When exploring Kølkær, you’ll encounter both lakes and woodland areas and traces of brown coal mining. Earlier Kølkær routes ran through Søby Brunkulslejer. When planning, it’s worth distinguishing between historical route information and the trails whose markings you can check on site.
Trails, Langesø and cycling route
Earlier pop-up walking routes in Kølkær were listed as 4, 8 and 10 km. A route of about 8 km passed Elmers Hus. The Kølkær routes started and ended at Kølkær Idrætscenter, Søbysøvej 7, 7400 Herning. Before setting out, check whether the routes are accessible and currently signposted, and whether the former starting point is still valid.
A marked walking trail runs around Langesø in Søby Brunkulslejer; blue markings on the trees indicate the route. Check the markings and safety information on site. Langesø is a deep bathing lake in the area between Fasterholt and Kølkær. Another way to navigate is the National Cycle Route 4, which passes through Søby Brunkulslejer along Brunkulsvej. As routes can change, it’s a good idea to check the latest cycling route information before setting off.
The different route lengths can also help with planning: the listed walking routes range from 4 to 10 km, while the route of about 8 km included a stop at Elmers Hus. The distance and destination provide a concrete comparison for planning your own time; however, the historical information is no substitute for checking the current route.
Brown coal landscape and history
From 1940, brown coal mining in Søby provided an important source of employment and created a workers’ settlement on the former heathland. After mining ended in 1970, the excavated sand formed slopes up to 30 m high and around 50 lakes. In 2007, Søby Brunkulslejer was protected as a unique cultural landscape. Today’s landscape of lakes and hills and the history of work in the mines are thus part of the same story, though the former use should not be confused with the landscape as it is today.
Elmers Hus formerly served as a weighbridge, where coal was weighed on trucks. Those wishing to learn more about the mines can arrange a two-hour guided tour on request through the Søby Brunkulsmuseum. It begins at the museum and can take visitors through the brown coal mines by car, bicycle or on foot; the price is DKK 500. The tour is a separate offering and should not be confused with the earlier walking routes.
Church, cemetery and events
Kølkær Kirke was built in 1891 in red brick with a copper roof. The altarpiece dates from the 16th century and comes from the old Herning Kirke. The cemetery around the church is exceptionally well maintained and laid out; its grounds and plants are intended to invite visitors to take a walk. Visitors are asked to contact the cemetery staff for access to the church; this arrangement does not apply on Mondays. Check access before your visit.
The parish’s program includes outdoor services in the vicarage garden and sunset services at Søby Sø. You can find the dates in the parish calendar. Kølkær holds a town festival every year in calendar week 23; check the program for the relevant year. For several years, the Søby Brunkulsmuseum has held a gathering on the second Saturday in June in remembrance of the brown coal families. If any of these events are important to your trip, check the date for the relevant year.
Fishing and outdoor accommodation
The Kølkær section of Fjederholt Å is a fishing area. It begins about 3 km upstream from the Kølkær Bridge. At Kølkær shelterplads there are two shelters: one can be reserved, while the other is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the current reservation and usage rules before relying on them. There is no parking immediately near the shelter site.
Discover more destinations: Sunds, Ørnhøj, Herning, Troldhede, Avlum, Skarrild, Stakroge, Sønder Felding.
For the main travel overview: Herning Municipality.
