Slaggård Banke Bronze Age Ridge
Bronze Age barrows, big-sky vistas and a stargazing shelter on a glacial ridge above the Gudenå Valley, just beyond the village of Østbirk in Central Jutland.
Slaggård Banke, just outside Østbirk in Central Jutland, is a striking ridge landscape crowned with Bronze Age burial mounds and sweeping views. Rising to around 109 meters above sea level, the protected hilltops offer panoramas over the Gudenå Valley, Ejer Bjerge and Horsens Fjord. Waymarked paths lead you through rolling fields, small woodland patches and a distinctive cluster of ancient barrows, making this a serene spot for short hikes, quiet reflection and atmospheric picnics close to Denmark’s deep prehistory.
A brief summary to Slaggård Banke
- Naldalvej 5, Ostbirk, 8752, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes: the ridge is short but can be uneven, with slippery grass on steeper slopes in wet or frosty weather.
- Bring layers and a windproof jacket; the exposed hilltop catches the breeze even on otherwise mild days.
- Pack water and snacks, as there are no shops on-site and only limited facilities near the shelter area.
- If you plan to use the shelter or fire ring, check local booking requirements in advance and always follow posted rules.
- For stargazing, choose a clear, moonless night and let your eyes adjust for 15–20 minutes to see the best detail.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Horsens
Driving from Horsens to Slaggård Banke takes around 25–35 minutes via local country roads. The route crosses gently rolling farmland and small villages before reaching Østbirk and Naldalvej. Parking is informal along the approach road or near the shelter area and is generally free, but spaces are limited and the surface may be grassy or unpaved, so take care in very wet conditions.
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Regional bus and walk
From Horsens, regional buses run to Østbirk with typical journey times of 30–45 minutes and single tickets usually in the range of DKK 30–60, depending on time and route. Services are less frequent in evenings and on weekends. From the bus stop in Østbirk, allow about 20–30 minutes to walk out through the village edge and along Naldalvej to the ridge on mostly paved and then country lanes.
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Cycling from Østbirk and nearby villages
Slaggård Banke is well suited to a short cycle trip from Østbirk or nearby hamlets. Expect 10–25 minutes of easy to moderate cycling each way on small rural roads with light traffic but no dedicated bike lanes. Surfaces are generally good, yet can be exposed to wind, and visibility may be reduced in fog or heavy rain, so lights and high-visibility clothing are recommended.
Slaggård Banke location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Slaggård Banke
Ancient barrows on a dramatic Jutland ridge
Slaggård Banke is a gently elongated ridge in the countryside between Underup and Østbirk, its rounded summit rising to roughly 100–109 meters above sea level. Here the land suddenly buckles into steep, undulating slopes, the legacy of powerful Ice Age forces that left a pronounced terminal moraine across Central Jutland. On this natural high ground, people of the Bronze Age chose to bury their elite, raising prominent earthen mounds that still define the skyline today. The hill hosts a group of large, protected burial mounds, often counted as nine major barrows along the crest. Grassy and time-softened, they nevertheless stand clearly apart from the surrounding farmland. Their position on the ridge was no accident: from here, the dead would “overlook” the land, and their monuments would be visible from far across the valley, a constant reminder of power, ancestry and belief.Landscapes shaped by ice and human hands
Walking onto the banke, you step into a landscape where geology and archaeology intertwine. The ridge itself was sculpted by retreating glaciers, leaving a spine of elevated ground flanked by smaller knolls and dips. Over millennia, farming communities cleared the slopes, grazed livestock and traced paths across the contours, gradually turning the area into a mosaic of fields, meadows and pockets of woodland. Today, the terrain remains pleasingly varied. Short grass, patches of heath-like vegetation and scattered shrubs cloak the higher ground, while lower areas can feel more enclosed and sheltered. In spring and summer, wildflowers and buzzing insects add colour and sound. From the tops of the barrows, you can read the larger geography: the Gudenå Valley stretching away, the low horizon of Ejer Bjerge and, in clear weather, a glimpse toward Horsens Fjord and the distant sea.Quiet paths, viewpoints and stargazing shelter
