On foot in the East Jutland Archipelago

Hjarnø is a small, peaceful island in Horsens Fjord and part of the East Jutland Archipelago. With frequent ferry departures from Snaptun, the island is easy to visit throughout the year. Here, you will find places to eat, local arts and crafts, beaches, historical attractions, abundant wildlife and the unique tranquillity that defines life on a small Danish island.

Hjarnø is large enough to offer varied natural experiences and fascinating stories, yet small enough for you to explore the entire island on foot. Along the island's hiking trail, you will discover nature, culture and history up close, while QR codes placed along the route give access to stories about everything from birdlife and edible wild herbs to Viking history and life on Hjarnø through the centuries.

Nature, culture and history along the route

From the ferry harbour on Hjarnø, the route takes you around Odden, along the eastern cliffs, before returning and continuing along Hovedvejen to Nordre Strandvej, where you can enjoy views across to Alrø. From here, the trail follows the coastline back towards the ferry.

The full route is approximately 8 km long and can be completed in one walk or divided into shorter sections along the way.

Along the route, you will find information posts with QR codes that provide access to stories, audio recordings and images about the places you pass. You can learn more about the birdlife of Horsens Fjord, including the white-tailed eagle, sand martin and harbour seal, while also discovering the fascinating world beneath the water's surface through stories about seaweed, mussels and the fjord's unique marine environment.

The route also brings you closer to Hjarnø's cultural heritage. Discover stories about Stone Age communities, the Vikings' presence on the island and the traces that the past has left in the landscape.

Between the stories, there is plenty of time simply to enjoy being on the island. Take in the views across Horsens Fjord, experience the peaceful atmosphere of the quiet roads and paths, and discover the special charm that makes Hjarnø a place where nature, history and tranquillity come together.

The experience route has been developed by local volunteers on Hjarnø in collaboration with museums and cultural institutions. The stories are based on both expert knowledge and local traditions, bringing the island's natural and cultural heritage to life.

Practical information

The hiking route follows roads and footpaths around Hjarnø and can be enjoyed at your own pace. At the information posts along the route, you will find QR codes that give access to the digital stories, so remember to keep your smartphone ready to scan the codes and capture photos along the way.

Please note that there is no signposted hiking trail along Hjarnø's northern coastline. This is because several bird colonies nest in this area. We therefore recommend that you do not walk along the island's northern coast.