Visit Hjarnø in the East Jutland Archipelago

You have a real island atmosphere within easy reach on a trip to Hjarnø.

For the island is only 5 minutes by ferry from the coast, and here you can embark on Hjarnø’s very special Viking history, visit one of the country’s smallest churches and experience the island’s countryside on foot, by bicycle or on four wheels in a small golf buggy?

Discover Hjarnø

Destination Coastal Land

Book your ferry ticket

Find available departures between Snaptun and Hjarnø and book your ticket directly with the Tunø Ferry.

Illustration of the Bicycle Ferry between Alrø, Hjarnø and Snaptun in Horsens Fjord

Destination Coastal Land

Go island hopping with the Bicycle Ferry

During the summer, you can visit Hjarnø island hopping in Horsens Fjord. From Alrø in the north, to Hjarnø and Snaptun on the south side of the fjord....

Illustration viking helmet - on Hjarnø you can experience old Viking stories and much more

Destination Coastal Land

Experiences on Hjarnø

On Hjarnø you can experience old Viking stories, discover Denmark’s second smallest church and much more. We guide you to the best experiences.

Destination Coastal land

Eat and sleep well on Hjarnø

On Hjarnø you can enjoy the local pantry and spend the night both indoors and outdoors.

Island hopping, day trip or real holiday relaxation

Hjarnø is a must-see while island hopping in the East Jutland Archipelago or for you who just love Viking stories and small, cosy islands.

You can take the 5 minute ferry crossing from Snaptun on the south side of Horsens Fjord, and don’t worry, the ferry departs 30 times a day, so you shouldn’t be afraid of missing your departure!

In the summer, you can also visit the island with the Bicycle Ferry from Alrø, which you can drive to over a dam from the north side of the fjord (approx. 25 km. east of Horsens and 12 km. south of Odder).

On Hjarnø, you can get close to the traces of the island’s Viking history, taste local wine and freshly dug potatoes, explore the island’s beautiful countryside on foot, by bicycle, from a tractor or a golf buggy, and many other experiences.

Every day the more than 100 permanent residents and approx. 60 students at the Lifestyle Continuation School (Livsstilsefterskolen) walk to where they are going on the island.

Take a day trip to Hjarnø

We have compiled ready-to-drive day trips for you who want to go out and have an experience in the Coastal Land.

Melissa Villumsen

On two wheels from Hjarnø to Rosenvold

This beautiful cycle route takes you past many of Juelsminde Peninsula’s major attractions. From Hjarnø in Horsens Fjord along the coast to Juelsminde and on to the beautiful countryside of Vejle Fjord. If the area is to be experienced in one day, then this is the perfect route for you.

Bicycle and roadside food stall by the inlet Horsens Fjord

Melissa Villumsen

Cycle around Horsens Fjord and explore its small islands

Are you up for island hopping in Horsens Fjord? Start the cycle trip in Horsens and cycle north around the fjord out to Alrø and across Hjarnø. Along the way, you will even get out sailing on the charming little bicycle ferry.

The Alrø-Hjarnø bicycle ferry

Enjoy the cosy trip with the small bicycle ferry that sails on Horsens Fjord. Experience the charming islands of the fjord with beautiful scenery, an authentic island atmosphere and delicious eateries.

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Hjarnø - king or elevation

According to an old legend, Hjarnø is named after King Hjarne.

When King Frode Fredegod passed away, it was mistakenly thought that his son Fridlev, who was heir to the throne, had also gone to war. Therefore, a competition was held where the person who could write the most beautiful verse about the king was to take over the Danish throne. The winner was the king’s bard, Hjarne. As a bonus, he also got the island, which today is called Hjarnø.

Did you know that as recently as 2018, a large gold treasure from the Iron Age was found on Hjarnø?

But Fridlev was far from dead. And of course it ended in a duel between the two, where Hjarne lost his life. According to tradition, Hjarne and his staff are buried at the island’s Calf Stones.

However, it’s more likely that Hjarnø is named after the Old Danish word ‘Hiarni’, which means ground elevation.

Welcome to Hjarnø

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