Viewpoints and natural gems

In Tinnet Krat, a spring bubbles up from the ground, marking the beginning of the Gudenå, which flows eastward. Not far from there, another spring flows westward – this is the start of the Skjernå. Between these two nascent streams runs the ancient Hærvej. The great watershed is a fantastic and unique natural experience with beautiful scenery along the Jutland ridge. The area is an excellent starting point for hiking, with several marked trails in the vicinity. The source of the Gudenå is part of Denmark's nature canon.

Uldum Kær is a 1200-hectare large, continuous marsh area between Tørring and Uldum, traversed by the Gudenå River. The vast meadow areas give rise to a particularly worthy plant and animal life for preservation. With respect for nature, Uldum Kær has been made accessible to visitors. Thus, there are marked trail connections and wooden bridges through especially wet parts of the marsh.

This lovely attraction combines beautiful nature with fascinating cultural history. The old Benedictine monastery and paper mill are now a popular excursion destination. Here, there are old protected buildings, a small exhibition, and a bird tower with a view over Jutland's largest lake, Mossø. From Klostermølle, it is not far to the viewpoint Sukkertoppen.

A beautiful hilly heath area east and southeast of Gammel Rye. The highest hills are Galgebakke and Musebakke, standing at 101 and 94 meters above sea level, respectively. There are several trails throughout the area. The open parts of the heather hills are primarily dry heath with scattered oak trees and plants such as heather, bilberry, lingonberry, and spotted orchid, among others. In the damp lowlands, you can find bell heather, round-leaved sundew, and purple moor grass. Many rare small animals inhabit the hills.

Alling Vest is a large area of about 270 hectares and is a magnificent natural area. Here, there is plenty of beautiful nature and rich wildlife. The area's unique landscape was formed during the last ice age, where the melting ice created the valleys and gorges seen today. The largest of these valleys is Århusdalen, which stretches from Aarhus to Silkeborg and is home to many of the area's lakes, including Knudsø, Birksø, and Julsø. Along the 7.4 km long hiking route through the area, you will find some of the Lake District's absolute best viewpoints. The route passes through Alling village, which has one of Denmark's smallest churches. There is a hiking route that starts and ends in Alling, offering magnificent nature experiences whether you take the whole or just parts of the 7.4 km marked route. The parking lot at Alling community house is a good and central starting point for the hike.

Slåensø is Denmark's cleanest lake, beautifully situated in Silkeborg Sønderskov. You can take a scenic walk around the entire lake, and it is also where you can see Denmark's tallest tree. The lake is located in very hilly terrain. It is a popular excursion destination with Kongestolen (82 meters high) just south of Slåensø, offering a splendid view over the lake. Nearby stands Denmark's tallest tree, a Douglas fir, which is over 50 meters tall. You are welcome to swim in the lake – and it is so clean that you can also drink from it. The lake has been dammed by about 2 meters in the past to harness the water power, which has driven a mill, a sawmill, and a clog factory at the outlet to Millingbæk. Slåensø reaches a depth of up to 12 meters. It only receives water from several ochre-rich springs on the south side, where you can see swampy red deposits in several places. With its limited water inflow, the lake has very clean water.

Sindbjerg and Stoubjerg are beautiful natural areas with two heather-covered peaks located in the heathland north of Sejs and Borre Lake, about 5 km southeast of Silkeborg. Sindbjerg is 103 meters high, and Stoubjerg is 99 meters high. From the tops, there is an extensive view, especially to the south and southeast. You can see the entire lake chain from Silkeborg to Himmelbjerget. Sindbjerg and Stoubjerg, like Himmelbjerget, are considered so-called "false hills" – escarpments formed when the ice eroded the surrounding landscape. On Sindbjerg stands a memorial stone for editor Sophus Sørensen for his efforts to preserve the area. A total of 56 hectares are now protected. The preservation ensures that they remain covered in heather and that the views from the hills, including towards Himmelbjerget, are maintained.

Sminge Lake is traversed by the Gudenå River and receives inflow from the Gjern River. Sminge Lake is located northeast of Silkeborg, and you can best reach the lake by hiking along the towpath along the Gudenå from Resenbro towards Svostrup or from the waterside. However, note that boating is prohibited in parts of the lake. Find more information at sejladspaagudenaaen.dk. Sminge Lake is surrounded by marshes and swampy reed beds, making it a very rich bird habitat, both as a breeding ground and a resting place for Nordic waterfowl.

In Langå Egeskov, you can find a unique forest landscape of gnarled, cattle-grazed oak woodland reminiscent of the golden age paintings. In the days of common land, before the year 1800, the farmers' animals from Langå would graze in a shared pasture during the summer. Langå Egeskov is one such old, wooded "outfield." For nearly 200 years, grazing cattle have eaten almost all the newly sprouted tree growth, allowing the old, gnarled oaks to be seen in their picturesque beauty. The forest is teeming with cavity-nesting birds that find breeding opportunities in the old and dead trees. The insect and fungal life is unparalleled, as the dead trees provide excellent growth conditions. There is a rich plant and animal life. In many places in the forest, there are dying trees that are gradually decomposing and becoming part of the natural cycle.

The restoration of the 328 hectares of meadows and wetlands on both sides of the Gudenå River between Langå and Randers is undertaken by the Aage V. Jensen Nature Foundation. This includes Hornbæk Enge, Væth Enge, and Vorup Enge, collectively known as the Gudenå Meadows. During the period from 2003 to 2008, Water Environment Plan projects were initiated to minimize the nutrient input to the Gudenå River itself. As a result of this work, valuable aquatic areas and wet meadows have been restored, providing improved habitats for birdlife, small animals, and flora, allowing them to thrive freely. The proximity to the city of Randers gives these areas great recreational value. Walking paths lead through the area, where raised wooden platforms and bird towers ensure views near the Gudenå. Grazing management helps maintain the open character of the meadows.