Kallehave Bålhytte
A modest grill shelter tucked into the Kallehave woods near Gl. Rye, perfect for unhurried campfire cooking and a quiet break on forest hikes.
Tucked into the woodland just south of Gl. Rye near Ry, Kallehave Bålhytte is a simple grill shelter with benches and a central fire and grill spot. Used on weekdays by the local school, it opens to everyone on weekends and holidays, offering a rustic gathering place for families, hikers and small groups. With the surrounding Kallehave forest, nearby campfire site and hiking routes towards Aarhus, Silkeborg and the Gudenå valley, it’s an easy, atmospheric stop for outdoor cooking and a nature break.
A brief summary to Kallehave bålhytte
- Skovstedvej 6, Ry, 8680, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring all essentials: drinking water, food, firewood or charcoal, and cooking utensils, as there are no supplies or taps at the shelter.
- Keep fires small and within the grill area, and always check local fire regulations during dry or windy periods before lighting up.
- Carry a bag for rubbish and plan to take all waste back out with you to keep the forest and shelter clean.
- If you want a quieter visit, aim for early morning or later afternoon outside major holiday periods.
- In wet or cold weather, dress in layers—smoke from the fire can be strong in still air and you may sit for long periods.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Car from Ry town centre
From central Ry, driving to the Kallehave forest area near Skovstedvej typically takes around 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking is usually done at nearby public parking areas connected to the local dog forest or other signed forest access points, from where you continue on foot through the woods to the shelter. There is no dedicated parking directly at the bålhytte, and access roads can be narrow and unmarked, so allow extra time to find a suitable legal parking spot. Use of the shelter itself is free, but fuel, food and any parking charges in Ry are at your own expense.
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Regional train plus walking
Ry is served by regional trains on the Aarhus–Silkeborg line, with journey times of about 30–40 minutes from Aarhus and 15–20 minutes from Silkeborg. A standard adult single ticket on this route is typically in the range of 40–80 DKK, depending on distance and time of purchase. From Ry Station you can walk towards the Kallehave forest area; expect around 30–45 minutes on foot on mixed pavements and forest paths. Surfaces become uneven as you approach the woods, and there is no lighting on the final forest section, so plan to arrive in daylight.
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Bicycle from Gl. Rye and surroundings
Cycling from Gl. Rye village to the Kallehave area is a practical option, taking roughly 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point and route. You follow local roads and then continue on forest tracks, which can be muddy, rooty or slippery after rain. There are no formal bike racks at the shelter, so you will need to lock your bicycle to a tree or lay it off the path. The route is free to use but best suited to bikes with reasonable tyres rather than narrow road tyres.
Kallehave bålhytte location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Kallehave bålhytte
A woodland grill shelter on the edge of Gl. Rye
Kallehave Bålhytte sits in a mixed woodland just south of Gl. Rye, close to Ry in the Søhøjlandet lake district. Surrounded by tall trees and soft forest floor, this open-sided timber shelter is purpose-built for simple outdoor cooking and social time around the fire. In everyday life it belongs mainly to the nearby school, but on weekends and during holidays it becomes a welcoming, low-key spot for anyone who loves the smell of woodsmoke and the quiet of the forest. Step inside and you find fixed benches along the edges and a central grill area where you can light a modest fire. The structure is sturdy and functional rather than decorative, yet the setting gives it charm: birdsong overhead, filtered light through the canopy and a feeling of being slightly removed from town, while still very close to everyday life.Part of the wider Kallehave forest experience
The bålhytte is only one element in the broader Kallehave area, which includes a simple campsite and a free tenting zone used by hikers on the long-distance trail between Aarhus and Silkeborg and by walkers following the Gudenå valley. Here the forest opens and closes in short sequences, with patches of conifer and deciduous trees, small clearings and narrow paths threading through the undergrowth. Nearby, a separate campfire site offers room for larger fires, while the grill shelter is meant for contained cooking and smaller flames. This division helps keep the area both safe and practical: the shelter is for gathering and grilling, the forest floor around it for quiet exploration, short walks and nature play.Fire, food and simple outdoor comforts
Kallehave Bålhytte is all about back-to-basics outdoor life. There is no tap water, electricity or permanent staff, and you bring your own food, firewood or charcoal, and utensils. In the forest surrounding the site, you may collect fallen branches for the fire where permitted, supplementing whatever you have carried in. The emphasis is on modest flames rather than big bonfires, with care taken not to scorch the roof or overwhelm the structure with smoke. Benches along the interior make it easy to settle in for a lunch stop, a slow afternoon grilling sausages or an early evening meal before continuing along the trails. The simple roof offers shelter from drizzle and softens the wind, so you can linger even when the weather is not perfect. On dry, bright days, the forest light reflects in from all sides, and the open design keeps you connected to the surroundings.Weekday learning space, weekend community spot
On school days the shelter serves as an outdoor classroom and base for local children, who use it for nature learning, campfire cooking and seasonal projects. That everyday educational role gives the place a lived-in, practical feel: it is built to be used, not just admired. At weekends and during school holidays it shifts character, becoming a shared community resource for families, small groups of friends, scout-style outings and passing hikers. You might encounter a quiet morning gathering over coffee, an extended family cooking lunch, or trail walkers taking a break from their packs. Everyone is expected to leave the shelter clean and tidy, remove trash and keep noise at a considerate level, as the area lies within earshot of nearby houses and other forest users.Practical considerations and respectful use
Because Kallehave Bålhytte is close to residential areas and used regularly by children, considerate behaviour matters. Fires must be kept small and controlled, using the grill and designated fire area rather than the floor or nearby ground. When the forest is dry or fire risk is elevated, it is important to check local guidance before lighting any flame at all. There are no on-site restrooms or water points at the shelter itself, so plan ahead by bringing sufficient drinking water and knowing where the nearest facilities are in Ry or Gl. Rye. Seating is simple wooden benches, and ground surfaces can be uneven, which can be a challenge for visitors with limited mobility. Dogs are welcome when kept under control, and everyone shares responsibility for keeping the area pleasant by taking rubbish home and leaving the shelter ready for the next group to enjoy.A quiet pause on a longer outdoor journey
For many, Kallehave Bålhytte is less a standalone destination and more a rewarding stop within a larger day out in the forested hill country of Søhøjlandet. Combined with a hike along the Aarhus–Silkeborg route, a loop by the Gudenå or an exploration of Gl. Rye, the shelter offers exactly what is needed: a roof, a grill, somewhere to sit, and the gentle company of the trees. It may be modest, but for a couple of unhurried hours around the fire, it provides everything essential.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
4.5 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
5.1 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Lovisehøj
11.8 km
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Ejer Bavnehøj
12.8 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
12.9 km
Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
14.2 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Silkeborg Water Tower
14.5 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
14.5 km
Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
14.7 km
A colossal wooden troll crafted from recycled materials—where art, nature, and Nordic folklore converge near Silkeborg's serene lake.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
14.7 km
Historic main square in the center of Roskilde, surrounded by vibrant markets, cafés, and the iconic cathedral—where Danish tradition meets everyday city life.
silkeborg
14.8 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
14.8 km
Bronze tribute to Silkeborg’s founding industrialist, anchoring the historic town square and local traditions at the heart of Denmark’s lake district.
Slotsholmen
15.0 km
Denmark's island of power: nine centuries of royal rule, government, and cultural heritage in Copenhagen's heart.
Springvand
15.1 km
Northern Europe's grandest fountain transforms Silkeborg's lakeside with water jets soaring 33 meters high and mesmerizing evening light shows.
Randershøj
15.7 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Unmissable attractions to see
Abbey Mill
2.8 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.
Øm Klostermuseum
3.6 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.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
4.3 km
Follow a classic forest trail from lakeshore to the summit of Denmark’s fabled Sky Mountain, combining gentle ascent, big views and layers of national history.
H.C. Andersen bench
4.4 km
Discover Råbjerg Mile, Northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune—a stunning, ever-shifting landscape near Skagen, perfect for exploration and breathtaking views.
Himmelbjerget
4.6 km
Iconic Danish “mountain” above the Silkeborg lakes, blending sweeping forest-and-lake views with constitutional history, forest trails and classic excursion life.
Himmelbjergtårnet
4.6 km
A 25‑metre red-brick memorial crowning Himmelbjerget, offering sweeping lake-and-forest panoramas and a powerful glimpse into Denmark’s democratic story.
Ry havn
4.7 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.
Turbådene Himmelbjerget
5.1 km
Classic excursion boats carrying you from lakeside Ry through serene Søhøjlandet to the foot of Denmark’s famed Himmelbjerget for views, walks and fresh air.
Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn
5.4 km
Historic hilltop tower above Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests, blending Denmark’s constitutional story with sweeping Jutland views and atmospheric woodland paths.
Maskenkol
5.5 km
A quiet stretch of Knudsø’s northern shore, Maskenkol offers gentle lakeside walking, open views and everyday Danish nature just beyond the town of Ry.
Mossø
6.0 km
Jutland’s largest lake, where wide horizons, protected birdlife and easygoing outdoor adventures meet in the rolling Danish Lake Highlands.
Dynæs voldsted
6.2 km
Quiet medieval castle mounds and deep ditches on a wooded peninsula in the Silkeborg Lakes, where earthworks, water and forest hint at a vanished stronghold.
Gammelkol
6.8 km
A modest historic site folded into Silkeborg’s forests, where quiet paths, subtle landforms and shifting light reveal the long story of Denmark’s lake country.
FDF Outdoor Center Sletten
6.8 km
Denmark's premier outdoor recreation hub where free activities, mountain biking, and nature immersion meet modern comfort.
