A culture-historic gem in the middle of nature

Klostermølle enjoys a scenic location at the foot of Sukkertoppen, where the River Gudenå flows into Lake Mossø. Here, you will find a collection of listed historic buildings that tell the story of the site's long history. The green outdoor areas invite you to take a break with a picnic or enjoy a walk through the beautiful surroundings.

One of the site's most distinctive buildings is the long, black drying barn, built in the early 1930s as part of the cardboard production. This is where sheets of cardboard were hung up to dry, and you can still see traces of the former production process. At the northern end of the building, you will find a birdwatching tower overlooking Klosterkær and Lake Mossø, Jutland's largest naturally formed lake.

You will also find a small beach on the shores of Lake Mossø.

A hotspot for canoeing

Klostermølle is a popular destination for canoe trips along the River Gudenå, including trips starting in Tørring. Several canoe rental companies offer canoe collection at Klostermølle, and there is also a canoe campsite where you can stay overnight.

At the foot of the Sugar Loaf

From the Monastery Mill there are a few paths leading to one of Denmark’s most beautiful vista points, the Sugar Loaf (Sukkertoppen). The steep hill has its summit 108 metres above sea level and offers an incredible view of Lake Mossø, the marsh area Klosterkær, Salten Langsø Lake and the forests and hills near the Sky Mountain. The top of the Sugar Loaf is only a 500-metre walk from the parking lot at the Monastery Mill.

When monks lived at Gudenåen

The history of Klostermølle dates back to the Middle Ages, probably the 13th century, when Benedictine monks founded Voer Monastery where the River Gudenå flows into Lake Mossø. Here, the monks lived in a monastic community where water from the river played an important role in everyday life.

The monks constructed the approximately 1.3-kilometre-long Monastery Canal (Klosterkanalen), which channelled water from the River Gudenå to a watermill. The canal is still visible in the landscape today and is the most prominent reminder of the site's monastic past.

Following the Reformation, monastic life came to an end, and the original monastery buildings gradually disappeared. However, archaeological remains of Voer Monastery have been discovered, offering a glimpse into the site's medieval history.

From water mill to cardboard mill

Following the Reformation, monastic life at Voer Monastery came to an end, but the watermill continued to operate. Shortly after 1872, a wood pulp mill was established, using the power of the River Gudenå to produce wood pulp for the paper and cardboard industry.

From 1931, cardboard was also produced at Klostermølle. The impressive drying barn was extended a couple of times before a mechanical drying system eventually took over. Industrial production came to an end in 1974 following a devastating fire at the factory, but the drying barn miraculously escaped the flames.

Parking and practical information

A well-maintained parking lot is located on Klostermøllevej, just south of the buildings, with space for both cars and buses. Next to the parking area, you’ll also find a picnic shelter where you can enjoy your own food and drinks.

The buildings are always open to the public, so there are no fixed opening hours.

This text was produced and is maintained by Destination Kystlandet. Last reviewed on November 4, 2026 by Laura S. Birkwald