Haunstrup Brunkulslejer

Former brown coal mines turned wild Jutland playground of forest, sand pits and trails, where industry’s scars have softened into a characterful nature escape.

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Haunstrup Brunkulslejer

Haunstrup Brunkulslejer is a 235-hectare former brown coal mining area turned wild, undulating nature reserve just southwest of Herning. Today the scarred landscape has softened into a patchwork of pine and deciduous forest, sandy pits, heather, lakes and viewpoints, criss-crossed by marked hiking and mountain bike trails. With dog forest, simple campsites, shelters, fire pits and a forest playground, it is a low-key outdoor playground for walkers, families and nature lovers in central Jutland.

A brief summary to Haunstrup Brunkulslejer

Fjelstervangvej, Herning, 7400, DK
+4597454188
Duration: 1 to 6 hours
Free
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 footwear: the terrain is surprisingly hilly with sandy and sometimes muddy sections, especially after rain.
Bring food and drinks, as there are no on-site cafes; use the fire pits and picnic spots for simple outdoor meals.
If you plan to use the shelters, arrive early or outside peak summer weekends, and always follow local fire and camping rules.
Families with dogs can combine a forest walk with off-leash time in the designated dog forest, where local rules allow.
Mountain bikers should check recent trail conditions locally, as sandy and steep sections can feel very different in wet versus dry weather.

Getting There

Car from central Herning

From central Herning, driving to Haunstrup Brunkulslejer typically takes 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. The route follows regional roads through open countryside and is straightforward year-round. There is free parking near the main access points, but spaces can fill on sunny weekends and school holidays. No entrance fee is charged for visiting the area.
Bus plus walk from Herning

Regional buses run from Herning towards villages near Haunstrup, with travel times of roughly 20–30 minutes. Services are less frequent in the evenings and on weekends, so checking current timetables in advance is important. From the nearest stop you should expect a walk of 2–4 km on minor roads and tracks through gently rolling farmland and forest. There is no ticket surcharge beyond the normal local bus fare, which is typically in the low double-digit Danish kroner range for this distance.
Cycling from Herning

Cycling from Herning to Haunstrup Brunkulslejer usually takes around 30–45 minutes each way for moderately fit riders. The ride follows a mix of smaller country roads and cycle-friendly routes through mostly flat to gently undulating terrain. Conditions are best in spring to autumn; in winter, shorter daylight hours and possible ice require extra care. There is no cost beyond any bike rental, and you can lock your bicycle at informal spots near the main entrances while you explore on foot.

Haunstrup Brunkulslejer location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Any Weather
Cold Weather
Hot Weather

Discover more about Haunstrup Brunkulslejer

From coalfield to characterful wild landscape

Haunstrup Brunkulslejer is a striking piece of cultural landscape where industry and nature have woven together over time. Once an active brown coal mining area, the terrain was dug, tipped and reshaped by decades of extraction. When the work stopped, the open pits, sand tips and steep escarpments were left to the elements. Wind, rain and pioneer plants slowly reclaimed the ground, creating a distinctive mosaic of habitats that feels far wilder than its central Jutland address suggests. Today the old workings cover around 235 hectares of rolling, irregular ground. You walk through areas where bare sand and gravel still peek through, a reminder of the coal seams that once lay beneath. Nearby, young birch and pine have taken hold, and low wetlands and small lakes have formed where machinery once rumbled. It is this contrast between industrial history and emerging wilderness that makes the area so compelling.

Walking routes through varied terrain

Three waymarked hiking routes thread through Haunstrup Brunkulslejer, designed to showcase different corners of the terrain. Shorter loops of roughly 1.5–2 km suit a gentle stroll or family outing, while routes of about 3–4.5 km can easily be combined into a longer, half-day walk. The paths rise and fall over surprisingly steep ridges, run along sandy slopes and dip into sheltered forest, offering constant shifts in light and mood. Underfoot, the ground alternates between firm forest paths, sandy stretches and occasionally muddy sections near wetland pockets. Sturdy shoes are helpful, especially after rain. Waymarking makes navigation straightforward, but the network of minor trails invites detours to viewpoints or quiet clearings. Benches and simple resting spots appear at intervals, making it easy to pause and soak up the quiet.