Slaggård Banke is small enough to explore in an hour yet rich enough to reward lingering. A network of informal and waymarked tracks loops across the ridge, allowing you to wander among the mounds, circle their bases, and find your own favourite viewpoint. The gradients are gentle to moderate, suitable for most walkers with basic mobility, though some slopes can be slippery when wet. On one side of the ridge you find a distinctive two-level shelter structure that doubles as a simple stargazing tower. Built in timber and tucked into the landscape, it offers basic overnight accommodation for those who book it in advance through local channels, together with a raised platform that makes it easier to lie back and scan the night sky. On clear evenings, with limited light pollution from nearby villages, constellations and the Milky Way can be surprisingly vivid.Atmosphere of calm, history and open skies
What defines Slaggård Banke more than anything is its spacious calm. There is no grand visitor centre, only modest signage and a few information boards explaining the history and nature of the ridge. The sounds that dominate are wind in the grass, skylarks overhead and the occasional tractor in the distance. It is as much a place for simple pleasures—spreading out a picnic blanket, watching clouds roll over the valley, walking a dog on a blustery day—as it is for contemplating Bronze Age customs. The open views lend themselves naturally to photography. Low, grazing light at sunrise or late afternoon emphasises the contours of the mounds and the folds of the land, while mist in the valley below can create a floating-island effect around the ridge. In winter, a dusting of snow picks out every hollow and hump; in autumn, golden fields and coppery hedgerows frame the barrows in warm tones.Respecting a protected cultural landscape
Slaggård Banke is legally protected as a cultural heritage site, and the burial mounds are safeguarded against disturbance. Visitors are free to walk around and over the grassy barrows, but digging, camping directly on the mounds, lighting open fires or moving stones and turf is not permitted. Paths and access points are managed in cooperation with local landowners, who continue to farm the surrounding fields. Simple amenities—such as a fire ring near the shelter, occasional benches and marked trail posts—are designed to keep the footprint low. Rubbish facilities may be sparse, so carrying out everything you bring in is essential to preserving the area’s character. Treated with care, this modest hill continues to offer a rare combination of accessible nature, tangible prehistory and big-sky views in the middle of Jutland.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ejer Bavnehøj
7.5 km
A modest Danish hill with a mighty horizon, Ejer Bavnehøj blends reunification history, beacon legends and big-sky views into an easy, rewarding countryside stop.
Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj
7.5 km
Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.
Jættestuen grønhøj
9.7 km
5.000 år gammel jættestue midt i det østjyske kulturlandskab – et stille møde mellem bondestenalderens stenkonstruktioner, skov, marker og Bygholm Sø.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
9.8 km
Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
Årtusindeskifte Eg
10.9 km
An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.
Horsens Tourist Information Centre
11.1 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter unite in the vibrant city center.
Bilka Horsens
13.1 km
Experience the rich theatrical heritage of Odense at the historic Comediehuus, a cultural landmark since its inception.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
17.3 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
17.9 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Det gamle vandtårn
20.7 km
Skanderborg's 41.5-meter castle-style water tower from 1908—a striking symbol of industrial heritage and urban progress.
De Små Fisk
23.3 km
Discover De Små Fisk near Silkeborg: a serene lakeside escape with a child-friendly beach, scenic trails, and primitive camping, perfect for nature lovers and families seeking outdoor adventures.
Knagerne Silkeborg
23.8 km
Explore Knagerne Silkeborg, an untouched ancient forest where time stands still, offering a unique and immersive nature experience in the heart of Denmark's Lake District.
