At Randers, the Randers Fjord and the Gudenå, Denmark’s longest river, meet. From this distinctive geographical point, you can discover two different sides of the municipality: the historical traces in the town of Randers and the nature around the fjord. If you want to combine culture and landscape, you won’t find just one set route here, but a range of themes to explore according to your own interests.
City history, from short walks to longer trails
A self-guided introduction to the city’s history is the three-kilometre Historieruten through central Randers. QR codes add historical images and local stories to the walk. If you plan to follow the route, check access in advance. Even beyond this route, individual buildings show how many eras are represented in the cityscape.
Sct. Mortens Kirke was built from red bricks as part of a large monastery complex in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. It is considered the oldest church in Randers and is the only one of the city’s five medieval churches that is still standing. The Helligåndshuset was part of the same monastery complex. It was built about 600 years ago as a hospital for the monks of Helligåndsklostret. Together, the church and former hospital reveal two different functions within a single monastery complex.
Streets and individual houses also preserve historical forms. Houmeden is one of Randers’ medieval streets that has survived to this day. The listed building Niels Christensen Gård at Brødregade 25 dates from 1663. At Vestergrave 42, a half-timbered house illustrates the façade relationship between Vestergrave and the side building towards Lille Rosengård; it dates from 1600 and was listed in 1919. Another example is the property at Vestergade 35: the half-timbered building, with an arcade facing the courtyard, was built in 1731.
Urban design and art come together in BYPORT 91, a combined urban planning and art project for the city centre that began in 1991. The municipality also features 70 freely accessible sculptures, with photographs and descriptions. These art trails complement the older architectural history with more recent works and projects.
Museums spanning art, history and music
Outsider art takes centre stage at GAIA Museum Outsider Art. Alongside its permanent collection, the museum hosts changing special exhibitions. It also combines its exhibitions with a café, a framing workshop, a shop, a creative workshop and art education. The permanent exhibitions at Museum Østjylland take visitors through the history of the Randers region, covering a period from the first human presence 100,000 years ago to the present day. In the “Middelaldermennesket” exhibition, children can dress up as a monk or noble, try out knights’ weapons and play medieval games.
Randers Art Museum presents more than 250 years of art and shows how Denmark and its art have changed through exchanges with the surrounding world. A dedicated section is devoted to visual artist, Dadaist and poet Sven Dalsgaard. Activities and offerings invite children and adults to explore art. Those interested in music history can visit Memphis Mansion, home to one of the largest private Elvis collections, with memorabilia such as his distinctive stage costumes. The house is a tribute to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll and is, from the outside, largely identical to Graceland in Memphis. Johnny Cash is also featured, with music, handwritten notes, original letters and tour merchandise on display.
Fjord nature and trails of varying lengths
The 293-square-kilometre Randers Fjord Nature Park is designated as a nature park and encompasses a wide variety of nature types. The reeds and salt meadows along the fjord, as well as the fjord itself, are home to a rich birdlife and a wide variety of fish species. Tables, benches, shelters and bird towers are available for free use at several locations; check locally before your visit to see what facilities are available.
In Vorup Enge, a constructed nature trail runs from Randers Regnskov along the Randers Fjord and is suitable for walking or cycling. Two bird towers and a pavilion offer opportunities to experience nature; Vorup Enge is open to the public around the clock. Another cycle route runs for eight kilometres around the remains of the former Gudenå Delta and passes two bird towers. For longer hikes, the Gudenåstien extends beyond the town: this 175-kilometre long-distance trail follows the Gudenå from its source at Tinnet Krat to its mouth at Randers Fjord. This means that a three-kilometre city walk and a long-distance trail of a very different length are both available.
Randers Nature Centre also combines nature themes with outdoor activities. Its outdoor grounds and fire shelter are suitable for use all year round. Public events may include cooking over a fire and Kriblekrable safaris; the programme varies by season and year.
Discover more destinations: Fårup, Randers, Havndal, Sødring, Dagsvad, Langå, Binderup, Gjerlev.
View the broader travel overview: Central Jutland.
