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.