Lovisehøj
23.9 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Kroghs Bænk
24.4 km
Elevated forest sanctuary with panoramic lake views and 19th-century heritage
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
24.8 km
Roskilde’s historic main square blends medieval roots with lively markets and café culture, making it an essential stop in the heart of town.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Uncovered Bridge
3.2 km
Step back in time at Høgdal, Central Jutland’s idyllic open-air museum, where authentic farm life, heritage crafts, and Danish rural traditions come vividly to life.
Yding Skovhøjs parkeringsplads
6.5 km
Denmark's highest point awaits at this forest gateway, crowned with ancient Bronze Age mounds.
Møllehøj
7.2 km
Stand on Denmark’s highest natural point atop a quiet Jutland farm hill, marked by a lone millstone and wide views across the gently rolling Ejerbjerge.
Møllehøj, DK's highest hill
7.2 km
A modest hill with a millstone marker, Møllehøj turns Denmark’s highest natural point into a gentle countryside detour packed with quiet geographic significance.
Yding Skovhøj
7.4 km
Ancient Bronze Age burial mounds, gentle forest trails and a long-running “highest point” debate meet atop this modest yet characterful hill in East Jutland.
Genforeningstårn på Ejer Bavnehøj
7.4 km
Step inside a living time capsule at Mølholmgård Købmandsmuseum, where the charm of Denmark’s rural merchant life is preserved in a historic village setting.
Møllehjulet
7.5 km
Compact circular kiosk and information hub on Denmark’s rooftop at Ejer Bavnehøj, combining refreshments, facilities and landscape insight amid sweeping views.
Abbey Mill
10.1 km
Historic monastery mill turned lakeside retreat, where Denmark’s longest wooden building, canoe-filled waterways and big-sky views meet in the Mossø hills.
Mossø
10.3 km
Jutland’s largest lake, where wide horizons, protected birdlife and easygoing outdoor adventures meet in the rolling Danish Lake Highlands.
Ulvedalen
10.5 km
A small, forested ravine on Horsens’ edge where woodland paths, gentle hills and playful “Naturetales” walks turn an ordinary outing into a quiet, story-filled escape.
Befrielsessten i Horsens
10.9 km
Experience Denmark’s industrial revolution first-hand at Industrimuseet Horsens—explore living workshops, period homes, and hands-on exhibits in historic factory buildings.
Mindesten for Niels Sørensen
10.9 km
A modest fjordside memorial stone in Horsens, quietly honoring 1864 war soldier Niels Sørensen and weaving national history into an everyday neighborhood stroll.
Mindesten for Det Slesvigske Kyrasserregiment
11.0 km
A modest forest memorial stone that quietly recalls Horsens’ century as a cavalry garrison town and the legacy of Det Slesvigske Kyrasserregiment.
FÆNGSLET
11.1 km
A vast former state prison in Horsens, transformed into an immersive museum, hostel and cultural venue where life behind bars is explored within intact cell blocks.
Justenborg Vin & Juletræer
11.4 km
Cut your own Christmas tree and taste estate-grown Danish wine in Skanderborg's countryside.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Møllebæk
8.3 km
Rural Danish restaurant and events venue near Gedved, renowned for hearty stegt flæsk evenings and relaxed, homely celebrations in a countryside setting.
Amalielund Mad - Horsens
9.8 km
Relaxed Danish dining and flexible catering in green surroundings by Horsens Golf Club, combining classic smørrebrød, hearty comfort food and seasonal menus.
Restaurant Kystens Perle
10.7 km
Lakeside skovrestaurant by Bygholm Sø serving hearty, traditional Danish comfort food in relaxed, old‑school surroundings with wide views of water and forest.
Restaurant Oksen
12.4 km
Horsens's premier steakhouse since 1986, serving expertly prepared beef and Danish hospitality.
Ji-Mi's
12.4 km
Intimate tasting-menu restaurant in Horsens’ Latin Quarter, showcasing local Danish produce and thoughtful wine pairings in a cosy, chef-led dining room.
