Slusehuset Ferup Sø
Historic lock house and landscape museum celebrating Denmark's pioneering hydroelectric engineering on a scenic artificial lake.
Slusehuset is a historic lock house and landscape museum situated on the dam at Ferup Sø lake in Kolding Municipality, Denmark. Built in 1920, this charming black-painted structure with a distinctive pyramidal roof tells the story of one of Denmark's most ambitious early 20th-century hydroelectric projects. The museum showcases the remarkable engineering feat accomplished by young workers known as 'børsterne' who constructed a 200-meter dam in 1918 using shovels and tip wagons. Visitors can explore the functioning lock mechanism that regulates water flow, enjoy scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and a children's playground in this beautifully landscaped setting.
A brief summary to Slusehuset Ferup Sø
- Egtvedvej 132, Kolding, 6000, DK
- +4572543000
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
- Thursday 8 am-8 pm
- Friday 8 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Visit the red-marked viewpoint trail for panoramic views of Vester Nebel Ådal valley; the steep climb rewards with excellent photo opportunities and a picnic table at the summit.
- Bring a picnic basket and use the picnic house with tables overlooking grazing sheep for an authentic Danish countryside dining experience.
- Allow time to explore the wooden boardwalk trail around the lake's perimeter to see the memorial rowboat and experience the full landscape context of the 1919 tragedy.
- If time permits, undertake the 12-kilometer circuit tour that traces the entire hydroelectric system from the dam through both lakes to the Harte power station for comprehensive historical understanding.
- Visit during late spring or early autumn when wildflowers bloom on the meadows and weather is mild for comfortable walking and outdoor exploration.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Kolding City Centre
Drive northwest from Kolding city centre via Egtvedvej for approximately 12 kilometers, taking around 15–18 minutes. The location is clearly signposted and has a small parking area near the dam. Parking is free and typically available except during peak summer weekends.
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Bus from Kolding Station
Regional buses serve the Vester Nebel area with connections from Kolding Station. Journey time is approximately 25–35 minutes depending on the route and service frequency. Check local timetables as services vary seasonally; summer months typically offer more frequent connections than winter.
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Bicycle from Vester Nebel
Vester Nebel village is approximately 3 kilometers south of Ferup Sø. A scenic cycling route follows country roads and forest paths, taking 15–20 minutes. The terrain includes some gentle hills. This option is ideal during dry weather and warmer months.
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Walking from Dybvadbro Station
Dybvadbro Station on the historic narrow-gauge Troldhedebanen railway is approximately 2 kilometers from Slusehuset. A walking trail through forest and countryside takes 25–35 minutes. This scenic approach connects railway heritage with the hydroelectric site and suits visitors seeking an immersive arrival experience.
Slusehuset Ferup Sø location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Slusehuset Ferup Sø
A Monument to Early Industrial Ambition
Slusehuset stands as a tangible reminder of Denmark's pioneering hydroelectric era. Built in 1920 and measuring just 31 square meters, this modest black-painted building with its striking pyramidal roof houses the lock mechanism that controls water flow through the dam. The structure sits at the upper end of the intake canal, a crucial component of one of Denmark's largest waterpower projects. What makes this location particularly compelling is the human story behind its construction: in 1918, a workforce of young men called 'børsterne' built the 200-meter dam using only shovels and tip wagons—a feat of determination and engineering that transformed the landscape and provided power to the surrounding region.Landscape Exhibition and Historical Narrative
Inside the lock house, visitors discover Landskabsudstilling (Landscape Exhibition), which documents the ambitious vision and execution of this hydroelectric venture. The exhibition reveals how the project reshaped the natural environment, creating Ferup Sø as an artificial lake nestled in the rolling terrain of the Vester Nebel Ådal valley. The narrative connects the dam, the lake, and the broader water management system that extends downstream to include Stallerup Sø and the power station at Harte. This exhibition transforms what could be a simple industrial structure into a gateway for understanding how early 20th-century Denmark harnessed natural resources and landscape engineering to drive modernization.Scenic Walks and Valley Vistas
The location offers multiple walking experiences suited to different interests and fitness levels. A wooden bridge leads from the dam directly to the lock house, providing immediate access to the exhibition. From there, a red-marked trail climbs steeply through the forest to a viewpoint overlooking the entire Vester Nebel Ådal valley, where a picnic table invites visitors to pause and absorb the panoramic landscape. A longer 1.5-kilometer circular route descends into the valley, crosses the Vester Nebel stream via wooden footbridges, and returns to the lock house. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, a highly recommended 12-kilometer circuit traces the entire hydroelectric system from the dam through both lakes to the power station.Recreation and Family-Friendly Amenities
Ferup Sø has been developed as a welcoming recreational destination with thoughtfully designed facilities. Shelter structures and a primitive camping area accommodate overnight visitors, while a picnic house with tables and benches overlooks grazing sheep—an idyllic setting for packed meals. A children's playground features distinctive equipment that encourages creative play, and the surrounding landscape offers natural play opportunities among fallen trees, wildflower meadows, and gentle slopes. A bonfire area with tables and benches is available to all visitors, making the location ideal for small gatherings and family outings.Tragedy and Remembrance
The lake carries a poignant historical memory. In 1919, during a holiday outing, a rowing boat carrying ten workers capsized, resulting in five deaths. A memorial in the form of a leaking rowboat stands at the lake's edge as a sobering reminder of this tragedy. A wooden boardwalk trail circumnavigates the lake, allowing visitors to reflect on this history while enjoying the natural beauty of the water and surrounding forest.Integration with Harte Forest and Broader Landscape
Slusehuset functions as a key node within the larger Harte Skov (Harte Forest) and Ferup Sø nature area, managed by Naturstyrelsen (the Danish Nature Agency) in partnership with Kolding Municipality. The location sits adjacent to Ferup Stryget, a recreation area where fish passages have been constructed to support salmon and other species. The proximity to the historic Troldhedebanen (narrow-gauge railway) adds another layer of industrial heritage to the area. Together, these elements create a destination where industrial history, landscape conservation, and recreational opportunity intersect.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolas Church
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Borchs Gård
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Saint Michaels Church
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Milling Hotel Saxildhus
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Kolding St.
