The Ancient Road by the Great Watershed (Hærvejen)
Nestled along the Jutland Ridge west of Tørring lies a beautiful and varied natural landscape. This area is home to scenic Rørbæk Lake, Denmark’s largest concentration of oak scrubland, the sources of the Gudenå and Skjern Rivers, and numerous cultural and historical landmarks. The Ancient Road, Hærvejen, runs straight through the area.
One of the loveliest spots along the Ancient Road
As it winds its way north through central Jutland, the historic hiking trail Hærvejen passes through this natural gem filled with exciting attractions. In Denmark’s largest area of oak scrub, Tinnet Krat, you will find several scenic loops through a truly unique landscape. The highlight here is the twin springs that mark the sources of the Gudenå and Skjern Rivers, emerging from the ground just a few hundred metres apart. Close to the source of the Gudenå you can also see the remains of Denmark’s very first water park, which was supplied directly by the spring water. Not far away lies Rørbæk Lake – considered one of Denmark’s most beautiful lakes and a wonderful setting for a hike.
Hiking in the footsteps of history
Thousands of years ago – long before cars crowded the roads and before railways linked major cities – Jutland’s main thoroughfare ran along the watershed up through the country. People from all walks of life travelled here – pilgrims, robbers, nobles, beggars, craftsmen, cattle drovers with their oxen, merchants with their carts, and kings with their armies.
The Ancient Road was never constructed. It emerged wherever people walked and wherever passage was possible, depending on the season. As a network of modest gravel and hollow roads between towns, Hærvejen became part of the landscape. From the northernmost parts of Jutland to the German border and beyond, its tracks meander through often untouched and rugged nature.
Hærvejen offers 500 kilometres of hiking trails and 450 kilometres of cycling routes.
You can read much more about the Ancient Road on this page.
A hiking hotspot
Hærvejen is not the only hiking trail at the Great Watershed. It also marks the beginning of the Gudenå Trail, which follows the Gudenå River all the way to its mouth at Randers Fjord. This stunning route leads through the Gudenå Valley to Tørring and on to Denmark’s largest wetland area, Uldum Marsh. The Gudenå Trail is an excellent alternative to Hærvejen for a longer hiking holiday through Jutland.
More hiking trails in southeast Jutland
The area east of the Great Watershed offers many fantastic hiking opportunities. You can find inspiration for other hiking routes in our extensive guide.
Last updated on June 12, 2025 by Casper Terkelsen