Tange Sø tells the story of an intervention in the Gudenå: it was created in 1920 by damming the river in connection with the construction of Tangeværket and is Denmark’s largest artificial lake. The landscape around Ans is also shaped by numerous meltwater ravines, formed as the ice melted. This gives you a clear focus when choosing a destination: waterscapes, geological features and the history of river traffic come together in the themes that define Ans.
Landscape, forest and lakeshore
In the forest area near Knolden, there are views over Tange Sø and Ans. There is also a dog forest at Knolden, a specific place to visit for travellers with a dog. If you are looking for different landscape experiences, you can combine this viewpoint with a visit to the shore: there is a designated bathing area at Ans Søbred. Check the current local bathing notices before swimming. The Solsneglen sculpture stands north of the toilet building at Ans Søbred; its location also serves as a clear landmark on the shore.
Ans and the history of the Gudenå
From the early Middle Ages until the railway network was expanded towards the end of the 19th century, Ans was a trading and loading point for barge traffic on the Gudenå. In the 19th century, Ans Kro was one of the taverns for boatmen along the Gudenå and served as a resting place for barge traffic. The history of the inn can be traced back to around 1640. These time periods show different sides of the town: Ans Kro is connected with the later river traffic, while Ans played a longer historical role as a trading and loading point.
Ans Kirke also gives the townscape a historical connection. The Neo-Gothic church stands in the centre of Ans and became a landmark of the town. In 1958, it was officially inaugurated for full church services. A town walk takes you along Vestre Langgade, Markedsgade, Søgade, Østre Langgade and Søndermarksgade. This sequence of streets provides a practical route for anyone who wants to connect the walk with the town’s history.
Getting around on foot and by bike
Two different routes are important when choosing your route. The Trækstien can be used on foot or by bike from Ans to Tangeværket. By contrast, Stage 14 of the Gudenåstien runs from Frisholtvej, the road across Tange Sø, via Ans to Bjerringbro. The routes therefore differ both in their stated endpoints and in that the Trækstien can specifically be used on foot or by bike. Conditions on both trails can change; check them before setting out.
Another option for cycling enthusiasts is the MTB training course run by Ans IF. It is about one kilometre long and includes blue and red grades. Its approximate length and the grades listed provide a factual guide to the course without assuming a particular riding time. If you want to include different types of activity during your stay, you can consider this brief course description alongside the longer routes.
Getting there and planning
Ans can be reached by bus route 73 from Silkeborg, Randers and Bjerringbro. As travel information can change, check the current timetable before your trip. There is a car park at Ans Bro on Frisholtvej, on the east side of Tange Sø. These two travel details offer different guidance: a bus connection from three named places and a specific car park by the lake.
Ans offers more than a single focus for planning a trip: you can explore its river history, Neo-Gothic church, trails, or landscape viewpoints at Knolden and by the shore. You can weigh up which of these aspects will shape your trip using the places and routes listed, without needing to combine them into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Ans By, Roe, Ry, Bording, Linå, Them Municipality, Guldforhoved, Silkeborg
For the broader travel overview: Silkeborg Municipality.
