Hartesløjfen Trail at Harteværket
A gentle 3.7 km loop where Kolding’s early hydroelectric heritage meets tranquil riverside woods, lakes and easy trails on the green fringe of the city.
Hartesløjfen ved Harteværket is a gentle 3.7 km circular hiking and cycling route on the outskirts of Kolding, weaving through woodland, lakes and the historic Harteværket hydroelectric plant area. This easy loop follows Kolding Å and canal landscapes shaped by early 20th‑century engineering, mixing birdsong, forest shade and industrial heritage. With mostly level paths and varied nature, it suits families, casual walkers and anyone seeking an accessible taste of Danish countryside close to town.
A brief summary to Hartesløjfen ved Harteværket
- Unnamed Road, 6000, Kolding, 6000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 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
- Walk the loop clockwise first time; you’ll encounter Harteværket’s industrial features early, then finish through calmer woodland and river scenery.
- Wear comfortable waterproof footwear in shoulder seasons, as some forest sections can be damp or muddy after rainfall.
- Bring binoculars or a zoom lens if you enjoy birdlife; the mix of open water and trees attracts ducks, herons and songbirds.
- Plan roughly one hour for an unhurried walk with photo stops; allow more time if combining the route with a visit to Harteværket itself.
- Start early in the morning or late afternoon for softer light on the water and a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Local bus and short walk from central Kolding
From central Kolding, take a city bus toward the Harte / Drejens area; services on these suburban routes typically run every 20–30 minutes during the day and the ride takes about 10–15 minutes. Alight at a stop near Harteværket and walk the remaining 10–20 minutes on pavements and minor roads; the approach is gently sloping but manageable for most walkers. A single adult ticket within Kolding usually costs around 20–30 DKK, and buses run less frequently in evenings and on Sundays, so check the timetable in advance.
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Cycling from Kolding city centre
Kolding is a very bike‑friendly town, and reaching Hartesløjfen from the centre by bicycle typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on your pace. The route uses regular streets and cycle paths with some mild uphill sections as you leave the centre, but no extreme gradients. Standard city bike rentals in Kolding commonly cost around 80–150 DKK per day from local providers, while hotel loaner bikes may be free or low‑cost. This option suits visitors who are comfortable riding in light traffic and want a scenic warm‑up before starting the loop.
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Taxi from Kolding station or city hotels
A taxi from Kolding railway station or central hotels to the Hartesløjfen area generally takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. This is the most straightforward choice if you are short on time or travelling with young children. Daytime fares within Kolding for a trip of this length are often in the region of 120–200 DKK, with a starting fee plus a per‑kilometre charge and possible surcharges in the evening or on holidays. Taxis can usually drop you close to Harteværket, leaving only a brief, easy walk to pick up the trail.
Hartesløjfen ved Harteværket location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Hartesløjfen ved Harteværket
A riverside loop shaped by water and industry
Hartesløjfen is a compact circular route that hugs the watery landscapes around Harteværket, where Kolding Å and man‑made canals knit together in a surprisingly varied patchwork of forest, meadows and shimmering surfaces. The 3.7 km loop is short enough to feel relaxed yet long enough to give a sense of journey, with the river reappearing as a quiet companion at several points along the way. Underfoot, the path alternates between well‑made gravel tracks and softer forest trails. Gentle gradients make this an approachable outing for most walkers and recreational cyclists, including families with older children. As you move along the loop, the soundtrack shifts from rushing water near the plant to rustling leaves and birdsong deeper in the woods.Harteværket’s hydroelectric story in the landscape
At the heart of Hartesløjfen lies Harteværket, one of Denmark’s earliest hydroelectric facilities, whose canals and embankments still shape the terrain. The route lets you sense how engineers once tamed the river, channelling water through sluices and basins to generate power for Kolding in the early 1900s. You may notice straightened watercourses, old concrete structures and grassy banks that clearly feel designed rather than purely natural. Together they tell a quiet story of industrial optimism: a time when electricity was a modern miracle, and landscapes were redrawn to feed turbines. Today, this infrastructure feels softened by moss, grasses and trees, merging into the surrounding nature while still clearly legible to those who look closely.Woodland, wildlife and shifting atmospheres
Away from the plant, the character of Hartesløjfen becomes more intimate. Sections of the trail pass through mixed woodland where sunlight filters down in shifting patterns, especially striking on clear days. In spring and early summer, undergrowth and birdsong create a lush, almost enclosed corridor; in autumn, the loop becomes a tapestry of yellows and browns underfoot. The proximity to water means you may spot ducks, herons or coots, and at quieter times even deer moving between the trees. The open stretches along lakes and canals bring wider views and reflections, while the forested parts feel more sheltered and contemplative. This constant alternation between open and enclosed spaces is part of the route’s charm, keeping a short walk visually and sensorially engaging.An easy escape for walkers, runners and cyclists
