Horsens between Fjord Nature and Urban History

A continuous, signposted hiking route around Horsens Fjord stretches for approximately 60 kilometres; a corresponding cycling route also crosses several municipal boundaries. Together, the two routes give hikers and cyclists access to the nature close to the fjord. The varying route lengths in the region make it possible to compare trails and stages according to the desired distance.

Other locations to choose from include Østbirk, Horsens, Brædstrup, Slagballe, Assendrup and Hovedgård.

Nature and Trails

Endelave lies in the Kattegat off Horsens Fjord. The Endelave ferry is operated by Horsens Municipality and runs daily between Endelave and the ferry port of Snaptun; the crossing takes approximately one hour. Endelave offers hiking and cycling tours through varied, unspoilt nature in every season. The island is known for its many wild rabbits and offers a rabbit tour with good chances of observing the animals.

The Gudenåstien is a 175-kilometre-long trail along Denmark’s longest river. It runs from the source on the Jutland uplands through the Søhøjlandet region to the edge of Randers Fjord and is divided into 18 stages, each 6 to 14 kilometres long. One stage of the Gudenåstien passes through Horsens Municipality and runs from the source towards Ry. The range of stage lengths also makes it possible to plan the route in sections of varying sizes.

Culture

The Fængselsmuseet is housed in the former prison buildings in Horsens, which were used as a prison from 1853 to 2006. The exhibitions cover topics including drugs, the biker gang and the last execution by axe in Denmark; the museum also includes an 18-metre-long escape tunnel. Guided tours, children’s activities and lectures complement the programme.

The Industrimuseet has an industrial history-themed playground with a seven-metre-high slide attached to a gas tank. The museum displays historic engines and machines, some of which can be operated during visits.

Horsens Art Museum collects experimental contemporary art, with a focus on Danish art. It has been located in Caroline Amalielund since 1984 and presents art both indoors and outdoors.

Historical Connections

The Horsens–Silkeborg Nature Trail is a 61-kilometre-long, asphalted and almost car-free route for cyclists, hikers and horse riders. It passes several historic sites connected with the former railway, including several old station buildings. Den Genfundne Bro is a restored cultural-historic railway bridge and an example of industrial engineering; it was uncovered and restored in 2014.

Den Genfundne Bro has a large car park as well as tables and benches for picnics. Wheelchair access is via a level asphalt path from the car park.

Urban History

Horsens Museum presents a wide range of exhibitions on the development of the town from prehistory to the present day. Its impressive collection comprises thousands of archaeological finds illustrating social development and ways of life over 10,000 years.

The Sculpture Avenue provides an opportunity to stroll among more than 30 sculptures in Horsens’ public spaces. The street names Graven and Kattesund reveal the original medieval layout of the merchant town: Graven follows the former western rampart and moat, while Kattesund recalls an earlier northern palisade.

Vor Frelsers Kirke is one of the oldest surviving cultural environments in the merchant town of Horsens. Vitus Bering was born and grew up in Horsens.

For the broader travel overview: Central Jutland.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Horsens.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Syddjurs Municipality.