Top 7 Hiking Routes
You have the best conversations while walking in nature. Or you can simply stay silent and enjoy the sounds, scents, and views. And we have plenty of those in Denmark’s Most Beautiful. Here are 7 the best hiking routes.
1) The Long One // 52 km
Nowhere else will you get it all like on the 52 km long Himmelbjergrute: The fresh forests, the beautiful lakes, and a total of 762 meters of elevation! From Ry, you hike south of Julsø to Silkeborg and back north around the lake to Ry. Arrive at Himmelbjerget on a boat trip with the Hjejle boats or by canoe from Ry. You can bring the legendary hiking staff from Himmelbjerget.
How to find Himmelbjergruten: Park at Kvickly's long-term parking lot behind the store or take the train to Ry. Follow the route marked with red arrows and dots after leaving Ry.
Find free maps of the hiking trail at Butik Værdig or the library.
Note: The first 6 km from Ry towards Himmelbjerget are marked as the Aarhus–Silkeborg Hiking Route.
Did you know... that Himmelbjergruten is part of the Gudenå Trail, which stretches from Tørring to Randers Fjord? Learn more about Gudenåen at oplevgudenaa.dk
Read more about the route here.
2) The Fun One // 2.5 km
Step into the jungle: On the Sumpstien, part of the trail goes over an almost bottomless swamp on wooden stakes. You can extend the route around Svanesø (approx. 3 km), passing the Deer Park with a small herd of deer. Not far from here, you’ll find the bird tower with a view of Svanesø’s impressive birdlife. At Døjsø, you walk among poisonous plants, schnapps herbs, and wild orchids.
How to find Sumpstien in Skanderborg: The trail starts at Døjsøvej or Sølundvej. Parking is easy at Sølundvej.
Read more about the route here.
3) The Hilly One // 4.5 km
On the Bakkeskovruten, you hike up and down soft, rounded hills and steep slopes. Enjoy the view at the bonfire site and the two shelters. In the old gravel pit, you’ll walk through wild nature and might spot tracks from deer, foxes, and badgers.
How to find Bakkeskovruten: Park at Stjær Church, where you’ll also find toilets and drinking water.
Read more about the route here.
4) The One with Playgrounds // 6 km
When all senses need to come into play, follow the Kildebjergruten. The sensory zone is a small island with a mountain surrounded by fragrant plants. Take off your shoes and try the lake’s Kneipp pool, where various stone types massage your feet. In the activity zone, challenge yourself on bumps, hills, and running bowls.
How to find Kildebjergruten: Park at Siim Forest dog park or the Golf Clubhouse Kildebjerg Ry. At the activity zone, you’ll find drinking water and toilets.
Note: Look for the red pictograms.
Read more about the route here.
5) The Historic One // 5 km
On the "Offermosen rundt" hiking route between Skanderborg and Illerup Valley, you’ll pass close to an Iron Age battlefield. In The Sacred Valley, walk in the middle of history, where over 15,000 weapons, warrior equipment, and horse gear have been found.
How to find Offermosen rundt: From Låsbyvej, turn onto the field road Fuglsangsvej.
Note: Follow the yellow pictograms and immerse yourself in the Danish podcast “Åsteder – Stories from Gudenåen.”
Podcast about Gudenåen’s cultural history - Åsteder – Stories from Gudenåen.
Read more about the route here.
6) The Versatile Loop // 3–12 km
On the “Lynbakkerne in Gl. Rye” hiking route, you can extend or shorten the route depending on your needs and abilities. Regardless, the route takes you through peaceful surroundings and untouched nature.
How to find Lyngbakkerne: Access Lyngbakkerne from Lyngdal or Emborgvej.
Read more about the route here.
7) The Straight Stretch // 23 km
The “Gudenå Trail” hiking route stretches for 23 km, winding from Voervadsbro to Emborg Bridge. Along the way, it takes you through beautiful landscapes from Østbirk to Gml. Rye. Several spots on the route feature bonfire sites, picnic shelters, and toilets.
How to find Gudenå trail: Park at Voervadsbro.
Read more about the route here.