Bird tower at Uldum kær

Hiking in the meadows and marshlands of the Coastal Land

Photo: Ricco Jensen

Open expanses, unique nature and a rich wildlife await in the Coastal Land’s meadows, bogs and marshlands. Put on your hiking boots and explore the East Jutland wetlands, which offer very special nature experiences.

Wetlands can be perfect hiking ground

A large number of streams, lakes and valleys mean that there are many wetlands in the Coastal Land with a unique natural form. Birds and insects thrive in wetlands, meadows and marshlands but it is not only the animals that seek the open, wet areas of the Coastal Land. In many places, the wetlands have been made accessible to people on foot as recreational areas with raised paths, bridges, bird towers and other facilities, which help to create great nature experiences for you as a guest. We guide you to walks in the wetlands of the Coastal Land - from Denmark’s largest to the slightly smaller marshlands and meadows, which are unknown but hiking territory that is well worth seeing for most people. 

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Drone photo of Uldum Marsh and the birdtower in the Costal land
Photo: Hedensted Municipality

Uldum Marsh (Round trip - 5 km)

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.  

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The Four Meadows (Round trip - 7-9 km)

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. 

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View over the wildlife reserve from the hills in Stensballe
Photo: Destination Coastal Land

Nørrestrand (Round trip - approx. 9 km)

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. 

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Cows lying in the grass at Ørting Marsh
Photo: Melissa Villumsen

Ørting and Randlev Marsh (5.5 km)

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 Path 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. 

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Lake at Ryhule with the forest in the background
Photo: Hanne Nielsen

Ryhule

The Ryhule area, south of Salten Lang Lake, offers a beautiful and varied ice age landscape with lots of forest, heath, meadow and several lakes. Starting on the Ryhule road and the surrounding Femvejen and Additvej, you can go on many wonderful walks on roads and paths. In the area are also the remains of Rye Airfield, which served as an airfield for the German occupying forces under World War II. Parking by the swimming lake Blidsø at Femvejen. 

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Pinddal Marsh (4.3 km)

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 Voervadsbro-Emborg Gudenå river 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. 

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Aerial photo of Kloster Marsh at Mos Lake
Photo: Horsens Municipality

Kloster Marsh (Round trip 3.5 km)

West of Mos Lake 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. 

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Torsted Meadow Lake (Engsø) in Horsens
Photo: Destination Coastal Land

Torsted Meadow (Round trip 1 km)

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). 

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In wetlands it can sometimes be .... well, wet

In wetlands, the water level can vary with a wide variety of landscapes as a result. And in marshes - especially through forests - the paths can sometimes be slippery. Think about this in relation to the choice of footwear and clothing. The nature areas are made accessible so that you do not have to have wet toes, so do not let yourself be deterred. As long as you stick to the paths, you can leave your Wellington boots at home.