The Uncovered Bridge
A century-hidden railway bridge restored to glory, now a scenic riverside landmark with woodland trails and engineering heritage.
A remarkable steel lattice bridge spanning the Gudenå River near Brædstrup, this 1899 engineering marvel was buried beneath a dam for 85 years before its dramatic excavation and restoration in 2014. Rising 13.4 metres above the water, it once served as part of a private railway and stands as Denmark's tallest Nordic bridge of its era. Today, it anchors a scenic destination with woodland trails, picnic facilities, and riverside views, attracting visitors year-round.
A brief summary to The Uncovered Bridge
- Vestbirkvej 2, Braedstrup, 8740, DK
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine your bridge visit with the surrounding hiking routes—the 1.3 km forest walk to Vestbirk Lakes or the longer 7 km trail to Brædstrup town centre offer natural extensions to your visit.
- Bring a picnic and use the tables and benches near the bridge to enjoy a meal with river views. The peaceful Gudenå setting creates an ideal atmosphere for a leisurely lunch.
- Visit during warm, sunny days to fully appreciate the bridge's red steel lattice design and enjoy clear views across the river valley and surrounding woodland.
- If using GPS navigation, enter 'Brædstrup' as your destination rather than 'Østbirk' to ensure you arrive at the correct car park on Vestbirkvej.
- Read the informative signboards on-site to learn the full story of the bridge's construction, burial, and rediscovery—they provide fascinating context for your visit.
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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By Car
From Horsens, drive north approximately 20 kilometres towards Brædstrup. Follow signs to Vestbirkvej and the car park at Vestbirkvej 2A, Brædstrup (8752). The journey takes approximately 25–30 minutes. Free parking is available for 85 vehicles, including accessible spaces. From the car park, a well-maintained paved path leads 300 metres to the bridge. GPS coordinates: 55.973199, 9.689758. Note: enter 'Brædstrup' in GPS rather than 'Østbirk' to reach the correct location.
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By Bicycle
The bridge sits on established regional cycling routes connecting Horsens and Brædstrup. From Horsens town centre, follow cycling route signs northward towards Brædstrup (approximately 20 kilometres, 1–1.5 hours depending on fitness and route). The bridge is well-signposted along these routes. Secure bicycle parking is available near the car park area.
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By Public Transport and Walking
Bus services operate between Horsens and Brædstrup, with journey times of approximately 40–50 minutes depending on the route and stops. Alight at Brædstrup town centre or nearby stops. From Brædstrup, the bridge is accessible via a 7-kilometre woodland walking trail (approximately 1.5–2 hours), which also serves as a scenic route for cyclists. Alternatively, some bus routes may stop closer to the site—check local transport schedules for the most direct option.
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By Horse
Equestrian access is accommodated via a ford constructed specifically for horseback riders. Approach from established bridleways in the region. The site welcomes riders and provides safe crossing facilities at the Gudenå.
The Uncovered Bridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Uncovered Bridge
A Bridge Rediscovered After Nearly a Century
The Uncovered Bridge—known locally as Den Genfundne Bro—is one of Denmark's most compelling historical sites, combining industrial heritage with natural beauty. Built in 1899 as part of a private railway connection between Horsens and Bryrup, this striking red steel lattice structure was engineered to span the Gudenå River at a height of 13.4 metres. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest bridge of its kind in the entire Nordic region, a testament to the ambition and skill of its builders. The bridge's extraordinary story took an unexpected turn in 1929, when changing railway standards rendered it obsolete. Rather than modify the expensive structure, railway authorities made a fateful decision: they buried it. A massive dam was constructed directly over the bridge, completely concealing it beneath sand and earth. For 85 years, the bridge vanished from public memory, hidden from view while the Gudenå's waters were diverted through pipes beneath the embankment.The Dramatic Excavation and Restoration
In 2014, the Municipality of Horsens initiated an ambitious restoration project that would transform the site forever. On April 7, 2014, the first steel grid saw daylight after nearly nine decades of darkness. The excavation captured widespread media attention and drew crowds of spectators eager to witness this rediscovery. The restoration process was meticulous and labour-intensive: the bridge was carefully sandblasted using 3000-bar pressure, stripped of its old lead-heavy paint, ground, primed, and repainted with meticulous attention to every detail. The supporting towers underwent the same rigorous treatment. Once restored to its original splendour, the bridge was fitted with modern safety railings and a robust wooden pedestrian walkway made from Azobe wood, allowing visitors to cross safely while preserving its historical integrity. The creek itself was stabilized with large rocks and enhanced with spawning sites for trout, restoring ecological balance to the waterway. The official inauguration ceremony on December 13, 2014, marked the bridge's triumphant return to public life.Engineering Excellence Preserved in Steel
The bridge's physical specifications remain impressive: 50 metres in length and 13.4 metres in height, constructed with the precision and craftsmanship characteristic of late 19th-century industrial engineering. Its red steel lattice design is both functional and visually striking, creating a distinctive silhouette against the surrounding landscape. The bridge originally cost 691,800 Danish kroner when built—a substantial sum reflecting the quality of its construction. Today, it stands as a living museum of engineering achievement, demonstrating how thoughtful restoration can honour historical significance while making heritage accessible to contemporary visitors.A Gateway to Nature and Outdoor Exploration
