Naturcenter Harrild Heath (Naturcenter Harrild Hede)

Historic watermill, wide open heath and clear river meet at Naturcenter Harrild Heath, a calm Central Jutland base for trails, learning and big‑sky nature.

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Naturcenter Harrild Heath

Naturcenter Harrild Heath sits on the edge of one of Denmark’s finest heath landscapes, a protected mosaic of rolling heather, wetlands, forest and the clear Holtum River near Brande in Central Jutland. Based in the former Harrild watermill, the centre is a welcoming gateway to Harrild Hede, with marked walking and cycling trails, picnic areas, a forest playground and simple indoor facilities used for nature school activities. It is an easy, family‑friendly base for exploring a classic Danish heath while spotting birds, deer and big, open skies.

A brief summary to Naturcenter Harrild Heath

Fasterholtvej 36, Brande, 7330, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 6 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Plan at least half a day to combine a visit to the nature centre with one or two marked trails across the heath and along the Holtum River.
Late August and early September are ideal if you want to see the heather in full purple bloom and enjoy softer temperatures on the open heath.
Bring layers and windproof clothing; the flat, open landscape can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than nearby towns, especially outside summer.
If you hope to spot wildlife such as deer or kingfisher, head out on the trails soon after sunrise or in the last light before dusk and move quietly.
Use the information boards near the centre to pick trail colours and distances that match your group’s fitness and mobility before setting off.

Getting There

Car from Ikast / Brande area

Reaching Naturcenter Harrild Heath by car from Ikast, Brande or Nørre Snede typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on your starting town. Roads are paved and straightforward, and the approach crosses open farmland before entering forest and heath. Parking at the nature centre is free and usually sufficient outside major school outing days. Fuel stations are only in nearby towns, so plan refuelling before you set off.
Public transport plus cycling

If you rely on public transport, travel first by regional train or bus to Brande or Ikast, which are linked to larger towns such as Herning and Vejle. From Brande, many visitors continue by bicycle; the ride to the heath area is around 15–20 km and generally takes 45–75 minutes each way on mostly quiet country roads. There is no dedicated bus to the nature centre itself, so this option suits confident cyclists comfortable sharing roads with light traffic.
Cycling from nearby villages

From small villages in the Ikast‑Brande municipality, the nature centre can be reached as part of a half‑day or full‑day cycle tour. Expect riding times of 30–90 minutes depending on distance, with gentle inclines typical of central Jutland. Surfaces are a mix of paved lanes and occasional gravel stretches. There is no fee for entering the heath, and you can leave bikes at informal parking areas near the centre before continuing on foot along the marked trails.

Naturcenter Harrild Heath location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Hot Weather

Discover more about Naturcenter Harrild Heath

A historic watermill turned nature gateway

Naturcenter Harrild Heath is housed in the old Harrild watermill, a solid rural building that once harnessed the power of the Holtum River and now channels curiosity instead. Inside, simple yet functional rooms are used as a base for school classes and groups learning about the surrounding heath, forests and waterways. The centre stands as a bridge between cultural history and contemporary nature management, reflecting Denmark’s long relationship with its open landscapes. Step outside and you move straight from heritage into heathland. The centre’s location makes it a natural starting point for almost any visit to Harrild Hede, whether you are planning a short family stroll, a full‑day hike or a cycle trip that links heath, plantation and river valley. Information boards close to the buildings outline the main routes and highlight how the area has shifted over time from exploited land to protected nature.

Heathland horizons and protected wilderness

Harrild Hede itself is a broad sweep of protected heath, one of the characteristic landscapes of Jutland. Here, low heather, crowberry and grasses keep everything below knee height, so the sky feels immense and the horizon stretches in all directions. Towards the south, the clear Holtum River meanders through wet meadows, creating a green ribbon of willows and water plants that contrasts with the dry, sandy heath beyond. Wildlife thrives in this varied terrain. Red deer use the shelter of nearby conifer plantations, adders bask in the sun‑warmed heather, and a variety of birds patrol the river and wetlands. Patient visitors may glimpse shy species such as kingfisher or even otter along quieter stretches of water. The protected status of the heath means that large areas are allowed to follow natural rhythms, with only light management to preserve the open character.