Høgdal
6.9 km
An 18th-century hilltop farm near Silkeborg, preserved as a living window into Danish rural life amid the soft landscapes of the Søhøjlandet lake district.
Essential places to dine
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
1.2 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.
Café Himmelsk
3.7 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
4.4 km
Casual hilltop cafeteria at Himmelbjerget, serving classic Danish comfort food and ice cream with wide views over the Silkeborg lakes and surrounding forests.
Lakeside Ry - Restaurant
4.8 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
KobKun
4.8 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
4.9 km
Casual neighborhood pizza and chicken takeaway in Ry, serving hearty portions and familiar flavors for easy, budget‑friendly dinners after a day outdoors.
Ry Gastropub
4.9 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
4.9 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
4.9 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
4.9 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
Umisushi
5.0 km
Neighbourhood sushi and takeaway in the lakeside town of Ry, serving fresh rolls and casual Japanese favourites in a relaxed, modern setting.
Knudhule Badehotel og Gastronomisk Institut
7.0 km
Award-winning lakeside hotel and fine dining destination in Denmark's scenic Søhøjlandet region.
Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut
7.0 km
Seasonal Danish–French cooking, a serious wine cellar and wide lake views come together at this refined yet relaxed restaurant inside Knudhule Badehotel.
Restaurant Aalekroen
7.8 km
Classic Danish kro-style restaurant on the shores of Julsø, pairing hearty traditional dishes and fried eel with sweeping lakeside views near Silkeborg.
Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst
8.1 km
Organic lakeside dining in a light-filled country villa above Lake Julsø, where local ingredients, house-baked bread and garden herbs define every seasonal plate.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dagli'Brugsen Gl. Rye
1.2 km
Community-owned supermarket where every purchase strengthens local bonds and supports sustainable living.
Made by Ella
1.3 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.
Nordic Yarn - a woolly affair
4.2 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.
Bjerg-kiosken
4.3 km
Compact hilltop kiosk on Himmelbjerget serving ice cream, snacks and drinks to walkers and day-trippers at one of Denmark’s most iconic viewpoint areas near Ry.
Bjerghytten
4.4 km
Bjerghytten: Savor Ice Cream Delights Amidst Himmelbjerget's Scenic Beauty
Ugleboden
4.4 km
Casual ice cream and souvenir stall on Himmelbjerget, adding a sweet, no-frills pause to hikes and family outings in the wooded hills above Ry.
Ørneboden
4.4 km
Small hilltop souvenir shop on Himmelbjerget, pairing simple treats and mementos with big views over Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests above Ry.
Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik
4.7 km
Historic farm shop in a mill building, selling wild game from estate forests with uncompromising quality and sustainability.
by Diana
4.8 km
An intimate Ry lingerie boutique offering personal fittings, Scandinavian style and a carefully curated selection of everyday essentials and special-occasion pieces.
Hanne Linding Denmark / BUTIK No. 9 Ry
4.8 km
Intimate Ry boutique by textile artist Hanne Linding, showcasing feminine Danish knitwear, curated colors and timeless, everyday Scandinavian design.
Toft suits men & women
4.9 km
Distinctive menswear and womenswear for those who value timeless quality and personal style.
Kandis
4.9 km
A welcoming Ry specialty shop where wine, sweets, gourmet delicacies and thoughtful gifts come together under one cosy, carefully curated roof.
Hanghøj
4.9 km
A cosy Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Ry, offering curated women’s clothing, accessories and gifts with a relaxed, personal touch.
Taste
4.9 km
Intimate Ry boutique for thoughtfully chosen lingerie and womenswear, offering calm, personal service and understated Nordic style on Skanderborgvej.
Pierrot La Lune
5.0 km
A small, stylish children’s clothing boutique on Ry’s central square, blending Scandinavian design, quality fabrics and a cosy, neighbourhood atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Høkeren
4.8 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
4.9 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
5.0 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.
Sprutskuret I/S
11.4 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.
Dartklubben Potten
12.1 km
A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.
Bodega Hjørnet
14.3 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
Bakkens bodega
14.3 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Århusvej where locals, cold drafts and simple pub fare create a slice of everyday Silkeborg life from late morning to late evening.
Cafe' Paradis
14.4 km
A compact, old‑school bodega in central Silkeborg, serving cold beers, local atmosphere and late‑night conversation in an unpretentious, lived‑in bar setting.
The Admiral Pub
14.6 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Café Kling Klang
14.6 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Sportspubben Målet
14.7 km
A cozy, no-frills sports pub in central Silkeborg, where big screens, cold beer and local chatter turn every match day into a shared living room.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
14.7 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Roxy Malt
14.7 km
Irish-inspired Silkeborg pub with live music, quizzes, speciality beers and a cosy courtyard, blending retro charm with late-night energy in the town centre.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
14.7 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Rabalder Bar
14.8 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- 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