Playful forest, dog area and family-friendly corners

Haunstrup Brunkulslejer has been gently developed with families in mind without losing its untamed feel. A forest playground sits among the trees, blending wooden structures and natural obstacles so children can clamber, balance and explore. Nearby, an enclosed dog forest allows four-legged companions to run more freely within a defined area, a popular feature for local walkers. Open grass areas and small clearings work well for simple picnics, and fire pits provide a focal point for cooking or evening gatherings when conditions allow. The scale of the area means it is easy to find your own patch of space, even on busier days. For younger visitors, the story of how coal formed from ancient plant material, then was mined and finally handed back to nature, can turn a walk into an informal outdoor classroom.

Overnight shelters and micro-adventures

For those who want to stretch their visit, Haunstrup Brunkulslejer offers primitive accommodation options. Simple shelters tucked into the woodland provide basic overnight spots for hikers, cyclists and families on a micro-adventure. Nearby you typically find a fire ring and rough seating, and the sense of being out in a former industrial wilderness adds a subtle edge of adventure to even a short stay. The relative compactness of the area makes it ideal for first-time overnight trips: you are surrounded by forest and former pits, yet not far from the comforts of central Jutland towns. Dawn and dusk are especially atmospheric, when mist can hang over the low-lying hollows and bird calls carry clearly through the trees. Responsible use of the facilities and respect for fire regulations are essential to keep this low-key setup working well.

Mountain biking and active exploration

Haunstrup Brunkulslejer is also known for a purpose-built mountain bike route of roughly 6–7 km. The loop weaves through the undulating terrain, mixing relatively flat forest sections with more technical singletrack, short climbs and tight turns. It is long enough to offer a satisfying workout yet compact enough to ride several laps, with the man-made contours of the former mine adding variety. Even if you are not riding, you will likely hear or glimpse cyclists using the track, especially at weekends. Walkers and riders generally coexist smoothly thanks to clear route marking and a bit of mutual awareness. For photographers and nature lovers, the same ridges and hollows that delight bikers also provide elevated viewpoints and unexpected sightlines across lakes, forest edges and open sand.

Nature, quiet and a sense of reclaimed land

Throughout Haunstrup Brunkulslejer there is a strong sense of land in transition. Patches of heather and open sand recall the harshness of the mining years, while dense young woodland hints at the area’s future as full-grown forest. Birds make use of the varied habitats, dragonflies patrol the water edges in summer, and hardy plants cling to seemingly inhospitable slopes. What you experience most, though, is space and quiet. The area sits just a short distance from Herning, yet once you are among the trees and pits, the outside world feels far away. Whether you come for a brisk hike, a playful family afternoon, a challenging bike ride or a night under simple shelter, Haunstrup Brunkulslejer offers an accessible taste of rough-edged nature shaped by both people and time.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mindesten for Jens Vejmand

9.9 km

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

Herning City Hotel

10.2 km

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

Mindesten for H.Pontoppidan

10.4 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.

Louis Nielsen Herning

10.4 km

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

Scandic Regina

10.5 km

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

Lagkagehuset

10.7 km

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

Befrielsessten i Gullestrup

12.0 km

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

Ilva

14.6 km

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

Herning Turist

14.7 km

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

Bølling Lake

35.4 km

A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

43.4 km

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

Kroghs Bænk

45.3 km

Elevated forest sanctuary with panoramic lake views and 19th-century heritage

Duedal Bjerg

45.4 km

A gentle 117-meter hill offering accessible hiking and scenic forest views in Denmark's Lake District.

De Fem Halder

45.6 km

Dokk1: Aarhus' premier cultural hub blending modern architecture with community engagement on the waterfront.

The Manor House of Hald

45.7 km

Five centuries of Danish history and architecture nestled beside a glacial lake near Viborg.

Unmissable attractions to see

Jyllands Park Zoo

1.1 km

Family-focused countryside zoo near Herning, blending close-up animal encounters with big playgrounds, tivoli rides and wide green spaces for a relaxed full-day outing.

Snejbjerg Mini Saab Museum

5.4 km

A small, private trove of classic Saabs in suburban Herning, offering an intimate look at Scandinavian automotive design and one enthusiast’s lifelong passion.

