The Gudenå Trail: South

Please note: This section of the Gudenå Trail is currently under development and is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2025. Most of the route is already signposted – though a few signs are still missing in the southern part, and new facilities are still being built. However, you can already enjoy the hike – especially if you use the digital route map to guide you.

Hiking through the land of the gods

According to an old legend, the demigod Gudar kidnapped the beautiful Else from her father's home in Tinnet Forest. During their escape, he drove his horses in twisting patterns to confuse their pursuers, thus shaping the winding valley and river that became the Gudenå – and gave it its name.

It is no wonder that people in the past let their imagination run wild in this particular stretch of the Gudenå River. With its enchanting nature, where mist rises from open wetlands and scrub, the landscape soon shifts into something altogether more dramatic – wild, lush, and almost jungle-like.

Here in the divine Gudenå Valley, a waymarked hiking route has been established. The full Gudenå Trail is 174 kilometres long, with this particular stretch – from the river's source to Klostermølle – covering 58.4 kilometres.

About the trail

The Gudenå Trail is the kind of route where it is hard to get lost. As long as you follow the river, you are heading the right way. Still, the entire route is marked with red arrows and dots. In many places, the path runs close to the river itself, accompanied by the soothing sound of running water. In other areas, the trail veers inland to include some of the region's most scenic nature experiences. This part of the Gudenå is sparsely populated, but small villages are scattered along the route, offering shops and accommodation. The trail surface varies from forest paths, gravel roads, and footpaths to minor country roads with little traffic.

Highlights along the way

Roughly 10 kilometres west of Tørring, spring water continuously bubbles up from the ground in Tinnet Forest – in two places, in fact. One spring marks the source of Denmark’s most water-rich river, the Skjernå. The other, just 100 metres away, is the source of Denmark’s only true river, the Gudenå. This is a popular destination in beautiful surroundings and also the starting point for the hiking trail. The historic Hærvejen Trail also passes nearby, so you can easily combine walks on two of Jutland’s great hiking routes.

Just past Tørring lies Uldum Marsh – Denmark’s largest marshland area, home to a truly unique natural environment rich in flora and fauna. In days gone by, peat was extracted here. Today, nature has reclaimed it.

Further north you will reach the Bakkelandet hills (the southern part of the Danish Lakelands). Here the trail crosses the famous Uncovered Bridge – one of Denmark’s most popular nature attractions. At the northern edge of this stretch lies the former monastery and paper mill, Klostermølle. Today, it is a well-visited destination featuring historic buildings on the shores of Denmark’s largest lake, Mossø. Next to Klostermølle, you will find the Sugar Loaf – a prominent hilltop offering one of the most breathtaking views in Denmark.

Follow the trail with a digital map

OplevGudenaa provides a digital map where you can follow the route and see the location of campsites, shops, eateries, attractions, and more. You can find the map on this page.

On this page, you will find inspiration for more experiences along the Gudenå.

The Gudenå Bus

During the summer holidays, the Modstrømsbus (Gudenå Bus) travels along the Gudenå River between Ry and Tørring, stopping at campsites and overnight spots. This free bus service makes it easy to walk a stretch of the Gudenå Trail and catch a lift back to your starting point.

Part of something bigger

Would you like to hike the full 174-kilometre Gudenå Trail? Further north, the trail continues along the Silkeborg Lakes on the Himmelbjergruten and then from Silkeborg to Randers via the Trækstien towpath. OplevGudenaa.dk is your guide to the entire journey.

Find more hiking inspiration

Kystlandet offers a varied selection of hiking routes with different lengths and landscapes. Get tips for your next walk here.

Last updated on June 12, 2025 by Casper Terkelsen