Horsens Fjord
Discover the Fjordmino around Horsens Fjord – a scenic route filled with beautiful landscapes, cosy harbour towns and island hopping along the way. Ideal for hiking, cycling, water sports and relaxing days in the fresh fjord air.
Horsens Fjord stretches from Horsens Harbour to Gyllingnæs on the north side and to the cosy harbour town of Snaptun on the south side.
Here you will encounter the meandering coastline of the fjord, idyllic villages, the deep quiet tranquillity of the forest, rolling field landscapes, maritime harbour towns, charming islands and not least the cultural town of Horsens.
How do you wish to experience the fjord
Islands in Horsens Fjord
On Horsens Fjord, you can island-hop between the two small cozy islands, Alrø and Hjarnø. Alrø is connected to the main land via a dam on the north side of the fjord. Between March and October you can take the small bicycle ferry from Alrø to Hjarnø, and discover the rich wildlife, the fine beaches, and shipwrecks from the Viking Age. From here you can take the Hjarnø ferry over to the south side of the fjord - or take the bicycle ferry back to Alrø.
Nature highlights
Stensballe Forest and "Mountains"
Horsens, East Jutland
Guide to a cycling holiday around Horsens Fjord
Carina from the Instagram profile Drømmesteder explored Horsens Fjord on a three-day cycling trip with her friend.
Spørgsmål og svar om Horsens Fjord
Where is Horsens Fjord?
Horsens Fjord is located in East Jutland, stretching from the town of Horsens in the west to the Kattegat Sea in the east. The fjord is surrounded by beautiful and varied scenery, including forests, fields, beaches, small villages and islands. The area covers parts of the municipalities of Horsens, Odder and Hedensted.
How long is Horsens Fjord?
Horsens Fjord is around 20 kilometres long, stretching from Horsens to the Kattegat Sea. The fjord is relatively shallow, with a winding coastline dotted with small bays, coves and islands.
Which islands are in Horsens Fjord?
Horsens Fjord is home to three islands: Alrø, Hjarnø and Vorsø. Alrø is connected to the mainland by a causeway, while you can catch a ferry from Snaptun to Hjarnø. During the summer months, a bicycle ferry also runs between Alrø and Hjarnø. Vorsø is a protected nature reserve that can only be visited on a guided tour with a nature guide.
Can you cycle around Horsens Fjord?
Yes, the Horsens Fjord Cycle Route is a 52-kilometre signposted route that takes you through forests, villages and beautiful coastal scenery. Along the way, you will cross the fjord on the bicycle ferry between Alrø and Hjarnø and the ferry between Hjarnø and Snaptun. The bicycle ferry only operates during the warmer months, so remember to check the timetable before setting off.
The route is signposted as Regional Cycle Route 87. Simply follow the blue cycle route signs marked with the number 87.
Can you hike around Horsens Fjord?
Yes, the Fjordmino hiking trail (Horsens Fjord Hiking Trail) takes you all the way around the fjord. The 59-kilometre route leads you through beautiful and varied scenery, including forests, beaches, fields and islands. You can walk the entire route over several days or choose a shorter section. The route includes two ferry crossings, but bear in mind that the bicycle ferry between Alrø and Hjarnø only runs during the warmer months.
Can you sail on Horsens Fjord?
Yes, the calm waters of Horsens Fjord make it a great place for all kinds of water activities.
If you are visiting by sailing boat, you can moor at Horsens Marina, Snaptun Marina or Hjarnø Harbour.
The fjord is also ideal for paddleboarding and sea kayaking. You can hire both paddleboards and kayaks from Horsens City Camping at Husodde Beach.
There are several sailing clubs around Horsens Marina, so you will often see sailing boats, windsurfers and kitesurfers out on the water.
Can you swim in Horsens Fjord?
There are plenty of beaches and bathing jetties around Horsens Fjord where you can enjoy a refreshing dip.
The most popular is Husodde Beach, a Blue Flag beach on the outskirts of Horsens.
Closer to Horsens town centre, you will find Langelinie, a lively town beach with plenty going on during the summer months.
On the northern side of the fjord, Sondrup Beach is a lovely natural beach with beautiful views across to Alrø.
On the southern side, you can take a dip from the 100-metre-long bathing jetty in Boller Forest, swim at the Borre Knob peninsula or visit the beaches near Snaptun.
On Hjarnø, you can swim at Hjarnø Odde on the southern side of the island or Hougård Beach on the eastern coast.
If you are swimming near Hjarnø, Alrø or Borre Knob, be aware of the currents and stay away from the deep-water shipping channels. For your safety, always stay in water shallow enough to stand in.
What makes the nature around Horsens Fjord special?
The nature around Horsens Fjord is wonderfully varied, with shallow waters, coastal meadows, small islands, forests and rolling hills. The shallow waters are home to plenty of fish and birds, while the forests and coastline offer lots of opportunities to explore nature on foot.
Much of Horsens Fjord is protected as a Natura 2000 area to help preserve its special habitats and wildlife. The shallow waters, coastal meadows and small islands are particularly important for waterbirds, which come here to nest, rest and find food. The entire fjord is also part of Naturpark Svanegrund, Denmark's largest marine nature park, which works to protect marine life in Horsens Fjord and the East Jutland Archipelago.
There is plenty of wildlife to look out for as you explore Horsens Fjord. Keep an eye out for porpoises, seals, white-tailed eagles and all kinds of birds. Seals can often be spotted along the southern coast, sometimes resting on rocks in the shallow water. You might also see porpoises further out in the fjord. White-tailed eagles nest on the protected island of Vorsø, and if you look up, you may be lucky enough to spot one soaring overhead.