Because the loop is well‑defined and not overly long, it works as a versatile outdoor venue. Walkers can complete it in about an hour at a moderate pace, while runners use the circuit as a scenic training lap. Recreational cyclists enjoy the mostly level terrain, which also suits families with bike‑confident children. Informal resting spots and occasional benches or flat rocks invite pauses to watch the water or simply listen to the breeze in the trees. Many visitors treat Hartesløjfen as a quick escape from town life: a place where you can clear your head after work, enjoy a slow weekend stroll, or introduce visitors to the region’s countryside without committing to a long hike.Seasons, light and the character of the loop
Hartesløjfen offers something in every season, but the experience changes subtly with light and weather. On bright days the wide water surfaces sparkle and views extend along the river corridor. Overcast skies give the industrial features a slightly more dramatic mood, while misty mornings wrap the woods and canals in a softer, almost cinematic atmosphere. In winter, bare branches open up sightlines and the area can feel strikingly spacious, especially with frost on the ground. In summer, leafy canopies provide welcome shade on hot days. Because the loop is short and relatively close to town, it remains a practical outing even when conditions are changeable, making it a reliable go‑to walk for locals and visitors alike.A quiet margin between town and countryside
Although Hartesløjfen sits near Kolding’s outskirts, it feels distinctly removed from urban bustle. Occasional glimpses of infrastructure or distant traffic sounds only underline the sense of being in a green fringe zone: not deep wilderness, but a thoughtfully preserved edge where everyday life and nature meet. That in‑between quality is part of its appeal. The loop is easy to fit into a busy schedule, yet offers enough nature, water and history to feel like a genuine outing. Whether you come for a brisk walk, a family bike ride or a contemplative circuit on your own, Hartesløjfen quietly demonstrates how a working landscape shaped by energy production can evolve into a gentle recreational escape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Michaels Church
3.4 km
A modest 19th-century Catholic red-brick church in central Kolding, offering quiet reflection, intimate architecture and a glimpse of Denmark’s Catholic life.
Saint Nicolas Church
3.5 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Borchs Gård
3.6 km
A vividly painted Renaissance townhouse from 1595, Borchs Gård brings Kolding’s mercantile past to life on the edge of lively Akseltorv square.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
3.9 km
Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Kolding St.
4.0 km
The compact rail and bus hub that delivers you straight into Kolding’s mix of castle-topped history, cobbled streets and fjord-side modern design.
Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
4.1 km
St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s only Anglican church—an elegant Neo-Gothic landmark in Churchill Park, celebrated for its English architectural charm and tranquil location.
Troldborg Ring
20.0 km
Iron Age refuge fortress on a wooded hilltop, where grassy ramparts, “Devil’s Valley” slopes and wide views over Vejle Ådal bring deep Danish history to life.
Fredericia Vold
22.1 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Vejle Vindmølle
22.7 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
VisitVejle
23.5 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
The Midgård Well
23.8 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
Tirsbæk Gods
26.8 km
Experience Tirsbæk Gods, an enchanting Renaissance estate on Vejle Fjord offering historic architecture, idyllic gardens, and immersive events in Denmark’s scenic countryside.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
28.0 km
Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.
Kongernes Jelling
28.0 km
UNESCO-designated Kongernes Jelling unites Viking mounds, rune stones, and a modern museum, tracing Denmark’s earliest kings and the nation’s Christian roots.
Træskohage fyr
28.1 km
An awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral at the heart of Odense, steeped in royal history as Denmark’s only sainted king’s final resting place.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fonden Harteværket
0.3 km
A historic hydropower plant turned playful experience centre, where Kolding’s industrial past meets hands-on water experiments and tranquil river landscapes.
Art Gallery - Artist Charlotte Bruun
0.6 km
Intimate working studio and contemporary gallery in Kolding, showcasing Charlotte Bruun’s expressive acrylic paintings and abstract works in a relaxed industrial-space setting.
Oplevelses- og læringshaven med biodiversitet
1.8 km
Intimate urban biodiversity garden in Kolding, where wild planting, quiet corners and outdoor learning spaces turn a former grey pocket into a living green classroom.
Stallerup Sø
2.0 km
Oplev Munkebo Oplevelses- og Læringshave: Koldings grønne oase for leg, læring og biodiversitet.
Harte Skov
2.4 km
Varied forest and valley slopes on the edge of Kolding, with trails, views, lakeside clearings and family-friendly facilities for easy nature escapes.
Landbomuseet Kolding
2.5 km
Step into a historic Danish farmstead where tractors, tools, animals and farmhouse interiors bring the story of rural life near Kolding vividly to life.
Nyt Mødested Ved Bramdrupdam Dam
3.0 km
A small lakeside pause along Troldhedestien, where simple wooden decks, calm water and everyday nature create a relaxed local meeting spot in Bramdrupdam.
Vifdam park
3.1 km
A compact lakeside neighbourhood park in Kolding, where an artificial lake, play areas and quiet paths turn a dense residential quarter into an easy everyday escape.
St George's Garden
3.2 km
A modest neighbourhood park in Kolding, St George’s Garden offers simple lawns, trees and local life – a quiet pause between the town’s grander green spaces.
Springvandet ved slotssøbadet
3.3 km
Et moderne springvand på Slotsøens overflade, hvor vandsøjler, borgsilhuet og byliv mødes i et kort, gratis åndehul midt i Koldings historiske hjerte.
Gomonkey - Kolding
3.4 km
Forest high-ropes adventure in Kolding’s Hylkedal valley, with multi-level treetop courses, long ziplines and outdoor fun for families, friends and groups.
Galleri Pagter
3.5 km
Intimate gallery in the heart of Kolding showcasing distinctive Danish ceramics and graphic art in a calm, carefully curated setting.
Anne Marie Carl Nielsen
3.5 km
Intimate bronze tribute to Denmark’s trailblazing female sculptor, quietly anchoring Kolding’s central square amid markets, daily life and shifting Jutland light.
Slotssøen
3.5 km
A small castle lake with big atmosphere, Slotssøen pairs medieval walls, swans and leafy paths to create Kolding’s most quietly evocative waterside walk.
Koldinghus
3.5 km
A 750‑year‑old royal fortress reborn as an award‑winning museum, where raw brick ruins, modern timber and sweeping tower views tell the story of Denmark in one castle.
Essential places to dine
Pho Ly Vietnam
2.1 km
Unfussy Vietnamese comfort food in central Kolding, serving steaming pho, crisp banh mi and bubble tea in a simple, budget-friendly setting all week.
The Burger Concept - Burger i Kolding
2.5 km
Straightforward, budget-friendly burgers and fries in a casual setting just outside Kolding’s center, ideal for quick, no-fuss meals and easy takeaway.
Restaurant The Grill Kolding
2.6 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet with fresh meats, salad bar, and seasonal dishes in family-friendly Kolding.
Jensens Bøfhus Kolding
2.6 km
Casual Danish steakhouse inside Kolding Storcenter, serving family‑friendly steaks, burgers, ribs and soft‑ice desserts from late morning to evening every day.
Mango Familierestaurant
2.6 km
Big, family-friendly Asian buffet inside Kolding Storcenter, combining sushi, hot dishes and grill in a casual, convenient setting for hungry shoppers and groups.
D'let - Det Grønne Køkken
2.6 km
Colorful Thai flavors, hearty hot dishes and a generous salad bar in one weigh‑and‑pay buffet, making mall dining easy for mixed tastes and hungry shoppers.
Peking Grill
3.0 km
Fresh Chinese takeaway and casual dining in central Kolding with generous portions and reliable quality.
Resturent LE
3.0 km
Contemporary Asian cuisine in central Kolding with diverse menu and flexible service options.
Spices of Dansborg
3.2 km
Cosy Indian restaurant on Kolding’s Låsbygade, serving aromatic curries, tandoori grills and biryanis in a warm, unhurried setting ideal for relaxed evenings.
Bramdrupdam Kro og Hotel
3.2 km
Traditional Danish kro on Kolding’s edge, blending hearty classic cuisine, simple lodging and event spaces in a convenient spot between motorway, city and green trail.
Desi Indian Taste Kolding
3.3 km
Casual Indian–Pakistani flavours and halal-friendly comfort food served nightly on Kolding’s historic Låsbygade, ideal for easy dine-in or takeaway.
Le Restaurant Kolding
3.3 km
Casual Asian fusion dining in central Kolding, open daily with sushi, burgers, and meat specialties.
Hr & Fru Paps Vin & Tapas
3.4 km
Intimate Kolding wine bar and tapas hideaway serving Iberian-inspired small plates, candlelit atmosphere and conversational evenings in historic Låsbygade.
Restaurant Valdemar
3.5 km
Family-run brasserie in Kolding’s historic centre, serving hearty Danish smørrebrød by day and modern European dishes by night beside the town square.
Flip The Burger
3.5 km
Small, central Kolding burger joint turning out big-flavor smashed patties, hand-cut fries and easygoing dinners just steps from the main square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kirppu
2.3 km
Big indoor flea supermarket in Kolding where locals rent stands and fill the aisles with ever-changing second-hand treasures, from vintage design to family cast-offs.
Bog & idé - Kolding Storcenter
2.4 km
Bright, modern book and gift shop inside Kolding Storcenter, mixing Danish reads, games and stationery with helpful service and long, convenient opening hours.
Message
2.4 km
Contemporary women’s fashion boutique in Kolding Storcenter, offering curated Scandinavian brands and complete outfits for workdays, weekends and nights out.
Plantorama Kolding
2.5 km
A modern 12,000 m² green universe in Kolding, blending garden center, pet shop, home décor and café with family‑friendly play zones and sustainable design.
Kids Coolshop
2.5 km
A colourful Kolding toy universe where shelves of games, LEGO, gadgets and cuddly friends make choosing the next gift as fun as unwrapping it.
Kolding Storcenter
2.5 km
Jutland’s largest shopping centre, blending big-name retail, dining and cinema with free parking, family-friendly design and year-round indoor comfort.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
2.6 km
Compact, colourful and full of affordable surprises, Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Kolding is a playful stop for gifts, gadgets, crafts and Scandinavian‑styled everyday fun.
Telia Kolding
2.6 km
Denmark's leading telecom retailer offering mobile devices, repairs, and connectivity solutions in Jutland's largest shopping center.
NP Vin - Vin Du Coeur
2.9 km
Curated wines and professional imports in Kolding's premier wine destination.
byHANSEN
3.5 km
A refined neighborhood florist in central Kolding, specializing in crafted bouquets, seasonal arrangements and thoughtful floral design for life’s big and small moments.
Michella´s Frugt og Grønt v/Mahmoud Aldherej
3.5 km
Compact, colourful greengrocer in central Kolding, perfect for fresh fruit, vegetables and picnic supplies between explorations of the city’s historic streets.
Filurfifi
3.5 km
A cosy Kolding design boutique filled with playful ceramics, Nordic home décor and character-inspired gifts for women, children and the home.
DNA Kolding
3.6 km
Stylish menswear and footwear in the heart of Kolding's downtown shopping district.
Only
3.6 km
Compact, trend-focused ONLY store in central Kolding, offering accessible Scandinavian women’s fashion, strong on denim and everyday outfits for quick wardrobe updates.
Kop & Kande Kolding C
3.6 km
Central Kolding’s cosy homeware and gift shop, where practical Danish kitchen design, glassware and tableware meet easy browsing on lively Helligkorsgade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
danny og mille
2.9 km
Casual neighborhood bar in central Kolding offering relaxed drinks and social atmosphere.
Kontoret Øl og Vinstue
3.0 km
Atmospheric Kolding bar in a historic townhouse, pouring beer and wine in warmly lit, wood‑paneled rooms that feel like the city’s convivial living room.
Domhuset Sportsbar
3.2 km
Straightforward Kolding sports bar with darts, big screens and cold beers in a relaxed pub setting on central Låsbygade.
The Cavern
3.7 km
A cozy, low-lit lounge tucked inside Den Engelske Pub, offering intimate drinks, warm conversation and a calm escape from Kolding’s lively weekend nightlife.
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
3.7 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
Rabalder Bar Kolding
3.7 km
Small, loud and laid-back, Rabalder Bar Kolding delivers sing-along hits, cheeky drink deals and late-night energy in a compact, central Kolding setting.
The Old Irish pub
3.7 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
Vegas Bet & Beer
3.8 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
8eren
3.8 km
Kolding's premier cocktail bar and pool hall—where drinks, games, and good company meet.
Jernbanecaféen
3.8 km
Straightforward, central Kolding bar by the station, serving inexpensive drinks in a relaxed, lived‑in setting from midday until the early hours.
Drop-inn ( 75 50 34 92 )
3.8 km
Unpretentious Kolding bodega in a former girls’ school, serving cold beer, nostalgic “mormor” music and everyday hygge in a cosy red-brick corner bar.
Knuds Garage
3.8 km
Garage‑themed neighborhood bar in central Kolding with affordable drinks, board games, foosball and a cozy courtyard that turns evenings into easygoing social nights.
Papegøjen
3.8 km
A no-frills corner bodega in central Kolding where cold beer, card games and easy conversation keep the classic Danish pub culture very much alive.
Centerpubben v/Henriette Lykke Skjøtt
4.0 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in Kolding offering inexpensive drinks, local faces and a slice of everyday Danish hygge from midday to late evening.
Oasen øl & vinbar
4.0 km
Cozy craft beer and wine bar in Kolding's center with genuine hospitality and unconventional charm.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Industrial
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
