Trækstien Towpath along the Gudenå River, Silkeborg
Historic towpath turned riverside trail, Trækstien follows the Gudenå River from Silkeborg through meadows, wetlands and forests, ideal for slow, scenic exploration.
Trækstien is a historic towpath turned hiking and cycling trail that follows the Gudenå River from Silkeborg towards Randers. Once used by horses and bargemen hauling cargo along Denmark’s longest river, it now offers around 70–74 km of meandering paths through river valleys, wetlands, forests and fields. Close-to-the-water tracks, wooden boardwalks and occasional flood-prone sections create a constantly changing nature experience ideal for day walks or multi-day journeys.
A brief summary to Trækstien
- Trækstien, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 8 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear waterproof or quick-drying footwear; several low-lying stretches can be soft, muddy or briefly flooded after rain or high water.
- Plan your section in advance and check current water levels or closures, as some parts of the towpath are occasionally inaccessible in wet seasons.
- Pack snacks and water; while some villages and inns lie close to the route, long sections have no services directly on the path.
- If cycling, choose a touring or gravel bike with wider tyres; surfaces change between gravel, woodchip, grass and compacted earth.
- Bring binoculars or a camera with zoom for birdlife and wide river views, especially at dawn or late afternoon when light is at its best.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and walking from central Silkeborg
From Silkeborg Station, it typically takes 10–20 minutes on foot to reach access points to Trækstien along the river and lakes, depending on your exact starting point. Surfaces in town are paved and generally suitable for most visitors, while the towpath itself quickly changes to gravel or natural ground and may be uneven or muddy in places. There is no charge to enter the path, and public transport to the station is covered by standard regional train or bus tickets in the Midtjylland area.
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Local bus and short walk to rural sections
Regional buses running between Silkeborg and nearby towns such as Kongensbro or Bjerringbro allow you to access quieter stretches of Trækstien further along the Gudenå. Typical journey times range from about 20 to 45 minutes, with single tickets usually in the range of 30–70 DKK depending on distance. From bus stops near the river, expect an additional 10–25 minutes of walking on minor roads or farm tracks to reach the towpath, with limited shelter and no services directly at the trailheads.
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Car access from Silkeborg and nearby towns
Driving from central Silkeborg to various access points along Trækstien, such as those near Kongensbro or Bjerringbro, usually takes 20–45 minutes. Parking is typically in small public car parks or roadside pull-offs near bridges, marinas or village centres, often free or with modest local fees. From parking areas you should allow 5–20 minutes of additional walking to join the towpath, and be prepared for natural, sometimes muddy terrain once you leave surfaced roads.
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Cycling approach along local roads and paths
Experienced cyclists can reach Trækstien sections by following local cycle routes from Silkeborg and neighbouring villages, with approach times of around 15–60 minutes depending on the chosen access point. The approach uses a mix of quiet roads and cycle paths without extra cost beyond any bike hire. Once on Trækstien, expect narrower, softer surfaces that are best suited to touring, gravel or mountain bikes rather than narrow-tyre road bikes, and be aware that some low sections may be impassable after heavy rain.
Trækstien location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Trækstien
Old towpath in the heart of the Gudenå valley
Trækstien is a riverside trail that traces the bends of the Gudenå River from Silkeborg towards Randers, weaving through one of Jutland’s most atmospheric river landscapes. Here the path keeps you remarkably close to the water, sometimes only a few steps above the slow current, at other times lifting you onto raised dikes and wooden boardwalks above marshy ground. The setting is quietly dramatic: low riverbanks, distant church spires and farms, and long horizons across meadows and reed beds. Within Silkeborg’s municipality the route feels like an elongated nature corridor, linking town, lake and open countryside. You may begin near the lakes around Silkeborg, then quickly slip into a more rural world where birdsong and the sound of paddles on the water replace city noise. The towpath’s gentle gradients make it accessible to most reasonably fit walkers and cyclists, yet its length and often soft surface offer a satisfying sense of journey.Following in the footsteps of bargemen and horses
Historically, Trækstien was built for work, not leisure. In the 1800s, when Silkeborg’s paper mill and other local industries needed a reliable trade route, horses and their handlers hauled heavy barges upstream along this very bank. The flat strip you walk today was the working corridor where ropes stretched from horse harnesses to cargo-laden boats, moving goods between Silkeborg and the market town of Randers. As modern transport shifted to railways and roads, the towpath fell silent and gradually transformed into a recreational route. Yet traces of its working past remain in place names, old landing spots and preserved riverside inns where bargemen once rested. Walking here with this story in mind, it is easy to picture teams of horses leaning into their harnesses, men shouting instructions and barges sliding slowly along the current.Landscapes that change with every bend
