Take a trip in nature around Horsens Fjord
Horsens Fjord offers a varied landscape, and here we have compiled some of the most beautiful forests and natural areas you can experience on the trip.
A fjord landscape full of contrasts
The nature around Horsens Fjord is both beautiful and varied. Along the winding coastline, steep wooded slopes give way to open fields, coastal meadows and shallow bays. Here, you will find plenty of beautiful scenery and peaceful spots where you can relax and enjoy the views across the water.
Whether you want to get active or simply enjoy the great outdoors, there are plenty of ways to explore the fjord landscape. On this page, we guide you to some of the best places to experience nature around Horsens Fjord and give you inspiration for activities both on land and on the water.
Explore the forests around the fjord
In several places along Horsens Fjord, old manor forests stretch all the way down to the water. Follow the paths through the beech trees, enjoy the views across the fjord and experience the change from peaceful forest to open water.
Each forest has something different to offer. Take a walk among the old trees in Boller Forest, explore the hills of Sondrup Bakker or visit Tønballe Forest near Snaptun, where you can discover local history and enjoy beautiful views of the fjord.
Explore nature on the islands of Horsens Fjord
The islands of Horsens Fjord offer beautiful nature, with open landscapes, shallow waters and plenty of birdlife. On Alrø, you can enjoy views of the fjord from quiet country roads, while Hjarnø is a lovely place for coastal walks past meadows and fields, with views of the surrounding islands.
In the middle of the fjord lies the protected island of Vorsø, where nature has been left largely undisturbed for decades. The island is an important home for birds and other wildlife and can only be visited on guided tours with a nature guide.
Enjoy the views across Horsens Fjord
There are plenty of great places to enjoy the views along the winding coastline of Horsens Fjord. Some are right by the water, while others offer stunning views of the fjord and its islands from higher ground.
For beautiful views by the water, head to Borre Knob, Hesteodde near Snaptun or Troensø in Brakør Forest. If you want to enjoy the views from above, visit Trustrup Viewpoints or the viewing tower in Tønballe Forest.
Places to swim in Horsens Fjord
There are plenty of great places to enjoy the views along the winding coastline of Horsens Fjord. Some are right by the water, while others offer stunning views of the fjord and its islands from higher ground.
For beautiful views by the water, head to Borre Knob, Hesteodde near Snaptun or Troensø in Brakør Forest. If you want to enjoy the views from above, visit Trustrup Viewpoints or the viewing tower in Tønballe Forest.
Perfect picnic spots by the fjord
There is something special about eating outdoors, and there are plenty of lovely places for a picnic around Horsens Fjord. At Boller Castle, you can enjoy your lunch at one of the covered picnic tables in the castle gardens. Husodde Beach and Langelinie are also great spots to sit back, relax and enjoy the views across the water.
On the northern side of the fjord, you will find a lovely picnic spot at Amstrup, just north of the causeway to Alrø. You can also take your picnic to the shelter site at Brigsted Beach, or find a spot by Snaptun Harbour and watch the boats come and go as you enjoy your lunch.
On Hjarnø, there are several picnic tables along the southern coast, while on Alrø, Egehoved at the southern tip of the island is a great place to stop for a picnic.
Short hikes around Horsens Fjord
You do not have to walk the entire Fjordmino trail to enjoy the beautiful nature around Horsens Fjord. Along the 59-kilometre hiking trail, you will find several shorter, signposted circular walks that take you through some of the most scenic parts of the fjord. These circular routes are marked with yellow arrows and can be found in places such as Sondrup Bakker, Boller Forest, Klokkedal, Stensballe Bjerge and Borre Knob. They are a great way to explore the countryside, with marked paths leading you back to where you started.
You can also walk a shorter section of the Fjordmino trail itself. For example, try the Planet Trail or the Husodde Trail near Horsens, where you can enjoy lovely views across the water along the way. Just bear in mind that these are not circular routes, so you will need to walk back the same way or arrange transport back.
On Hjarnø, you can follow the Explore Hjarnø route, where QR codes along the way let you read or listen to stories about the island.
What makes the nature around Horsens Fjord special?
The nature around Horsens Fjord is wonderfully varied, with shallow waters, coastal meadows, small islands, forests and rolling hills. The shallow waters are home to plenty of fish and birds, while the forests and coastline offer lots of opportunities to explore nature on foot.
Much of Horsens Fjord is protected as a Natura 2000 area to help preserve its special habitats and wildlife. The shallow waters, coastal meadows and small islands are particularly important for waterbirds, which come here to nest, rest and find food. The entire fjord is also part of Naturpark Svanegrund, Denmark's largest marine nature park, which works to protect marine life in Horsens Fjord and the East Jutland Archipelago.
There is plenty of wildlife to look out for as you explore Horsens Fjord. Keep an eye out for porpoises, seals, white-tailed eagles and all kinds of birds. Seals can often be spotted along the southern coast, sometimes resting on rocks in the shallow water. You might also see porpoises further out in the fjord. White-tailed eagles nest on the protected island of Vorsø, and if you look up, you may be lucky enough to spot one soaring overhead.
Can you cycle around Horsens Fjord?
Yes, the Horsens Fjord Cycle Route is a 52-kilometre signposted route that takes you through forests, villages and beautiful coastal scenery. Along the way, you will cross the fjord on the bicycle ferry between Alrø and Hjarnø and the ferry between Hjarnø and Snaptun. The bicycle ferry only operates during the warmer months, so remember to check the timetable before setting off.
The route is signposted as Regional Cycle Route 87. Simply follow the blue cycle route signs marked with the number 87.
Can you hike around Horsens Fjord?
Yes, the Fjordmino hiking trail (Horsens Fjord Hiking Trail) takes you all the way around the fjord. The 59-kilometre route leads you through beautiful and varied scenery, including forests, beaches, fields and islands. You can walk the entire route over several days or choose a shorter section. The route includes two ferry crossings, but bear in mind that the bicycle ferry between Alrø and Hjarnø only runs during the warmer months.
Can you sail on Horsens Fjord?
Yes, the calm waters of Horsens Fjord make it a great place for all kinds of water activities.
If you are visiting by sailing boat, you can moor at Horsens Marina, Snaptun Marina or Hjarnø Harbour.
The fjord is also ideal for paddleboarding and sea kayaking. You can hire both paddleboards and kayaks from Horsens City Camping at Husodde Beach.
There are several sailing clubs around Horsens Marina, so you will often see sailing boats, windsurfers and kitesurfers out on the water.
Fishing in Horsens Fjord
Horsens Fjord is home to plenty of fish, with good opportunities to catch sea trout and garfish, among other species. Discover the best fishing spots in the area below.
Explore Horsens Fjord by kayak
Exploring Horsens Fjord by kayak gives you a whole new perspective on its beautiful natural surroundings. Paddle along the wooded coastline, explore small bays and enjoy the scenery from the water. Along the way, you can spot plenty of birds and take in the views of the islands in the fjord.
If you do not have your own kayak, you can hire one from Horsens City Camping at Husodde Beach. The beach is a great starting point for both short paddles and longer kayaking trips.
Explore the fjord by paddleboard
See Horsens Fjord from a different perspective as you glide across the water on a paddleboard. Enjoy views of the green coastline and explore the fjord at your own pace. Stand-up paddleboarding is a fun way to get some exercise while enjoying the peace and quiet on the water.
You can hire paddleboards from Horsens City Camping at Husodde Beach and explore the coastline. It is a great place to set off on a paddleboarding trip when the wind and weather conditions are right.
Photos of Horsens Fjord
Varied landscapes with views of the water wherever you go.
