The Uncovered Bridge (Den Genfundne Bro)

Experience the beautiful engineering of 1899 at The Uncovered Bridge

The Uncovered Bridge is a cultural-historical gem and a piece of revived Danish history that lay hidden inside a dam for 85 years. In 2014, the bridge was uncovered and restored to its former glory and, today, the bridge is a magnificent sight and an even better experience to walk across.

With good parking opportunities near the bridge that crosses the rushing Gudenåen, The Uncovered Bridge is an obvious destination for a picnic that can be enjoyed at tables and benches by the bridge.

Today, the bridge is a symbol of beautiful, industrial engineering, after it was thoroughly restored in 2014. When it was built, the red steel lattice bridge was the tallest of its kind in the Nordic region and, today,  railings and planks to walk on have been added to allow visitors to enjoy the view of Denmark's only “river”, Gudenåen.

Facts about The Uncovered Bridge

- 13.4 metres high
- 50 metres long
- Built in 1899
- Covered up in 1929
- Uncovered in 2014

How to find The Uncovered Bridge

The Uncovered Bridge is located 20 kilometres north of Horsens between the villages Vestbirk, Træden and Gammelstrup. Approximately 300 meters from the bridge, there is a larger parking lot at Vestbirkvej 2A, Brædstrup, with space for 85 cars, including 2 handicap spaces and two bus spaces. From there, a path leads to the bridge.

If you are taking a canoe trip on Gudenåen, The Uncovered Bridge is an obvious place for a rest and enjoying the magnificent nature in the area. There is a natural place to land the canoe at Vestbirk Hydropower Plant and it is not far from there to The Uncovered Bridge.

A ford has been established for visitors on horseback immediately east of the bridge.

Ride your bicycle to The Uncovered Bridge

The Uncovered Bridge is part of the beautiful, old Bryrup railway line which has now been turned into the Horsens-Silkeborg Nature Trail. The 61-kilometre route is mostly paved and without motorised traffic and is, thus, perfect for day trips on your bicycle. The picturesque trip through the hilly Bakkelandet and Søhøjlandet can be divided into two days as there are several possibilities of overnight accommodation along the way. The route is also popular with hikers and as a riding trail.

Now that you are here...

On this page you can find find inspiration for experiences near the Uncovered Bridge.

Hiking at The Uncovered Bridge

There is no official hiking trail at The Uncovered Bridge that guides you on a marked circular route through the area. However, the bridge is part of the Horsens–Silkeborg Nature Trail, making it a great starting point for a walk. The surrounding country roads are quite narrow and lack sidewalks or bike lanes, so it is best to stick to the trail.

If you follow the trail 1.3 kilometers southeast through the forest, you will reach Vestbirk Lakes, offering a beautiful view over Naldal Lake and Vestbirk Lake. Continuing a few kilometers further will take you to the newly established Natur Østbirk.

Heading northwest instead, it is 7 kilometers to Brædstrup, where you can enjoy lunch or a cup of coffee in the newly renovated town center.

If you would like to combine your visit to The Uncovered Bridge with Vestbirk Hydroelectric Power Station, we recommend driving from the bridge to the power station’s parking lot (a 1-kilometer drive between the two parking areas). From there, it is a 600-meter walk along the Gudenå River to the power station.