The southern Gudenå: 7 unique nature spots, local stops and special places to stay

The winding Gudenå, a rolling landscape filled with tranquillity, forests, lakes and scenic viewpoints – these are some of the words that, to me, best describe this area. Tucked away among it all, you will find some truly special places that are perfect for a nature-filled holiday or simply a couple of days away from home.

In this guide, I will take you to the places that have made the biggest impression on me, from nature experiences at Klostermølle, Sukkertoppen and Ring Lake to some of Denmark’s most unique places to stay, a wonderful place to eat and local stops along the way.

I have visited the area several times, most recently in June 2026.

A few practical tips before we get started

Driving: All the places featured in this guide are within a 5–20-minute drive of each other. This makes it easy to combine several experiences in one trip without spending too much time in the car.

Shopping: We have always used the small market town of Brædstrup for our shopping, as it has several supermarkets and independent shops.

The Modstrømsbus: Whether you are hiking along the Gudenå Trail or exploring the river by canoe, during the summer you can take the free Modstrømsbus once a day back towards Tørring. See all stops and current departure times here.

Stop 1 Klostermølle: 
Enjoy a picnic and explore a stretch of the Gudenå Trail

Here at Klostermølle, there is a special atmosphere where nature and history go hand in hand. The area is steeped in stories of the old mill, which has served several purposes over the years, including as a flour mill and wood-pulp mill.

Today, the historic buildings still stand beautifully amid the landscape, inviting you to stop and take a break. If you are simply in the mood for a short walk, follow the lovely forest trail along the Gudenå and experience the river’s tranquil waters up close (approx. 1.2 km there and back). If you fancy adding a few extra kilometres, you can continue towards Sukkertoppen, one of the area’s most beautiful viewpoints (read more under stop 2).

Klostermølle is also a popular stop for canoeists travelling along the Gudenå and hikers following the Gudenå Trail. Whatever brings you to the area, it is the perfect spot for a little picnic break – for example, pop into Sdr. Vissing Torvehal to pick up something tasty (read more about it at the end of stop 2).

From Klostermølle, the route continues towards one of the area’s most impressive viewpoints: Sukkertoppen.

From Klostermølle, the walk towards one of the area’s most impressive viewpoints, Sukkertoppen, begins.

Stop 2
Sukkertoppen: Walk to one of Denmark’s most beautiful viewpoints

To be rewarded with one of Denmark’s most beautiful views, make your way to the top of Sukkertoppen.

Sukkertoppen rises 108 metres above sea level, and although that might not sound like much, you will certainly feel the climb in your legs. Once you reach the top, however, you will soon forget all about it. From here, you can gaze out across Mossø, Jutland’s largest lake, the forests and the rolling landscape as far as the eye can see.

There are several ways to experience Sukkertoppen, depending on whether you prefer a short or longer walk.

Route 1: Klostermølle – Sukkertoppen (short walk)

The most popular route starts at the Klostermølle car park. Although the walk is short, the climb is relatively steep – by Danish standards, at least. It certainly got my heart rate up. Once you reach the top and have enjoyed the view, you can return the same way or continue on a 4 km circular walk.

Route 2: Voervadsbro – Sukkertoppen (approx. 10 km)

A wonderful route if you would like to experience a lovely stretch of the 175 km-long Gudenå Trail and visit Sukkertoppen at the same time. My suggestion is to park at Voervadsbro campsite, then follow the red trail markers straight along the peaceful gravel road. Along the way, you will find several inviting picnic tables with views directly over the Gudenå. Enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful route and spot idyllic houses dotted here and there along the way. Find the route here.

Extra tip: Sukkertoppen can, of course, be visited all year round, but if you want to see the landscape dressed in purple, visit in late summer (August/September), when the hilltop is covered in beautiful flowering heather.

An easy packed lunch for your trip?

Just a five-minute drive from Klostermølle and Sukkertoppen, you will find Torvehallen Sdr. Vissing.

Back in 2012, Inge bought the former care home and has since transformed it into a farm shop, B&B and small café. Here, you can pick up local specialities or a light lunch to enjoy on the spot or take with you on your trip.

Inge is a trained florist, so naturally you will also find beautiful bouquets here, alongside local specialities and, as she puts it herself, “all the things I simply really like”. These include Gudenåens rye bread and bread rolls, which are available frozen, as well as other locally made products.

What I particularly loved about this place is the way it serves as a gathering point for the local community. Inge has created space for local makers to display and sell their products, so as you look around, you will find everything from ceramics and artwork to textiles and woodwork.

The farm shop is self-service and open every day from 7 am to 7 pm.

Tip: If you would like to buy sandwiches or other food to take with you on your trip, you will need to order in advance by contacting Inge. This helps her plan the meals and avoid unnecessary food waste. You can reach her on +45 51 26 06 40.

Stop 3
Holmely: A circus wagon, campfire cooking and a hot tub under the open sky

A circus wagon, campfire cooking and a hot tub under the open sky. That pretty much sums up a very special stay here at Holmely.

