Brande combines public art and architectural history with opportunities to spend time outdoors. When planning a stay, you can focus on two things: murals, churches and the former locomotive workshop on the one hand, and trails of different lengths and uses on the other. This lets you balance cultural history and activity according to your interests.
Murals and cultural history
The Gavlmalerierne give public art a specific historical context. In the summer of 1968, after several months of work, 23 colourful, large-scale works were created in Brande. They were originally conceived as an open-air gallery without fixed opening hours. Brande was named Årets By, or “Town of the Year,” in 1969, in part because of the murals; public art has been a characteristic feature of the town ever since. The chronology from the project to the award makes the murals part of Brande’s cultural history.
Another cultural landmark is RemisenBrande. The old locomotive shed was completely renovated before RemisenBrande was inaugurated in 2006. Today, the historic locomotive workshop provides a year-round setting for conferences and cultural events. Its history connects its former use as a workshop with its present-day use as an event venue.
Church architecture with distinct features
Brande Church is in the centre of Brande and is originally Romanesque, with later additions. Brande Baptist Church is notable for its unusual, unconventional architecture and numerous symbols. Reclaimed materials, including fieldstones, glass and rough-hewn wood, were used in its entrance area. The two churches therefore present different architectural features: Brande Church is defined by its Romanesque origins and later building phases, while the Baptist church stands out for its symbolism and choice of materials.
The river and the history of watermills
The Brande Å winds its way through Brande and flows into the Skjern Å on the northern outskirts of town. The history of watermills is also part of the river’s story: Stampen and Langkær Mølle were the oldest watermills on the Brande Å. Both ground grain for the region’s farmers. The river can therefore be understood both through its course through the town and where it flows into another river, and through its former use for grain processing.
Compare trails by length and use
The Branderuten is about 18 km long, can also be walked and is marked along the route with pictograms on posts. The Hjertestien in Brande was established by the Hjerteforeningen and is about 7 km long; it can be used for walking and cycling. In terms of length, the Hjertestien is considerably shorter than the Branderuten. You can therefore choose between the two routes based on how far you want to go; cycling is also listed as an option on the Hjertestien.
If you plan to walk the Branderuten, check local trail conditions before setting out and, if needed, check the markings along the route.
Discover more destinations: Ejstrupholm, Engesvang, Hampen, Smedebæk, Nørre Snede.
Go to the overview of destinations: Ikast-Brande Municipality.
