Østbirk brings together church history, agricultural settlement history and nature trails. Præstegårdsmark is on the northeastern edge of the town, and Natur Østbirk is to the west. The history of the first VELUX factory also leads to Østbirk, near Horsens. The VELUX Collection explores the company, its founder, industrial history and the development of its products. The range of themes thus extends from church art to the former railway line.

Church, Colony and Industrial History

Østbirk Church was built around 1200. Its Gothic altarpiece was created around 1480 and brought to the church in 1582. The National Museum’s church records date the fittings of the Grabow burial chapel in Østbirk Church to 1768; it contains five sarcophagi belonging to the Grabow family. The dates mark different stages: the construction of the church, the creation of the altarpiece, its arrival and the fitting out of the burial chapel. Three historical themes offer different ways to explore the area: church art, the farms at Præstegårdsmark, and the VELUX Collection, with its history of the company and its products.

Østbirk Præstegårdsmark, a state-established smallholding colony, lies on the northeastern edge of Østbirk. It was established in 1922 by dividing the parsonage lands. The settlement consists of five farms along a straight road. Præstegårdsmark is also home to two protected burial mounds and six that have been ploughed over. The 1922 division marks a different period from the medieval church history, making agricultural reorganisation a theme in its own right.

The VELUX Collection presents the history of the company, its founder, the industry and product development. The first VELUX factory, established in Østbirk near Horsens, provides a local connection. Visitors to the Collection can park at Industrivej 19D and walk the final stretch along the blue path. An elevator connects the two floors of the building; several toilets are available, and all visitors are welcome.

Nature Area and Trails

Natur Østbirk is a nature area in the western part of Østbirk. Five nature features offer views, arm training, relaxation and enjoyment of nature. Activities range from physical exercise to relaxation, providing different ways to spend time in the nature area.

The Horsens-Silkeborg Nature Trail, also known as Bryrupbanestien, winds around Natur Østbirk. It is 61 kilometres long and is a route for walking, cycling and horse riding; it follows the former Bryrupbanen railway line. An 11-kilometre walking route also passes through Østbirk. The different lengths clearly distinguish the two routes: the one through Østbirk is shorter, while the 61-kilometre route also mentions cycling and horse riding. Their geographical descriptions differ too: one route passes through the town, while the other winds around Natur Østbirk.

Discover more destinations: Brædstrup, Hovedgård, Slagballe, Assendrup, Horsens

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