The bridge serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding Bakkelandet region. Well-maintained woodland trails radiate outward, offering routes ranging from leisurely 1.3-kilometre walks to more ambitious 11-kilometre hikes. To the southeast, a scenic path leads through forest to the Vestbirk Lakes, where visitors can enjoy views over Naldal Lake and Vestbirk Lake. The newer natural area of Natur Østbirk lies a few kilometres further along this route. Heading northwest, a 7-kilometre trail connects to the charming town of Brædstrup, where cafés and restaurants await. The bridge also sits on established cycling routes, making it accessible to cyclists exploring the region's network of paths. For equestrian enthusiasts, a ford has been constructed to accommodate horseback riders.Facilities and Practical Amenities
The site is well-equipped for visitors of all abilities. A spacious car park with capacity for 85 vehicles sits approximately 300 metres from the bridge, with two accessible spaces and two coach bays. The paved path from the car park is smooth and suitable for wheelchair users, ensuring inclusive access to the bridge itself. Picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the area, providing comfortable spots for meals and rest. Modern facilities including restrooms and information boards enhance the visitor experience. The site is open to the public at all times, though daylight hours are recommended for optimal enjoyment. Entry is completely free, and parking incurs no charge.Seasonal Character and Best Times to Visit
While the bridge and surrounding trails are accessible year-round, the site reveals different characters across the seasons. Warm, sunny days enhance the natural beauty and make riverside walks particularly pleasant. Winter visits offer their own appeal, with snow-covered landscapes creating a serene atmosphere and transforming the industrial heritage into a striking contrast with nature. Spring and autumn bring vibrant foliage and comfortable temperatures for extended exploration. The area experiences moderate visitor numbers throughout the year, with slightly higher crowds during peak summer months and weekends.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ejer Bavnehøj
8.8 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
8.8 km
Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
11.3 km
Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
Jættestuen grønhøj
12.8 km
5.000 år gammel jættestue midt i det østjyske kulturlandskab – et stille møde mellem bondestenalderens stenkonstruktioner, skov, marker og Bygholm Sø.
Årtusindeskifte Eg
13.9 km
An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.
Horsens Tourist Information Centre
14.3 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter unite in the vibrant city center.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
14.6 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
15.2 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Bilka Horsens
16.3 km
Experience the rich theatrical heritage of Odense at the historic Comediehuus, a cultural landmark since its inception.
De Små Fisk
20.2 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
20.6 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
20.8 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Det gamle vandtårn
21.0 km
Skanderborg's 41.5-meter castle-style water tower from 1908—a striking symbol of industrial heritage and urban progress.
Kroghs Bænk
21.3 km
Elevated forest sanctuary with panoramic lake views and 19th-century heritage
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
21.7 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
Slaggård Banke
3.2 km
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.
Yding Skovhøjs parkeringsplads
6.9 km
Denmark's highest point awaits at this forest gateway, crowned with ancient Bronze Age mounds.
Abbey Mill
7.4 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.
Yding Skovhøj
7.5 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.
Møllehøj
8.5 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
8.5 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.
Genforeningstårn på Ejer Bavnehøj
8.8 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
8.8 km
Compact circular kiosk and information hub on Denmark’s rooftop at Ejer Bavnehøj, combining refreshments, facilities and landscape insight amid sweeping views.
Mossø
9.1 km
Jutland’s largest lake, where wide horizons, protected birdlife and easygoing outdoor adventures meet in the rolling Danish Lake Highlands.
Øm Klostermuseum
9.6 km
Atmospheric monastery ruins and a specialist museum in skeletal archaeology, set between Jutland’s lakes with herb gardens, graves and traces of medieval monastic life.
Kallehave bålhytte
10.2 km
A modest grill shelter tucked into the Kallehave woods near Gl. Rye, perfect for unhurried campfire cooking and a quiet break on forest hikes.
Justenborg Vin & Juletræer
11.3 km
Cut your own Christmas tree and taste estate-grown Danish wine in Skanderborg's countryside.
Tåning Å
11.8 km
A serene stream through Denmark's lake highlands, perfect for canoeing and wildlife observation.
Ulvedalen
13.7 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.
Ry havn
13.9 km
Quiet lakeside marina in Ry, offering relaxed waterfront life, boat trips into the Silkeborg Lakes and easy access to the gentle hills of Denmark’s lake district.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Møllebæk
10.7 km
Rural Danish restaurant and events venue near Gedved, renowned for hearty stegt flæsk evenings and relaxed, homely celebrations in a countryside setting.
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
11.3 km
Intimate family-run hotel and seasonal restaurant in Ry, where garden-driven Danish cuisine, good wine and quiet countryside surroundings create a cosy Jutland escape.
Amalielund Mad - Horsens
13.1 km
Relaxed Danish dining and flexible catering in green surroundings by Horsens Golf Club, combining classic smørrebrød, hearty comfort food and seasonal menus.
