the rivers Gudenåen and Skjernåen have their sources. Here there is fantastic nature with forest, meadow and open landscape. In the protected landscape at Tinnet Krat there are several signposted routes. From the car park on Vandskellet road you can follow the red route (4 km) past the springs and through Koutrup Forest, where there are shelters and tent sites. At the large watershed you can also find two of the country’s major hiking routes - The Arme Road and the Gudenå Trail, which start right here. 

This forest is well hidden in the landscape at Egebjerg north of Horsens. Egebjerg Lake is located at the bottom of a beautiful valley, and from here there are good opportunities for hiking in the hilly forest along Hansted River. There is a popular shelter site by the lake. There are good conditions for walks in the forest or hiking between Hansted and Egebjerg along the river. Parking by Egebjerg Lake/Skovvej. 

Close to the charming harbour town of Snaptun lies Tønballe Forest. Follow The Coastal Trail Snaptun–Juelsminde and, after less than a kilometre along the shoreline, you will arrive in this beautiful woodland. Pass the lookout tower, which has been built around a large beech tree. From the top, you can enjoy views of Snaptun, Hjarnø and Alrø. If you are exploring with your four-legged friend, let it run free in the 9-hectare dog forest.

Between Horsens and Juelsminde lies this large forest by Bjerrelide hill ridge. There are many hills in the forest, which is best known for having one of Denmark’s best mountain bike trails. However, cyclists should not deter you - there is more than enough space for hikers. We recommend that you take the 2 kilometre long round trip on the yellow route in the natural forest at Søholt Marsh. You can also look past Lake Elverdam, and continue the trip to the meadow area of Bjerre Engsø, where there is a lovely view of the open country. On Bjerre Skovvej, there are four numbered parking spaces. 

The trip around Bygholm Lake is loved by the locals in Horsens. A large part of the route goes through Åbjerg Forest, all the way down to the lake shore. In the forest there is room for hiking trails, horse riding trails and mountain bike trails on the south side of the lake. By the forest there is, among other things, the old graveyard Grønhøj. You can either go for a walk on the forest trails or take the 7 kilometre long route around the lake. On the north side of the lake, you can also walk through the slightly smaller forest of Ulvedalen. There is parking at the car park on Åbjergskovvej at the eastern end of the forest.

Along the southern shore of Horsens Fjord lies Boller Forest – a beautiful historic manor woodland with the impressive castle park surrounding Boller Castle. Boller Forest features several waymarked trails and, together with the neighbouring forests, it is an ideal starting point for a longer hike, run or cycling trip. The popular hiking route around Horsens Fjord, Fjordminoen, also passes through Boller Forest.

An elongated forest through a meltwater valley known to far too few. At the bottom of the valley runs a stream and a trail right next to it. The forest towers up steep hills on both sides of the trail. On the trip you are quite close to the city limits to Horsens, but you do not notice it along the way, where you are embraced by nature. A round trip through Klokkedal is about six kilometres long. About a kilometre north of Klokkedal is Boller Forest and Castle. You can advantageously combine the two forests if you want a slightly longer trip. You can park at both ends of the forest with a driveway from Bollervej in the north and Klokkedalsvej in the south. 

On the northeastern outskirts of Horsens are the Stensballe forests that invite you to go hiking. A trail runs through the forests along the coast of Horsens Fjord. The trail is part of the Fjordmino and the Horsens-Odder railway trail. You can walk about six kilometres along the coast through the forests and take a trail back, which goes inland. Along the way, you should look past the small peninsula of Troensø, where the coast breaks at 90 degrees. From here you have a stunning view of the fjord. There is also a dog forest out to the coast in Elbæk Forest. Parking at Husodde Beach or Stensballegaard Golf Club. 

Uldum Marsh is nothing less than Denmark’s largest marsh area. It stretches over 1200 hectares, located by the river Gudenåen between Tørring, Uldum and Aale. The area is developed with many paths and roads that make it possible to get around. We recommend a round trip from the shelter site near Uldum to the End of the World and back again. There are three bird towers on the trip and optimal conditions to observe the unique nature and wildlife. There is parking in the car par by the bird tower and shelter on Kærvejen.  

On the northwestern outskirts of Horsens is a large meadow area around Store Hansted river. Egebjerg, Hansted, Horsens and Bygholm meadows have in recent years been developed with path systems, bird towers, bridges and raised paths over wetlands. You can park by the lay by area at Skanderborg and go for a round trip of approx. 7 kilometres, where the trip goes back on the Horsens-Silkeborg Nature Trail through the area of Horsens Golf Club. You can also park at Scandic Opus Horsens on Egebjergvej and extend the trip along the river through Horsens Meadow and Løvhøj Forest. 

In the immediate extension of the four meadows to the east, the Nørrestrand wildlife reserve is located on the northern outskirts of Horsens town. Nørrestrand is a larger freshwater lake and river delta with fine path connections. On the south side of the lake is a lower and an upper path. We recommend a tour on the south side of the lake based on the two trails. On the lower path is a larger bird tower with an excellent view of the area. Parking at the car park at the start of Nordre Strandvej at the western end of Nørrestrand. 

