Svostrup brings together tangible connections to the Gudenå, architectural history and route planning. Svostrup Church stands at a former river crossing, and Svostrup Kro is right by the river. Stage 11 of the Gudenåstien and a canoe route add different perspectives on how to explore the area. You can consider cultural history, a stage of a hiking route and a trip on the water as different focal points for your stay.

Church and river history

Svostrup Church was built in the Romanesque style at the end of the 12th century. It stands at a former crossing of the Gudenå. The date of construction and the location offer two different points of reference: the church belongs to the Romanesque period, while its location points to an earlier river crossing.

The frescoes date from the 15th century and were uncovered during an extensive restoration in 2006–2007. This gives three distinct points in time: the church’s construction at the end of the 12th century, the 15th-century frescoes and their discovery during the later restoration. If you are interested in architectural history, this sequence offers a tangible look at different phases of the same building.

The inn and its connection to the Gudenå

Svostrup Kro is a historic manor house and a royally licensed inn for inland waterway boatmen; it has held the royal licence since 1834. The inn is right by the Gudenå. Its historical significance highlights something different from the church: the church is associated with a former river crossing, while the inn is connected to inland waterway traffic. Together, the two places show different historical relationships with the same river.

Hiking routes with different points of reference

Stage 11 of the Gudenåstien runs north from the town of Silkeborg along the Gudenå river to Svostrup. It therefore has a clearly named starting point, direction and destination. When planning your trip, you can think of this section as a route from Silkeborg to Svostrup.

There are no steps or stairs along the Trækstien route, and it is suitable for strollers, bicycles, wheelchairs and walkers. This gives you two different criteria to consider: for the Gudenåstien, the route from Silkeborg to Svostrup is described; for the Trækstien, the path conditions and suitable modes of transport are specified. If you plan to use one of these, its suitability is a practical consideration when choosing your route.

By canoe via Sminge to Svostrup

The canoe route passes through the meadows at Sminge and continues to Svostrup. There is a landing point by the hostel in Svostrup. Check the landing arrangements before setting off if you plan to make the canoe trip a fixed part of your stay. The stretch of landscape at Sminge and the landing point in Svostrup are two specific points of reference for this route.

Tailor your stay to your interests

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Svostrup, you can tailor your stay to the different themes: the church and its frescoes, the river history of the church and the inn, the Gudenåstien stage from Silkeborg to Svostrup, or the canoe route via Sminge.

Discover more destinations: Kongensbro, Gjern Municipality, Them Municipality, Bording, Lemming, Ry, Kjellerup, Guldforhoved

For the overview of the wider area: Silkeborg Municipality.