Alstrup Krat: A Walk Through Ancient History
Explore Alstrup Krat near Mariager: Hike through ancient forests, discover Bronze Age burial mounds, and enjoy stunning views of Mariager Fjord. A blend of history and nature awaits.
Alstrup Krat, a nature area just outside Mariager, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. This hilly landscape, shaped by the last ice age, features varied terrain, including forests, open spaces, and the stunning Mariager Fjord. Alstrup Krat is home to Hohøj, one of Northern Europe's largest Bronze Age burial mounds, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. Hiking trails wind through the forest, revealing traces of settlements from the pre-Roman Iron Age, coal mines, and wagon shelters from World War II. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply a peaceful escape, Alstrup Krat provides a memorable experience for all.
A brief summary to Alstrup krat
- Mariager, 9550, DK
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the hiking trails can be uneven and steep in places.
- Visit the Red House near Hohøj to learn more about the area's history and archaeological findings.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy at the tables and benches near Hohøj, with scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Combine your visit with a trip to Mariager Saltcenter to experience the unique sensation of floating in a Dead Sea-like pool.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, as the trails can be slippery after rain.
Getting There
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Walking
From Mariager town center, Alstrup Krat is accessible by foot. Follow Havndalvej uphill, heading east out of town. The walk is approximately 1.5 km and will take you directly to the parking area at Hohøj, the main access point for Alstrup Krat. The route is well-signed. Allow about 20-30 minutes for the walk, enjoying the views as you ascend. There are no costs associated with walking to Alstrup Krat.
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Public Transport
Bus route 235 runs from Randers Busterminal to Mariager. From Mariager bus station, you can walk to Alstrup Krat following the 'Walking' directions. Alternatively, school bus route 2 travels through the forest from Mariager to Skrødstrup, with a stop on Havndalvej closer to Alstrup Krat. Check local schedules for accurate timings. A single bus fare from Randers to Mariager costs approximately 30 DKK. From the bus stop on Havndalvej, it's a short walk to the trails.
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Driving
From Mariager, drive east on Havndalvej. Follow the signs for Hohøj. There is a free parking area at Hohøj Skovvej 7, 9550 Mariager, which serves as the main access point for Alstrup Krat. Parking is free and without time restrictions. Be aware that buses are only allowed to drive to the turning area near Hohøj to turn around.
Discover more about Alstrup krat
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mariager Lystbådehavn
0.8 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
0.9 km
Experience historic Danish charm and modern comfort at Hotel Postgaarden Mariager, nestled in the heart of the 'City of Roses' with easy access to Mariager Fjord's natural beauty.
Mariager Kirke
1.0 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Mariager Church
1.1 km
A towering former abbey church above Mariager Fjord, where Gothic brickwork, noble tombs and a distinctive Aubertin organ keep centuries of faith and history alive.
Mariager Fjord
2.4 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Restaurant BramslevGaard
8.3 km
Experience Danish history and gastronomy at BramslevGaard, a charming manor house nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker near Hobro, offering stunning views and French-inspired cuisine.
Hotel BramslevGaard
8.3 km
Experience tranquility and history at Hotel BramslevGaard, nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker by Mariager Fjord, offering gourmet dining, spa retreats, and easy access to Northern Jutland's natural wonders.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
11.3 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Sven Dalsgaards Plads
20.8 km
Randers' cultural epicentre honouring a Dadaist pioneer, where art, performance, and community converge.
Randers St.
21.1 km
Historic East Jutland railway hub connecting Denmark's east coast with modern InterCity services and comprehensive traveler amenities.
Randers Railwaystation
21.1 km
Historic rail gateway of Randers, linking East Jutland’s river town with Aarhus, Aalborg and Copenhagen from a compact, practical 19th‑century station hub.
Hotel Randers
21.4 km
Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's Designmuseum Danmark.
Rold Forest
22.0 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore unique geological formations, and uncover the legends of Rold Forest near Skørping.
Museum Rebild
22.1 km
Explore Danish-American history and local traditions at Museum Rebild in Skørping, a cultural gateway to Northern Jutland's heritage and the enduring bond between Denmark and the USA.
Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker
22.1 km
Discover Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker: A cozy octagonal shelter in Rebild National Park, perfect for hikers and nature lovers seeking a tranquil retreat and a taste of Danish history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sødisbakkes Museum
0.5 km
An intimate local history museum revealing the everyday lives, work and creativity of residents at Sødisbakke, a long‑standing care institution near Mariager.
Mariager Strandpark
0.8 km
Small, calm and right on Mariager Fjord, this modest strandpark blends a man-made beach with green lawns and fjord views for relaxed, low-key time by the water.