Extremely idyllic marshland area characterised by agriculture and charming houses. West of Ørting you can start the trip along Mosevej, where it meets the road Halen. From here you can follow the signs for the Horsens-Odder Railway Trail all the way. When you cross Oddervej you come to Randlev Marsh, which is protected and has a unique nature with a rich bird and insect life. Parking at Ørting Church. 

Pinddalen valley is located between Voervadsbro and The Monastery Mill (Klostermølle) in the southern part of Søhøjlandet in Højlund Forest. It is quite peaceful in the characteristic forest landscape with several lakes and bog holes with high slopes, hills and lots of ferns. A yellow, signposted route leads around the forest, which is an extension of the Gudenå Trail. You can combine the trip with the nearby The Monastery Mill (Klostermølle), The Sugar Loaf (Sukkertoppen) and Kloster Marsh. Parking in the car park at the corner of Klostermøllevej and Grønskovvej. 

West of Lake Mossø is the large marshland area of Kloster Marsh. A major watercourse project has recently been carried out here, where most of the Gudenåen’s water is now led through the river delta, with major changes and improvements for nature in the area as a result. From The Monastery Mill (Klostermølle) there is a path on the north side of the canal, Klosterkanalen, where the water used to pass through. Via the path and grass along the new course, you can get to Højlundvej and walk briefly south to the enclosure that leads up to the top of The Sugar Loaf (Sukkertoppen). Parking in the car park at The Monastery Mill (Klostermølle) on Klostermøllevej. 

In southwestern Horsens, this new recreational area is located in a larger enclosure with grazing cattle. Around Torsted Meadow Lake is a signposted footpath. The trip can be combined with a walk in Børne Forest in Torsted. Parking at the corner of Sandøvej and Vågøvej. You can also arrive on foot from Sverigevej (opposite the allotment gardens). 

You can find many exciting treasures scattered around Kystlandet. Bring the children on a tresure hunt and combine hiking with learning, as you move around and answer questions about the places you see. Do you have all the right answers? Then a custom made gold medal waits as evidence of your accomplishment. 

Come along for a child-friendly fairytale in the nature of Kystlandet with the app Natureventyr. Here, you can combine the nature experience with digital recitation of location-specific fairytales. For example, try Natureventyr at the wildlife reserve Nørrestrand, Tyrstedlund Nature Park or Ring Lake. 

The old railway between Horsens og Silkeborg is now tarmacked and serves as a bicycle- and hiking route. Here, you can safely walk woth the kids without having to worry about motorised vehicles. En route you will face beautiful nature and historic attractions such as The Uncovered Bridge. There are plenty of places to park on the route if you wish to walk small, child-friendly sections of the route. 

On the Planet Trail you can learn more about all the planets in the solar system, while enjoying the beautiful view of Horsens Fjord. The path goes from Horsens to Boller, where there is a breakwater, a forest and a castle. In the beautiful flower park you can see a 1000 year old tree and admire the turtles in the lake. 

Endelave is the island of the wild rabbits. The island’s official hiking route is called the Kanino. Here there are good opportunities to see the island’s most popular (and furry) residents hop around. They live here in their thousands. There are three rabbit routes on the island of different distances so everyone can join in. 

In Horsens you can visit a real prison and walk around the beautiful building in the Prison Park. The trip should be exactly 1000 metres long - hence the name the 1000-metre path. But you are welcome to count to make sure it’s correct. Otherwise we can rename it to the 1001-metre path. By the path there is a lovely prison playground and good opportunities to enjoy lunch outdoors. And why not visit the Prison Museum now that you’re here?

In Odder there are several forests that are well suited for short walks. On one of them was once a zoo. On a wonderful walk in Rathlousdal Forest you can be lucky to find the Bear Grotto, which is a relic from that time. Children love playing in the cave. How loud can you roar?

You find one of Denmark’s most beautiful forests down to Vejle Fjord. In Staksrode Forest, which is known for its steep slopes down to the sea, you can come across the old Stagsevold castle ruin, which according to old legends was home to pirates. There are several signposted routes in the forest. The yellow route leads to Stagsevold and is 2.4 kilometres long. Please note that the trip is not suitable for prams. Before you go home, you should also take the trip down at the foot of the high slopes. Here on Stenhøj Beach there are good opportunities to find fossils. 

Visit this fairytale-themed visitor garden focusing on nature, play, and social activities. You can learn about old Danish legends and myths here and of course romp on the nature playground.

Whether you bring a pram or sweet little children who just learned to walk, the parks of Kystlandet are a good option for fresh air and red cheeks. And often there are also playgrounds, good facilities, and even cute little quacking ducks.

A beautiful, signposted hiking route through the Gudenå Valley leading to the source of the River Gudenå. This stage forms part of the 175-kilometre-long Gudenå Trail.

Planning a hike on the Gudenå Trail? Get an overview of stage 2 with info on the route, nature, towns, transport and accommodation.

Hiking the Gudenå Trail? Stage 3 (11 km) passes through open landscapes, quiet country roads and protected agricultural areas. Get to know the route.

Stage 4 of the Gudenå Trail (10 km) follows country roads, forest and one of Denmark’s most impressive burial mounds. Get an overview here.

Stage 5 is about 8 km long, with traffic-free paths and quiet country roads through hilly, open fields. Find info on transport, accommodation, etc.

Explore a 6 km route with forest, lakes and hills. Take in the scenery of Søhøjlandet and a former monastery along the way. Read more about the route.