Restaurant Mamma's
12.4 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting on Grønnegade.
rundtenom
12.4 km
Closed but fondly remembered Danish eatery in central Horsens, once known for classic smørrebrød, generous stegt flæsk evenings and a warm, homely atmosphere.
Jacobs Vin & Tapas
12.4 km
Intimate basement wine bar in central Horsens serving Spanish-inspired tapas and a carefully curated wine list in a cosy, candlelit setting.
GRAN Social
12.4 km
Contemporary Danish comfort food, weekend DJs and crafted cocktails meet under one stylish roof at this all‑day restaurant and bar in central Horsens.
Kamii Horsens
12.4 km
Modern sushi bar and Asian steak restaurant in central Horsens, where fresh handcrafted rolls meet warm kitchen favourites and flexible menus for every occasion.
Cafe Vivaldi
12.5 km
Casual brasserie-style café on Horsens’ busy Søndergade, serving comfort food, coffee and drinks all day in a warm, modern setting with street-side seating.
Restaurant Eydes
12.5 km
Historic cellar dining where Danish-French cuisine meets centuries of local tradition.
Corfitz restaurant - bar
12.6 km
Casual city‑centre café, restaurant and bar on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, serving hearty comfort food, drinks and all‑day people‑watching on Søndergade.
Hien's Vietnamesisk Køkken
12.6 km
Cozy Vietnamese kitchen in central Horsens, serving fresh rolls, bánh mì, noodles and signature house specialties in a relaxed, everyday-friendly setting.
Det Ny Kronborg
12.6 km
Traditional Danish restaurant and banquet hall in a quiet Horsens street, combining white-tablecloth charm, hearty cooking and a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
2.4 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in Østbirk where low-priced fashion, furniture and curios support both local community life and international humanitarian work.
Anne & Lotte
2.6 km
A cozy little gift shop on Østbirk’s main street, filled with Scandinavian-style homewares and thoughtful presents in a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
McCabe's Riding / McCabe's Tack & Feed
7.8 km
Rural Jutland’s one-stop equestrian hub, combining a working riding centre atmosphere with a well-stocked tack and feed store for riders and horse lovers.
Christys Festtøj
7.8 km
Gedved's premier boutique for bridal gowns and elegant occasion wear.
Deko Home - Danish Recycling Furniture
7.9 km
Timeless Danish furniture crafted entirely from recycled wood in a working studio.
Else Rønne Keramik
8.1 km
Handcrafted Danish ceramics emphasizing minimalist design and functional beauty in a rural Jutland workshop.
Ville vintage
9.4 km
Discover timeless treasures and unique vintage finds at Ville Vintage in Skanderborg.
Shell / 7-Eleven Ejer Bavnehøj West
9.5 km
24/7 motorway pit stop at Ejer Bavnehøj, combining Shell fuel and a compact 7‑Eleven shop for coffee, snacks and essentials on the E45 through Jutland.
Boserup Keramik
10.2 km
Intimate countryside ceramics studio in East Jutland, where handcrafted stoneware cups, vases and sculptures are created and sold directly from the potter’s own workshop.
Provence Antik
10.5 km
Curated Provençal antiques and vintage treasures in the heart of Skanderborg.
MÅNESØSTER.DK
12.4 km
Intimate crystal and ritual boutique in central Horsens, blending a cosy basement setting with a carefully curated universe of stones, oils and spiritual tools.
Blåmst
12.4 km
Danish design boutique featuring hand-embroidered textiles and timeless home décor in central Horsens.
Kronhjort Galleri
12.4 km
Intimate Horsens gallery and gift shop where curated Scandinavian design, local craft and a calm, personal atmosphere turn browsing into a gentle art.
Hugo
12.4 km
A spacious Horsens lifestyle store where florist craft, women’s fashion, home décor and gourmet treats come together in one inspiring, cozy space.
