Gudenåen NORTH - open expanses and beautiful boardwalks

Where there used to be activity from barges and transshipment of goods at Tørvebryggen in Randers, today it is buzzing with activity from kayaks and sups and people enjoying the proximity to nature. The Gudenå River is the soul of Randers, located where the Gudenå River meets Randers Fjord and the fresh becomes salty. Randers has been located here since the early Middle Ages and has been a link between north and south and between inner Jutland and the surrounding world. You can clearly sense the history in Randers’ cozy old streets.

Between Randers and Silkeborg runs the old Træksti – or barge trail, as it is also known. Here, the barges pulled goods from the towns of Gudenåen to Randers, where they were exchanged. The place name Tørvebryggen in Randers bears witness to this activity. Today you can follow in the footsteps of the barge dragons and get a unique experience of walking close to the water. Sometimes in the water! The Gudenå River often overflows its banks, so familiarize yourself with the navigability before your trip. Along the way you’ll discover historic bridges and inns, luxurious boardwalks and much more.

Between Randers and Langå, the Aage V. Jensen Foundation has purchased Hornbæk, Vorup and Væth Enge and restored their natural state. This has created a unique area with a rich bird and plant life and the opportunity to experience it via trails and bird towers.

Langå Egeskov is one of the few places in Denmark with cattle grazing as in the old days. Here we find a unique forest image of a crooked, cattle-bitten oak forest that we recognize from the Golden Age paintings. In the days of the land community, before 1800, Langåb farmers’ animals grazed in a common pasture in the summer. Langå Egeskov is one such old, overgrown “outfield”. Today a natural gem right down to the Gudenåen river.

West of Ulstrup lies Busbjerg with a magnificent view of Gudenådalen. In addition, there are several marked trails in the area for hiking. And a little further towards Bjerringbro is Kjællinghøl with a bridge over Gudenåen. Also worth a visit and with several walking options. Find them on the Gudenå map.

West of Bjerringbro is Gudenåcentralen – Denmark’s largest hydropower plant, also known as Tangeværket. The large lake is artificial and is due to the dam that secured water for Tangeværket. At the bottom is Hvilested Inn and 27 farms and houses. The total facility includes Tange Lake, an 800 meter long dam with sluice gates, a 300 meter inlet channel and the hydropower plant itself. The entire facility and the mill are protected.

Moesgaard Museum has reconstructed Høj Stene – one of Northern Europe’s largest Iron Age burial monuments. The grave monument can be seen by the river Gudenåen at Vejerslev. Høj Stene is a rediscovered burial monument that is shaped like a ship – a so-called ship set. The site is already mentioned in records from the 17th century, but some of the tombstone was removed over time and the exact location was forgotten.

Today you can only see the church. But until 1536, the church was the north wing of Denmark’s youngest Augustinian monastery. The four-sided monastery complex was founded in the 1240s. The church is a three-bay nave, the two easternmost bays were built in the 13th century and the westernmost is from the 15th century. You can see the two construction phases in the windows.

The landscape along the Gudenå River between Randers and Silkeborg is characterized by the barge culture. Not least, the characteristic barge taverns that once provided shelter and food – and brandy – for the bargees are still here. Kongensbro Kro and Svostrup Kro are probably best known.

Silkeborg is an ideal starting point for trips around Gudenåen and in Søhøjlandet. As well as being in the heart of nature with easy access to routes, trails and magnificent views and places to visit, there are also plenty of options for accommodation and equipment rental. In addition, there are many events – including