Aalestrup Municipality brings together cycling history and nature in different ways: Danmarks Cykelmuseum explores the technical development of the bicycle, while Himmerlandsstien is a nature, walking and cycling route. There are also deciduous forests, Aalestrup Church and Simested Å. The focus you choose depends on whether you are particularly interested in technology, landscapes, local history or fishing.

Cycling history and Himmerlandsstien

Danmarks Cykelmuseum is the only museum in the Nordic region to explore the technical development of bicycles in detail over time. Its collection includes more than 200 bicycles, ranging from wooden bicycles and the “Væltepeter” to well-known modern models; the collection may change. It offers a look at everything from early designs to later developments.

The museum is housed in a building erected in 1921 as the director’s residence for the “Jyden” bicycle factory. This connects the history of bicycles with the industrial history of the building: the collection focuses on technical development, while the building recalls the bicycle factory.

Himmerlandsstien stretches from Løgstør to Viborg. This nature, walking and cycling route has a crushed-stone surface. Its origins date back to the former railway line that ran from Løgstør via Aalestrup to Hobro or Viborg and was converted into the Himmerlandsstien cycling route.

The landscape is also one of the route’s defining features. It passes through hilly moraine landscapes, heathland, meadows near the fjords and large meltwater valleys. For planning purposes, the distinction is clear: the museum explores the technical development of the bicycle, while Himmerlandsstien takes you through changing landscapes.

Forests and culture in Aalestrup

Baneskoven and Åglimt offer different kinds of woodland. Baneskoven covers 6.5 hectares and is a deciduous forest dominated by beech, along with other mixed deciduous trees. At about 2 hectares, Åglimt is smaller and is also a mixed deciduous forest, but is mainly characterised by oak. Larches grow in its western part.

A path through Åglimt connects the forest with Den Jydske Rosenpark and the shelter site. The rose park is set in natural surroundings by Simested Å, adding a river setting to the woodland areas.

Aalestrup Church stands in the heart of the town and is easy to reach on foot. After a fire in the late 1980s, the church remained closed for almost a year. During that time, it was restored and repainted—a specific chapter in its architectural history, alongside its central location.

Simested Å: fishing and leisure

Simested Å has clear water and good fishing opportunities, especially for trout; local conditions may vary. Ålestrup Lystfiskerforening maintains many kilometres of fishing waters along Simested Å. As access arrangements may change, check them before fishing. In addition to a state fishing licence, you also need a local fishing licence; check the current requirements again in advance.

For play facilities, there is the Bevægelsesparken playground by Rosenparkens Pavillon. It offers play opportunities for all age groups; facilities may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting. Aalestrup Friluftsbad has three pools: a 25-metre pool, a practice pool and a diving pool. As operating facilities may change seasonally, check the latest seasonal information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Ranum, Trend, Ertebølle, Gundersted, Strandby, Hvalpsund, Næsborg, Gatten.

For the wider travel overview: Vesthimmerland.