What makes Holmely such a special place for me is that nature takes centre stage, no matter which type of accommodation you choose (glamping, a treetop shelter, annexe, B&B rooms or, as we chose, the circus wagon). You do not need to be a huge outdoor enthusiast, but after staying here, you somehow feel a little like one anyway.

Holmely was one of the first places I packed my bags for on my trips with Drømmesteder, so it was especially lovely to return. So much felt familiar, yet there were new additions too. Since my last stay, Heidi had, among other things, found an old Benneweis circus wagon. It fits perfectly into the setting here in the meadow, where trees, flowers and tall grass are allowed to grow wild, while mown paths lead you between the different places to stay, the campfire area and the equipment hut.

A little more about the circus wagon:

On the outside, the circus wagon has been allowed to retain its original character, while inside, the cosiness, playfulness, creativity and charming details have been turned all the way up. I think it is both bold and beautiful that Heidi has created such a distinctive space while still capturing the spirit of everything this circus wagon has experienced during its many years on the road.

From the bed, the large panoramic window gives you views across the greenery and wide-open landscape. It is wonderfully peaceful here, and I simply do not think you can avoid feeling new creative ideas begin to emerge.

Here at Holmely, you can choose from several unique places to stay – including this lovely treetop shelter.

Stop 4
The Uncovered Bridge

Perhaps you have heard of Bryrupbanestien, the trail along the former railway line? The 61 km route winds its way through the landscape between Horsens and Silkeborg and is now popular with visitors who love hiking and cycling. One particularly special nature spot and viewpoint along the route is The Uncovered Bridge. You can easily make a quick stop at this beautiful place, but you can also bring a picnic basket, settle down at one of the tables and enjoy a longer break. I think most people end up doing just that, because it really is incredibly beautiful here.

I find it quite amazing to think that the old railway bridge from 1899 lay hidden for so many years and was only uncovered again in 2014. Today, it has become a very special spot for nature lovers like me, offering views across the Gudenå and the green landscape stretching as far as the eye can see.

So far, I have only walked around 10 km of Bryrupbanestien in this part of the area, and I definitely want to explore more. A little tip is to visit in late summer if, like me, you love tucking into fresh apples. The story goes that passengers on the old trains used to throw their apple cores out of the windows, which is why there are so many fruit trees along the route today. Whether or not that is true, it is certainly a lovely story.

Find parking here

From the car park, it is only around 300 metres to the bridge along a smooth, paved path, making the bridge easily accessible for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. You will also find a public toilet close to the bridge.

Stop 5
Ring Lake: A swimming lake and sunset spot

I always get such a buzz when I discover a particularly beautiful sunset spot, and Ring Lake is a wonderful choice – with the added bonus of being able to go for a swim. Pick a day when the sun has been shining, walk out onto the lovely U-shaped bathing jetty, take a seat and watch the sun’s final rays as it says goodnight. Please note that a sign by the bathing jetty will let you know if the water quality is not suitable for swimming.

If you would like to explore a little more, you can also walk around the lake on a route of approximately 3 km.

Get directions to Ring Lake

Stop 6
Bøgebjerg: Luxury glamping with a difference

“Oh wow, this surely has to be right up there among Denmark’s most luxurious glamping stays,” I blurt out as we step inside the dome here at Bøgebjerg. It feels like a little home of its own, where beautiful design and luxury come together perfectly. There is a proper floor, toilet, shower, kitchen, a small living area, bedroom and a heat pump where you simply set your preferred temperature. And for those colder winter days? You can light the wood-burning stove – wonderfully cosy.

The dome is set in the middle of the forest, around 5 km from the Gudenå. The surrounding woodland was planted by Mathias’ father, and now we are lucky enough as guests to stay right in the heart of nature and tranquillity.

As soon as we arrived, Thomas started heating up the outdoor hot tub, which definitely adds an extra touch of magic to the experience. Sitting here, tucked away among the sounds of nature in a large, steaming hot tub, with a little drink in hand, of course – we could not have asked for more and felt incredibly lucky.

One of the best things about these small, unique places to stay is that you neither want nor need to go anywhere else or do anything other than simply enjoy being there.

The entire stay becomes an experience in itself, enjoyed at a slower pace. An opportunity, as Bøgebjerg also tells its guests, to let things go for a while and step away from the rush of everyday life.

Stop 7:
A historic stop: Lunch at cosy Sandvad Kro

Sandvad Kro is one of the few inns still recognised as a Royal Privileged Inn. In short, this meant that the inn had to meet certain standards and was permitted to accommodate travellers as well as the king and his entourage. The inn’s history dates all the way back to the 16th century, and for generations it has been a gathering place for travellers. Today, we too can step inside this charming piece of history and enjoy delicious dishes for lunch and dinner.

Julie and Laus took over the inn in 2022 and have carefully renovated it, while preserving its character and tradition of serving delicious, classic Danish food. The warm and welcoming service only adds to the homely atmosphere.

An area that deserves to be explored

For us, our stays at the small and unique places Holmely and Bøgebjerg became the natural focal points of the trip. But it is the combination of special places to stay, nature experiences and little local stops along the way that makes the whole experience come together. We certainly found it easy to fall in love with the southern part of the Gudenå, and we are already looking forward to returning again and again.