The Gudenå Trail is 175 kilometres long. Its section in Favrskov runs from Laurbjerg through Ulstrup towards Bjerringbro. Those who want to explore the area on foot will find trails of varying lengths and landscapes, from river valleys to historic sites along the way.

Hiking between river and valley

Another hiking trail, the Gudenå Valley Trail, is 19.5 kilometres long. It runs from Laurbjerg through Ulstrup towards Bjerringbro along the south bank of the Gudenå and passes right by Busbjerg. At 92 metres high, Busbjerg offers views over the Gudenå Valley and is well suited to hikes and nature experiences. Check the route description and information about facilities along the way before setting out.

The Lilleå and Lilleå Valley also shape the landscape: between Hadsten and Hinnerup, they run through Favrskov, surrounded by diverse flora and fauna. The Lilleå stretches for 37 kilometres from its source south of Lading, through Hinnerup and Hadsten, to its mouth at the Gudenå near Langå. In Hinnerup, a public path runs along the Lilleå; there are further access points to the Lilleå Valley at Nørregade. There is also a hiking route near Sahara road. Alling Ådal offers a different type of landscape, with meadows, marshes and lakes.

The Tapetser spider is also interesting for nature watching at Busbjerg. It lives in colonies on warm, south-facing slopes in dry, hilly terrain; its presence can vary seasonally. Those interested in fishing will find Fiskeparken Svejstrup trout lake in Favrskov, where fishing is possible year-round. The Lilleå is known for sea trout fishing. The Gudenå has more than 20 fish species; the stretch downstream of Tange Sø is particularly known for salmon, pike, sea trout, zander and perch.

Cycling routes with different profiles

The Kulturringen cycling route crosses Favrskov. Its section can be divided into three stretches: 18.7 kilometres from Pøt Mølle to the Gudenå, 24.4 kilometres from the Gudenå to Laurbjerg, and another 24.4 kilometres from Laurbjerg to Clausholm. The route thus links named sections with different start and end points.

There are two named mountain-bike trails near Hammel: Klintholmsporet is four kilometres long, and Hammel Mølleskov is seven kilometres long. Between Ulstrup and Amstrup Bakker there is an intense, approximately 3.5-kilometre-long facility course with many technical challenges in hilly terrain. The route in Hinnerup is about 6.5 kilometres long, technically demanding in several places, and starts and ends at Hinnerup Bibliotek & Kulturhus. The routes therefore differ considerably in length, layout and technical difficulty.

Mills, castles and history

Pøt Mølle lies in hilly terrain in Granslev Ådal, surrounded by the Frijsenborg forests northeast of Hammel. The mill was initially a grain mill and was later converted into a watermill. The three-winged mill courtyard was built around 1890; the mill building is an exact copy of its predecessor, which burned down in 1954. Today, the historic complex houses a restaurant. Check its current use before visiting.

Near Vejerslev is Høj Stene, a reconstructed Iron Age burial monument right by the Gudenå and the Trækstien. This makes it possible to combine a visit with a hike or canoe trip. At Søbygård, by contrast, the story centres on a failed attempt to establish a monastery: an Augustinian convent was planned there in the early 15th century; by 1428, only one nun remained on the estate. The manor house and medieval ramparts are not open to the public and can only be viewed from the road.

Clausholm Castle near Hadsten is one of Denmark’s best-preserved Baroque complexes from the 17th century. A historic park and stories of royal love are also part of the site. Voldum Church, built mainly in 1606 and closely associated with Clausholm Castle, is notable for its carved altarpiece from the workshop of Peder Jensen Kolding and its richly carved early 17th-century pulpit. The pulpit is supported by Moses holding the tablets of the Law.

Those interested in railway history will find Modelbane Europa in Hadsten. The exhibition showcases more than 80 trains and 100 years of railway history in miniature landscapes. Visitors can set the East Jutland main line in miniature in motion at the push of a button.

Events and getting there

The annual summer Busbjerg plays are held at Busbjerg; the tradition began in 1945. Performances and dates vary from year to year. Hammel Hestemarked is also an annual event. The market includes a flea market, fairground rides, food stalls, animals, and activities for children and adults; it has been held since 1972. The programme and event dates change each year.

Hadsten station is on the railway line between Aarhus and Randers, served by InterCity trains. As train services and timetables may change, check them before travelling.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Laurbjerg, Truust, Hadsten, Hammel, Ulstrup, Sporup, Hadbjerg, Hinnerup

Back to the main travel overview: Central Jutland.