Trails, viewpoints and playful corners

From the nature centre, a network of marked trails in different colours leads into the heath, plantations and river valley. Some paths stay relatively flat and wide, suitable for families with children and casual walkers, while others weave over sandy ridges and less even ground that will appeal to more energetic hikers. Waymarking makes it easy to link shorter loops into longer outings without constant map checks. Along the routes, occasional viewpoints rise just enough above the heath to reveal wide panoramas of purple heather in late summer or frost‑silvered scrub in winter. Close to the centre, a forest playground encourages younger visitors to climb, swing and balance, turning a nature excursion into an informal adventure. Simple bird towers and resting spots invite quiet pauses with binoculars or a thermos.

Facilities for learning, picnics and overnights

Naturcenter Harrild Heath functions as an outdoor classroom for schools and youth groups from Ikast‑Brande and the wider region. Educational displays and outdoor teaching spaces focus on topics such as heath ecology, water quality and forest management. In many ways, the entire surrounding landscape acts as the main exhibition, with the centre providing shelter, equipment storage and a place to regroup. For independent visitors, facilities are straightforward but thoughtful. There are toilets, several parking areas and picnic tables where you can unpack a lunch overlooking the heath or river corridor. Not far away, a designated camp and shelter site offers basic wooden shelters in a quiet clearing screened by trees, creating the option of a simple overnight stay close to both heath and water.

Seasons, atmosphere and responsible exploration

The atmosphere around Naturcenter Harrild Heath changes markedly with the seasons. In late summer the heather blooms in shades of purple and pink, while autumn brings golden grasses and misty mornings over the wetlands. Winter can feel raw and expansive, rewarding those who come prepared with warm layers, and spring adds fresh greens and the sound of birds returning to the water meadows. Despite its ease of access, the area retains a distinct sense of calm. Away from the main paths you quickly find quiet corners where wind and birdsong dominate, making the heath a strong setting for unhurried walks, photography or quiet contemplation. Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked routes where possible, respect grazing animals and birdlife, and leave the heath as undisturbed as they found it so that its open landscapes continue to feel wild and welcoming for years to come.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Herning Turist

15.2 km

Experience panoramic views of Vejle's landscapes from the accessible Udsigtstårn observation tower.

Ilva

16.3 km

Experience contemporary art in a repurposed 1950s vending machine at Vejle's innovative Kunsthal Vejle.

Lagkagehuset

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Experience innovative contemporary art in Vejle's historic vending machine gallery, open 24/7 with free admission.

Mindesten for H.Pontoppidan

18.5 km

A quiet memorial stone in Herning’s Sdr. Anlæg, honouring H. Pontoppidan and the ambitious transformation of Jutland’s once-harsh heath and bog landscapes.

Scandic Regina

18.8 km

Experience panoramic views of Vejle's natural beauty from the Udsigtstårn at Østengård.

Louis Nielsen Herning

19.2 km

Experience contemporary art in a unique setting at Kunsthal Vejle, where a historic vending machine becomes a dynamic exhibition space.

Herning City Hotel

19.3 km

Experience breathtaking panoramic views and serene landscapes at Udsigtstårn in Vejle, Denmark.

Befrielsessten i Gullestrup

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A 1949 liberation stone honoring Denmark's freedom in the quiet village of Gullestrup.

Bølling Lake

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Mindesten for Jens Vejmand

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A windbreak memorial to a stoneworker whose life inspired Denmark's most beloved folk song.

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

26.1 km

A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.

Silkeborg Water Tower

29.4 km

A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.

Statue of Michael Drewsen

29.7 km

Bronze tribute to Silkeborg’s founding industrialist, anchoring the historic town square and local traditions at the heart of Denmark’s lake district.

Høgdal

29.7 km

Step back in time at Høgdal, a charming open-air museum near Them, Denmark, showcasing traditional rural life, historical workshops, and friendly farm animals in a picturesque setting.