Mariager Sejlklub
0.8 km
Friendly marina and sailing club on the shores of Mariager Fjord, blending sheltered berths, local sailing culture and easy access to a charming historic town.
Mariager Museum
0.8 km
Centuries of regional heritage in a charming 17th-century merchant's house.
Veteranjernbanen Mariager-Handest
1.0 km
Denmark’s longest heritage railway, where vintage trains, fjordside scenery and a preserved rural station bring a century of Danish railway history to life.
Saltcentret
1.1 km
Denmark's salt heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, therapeutic pools, and family adventures on the Mariager Fjord.
Ivan Evigvår trold
1.1 km
Hunt for a gentle giant hidden deep in Denmark's enchanted forest—a whimsical woodland sculpture born from community votes and recycled dreams.
Mariager Klosterhave
1.2 km
A small, story-filled abbey garden beside Mariager’s church, where herbs, beehives and quiet corners keep the town’s monastic past gently alive.
Rosenhaven
1.2 km
An intimate rose garden in the heart of Mariager, where hundreds of varieties, church spires and cobbled streets meet in a quietly fragrant city retreat.
Munkholmanlægget
1.3 km
A peaceful woodland escape featuring forest trails, a whimsical troll sculpture, and a rose garden in charming Mariager.
Mariager Camping
1.3 km
Award-winning fjord-side camping where Nordic nature meets charming heritage town life.
Mariager Idræts Klub
1.6 km
Multi-sport heart of Mariager, where everyday Danish life, local matches and community spirit fill simple halls and pitches beside the fjord town.
Mariagerfjord Frikirke
2.2 km
Modern free church and cultural house on the edge of Mariager, blending contemporary worship, community life and flexible event spaces in a bright, welcoming complex.
Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
4.8 km
Discover Denmark’s most whimsical museum: a creative coastal house spectacularly covered in shells, folk art, and maritime antiques in scenic Thyborøn.
Miniseum
4.9 km
Enchanting 1:12 scale miniatures and dioramas celebrating artistry in Denmark's countryside.
Essential places to dine
Landgangen
0.7 km
Homely Danish comfort food and generous plates served with wide-open views over Mariager Fjord on the quiet edge of this charming North Jutland town.
Torve Pizza Mariager v/Kenan Atas
0.8 km
Casual, central pizzeria and grillhouse on Mariager’s main square, serving generous, affordable comfort food to locals and visitors from afternoon through evening.
A'porta
0.9 km
Unpretentious Danish cooking, a lively bodega-style bar and simple rooms under one roof in the old fjord town of Mariager.
Havnens Grill & Pølsebod
0.9 km
Casual waterfront grill serving Danish classics with fjord views and motorcycle tradition.
Mariager Bistro & Konditori
1.0 km
Casual harborfront bistro and konditori in Mariager, serving unfussy Danish café dishes and cakes just steps from the town’s quiet fjord marina.
Star Pizza & Grill
5.0 km
Straightforward pizzas and grill favorites in the heart of Mariager, offering easy takeaway and no-frills dining after a day by the Danish fjord.
Restauration Orkidee Dania - Mad som man kender
5.5 km
Relaxed fjordside restaurant and event venue at Dania, serving classic Danish dishes, buffets and catering in cozy banquet rooms with wide views over Mariager Fjord.
Cafe Fyret Kongsdal
5.8 km
Unpretentious harbour café on the quay at Kongsdal Havn, serving simple, good‑value meals and ice creams with wide‑open views over Mariager Fjord.
Restaurant Bramslev Bakker
7.8 km
Countryside Danish cooking with sweeping fjord views, where Bramslev Bakker’s rolling hills meet a relaxed, modern restaurant above Mariager Fjord.
Restaurant Uafhængig
9.9 km
Ambitious Nordic cooking in a calm, forest‑edge dining room at Hotel Amerika, blending seasonal Danish flavors with a relaxed, modern atmosphere near Hobro.
Færgekroen Hadsund
10.0 km
Classic Danish inn and restaurant by the Mariager Fjord, blending hearty kromad, Nordic flavors and simple rooms with wide-reaching views over the water.
davinci RISTORANTE
10.1 km
Waterfront Italian dining on Mariager Fjord, blending classic pasta, pizza and seafood buffets with bright fjordview rooms and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Restaurant The Grill Hobro
11.1 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet and brunch inside Hobro’s Bowl’n’Fun, bringing hearty classics, soft-ice desserts and family-friendly dining under one lively roof.
Matios Det Italienske Spisehus
12.4 km
Cosy Italian trattoria-style dining on Hobro’s central square, serving generous pizzas, pasta and classic desserts in a warm, candlelit atmosphere.