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Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
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Troldborg Ring
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Fredericia Vold
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Kongernes Jelling
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Tirsbæk Gods
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Træskohage fyr
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Unmissable attractions to see
Harte Skov
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Varied forest and valley slopes on the edge of Kolding, with trails, views, lakeside clearings and family-friendly facilities for easy nature escapes.
Stallerup Sø
1.9 km
Oplev Munkebo Oplevelses- og Læringshave: Koldings grønne oase for leg, læring og biodiversitet.
Landbomuseet Kolding
2.3 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.
Hartesløjfen ved Harteværket
3.8 km
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.
Art Gallery - Artist Charlotte Bruun
3.8 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.
Fonden Harteværket
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A historic hydropower plant turned playful experience centre, where Kolding’s industrial past meets hands-on water experiments and tranquil river landscapes.
Nyt Mødested Ved Bramdrupdam Dam
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Oplevelses- og læringshaven med biodiversitet
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Befrielsessten i Bramdrup
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Cultural Forum Würth Kolding
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Skovterrassen
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Vifdam park
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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
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Springvandet ved slotssøbadet
6.5 km
Et moderne springvand på Slotsøens overflade, hvor vandsøjler, borgsilhuet og byliv mødes i et kort, gratis åndehul midt i Koldings historiske hjerte.
Slotssøen
6.8 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.
Essential places to dine
Bramdrupdam Kro og Hotel
4.3 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.
The Burger Concept - Burger i Kolding
4.6 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.
D'let - Det Grønne Køkken
4.6 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.
Jensens Bøfhus Kolding
4.7 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
4.7 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.
Restaurant The Grill Kolding
4.9 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet with fresh meats, salad bar, and seasonal dishes in family-friendly Kolding.
Pho Ly Vietnam
5.3 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.
Peking Grill
6.3 km
Fresh Chinese takeaway and casual dining in central Kolding with generous portions and reliable quality.
Resturent LE
6.3 km
Contemporary Asian cuisine in central Kolding with diverse menu and flexible service options.
Spices of Dansborg
6.5 km
Cosy Indian restaurant on Kolding’s Låsbygade, serving aromatic curries, tandoori grills and biryanis in a warm, unhurried setting ideal for relaxed evenings.
Desi Indian Taste Kolding
6.6 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
6.7 km
Casual Asian fusion dining in central Kolding, open daily with sushi, burgers, and meat specialties.
Hr & Fru Paps Vin & Tapas
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Bamsehuset
6.8 km
Cheerful ice cream kiosk and snack stop in Kolding’s Legeparken, serving classic cones, sweets, sandwiches and drinks in a relaxed, family-focused park setting.
Madkælderen Koldinghus
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Seasonal Danish cuisine and candlelit cellar ambience beneath the vaulted stone of Koldinghus, where modern gourmet dining meets centuries of royal castle history.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Message
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
4.5 km
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Bog & idé - Kolding Storcenter
4.6 km
Bright, modern book and gift shop inside Kolding Storcenter, mixing Danish reads, games and stationery with helpful service and long, convenient opening hours.
Kids Coolshop
4.6 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
4.6 km
Jutland’s largest shopping centre, blending big-name retail, dining and cinema with free parking, family-friendly design and year-round indoor comfort.
Telia Kolding
4.6 km
Denmark's leading telecom retailer offering mobile devices, repairs, and connectivity solutions in Jutland's largest shopping center.
Kirppu
4.7 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.
Plantorama Kolding
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NP Vin - Vin Du Coeur
6.1 km
Curated wines and professional imports in Kolding's premier wine destination.
Michella´s Frugt og Grønt v/Mahmoud Aldherej
6.9 km
Compact, colourful greengrocer in central Kolding, perfect for fresh fruit, vegetables and picnic supplies between explorations of the city’s historic streets.
byHANSEN
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Filurfifi
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Store No 1b ApS
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Bog & idé Kolding City
7.0 km
Central Kolding’s one-stop book and gift shop, combining Danish reads, games, stationery, hobby items and handy photo services in a bright, well-organised space.
Femina Tønder ApS
7.0 km
A central Kolding women’s clothing shop offering practical, Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion in a compact, easy-to-browse high-street space.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
danny og mille
4.2 km
Casual neighborhood bar in central Kolding offering relaxed drinks and social atmosphere.
Centerpubben v/Henriette Lykke Skjøtt
5.3 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
5.3 km
Cozy craft beer and wine bar in Kolding's center with genuine hospitality and unconventional charm.
Kontoret Øl og Vinstue
6.4 km
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Domhuset Sportsbar
6.5 km
Straightforward Kolding sports bar with darts, big screens and cold beers in a relaxed pub setting on central Låsbygade.
Rabalder Bar Kolding
7.0 km
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The Cavern
7.1 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.
The Old Irish pub
7.1 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
7.1 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
8eren
7.1 km
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Jernbanecaféen
7.1 km
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Vegas Bet & Beer
7.1 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
Knuds Garage
7.1 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.
Drop-inn ( 75 50 34 92 )
7.3 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.
Jazz 6000
7.3 km
Intimate jazz stronghold in Kolding, presenting adventurous live concerts and collaborations that bring Danish jazz up close in a relaxed club atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly