Landscape, lake and river

Tange lies in a setting where river, lake and forest are all close together. Tange Sø is Denmark’s largest artificial lake and offers opportunities for fishing. Water also shapes the technical side of the area: Tangeværket, also known as Gudenaacentralen, has been generating electricity since 1921. In Tange, lakeside landscapes meet a tangible history of hydropower. The lake and the power station are connected by the river: at Tangeværket, the Gudenå flows on from Tange Sø. For travellers looking to combine nature and the history of technology in one destination, this relationship gives Tange a distinct character. There are also two different ways to enjoy the water: fishing in the lake and paddling on the Gudenå.

Technology and river heritage

At the Energimuseet, you can see the Tangeværket’s machine hall with its three 100-year-old generators. The hydropower exhibition explains how the power station works, and visitors can try out Francis, Pelton and Kaplan turbines. The two museum themes offer different experiences: the generators are the focus in the hall, while the exhibition explores how the station works and lets you try things out for yourself. Kågen, the last flat-bottomed barge to travel on the Gudenå, is part of the river’s history. The Energimuseet also puts on a Tesla coil lightning show. Kågen offers a different perspective from the canoe and kayak launch site at Tangeværket: it represents the history of river transport, while the launch site is associated with paddling.

Paddling on the Gudenå

There is a canoe and kayak launch site at Tangeværket. It is accessible from the Energimuseet car park, and there is a toilet block, tables and benches nearby. Information about the route ahead is also important when choosing where to paddle: the approximately 40-kilometre Gudenåen canoe route from Silkeborg to Bjerringbro enters Tange Sø shortly after Kongensbro. It therefore connects Silkeborg and Bjerringbro and is not described as a loop around the lake. On the Gudenåen route, boats must be carried around Gudenåcentralen. Regional Route 16 from Aarhus to Viborg passes by the artificial Tange Sø.

Walking trails and regional nature

There are several places to explore on foot, too. You can walk along the 800-metre dam at Tangeværket; the hiking route around Tange Sø follows the old towpath. The 800-metre dam is a clear option for a short walk, while those wishing to follow the old towpath can do so on the route around the lake. Tange Sø has large recreational areas and many facilities. On a regional scale, the Trækstien is an approximately 70-kilometre nature trail running along the Gudenå from Silkeborg to Randers. It offers nature experiences in varied, partly difficult-to-access landscapes. Take this accessibility limitation into account when planning your hike. Compared with the short walk along the dam, the Trækstien is a hike on a much larger scale.

Discover more destinations: Skals, Hjarbæk, Bjerringbro, Møldrup, Rødkærsbro, Stoholm, Tjele, Viborg

For the broader travel overview: Viborg Municipality.