Nida's food
12.4 km
Casual harborfront fast-food joint in Hobro serving pizzas, burgers and grill favorites just steps from the marina on Havnegade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Strikkehjørnet Mariager
0.8 km
A cosy yarn haven in Mariager’s old town, where shelves of colourful wool, friendly advice and Nordic knitting inspiration create a perfect hygge-filled pause.
Jørgensen Sko
0.8 km
A long-standing local shoe shop and cobbler in Mariager, offering practical footwear, repairs and traditional service on cosy Østergade near the historic town centre.
Diva
0.8 km
Curated women's fashion in the heart of historic Mariager's charming town center.
Klosterkaelderen.dk Antiques & Porcelain
0.8 km
Denmark's premier destination for authentic Danish and European antique ceramics and porcelain.
JamerAntik.dk
0.8 km
Intimate Mariager antiques shop specializing in Danish porcelain, ceramics and decorative treasures, where each shelf reveals another chapter of Scandinavian design history.
Klæd Dig - Mariager
0.8 km
Cosy, owner-run fashion boutique on Østergade in Mariager, offering curated Scandinavian-style womenswear in a relaxed, personal and distinctly local setting.
Vaffelbageren i Mariager
0.8 km
Experience handmade Danish ice cream and fresh-baked waffles on Mariager’s historic square—Vaffelbageren captures the taste and spirit of hygge along the fjord.
Mariager Boghandel
0.8 km
Cosy village bookshop and service hub in the heart of Mariager, combining books, gifts, toys and practical everyday services in one welcoming stop.
Helga Winther Smykkedesigner
0.8 km
Handcrafted jewelry artistry in the heart of Mariager, where bespoke designs meet timeless elegance.
SuperBrugsen
0.8 km
Modern cooperative supermarket and deli hub in small‑town Mariager, ideal for stocking up on Danish groceries, picnic supplies and prepared local dishes every day.
Mariager Slagterforretning
0.9 km
Classic Danish butcher shop by Mariager’s harbour, offering house-made specialties, fresh cuts and deli favourites ideal for picnics, grilling and cosy self-catered meals.
Vinspecialisten Mariager
0.9 km
Intimate specialist wine shop in the heart of Mariager, pairing personal advice with carefully chosen bottles, fine spirits and gift-ready treats for any occasion.
Kirkepladsens Blomster Mariager ApS
0.9 km
Century-old florist crafting premium arrangements for weddings, celebrations, and heartfelt moments.
Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug
1.0 km
Cosy waterfront charity shop in Mariager, where curated second-hand finds, local community and global relief work meet under ét genbrugstag.
REMA 1000
1.4 km
Mariager’s handy REMA 1000 on Gl. Hobrovej is a no‑frills discount supermarket, perfect for stocking up on groceries, snacks and picnic supplies near the historic town.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Olivia
5.1 km
Casual Danish beer hall where locals gather for drinks, conversation, and authentic small-town hospitality.
Jagtstuen
10.1 km
Traditional Danish bodega-style bar in central Hadsund, known for its cozy atmosphere and pioneering dementia-friendly approach to everyday social life.
Kælderen
10.3 km
Intimate basement bar at the heart of Hadsund's town square, open for evening gatherings Thursday through Sunday.
Den Graa Kok Vinkælderen
10.5 km
Refined wine bar and cellar in North Jutland offering curated selections and elegant dining.
ar
11.0 km
Unpretentious waterfront bar on Ved Stranden in Hadsund, where simple drinks, fjord views and small-town atmosphere create an easygoing evening stop.
Jazz Hobro
12.0 km
Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.
Bræddehytten Bar & Pub
12.3 km
Unpretentious local bar on Hobro’s main street, pouring cold beer and warm hygge in a classic Danish pub setting with friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Torvebaren
12.4 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.
Vognhjulet Pub
12.4 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Madam Blå's Vandhul
12.5 km
A cozy, day‑time neighborhood bar-café in Hobro where locals linger over coffee, beer and small talk in an easygoing, homely atmosphere.
Rottehullet / Bodega
13.0 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Center Pubben ApS
18.4 km
Cozy neighborhood pub in Terndrup Center, pouring cold beer, simple drinks and warm small-town atmosphere in a no-nonsense Danish bar setting.
Sunes Bodega
20.4 km
A classic Randers neighbourhood bodega serving cold beers, local stories and uncomplicated hygge from morning until late evening.
Bykroen
21.1 km
Traditional Randers bodega with cold beer, simple smørrebrød and everyday hygge in the heart of Vestergade’s city-centre streets.
Cocktail Klubben
21.2 km
Experience Randers' vibrant nightlife at Cocktail Klubben, where expertly crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere await.