Sinnerup
12.5 km
A bright Danish lifestyle store in central Horsens, blending Nordic-inspired interiors, furniture, kitchenware, gifts and women’s fashion in one relaxed space.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sprutskuret I/S
2.6 km
A cosy, no-fuss neighborhood bar on Østbirk’s main street, where simple drinks, local life and unhurried conversations create a classic small-town Danish atmosphere.
Kom Tit
11.8 km
Smoky, old-school Horsens pub in a yellow 19th-century building, with cheap beers, billiards, darts and a laid-back local crowd from midday to late night.
Værtshuse
12.1 km
A compact, traditional Danish bar on Allegade in Horsens, serving simple drinks and everyday atmosphere for those who enjoy classic brown‑pub charm.
The Long Field Road
12.2 km
AC Horsens’ Irish-inspired fan pub, where yellow-and-black passion, cold beer and stadium buzz come together in one lively Horsens clubhouse.
Horsens Sport og Pool Bar
12.3 km
Central Horsens sports bar with 23 screens, pool tables, and competitive games in a welcoming, energetic atmosphere.
Stalden
12.3 km
Relaxed pool and sports bar in central Horsens, blending cue sports, big-screen matches, board games, casual bites and easygoing drinks in one social hangout.
Hemingway's Horsens
12.3 km
Late-night bar and nightclub in central Horsens, delivering cocktail-fueled weekends, loud music, and a packed dance floor until the early morning hours.
Morzybitten
12.4 km
Cozy Danish pub‑brasserie in central Horsens, pairing classic smørrebrød and hearty dishes with a remarkably broad beer list and occasional intimate live music.
Restaurant Wulff ApS
12.4 km
Late-night bar and nightclub-style hangout in central Horsens, turning quiet Rædersgade into a lively social hub on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Vores lille Vinbar
12.4 km
An intimate Horsens wine bar where candlelight, jazz and personal guidance meet a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass and bottle.
The Golden Horse
12.4 km
Unpretentious local bar in central Horsens, pouring affordable drinks from morning to late night amid slot machines, sports on TV and easygoing neighborhood chat.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Horsens A/S
12.5 km
High-energy Alpine after-ski bar in central Horsens with big beer steins, Schlager singalongs and a late-night dance-floor party vibe.
Cashpoint Sportsbar
12.5 km
Horsens's premier sports bar with multiple screens and live betting action.
Kokomo Horsens
12.5 km
Three floors of tropical cocktails, DJs and late-night energy in the heart of Horsens’ old town nightlife district.
B-A-R 2 Aps
12.5 km
Casual, central and unpretentious, B-A-R 2 Aps is a friendly neighborhood bar in Horsens’ old town, ideal for relaxed drinks from daytime pit stop to late-night meet-up.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Scandic Opus Horsens
11.1 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
Sölibat Natklub
12.3 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
PDD
12.5 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Oskar hossman
12.7 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
14.3 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Team Paderborner
15.1 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
26.4 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
26.6 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
Riverboat Jazz Festival
26.7 km
Scandinavia’s celebrated Riverboat Jazz Festival: riverside concerts, boat gigs, and open-air revelry set against Silkeborg’s scenic lakes and vibrant summer spirit.
Kedelhuset
26.7 km
Kedelhuset: Silkeborg’s buzzing live music and culture venue, blending industrial heritage with creative energy in the lively riverside Papirfabrikken district.
Tartan Pub
29.2 km
A Scottish-inspired pub in the heart of Vejle, offering a vibrant mix of dance nights, craft brews, and cozy atmosphere perfect for locals and travelers alike.
temabar APS 23-05
29.2 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
The Old Irish Pub
29.3 km
A staple of Vejle’s nightlife, The Old Irish Pub offers Celtic charm, live music, sports, and warm camaraderie in the city’s vibrant center.
NOX Network Ltd.
31.7 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
Vejle Jazzklub
35.0 km
Experience the soulful rhythms of jazz in the heart of Bredsten at Vejle Jazzklub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Stargazing
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Pet Friendly