Café Himmelsk
13.8 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
KobKun
13.8 km
Tiny Thai kitchen in the heart of Ry, serving fragrant curries and stir-fries in an intimate 13-seat space with a strong local takeaway following.
Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
13.9 km
Casual neighborhood pizza and chicken takeaway in Ry, serving hearty portions and familiar flavors for easy, budget‑friendly dinners after a day outdoors.
Restaurant Kystens Perle
13.9 km
Lakeside skovrestaurant by Bygholm Sø serving hearty, traditional Danish comfort food in relaxed, old‑school surroundings with wide views of water and forest.
Umisushi
13.9 km
Neighbourhood sushi and takeaway in the lakeside town of Ry, serving fresh rolls and casual Japanese favourites in a relaxed, modern setting.
Ry Gastropub
13.9 km
Relaxed gastropub heart of Ry, serving comforting pub favourites, modern Danish flavours and easygoing drinks in a warm, social setting from lunch to late evening.
Hotel Ry
13.9 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
13.9 km
Intimate hotel brasserie in lakeside Ry, pairing French‑inspired comfort food, seasonal Danish ingredients and candlelit evening ambience in the heart of Søhøjlandet.
Restaurant Da Angelo
14.0 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
Lakeside Ry - Restaurant
14.0 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
Svejstrup Præstegård
14.3 km
Historic rectory garden transformed into a seasonal summer restaurant and cultural venue.
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
14.5 km
Casual hilltop cafeteria at Himmelbjerget, serving classic Danish comfort food and ice cream with wide views over the Silkeborg lakes and surrounding forests.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
3.5 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
3.8 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
5.2 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
10.5 km
Gedved's premier boutique for bridal gowns and elegant occasion wear.
Ville vintage
10.6 km
Discover timeless treasures and unique vintage finds at Ville Vintage in Skanderborg.
Deko Home - Danish Recycling Furniture
10.7 km
Timeless Danish furniture crafted entirely from recycled wood in a working studio.
Else Rønne Keramik
10.8 km
Handcrafted Danish ceramics emphasizing minimalist design and functional beauty in a rural Jutland workshop.
Shell / 7-Eleven Ejer Bavnehøj West
10.9 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.
Dagli'Brugsen Gl. Rye
11.4 km
Community-owned supermarket where every purchase strengthens local bonds and supports sustainable living.
Made by Ella
11.5 km
Intimate goldsmith’s studio in Ry, where local jewelry artist Julie Ella Jappe handcrafts custom designs and contemporary pieces in a calm, small-town setting.
Boserup Keramik
12.0 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
12.1 km
Curated Provençal antiques and vintage treasures in the heart of Skanderborg.
Nordic Yarn - a woolly affair
13.8 km
A cosy, family-run Nordic wool shop on a Jutland farm near Ry, where Icelandic and Norwegian yarn fill the shelves and horses graze just outside.
by Diana
13.8 km
An intimate Ry lingerie boutique offering personal fittings, Scandinavian style and a carefully curated selection of everyday essentials and special-occasion pieces.
Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik
13.8 km
Historic farm shop in a mill building, selling wild game from estate forests with uncompromising quality and sustainability.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sprutskuret I/S
3.8 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.
Høkeren
13.9 km
Possibly Denmark’s smallest pub, Høkeren in Ry distills classic Danish tavern culture into 18 sociable square meters of wood, warmth and well‑poured drinks.
La Vinya
13.9 km
Chic wine bar and tapas lounge in Ry, offering curated wines, local bites, and cozy ambiance—perfect for unwinding after your Himmelbjerget adventure.
Ambolten Ry
13.9 km
Cosy neighborhood bar and social hub in the heart of Ry, mixing cold beers, live music and small-town charm in a laid-back, living-room atmosphere.
Kom Tit
15.0 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
15.4 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
15.4 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
15.5 km
Central Horsens sports bar with 23 screens, pool tables, and competitive games in a welcoming, energetic atmosphere.
Stalden
15.6 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
15.6 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
15.6 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
15.6 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
15.7 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
15.7 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
15.7 km
Alpine après-ski energy meets medieval Horsens in this weekend schlagercovering celebration.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Scandic Opus Horsens
14.3 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
15.6 km
High-energy nightclub and bar in central Horsens with DJs, themed events, loud lights and a young crowd dancing late into the night.
Team Paderborner
15.6 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
PDD
15.8 km
Unpolished, late-night dancing and loud beats in an industrial-style nightclub setting on the edge of Horsens, built for energetic nights rather than polished decor.
Oskar hossman
15.9 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
17.4 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
23.3 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
23.5 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
23.5 km
Kedelhuset: Silkeborg’s buzzing live music and culture venue, blending industrial heritage with creative energy in the lively riverside Papirfabrikken district.
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
28.5 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
Tartan Pub
30.9 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
31.0 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
The Old Irish Pub
31.0 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.
33.7 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
Vejle Jazzklub
35.7 km
Experience the soulful rhythms of jazz in the heart of Bredsten at Vejle Jazzklub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Industrial
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