Kløvertorvet, Snejbjerg

5.9 km

Discover Herning Skulpturpark, an immersive outdoor sculpture park in Herning where striking contemporary art and scenic walking paths create a tranquil cultural escape.

Herning Rocker

8.3 km

High-energy one-day rock festival on Herning’s edge, blending big Danish acts, street-food tents and a friendly local crowd in an open-air field setting.

MCH Messecenter Herning

8.4 km

Scandinavia’s powerhouse for fairs, shows, sport and concerts, where Herning’s quiet heathland becomes a buzzing city of events and experiences.

Knudmose

9.0 km

Former bog turned green playground on Herning’s edge, where a man-made hill, dog forest and winding trails offer easy everyday escapes into light, air and open space.

Jens Vejmands gravsted

9.3 km

A humble grave in a rural churchyard where the real life of road worker Jens Nielsen meets the enduring power of Jeppe Aakjær’s song “Jens Vejmand.”

P-plads, Knudmosebjerget

9.4 km

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

Park

9.6 km

Elia is a monumental open-air sculpture in Herning, Denmark—famous for its towering pillars, walkable dome, and spectacular, unpredictable flame eruptions.

Tekstilmuseet

9.7 km

Industrial looms, children’s factory fun and 2,000 years of cloth history in Herning’s former textile mill, where Central Jutland’s fabric story comes vividly alive.

Lau Tune Møller

10.0 km

A quietly placed contemporary artwork on Herning’s main street, weaving modern sculpture into the everyday rhythm of historic Bredgade.

Frilandsmuseet Herning

10.1 km

Step from central Herning straight into a thatched 1800s village, where open‑air farmsteads, soundscapes and intimate exhibits bring Jutland’s heathland past to life.

Lokalhistorisk Arkiv I Herning

10.1 km

A quiet local history archive where Herning’s evolution from heathland settlement to modern town is preserved in photographs, papers, and personal stories.

Fermaten

10.1 km

Purpose-built regional music venue bringing rock, jazz, indie, pop and more to an intimate, modern concert hall in the center of Herning.

Fuglsang Lake

10.1 km

A breezy bathing lake on Herning’s northern edge, blending sandy shores, easy walking trails and simple outdoor fun in a wide, sky-filled Jutland landscape.

Essential places to dine

Restaurant domæne - Gourmet restaurant Herning

7.5 km

Michelin-starred Nordic–French tasting menus served under a sculptural dome in the quiet countryside just outside Herning.

Restaurant domæne - Gourmet restaurant Herning

A Hereford Beefstouw, BOXEN

8.5 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.

Luxus Restaurant v/Gril Take Away I Herning

9.1 km

Relaxed neighborhood grill and pizza spot in Tjørring, blending casual eat‑in comfort with efficient takeaway for families, locals and hungry travellers.

Luxus Restaurant v/Gril Take Away I Herning

Fru Kristof

9.4 km

Unpretentious chicken and grill bar on Herning’s Islandsvej, serving generous portions of classic Danish fast food for a quick, inexpensive daytime bite.

Ibolicious Kebab

9.8 km

Casual Turkish-style kebab and shawarma in homemade bread, served fast and budget-friendly on a lively central street in downtown Herning.

Singapore Kitchen Pizza & Grill

9.8 km

Asian-inspired pizza and casual dining in the heart of Herning

Møllegrillen Herning

9.9 km

Central Herning’s no-nonsense grill bar for generous burgers, pizza and classic Danish fast-food favourites served quick, hot and at moderate prices.

Coffee City Karma

10.0 km

Authentic Turkish döner and fresh Italian pizza in the heart of Herning, open late.

Lones Køkken

10.0 km

No‑frills, central Herning grill and pizza house serving big portions, fast comfort food and late‑night bites on lively Bredgade.

SushiArt Herning

10.0 km

Compact, central Herning sushi spot focused on fresh, sustainable ingredients, organic rice and convenient takeaway boxes for an easy, modern meal.

Backyard Burger

10.1 km

Flame-grilled burgers crafted with quality ingredients in a playful, swing-filled setting.