One of Trækstien’s great appeals is the variety compressed into a relatively narrow river corridor. Sections near Silkeborg blend lake shores, mixed woodland and open fields, while downstream the river broadens into classic meadowland with grazing cattle and wide skies. Marshy stretches bring you onto narrow embankments or boardwalks, where sedges and reeds brush your legs and dragonflies skim the surface. The route is particularly engaging in spring and early summer, when fresh foliage, wildflowers and migrant birds animate the banks. In mist or low winter light, the landscape feels more introspective, the river a silvery ribbon between bare trees. Because parts of the path lie at river level, high water and flooding can temporarily close sections, adding a sense of seasonality and reminding visitors that this is a living waterway.Planning your day on the towpath
For most visitors based in Silkeborg, Trækstien works beautifully as a half- or full-day excursion. You can walk or cycle an out-and-back stretch tailored to your energy, making use of rest spots with benches, simple picnic areas and occasional riverside cafés or historic inns in nearby villages. Surfaces vary from firm gravel to woodchip and grass, so sturdy footwear or wide-tyre bikes make the experience more comfortable. The trail is generally well waymarked, but carrying a map or downloaded route is wise if you plan to tackle longer sections. Because there is no entrance fee and access is open at all hours, you are free to choose your own pace, from relaxed family strolls to long-distance days linking Silkeborg with towns such as Bjerringbro or Kongensbro.Nature, silence and low-impact exploration
Trækstien invites a slower style of travel. The absence of motor traffic, the constant presence of water and the modest human scale of the landscape make it ideal for quiet reflection, photography and wildlife watching. Herons, ducks and swans are common companions, and in the stiller reaches you may glimpse fish in the clear shallows. Because the path often threads through sensitive wetlands and private agricultural land, it rewards a light touch: staying on marked tracks, carrying out all litter and giving livestock space. Approached this way, the towpath becomes a model of low‑impact recreation, allowing you to experience the Gudenå valley intimately while helping to preserve its character for the next generation of walkers and riders.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Store Troldhøj
9.0 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Randershøj
10.5 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
silkeborg
15.7 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Water Tower
16.5 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Lovisehøj
17.0 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
19.8 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
20.9 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
21.5 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
H.C. Andersen bench
21.6 km
A literary memorial where Denmark's beloved fairy tale author found inspiration amid rolling hills and sparkling lakes.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
21.6 km
Discover breathtaking views and rich history at Himmelbjerget, Denmark's iconic Sky Mountain in the heart of the Lake District, offering hiking, boat trips, and cultural experiences.
Murermester Rasmus Nielsens Mindesten
22.1 km
A hidden memorial stone honoring a master mason's legacy in Silkeborg's quiet forest.
Dollerup Bakker
22.6 km
Dokk1: Aarhus' award-winning cultural center blending modern architecture with community engagement.
Bølling Lake
22.7 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
The Manor House of Hald
22.8 km
Five centuries of Danish history and architecture nestled beside a glacial lake near Viborg.
De Fem Halder
22.8 km
Dokk1: Aarhus' premier cultural hub blending modern architecture with community engagement on the waterfront.
Unmissable attractions to see
Energimuseet
7.7 km
Denmark's energy revolution comes alive where history powers the future.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
9.0 km
A countryside trove of more than a century of motoring, where pioneer runabouts, fire engines and barn‑find relics share the floor with gleaming classic cars.
Gudenådalens Museum
9.1 km
Small in size but rich in heritage, Gudenådalens Museum reveals Viking treasures, rural crafts, and rune stones from Denmark’s Gudenå Valley in Bjerringbro.
Landal Søhøjlandet
9.5 km
Family-friendly forest holiday park on a quiet Jutland plateau, blending indoor pools and activities with easy access to Denmark’s lake-district landscapes.
Vinderslevholm
12.5 km
Late Gothic manor on a lake peninsula, where red-brick gables, still water and open Jutland fields create a quietly dramatic snapshot of Danish manor heritage.
Befrielsessten i Resenbro
12.9 km
A leading Danish contemporary art gallery in Silkeborg, Galerie Moderne offers rotating exhibitions by top Scandinavian and international artists in a striking modernist space.
Ulstrup Castle
13.3 km
Renaissance manor by the Gudenå River, where centuries of Danish noble history meet tranquil parkland and seasonal concerts in a restored rural estate.
