A walking trail along an old railway line, different route lengths across the moor, and a church with artworks spanning several centuries give Gelsted Parish plenty to explore. When planning your trip, you can focus separately on nature and culture and plan your travel accordingly.
Walking Trails and Moorland Landscape
The Brænde Ådal river valley cuts up to 20 metres into the landscape between Aarup and Håre. There are viewpoints along the route through the valley. Cycle Route 71 passes through the area; marked walking trails can be found in Brænde Ådal in the municipalities of Middelfart and Assens. The protected early purple orchid blooms in May and June on the wet lowland meadows along the river. The flowering period can vary, so plan your visit around the conditions on the day.
Holmeskoven, covering about 25 hectares, lies south of Gelsted. The forest is part of a larger recreational area with public paths. The Holmeskoven i Gelsted walking route follows an old railway line to Gelsted Mose. Holmeskoven also has a camping site with two shelters. Trail conditions and outdoor facilities can change; check current conditions before your visit.
Håre Mose covers 6.5 hectares and connects a disused gravel pit with small lakes and a restored bog on nutrient-poor soil. A two-kilometre path runs through the area. If you include Håre Bjerge, you can extend the walk to five kilometres. This gives you two different route lengths to choose from, without committing to a specific amount of time.
Church, Market and Danish Design
Gelsted Church combines medieval architectural history with later works of art. Its oldest part, the nave with apse, dates from around 1200; the church also has a medieval entrance portal. The pulpit is part of the old three-winged pulpit from Sct. Knuds Kirke and was made by woodcarver Jens Asmussen in 1591. The altar ensemble includes a glass mosaic image and a metal composition by Mogens Jørgensen and Gudrun Steenberg, created in 1997. A visit lets you take in both the church’s older architecture and its more recent design.
Gelsted Marked is also part of the town’s history: it has been held since 1988, and the concept of a children’s flea market was first introduced in Denmark in Gelsted. Dates and programmes can change; check the latest information if you plan to visit the market. The Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store Gelsted presents a collection of Danish design furniture. Carl Hansen & Søn has been producing Danish design since 1908. The store’s displays and visitor arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check them before planning a visit.
Getting There and Planning Accommodation
Regional trains run from Gelsted Station between Fredericia and Odense. Timetables and service patterns can change; check your connection with DSB before travelling. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: for example, the trails in Brænde Ådal, one of the walks, or architectural and design history. Then plan your journey and individual stops to suit your own itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Middelfart, Bro, Båring Strand, Røjle, Nørre Aaby, Asperup, Båring, Vejlby Fed.
For the overview of the wider area: Middelfart Municipality.