Brasseriet

10.2 km

Upscale European brasserie blending seasonal ingredients, curated wines, and attentive hospitality in central Herning.

Herning Kebab House

10.2 km

Fresh-made kebabs, burgers, and pizzas in central Herning with warm service and reliable quality.

Tap Del Bar

10.3 km

Spanish-inspired gastrotapas, an impressive wine wall and crafted cocktails come together in a cosy, central Herning bar-restaurant made for social dining.

Brdr. Price Herning

10.4 km

Danish–French brasserie classics and warm, high-ceilinged charm in a former bank building on Herning’s main square, ideal for both leisurely lunches and festive dinners.

Authentic Asian groceries and specialty provisions in the heart of Herning.

Unpretentious bar-café in central Herning, offering inexpensive drinks, cosy pub-style atmosphere and a relaxed, local slice of Danish værtshus culture.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Mindegade5

10.3 km

Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.

East End Holstebro

30.8 km

High-energy disco club in central Holstebro, where DJs, flashing lights, and a packed dance floor keep the party going into the early morning hours.

NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse

34.8 km

Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.

NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse

Liglad Day & Nightlife

39.3 km

Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.

Der Kuhstall Mønsted

44.3 km

Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

45.8 km

Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

Riverboat Jazz Festival

46.4 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

46.4 km

Kedelhuset: Silkeborg’s buzzing live music and culture venue, blending industrial heritage with creative energy in the lively riverside Papirfabrikken district.

ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S

51.7 km

Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.

Restaurant Latinerly

53.1 km

A vibrant culinary and nightlife landmark in Viborg, Restaurant Latinerly blends Nordic dining, creative cocktails, and festive energy in a historic setting.

Vejle Jazzklub

53.9 km

Experience the soulful rhythms of jazz in the heart of Bredsten at Vejle Jazzklub.

The Last Waterhole

62.0 km

A beloved Vejle pub promising lively nights, affordable drinks, live music, and authentic Danish camaraderie just steps from the city’s vibrant heart.

temabar APS 23-05

62.8 km

Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.

Tartan Pub

62.8 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.

NOX Network Ltd.

67.0 km

Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.

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Haunstrup Brunkulslejer

A brief summary to Haunstrup Brunkulslejer

Local tips

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

Getting There

Car from central Herning

Bus plus walk from Herning

Cycling from Herning

Haunstrup Brunkulslejer location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Haunstrup Brunkulslejer

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Haunstrup Brunkulslejer

From coalfield to characterful wild landscape

Walking routes through varied terrain

Playful forest, dog area and family-friendly corners

Overnight shelters and micro-adventures

Mountain biking and active exploration

Nature, quiet and a sense of reclaimed land

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mindesten for Jens Vejmand

Herning City Hotel

Mindesten for H.Pontoppidan

Louis Nielsen Herning

Scandic Regina

Lagkagehuset

Befrielsessten i Gullestrup

Ilva

Herning Turist

Bølling Lake

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

Kroghs Bænk

Duedal Bjerg

De Fem Halder

The Manor House of Hald

Unmissable attractions to see

Jyllands Park Zoo

Snejbjerg Mini Saab Museum

Kløvertorvet, Snejbjerg

Herning Rocker

MCH Messecenter Herning

Knudmose

Jens Vejmands gravsted

P-plads, Knudmosebjerget

Park

Tekstilmuseet

Lau Tune Møller

Frilandsmuseet Herning

Lokalhistorisk Arkiv I Herning

Fermaten

Fuglsang Lake

Essential places to dine

Restaurant domæne - Gourmet restaurant Herning

A Hereford Beefstouw, BOXEN

Luxus Restaurant v/Gril Take Away I Herning

Fru Kristof

Ibolicious Kebab

Singapore Kitchen Pizza & Grill

Møllegrillen Herning

Coffee City Karma

Lones Køkken

SushiArt Herning

Backyard Burger

Brasseriet

Herning Kebab House

Tap Del Bar

Brdr. Price Herning

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Al Hádi Inter Food

Danmission Op Shop

Garnshoppen

Uhrskov Vinhandel

botex Herning

Dampkongen

Rikki Vanggaard

Design HUB

Normal

Dalgashus

Mappstore (Herning City)