Kølkær: Hiking Trails, Lakes and Lignite Mining Landscape

Kølkær is an interesting destination for anyone who wants to combine nature experiences with regional history. The Kølkær routes lead through Søby Brunkulslejer and its lake and woodland areas. There, an unusual landscape recalls the era of lignite mining: After extraction ended in 1970, embankments up to 30 m high made from excavated sand and around 50 lakes were created. In 2007, Søby Brunkulslejer was protected as a unique cultural landscape. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Kølkær can therefore easily plan their trip around days of hiking, excursions by the water and explorations of cultural history.

Hiking and cycling around Kølkær

The Kølkær routes begin and end at Kølkær Idrætscenter, Søbysøvej 7, 7400 Herning. Walking routes of 4 km, 8 km and 10 km have been designated in Kølkær. This allows you to compare different day plans without having to commit to a single route length. An approximately 8 km-long Kølkær route passes Elmers Hus and combines outdoor exercise with a historical stopover.

There is also a marked, safe hiking trail around Langesø in Søby Brunkulslejer. Blue markings on the trees indicate the way. For cycle tourists, national cycle route 4 crosses the area along Brunkulsvej. This gives you various options for getting around during your holiday: a walk on a designated Kølkær route, a loop around the lake or a longer stage by bicycle.

Lake Landscape and Lignite Mining History

Langesø is a deep bathing lake in the area between Fasterholt and Kølkær. Together with the woodland areas, slopes and many other lakes, it shapes the character of Søby Brunkulslejer. Anyone wishing to learn more about the history of this landscape can enquire about a guided tour at the Søby Brunkulsmuseum. On request, the museum can organise two-hour guided tours through the lignite mines. The tour begins at the museum and can be completed by car, bicycle or on foot; the price is DKK 500.

Lignite mining in Søby created an important workplace and a workers’ settlement on the former heath from 1940 onwards. Elmers Hus was formerly used as a weighbridge for weighing coal on lorries. Today, the house has seating and a public toilet that can be used year-round. In this way, nature, industrial history and a break during the excursion can be combined without implying a specific circular route or a fixed visiting duration.

Church, Cemetery and Local Traditions

Kølkær Kirke also offers a point of connection to cultural history. It was built in 1891 as a red-brick building with a copper roof. The altarpiece dates from the 16th century and comes from the old Herning Kirke. To gain access to Kølkær Kirke, visitors are expected to contact the cemetery staff; this rule does not apply on Mondays. The cemetery around the church is exceptionally well maintained and well laid out. The grounds and carefully tended plants are intended to invite visitors to take a walk.

Community life is also visible outside the church building. The Kølkær parish holds outdoor services in the vicarage garden as well as sunset services at Søby Sø. A town festival takes place in Kølkær every year in week 23. In addition, for several years the Søby Brunkulsmuseum has held a gathering on the second Saturday in June to commemorate the lignite-mining families. Alongside the landscape, these events give the town a local and community-oriented character.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Day

When choosing accommodation in Kølkær, it is worth deciding in advance what type of holiday you want: Should the trip consist primarily of walks, focus on the history of lignite mining, or also include cycling, water and local traditions? For anglers, the Kølkær section of the Fjederholt Å is of interest. The fishing area begins approximately 3 km upstream at the Kølkær bridge.

There are two shelters at Kølkær shelterplads. One can be reserved, while the other is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of Kølkær shelterplads. Kølkær Anlæg is intended to provide rest areas and maintain a path. Take this information into account when coordinating your excursions, breaks and choice between a holiday apartment and a holiday house.

Other Places to Compare

If you would like to compare other places at the same destination level when planning your trip, you can find Ikast, Vildbjerg, Troldhede, Skærbæk, Avlum, Sørvad, Kibæk and Stakroge here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Herning Municipality.