Walking in Denmark’s Lake District

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Day 1: Arrive Ry

Your hiking holiday starts in Ry, where you stay in Knudhule Badehotel, situated by lake Knudsø about 2km from the centre of Ry. Knudhule Badehotel was named the best ‘badehotel’ (sea or lakeside hotel) in Denmark in 2019. It is possible to swim in Knudsø. Dinner is available at the hotel restaurant (not included).

• Accommodation: Knudhule Badehotel or Hotel Ry similar in Ry

Day 2: Ry – Himmelbjerget – Gammel Rye | 14km

If you are staying at Knudhule Badehotel, your first day’s walk begins with a pleasant stroll along the shore of Lake Knudsø into the village of Ry. From the centre of Ry, you cross the bridge that divides the lakes Lillesø and Ry Mølle Sø. You then turn westwards along forest paths toward Himmelbjerget. After about 9km, a steep path takes you from the shore of Lake Julsø, the top of Himmelbjerget (147m). Visit the small shops selling souvenirs and snacks and read about the historical folk meetings on the “mountain”. You might also climb the Himmelbjerg Tower to get the ultimate view over the Lake District. To reach your accommodation in Gammel Rye, you will walk a further 3km southwards along forest paths to the village.

• Walking for the day: 14km, 4h, ↑197m ↓142m
• Accommodation: Lyng Dal Hotel or similar in Gammel Rye

Day 3: Gammel Rye – Silkeborg | 21km

Today’s route will take you through the Lake District along a well-marked path, which meanders through the forest and along the serene shores of numerous lakes. From Himmelbjerget, you descend to the edge of Julsø lake, where the ferries dock at Hotel Julsø. From here, you continue along a small path that runs along the banks of Julsø with stunning views over the lake. Shortly after, you reach the Skyttehuset campsite at the Svejbæk passage. Here you can enjoy a refreshment in the café that has a lovely lake view. You can also take a small solar-powered ferry or rent a rowing boat and row to the other side of the Svejbæk passage (88m) to have a bite to eat at Ålekroen – an old inn with tables by the water, which is renowned for its great food. The next section takes you along the lakes of Borre Sø and Slåen Sø. The water in Slåen Sø is said to be so fresh and clean that you can drink it! Next, you continue along a narrow strip of land between lakes Brassø and Vejlsø to the banks of Denmark’s longest river – Gudenåen. You follow the riverside path along Gudenåen into the heart of the beautifully located town of Silkeborg. If you wish to shorten your walk today, you can jump on one of the historic steamboats and enjoy a gentle cruise to the Lake District capital of Silkeborg.

• Walking for the day: 21km, 5h, ↑270m ↓315m
• Accommodation: Gl. Skovridergaard Hotel or similar in Silkeborg

Day 4: Silkeborg – Svostrup | 12km

From Silkeborg, you continue along Gudenåen following Trækstien. Historically, the trail was created for horses and bargemen, who once pulled great barges filled with goods between the towns of Silkeborg and Randers. Over the last few years, the trail has been extensively renovated with a raised gravel track enabling you to walk with dry feet in this flood-prone area. On the first part of the track, you walk along the lake Silkeborg Langsø before continuing along Gudenåen. Shortly before Svostrup, the river widens out in the lake Sminge Sø, famous for its birdlife, which you can observe from a bird tower. Shortly after that, you reach the old inn, Svostrup Kro, where you overnight.

• Walking for the day: 12km, 4h, ↑48m ↓48m
• Accommodation: Svostrup Kro or similar in Svostrup

Day 5: Svostrup – Kongensbro | 10km

Today you continue towards Kongensbro. Shortly after having left Svostrup, you will see Tvilum church on the opposite side of the river. The church was built in 1250 as an abbey for the Order of Saint Augustine. It was also used for an overnight stay by the king of Denmark in medieval times, on his travels around Jutland. You continue your walk along the river in an idyllic and peaceful landscape, finishing up at Kongensbro Kro, another charming inn with an atmosphere of times long gone by.

• Walking for the day: 10km, 3h, ↑41m ↓44m
• Accommodation: Kongensbro Kro or similar in Kongensbro

Day 6: Kongensbro – Bjerringbro and Departure/Extra Night | 18km

From Kongensbro Kro, you continue along Trækstien, pass a bridge to the village of Ans, where it’s possible to take a small detour for lunch at the local inn. After Ans, you reach Tange Sø and follow the trail along the eastern side of the lake, and you reach Gudenåcentralen – the largest hydroelectric power station in Denmark, which opened in 1921. The power station is now home to an Energy Museum, with cafés and a variety of experiences for the whole family. After another 4 km along Gudenåen, you reach Bjerringbro, where the tour ends. From Bjerringbro, you can either take the train back to Ry or to Viborg (17min) for an extra stay. As one of the oldest towns in Jutland and as an old episcopal residence, Viborg has many places of interest and is a charming lakeside town. We can arrange extra nights in Ry, Viborg or the nearby Silkeborg.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 5h, ↑94m ↓104m
• No overnight included, but can be optionally booked

Click to view default hotels

• Knudhule Badehotel or Hotel Ry (Ry)
• Lyng Dal Hotel (Gammel Rye)
• Gl. Skovridergaard Hotel (Silkeborg)
• Svostrup Kro (Svostrup)
• Kongensbro Kro (Kongensbro)

*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.

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Arrival

• From Aarhus Airport – take bus 122 to Aarhus Rutebilstation (departing every 2h, journey time 1 hr). Then train from Aarhus H to Ry (departing every hour, journey 30min).
• From Billund Airport – first, take bus no. 43 to Vejle (bus runs every 30min, journey time 30min). From there, you take a train to Ry, with change at Skanderborg (departing every hour, journey time less than 1h).
• From Copenhagen Airport – take a train to Ry, with a change in Skanderborg (departing every hour, journey time 3h).
• From Aalborg Airport – take bus 71 to Aalborg Busterminal. Then take a train to Ry, with a change in Aarhus (departing every hour, journey time 2.5h approx). From Ry train station you can either walk the last 2,5km to the hotel or take a taxi.

Departure

• There is a train station in Bjerringbro where you can catch a train for your onward journey.

See up-to-date train schedules here: https://www.dsb.dk/en/.