Tollundmanden

29.8 km

Stændertorvet is the historic main square of Roskilde, home to bustling markets, festivals, and community life, set beside UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral.

Unmissable attractions to see

Isenbjerg Bakkeø - Geodætisk målepunkt

9.7 km

Diskret høj top i Gludsted Plantage, hvor geodætisk historie møder stille midtjysk natur og vid udsigt over skov, hede og horisont.

Ytteborgs kartoffelmark

9.9 km

Experience the monumental power and modern mystery of Elia, Denmark’s largest outdoor sculpture, fusing steel, fire, and artistic vision near Herning.

Jutland

10.5 km

Wind-shaped coasts, heather hills, old trading towns and modern cities meet across Denmark’s broad Jutland peninsula between the North Sea and the Baltic.

Knudmose søerne

15.2 km

A restored bog landscape where winter sports, nature trails, and waterbird habitats create diverse recreational experiences.

Elia

16.4 km

A colossal black steel dome on Herning’s edge, Elia blends industrial drama, fire, and open sky into one of Northern Europe’s most arresting contemporary sculptures.

De Geometriske Haver

16.7 km

A sculptural maze of hornbeam hedges where triangles, squares and circles turn landscape architecture into a walkable geometric artwork in Herning’s Birk Centerpark.

Herning skulpturpark

16.9 km

A free, open-air gallery in Herning’s Birk district, where contemporary sculptures are scattered through tranquil green parkland beside the monumental Elia.

HEART Herning Museum Of Contemporary Art

17.0 km

Textile history, radical art and sculptural architecture meet in Steven Holl’s luminous museum, home to world-class conceptual works and a serene Danish sculpture park.

HEART Herning Museum Of Contemporary Art

Carl Henning Pedersen og Else Alfeldt's Museet

17.2 km

A circular, tile-clad art universe in Herning where bold architecture, CoBrA-inspired paintings and imaginative sculptures immerse you in colour and fantasy.

Carl Henning Pedersen og Else Alfeldt's Museet

Herning Centret

18.1 km

Central Jutland’s largest covered mall, blending 80+ shops, eateries and family facilities with free parking and all-weather comfort on the edge of Herning.

Locked - Escape Room

18.1 km

Experience Denmark's rural heritage at Høgdal, an open-air museum near Them showcasing traditional farm life.

Mindeparken

18.6 km

A serene ornamental memorial park in eastern Herning, where hedge-framed garden rooms, quiet lawns and oak groves honour Second World War history.

Sdr. Anlæg

18.6 km

A historic green pocket in central Herning, where tall trees, storybook carvings and a nature playground link city streets with the wild paths of Knudmosen.

P-plads, Knudmosebjerget

18.7 km

Unassuming car park, big horizons: your easy starting point for Knudmosebjerget’s hilltop views, protected wetlands and everyday escapes on Herning’s edge.

Befrielsessten i Herning

18.7 km

Experience Elia, Herning's monumental steel sculpture with unpredictable flame bursts and panoramic views.

Essential places to dine

Indian Traditional Food

14.1 km

Family-run Indian takeaway and catering in a quiet Ikast neighbourhood, serving homely curries and biryanis with spice levels tailored to your taste.

Restaurant Noli

15.1 km

Modern Nordic cooking, candlelit hygge and polished service come together at this quietly sophisticated dining room in the centre of Ikast.

Hammerum Pizzeria

16.0 km

Casual neighborhood pizzeria and grill on Hammerum Hovedgade, serving affordable pizzas, kebabs and comfort food to locals and visitors in suburban Herning.

Lindberg Dining Diagonalkroen Give

18.1 km

Historic Danish inn on Give's town square, blending traditional charm with refined contemporary cuisine.

China Café

18.1 km

Casual, budget-friendly Chinese comfort food in the heart of Herning Centret, ideal for quick lunches and relaxed family dinners between shopping stops.

Kuplen - Cafe-Restaurant-Bar

18.2 km

Light-filled café-restaurant-bar overlooking Herning’s golf greens, blending relaxed everyday meals with flexible event spaces in a calm, green-edge setting.

