Havndal combines the history of a former railway town with trails and natural attractions nearby. At Udbyover Sø, you’ll find a footpath and a publicly accessible picnic shelter; nearby routes pass through a variety of landscapes. The town’s church history and efforts to preserve its character also give Havndal a distinctive cultural identity.

Church, Local History and Architectural Heritage

Havndal Church was originally a chapel and was inaugurated as a church in 1930. Its new altar, created by artist Erik Heide from Mors, depicts the empty tomb with Christ’s burial cloths. Havndal itself is a former railway town. The town’s history is reflected both in the church and in the development of the town.

Havndal has been designated a cultural environment. Numerous buildings are considered worthy of preservation both individually and for their urban structure and layout. The focus is therefore not only on individual buildings, but also on how they relate to one another within the townscape.

Near Havndal, a runestone about 1.5 metres high stands by Dalbyover Church. Its inscription is dated to the Late Viking Age, between 970 and 1020. There is a public car park and a public toilet there. The church is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; access is also possible when the cemetery gardener is working, or by appointment. Opening arrangements may change, so check the conditions before your visit.

At Udbyover Sø and Along the Trails

Udbyover Sø can be seen from the school and hall on the eastern edge of Havndal. North of Havndalhallen is a publicly accessible picnic shelter, where you can eat food you’ve brought and enjoy the view of the lake. The Søstien at Udbyover Sø is a footpath; cycling and horse riding are not permitted. This is important to keep in mind when planning your route for different modes of travel.

Nearby, a four-kilometre starting route of the Randers Fjord Stien begins at Udbyhøj Marina. At Udbyhøj Nord, a green, three-kilometre route runs from the marina along the dykes to the shelter site and back via Udbyhøj. The distances provide a clear guide when choosing a route: the starting route is four kilometres long, and the green route is three kilometres. Another option is the marked, five-kilometre route in the Ajstrup Bugt Nature Reserve. It passes through heathland, grassland and woodland, offering a different landscape from the trails by the water.

The shelter site at Udbyhøj Nord has a shelter, tables, benches and a multi-stall toilet. Water is available on the outside wall of the Fjordcentret. For longer routes, the Hadsundbanen is another option: this seven-kilometre combined cycling and walking path follows the former railway line between Åmølle and Trudsholm on Mariager Fjord near Havndal. It is part of National Cycle Route 5 and the North Sea Trail.

Mill and Restoration

Lyshøj Mill dates from 1894 and was originally operated as a cooperative mill. Every Thursday, volunteer millwrights work on its restoration and share their knowledge with anyone interested in following the process. As dates may change, check in advance if you’d like to see the restoration work.

Discover more destinations: Fårup, Binderup, Gjerlev, Randers, Langå, Dagsvad, Sødring.

Return to the main travel overview: Randers Municipality.