Holiday apartment in Horsens – fjord trails, Endelave and culture

Around Horsens Fjord, there is an approximately 60-kilometre-long, continuous and signposted hiking route, as well as a corresponding cycling route that crosses several municipal boundaries. The route and the cycling path provide hikers and cyclists with access to the nature near the fjord. Another notable connection between exercise and history is the Horsens–Silkeborg Nature Trail: The 61-kilometre-long, paved and almost car-free route is designed for cyclists, hikers and horse riders and passes several historical sites associated with the former railway, including several old station buildings.

Nature

The Gudenå Trail extends a particularly long route through the region. It is 175 kilometres long and follows Denmark's longest river, from its source on the Jutland Ridge through the Søhøjlandet to the edge of Randers Fjord. The trail is divided into 18 stages, each between 6 and 14 kilometres long. One stage leads through Horsens Municipality and runs from the source towards Ry.

Endelave is also part of this landscape. The island lies in the Kattegat off Horsens Fjord. Endelave offers hiking and cycling tours through varied and unspoilt nature in every season and is known for its many wild rabbits. A rabbit tour offers good chances of observing the animals. The Endelave ferry is operated by Horsens Municipality and runs daily between Endelave and the ferry port of Snaptun; the crossing takes about one hour.

Culture

The Fængselsmuseet is located in the former prison buildings of Horsens, which were used as a prison from 1853 to 2006. The exhibitions cover topics including drugs, the biker gang and the last execution by axe in Denmark. The museum also includes an 18-metre-long escape tunnel. Guided tours, children's activities and lectures complement the exhibitions.

The Industrimuseet focuses on historical engines and machines, some of which can be put into operation during a visit. The museum also includes a playground themed around industrial history, with a seven-metre-high slide attached to a gas tank. Horsens Art Museum collects experimental contemporary art, with a focus on Danish art. It has been located in Caroline Amalielund since 1984 and presents art both indoors and outdoors.

The industrial past is also visible at the restored cultural-historical railway bridge Den Genfundne Bro. The bridge is an example of industrial engineering and was uncovered and restored in 2014. There is a large car park nearby, as well as tables and benches for picnics. Wheelchair access is via a level asphalt path from the car park.

History

Horsens Museum presents diverse exhibitions on the development of the city from prehistoric times to the present day. Its impressive collection comprises thousands of archaeological finds that illustrate social development and ways of life over 10,000 years. In the public spaces of Horsens, the Skulpturalléen enables visitors to take a walk among more than 30 sculptures.

The medieval urban structure can even be seen in the street names. Graven follows the former western rampart and moat, while Kattesund recalls a former northern palisade. Vor Frelsers Kirke is one of the oldest surviving cultural environments in the merchants' town of Horsens. Vitus Bering was born and grew up in Horsens.

Further local pages: Østbirk, Horsens, Brædstrup, Slagballe, Hovedgård, Assendrup. Further municipality pages: Lemvig Municipality, Herning Municipality.

To the higher-level travel overview: Central Jutland.