Jensens Bøfhus

18.2 km

Easygoing Danish steakhouse in Herning serving familiar steaks, ribs and comfort dishes in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings with long, convenient opening hours.

Sooshi Herning Centret

18.3 km

Fresh sushi crafted with passion in the heart of Herning's shopping district.

A Hereford Beefstouw, BOXEN

18.7 km

Classic Danish steakhouse craftsmanship brought inside Jyske Bank Boxen, serving serious steaks, wine and design-led ambience right where Herning’s big events unfold.

Charolais Kroen ApS

18.7 km

Open-grill steaks, hearty portions and kro-style warmth in a rustic, centrally located Herning steakhouse dating back to 1977.

Dirty Ranch Steakhouse

18.7 km

Hearty steaks, schnitzel nights and a rustic Western vibe make Dirty Ranch Steakhouse Herning a lively choice for meat‑lovers and social, group‑friendly evenings.

Restaurant Jin

18.8 km

Relaxed Chinese buffet and sushi spot opposite Herning station, offering Mongolian barbecue, family‑friendly comfort food and easygoing, central dining.

Restaurant Den Kinesiske Mur Herning

18.8 km

Lively Chinese buffet and running sushi in central Herning, blending Mongolian grill, classic dishes and a playful conveyor-belt sushi experience under warm red décor.

På Farten

18.8 km

Hurtigt, mættende pizzaria- og kebabstop lige ved Herning Banegård – et uformelt knudepunkt for rejsende, pendlere og lokale på farten fra formiddag til sen aften.

Bandhan Restaurant

18.8 km

Cosy Indian restaurant on Østergade in central Herning, serving fragrant curries, tandoori grills and generous vegetarian dishes in a warm, relaxed setting.

Central Herning lingerie boutique offering comfortable, well-fitted Scandinavian underwear, nightwear and swimwear in a calm, personal and discreet shopping atmosphere.

Casual late-night bar on Østergade with upbeat music, affordable drinks and a friendly local crowd, ideal for relaxed nights out in central Herning.

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Naturcenter Harrild Heath (Naturcenter Harrild Hede)

A brief summary to Naturcenter Harrild Heath

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Ikast / Brande area

Public transport plus cycling

Cycling from nearby villages

Naturcenter Harrild Heath location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Naturcenter Harrild Heath

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Naturcenter Harrild Heath

A historic watermill turned nature gateway

Heathland horizons and protected wilderness

Trails, viewpoints and playful corners

Facilities for learning, picnics and overnights

Seasons, atmosphere and responsible exploration

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Herning Turist

Ilva

Lagkagehuset

Mindesten for H.Pontoppidan

Scandic Regina

Louis Nielsen Herning

Herning City Hotel

Befrielsessten i Gullestrup

Bølling Lake

Mindesten for Jens Vejmand

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

Silkeborg Water Tower

Statue of Michael Drewsen

Høgdal

Tollundmanden

Unmissable attractions to see

Isenbjerg Bakkeø - Geodætisk målepunkt

Ytteborgs kartoffelmark

Jutland

Knudmose søerne

Elia

De Geometriske Haver

Herning skulpturpark

HEART Herning Museum Of Contemporary Art

Carl Henning Pedersen og Else Alfeldt's Museet

Herning Centret

Locked - Escape Room

Mindeparken

Sdr. Anlæg

P-plads, Knudmosebjerget

Befrielsessten i Herning

Essential places to dine

Indian Traditional Food

Restaurant Noli

Hammerum Pizzeria

Lindberg Dining Diagonalkroen Give

China Café

Kuplen - Cafe-Restaurant-Bar

Jensens Bøfhus

Sooshi Herning Centret

A Hereford Beefstouw, BOXEN

Charolais Kroen ApS

Dirty Ranch Steakhouse

Restaurant Jin

Restaurant Den Kinesiske Mur Herning

På Farten

Bandhan Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Baldur´s Archery APS

Antik og design Compagniet

NORMAL Herning, HerningCentret

Basic & More

Viktor

NEED • STORE

BUDDY

Wunderwear

Degn

IGEN Op Shop

Dohm ApS

Wunderwear City