Silkeborg Søerne
15.4 km
Denmark's premier water gateway—paddle, cruise, and explore the pristine lakes of Søhøjlandet from the heart of Silkeborg.
Slotsholmen
15.4 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views over Silkeborg's heather-clad hills and serene lakes at Kongestolen, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Kedelhuset
15.7 km
Intimate live music and performance venue in Silkeborg’s former paper mill boiler house, blending industrial charm with a modern black box concert hall.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
15.7 km
Swinging jazz, riverboats and long Nordic evenings fuse in Silkeborg’s lake district for a five-day celebration where the entire town becomes a waterside stage.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
15.8 km
A living paper workshop in Silkeborg’s old factory, where you watch pulp become sheets, learn about banknote paper and try your hand at this quietly magical craft.
Springvand
15.8 km
Silkeborg Langsø’s towering fountain turns the town’s central lake into a stage of water and light, blending engineering spectacle with everyday lakeside life.
The Hjejle Agency
15.8 km
Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
16.0 km
Step into Silkeborg’s oldest manor house to meet Tollund Man, explore bog mysteries and trace the town’s journey from Iron Age wetlands to modern Jutland hub.
Essential places to dine
Restauranter I Silkeborg
8.2 km
Cosy countryside dining on the edge of Silkeborg, pairing classic Danish comfort food with peaceful rural scenery and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.
Svostrup Kro
8.2 km
Historic riverside inn on the Gudenå, where creaking floors, candlelit dining rooms and hearty Danish cuisine create a timeless countryside escape.
Mad Magi.dk
8.8 km
Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting in Denmark's Jutland region.
Brasseriet Søhøjlandet
9.5 km
Relaxed family brasserie in the hills of Søhøjlandet, serving stone-oven pizzas, seasonal buffets, and local drinks at the heart of Landal’s holiday park.
Restaurant The Grill Silkeborg
14.4 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet with 15+ meat cuts, 50+ salads, and theatrical carving in Silkeborg.
Restaurant King Buffet (Borgergade)
15.0 km
Big, bustling Asian buffet in central Silkeborg, serving sushi, Chinese classics, Mongolian grill and soft‑ice desserts at fixed prices ideal for families and groups.
Atami Sushi Restaurant - Silkeborg
15.1 km
Fresh sushi served to your table in an all-you-can-eat experience that celebrates quality, variety, and authentic Japanese flavors.
DIVA Ristorante & Pizzeria
15.1 km
Casual Italian‑style pizzas, pastas and grills in central Silkeborg, blending sit‑down dining with a busy takeaway counter and long, convenient opening hours.
The Chicken Specialist
15.2 km
A small, central Silkeborg grillbar devoted to crispy rotisserie chicken, golden fries and budget-friendly takeaway dinners for busy locals and hungry travellers.
Restaurant King Buffet (Ansvej)
15.2 km
Spacious Asian buffet in Silkeborg, serving sushi, Chinese dishes and Mongolian grill in a modern, family‑friendly setting with all‑you‑can‑eat comfort.
Bone's Silkeborg
15.6 km
Smoky ribs, flame-grilled steaks and family-friendly comfort food in Silkeborg’s regenerated Papirfabrikken riverside district.
Evald - Brasserie & cafe
15.6 km
Classic French-inspired brasserie meets Danish hygge on the riverfront at Papirfabrikken, serving from morning coffee to late-night drinks with serene waterside views.
Café Kik
15.6 km
Waterfront café on the Gudenå river with quality Danish fare and scenic riverside views.
Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg
15.7 km
Industrial heritage meets riverside luxury in Denmark's lake district.
Restaurant Michael D.
15.7 km
Seasonal Nordic dining in Silkeborg’s converted paper mill, where industrial heritage, hotel comfort and riverside views meet beside the town’s cultural quarter.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Malebox.dk
8.3 km
Male-focused gift shop on Nebelvej in Silkeborg, mixing practical gadgets, grooming gear and playful novelties into quick, memorable gift ideas.
Sj Tekstil og Kunst
11.0 km
Rural Danish boutique and web shop specializing in timeless women’s fashion in natural materials, blending a calm studio feel with carefully curated Scandinavian style.
نثنثنبنب
11.1 km
Functional designer outlet on Copenhagen’s outskirts, focused on discounted fashion, sportswear, and everyday essentials in a straightforward, no‑frills setting.
By Baunbaek (Just a Girl)
11.2 km
International bohemian fashion curated for the free-spirited, right in the heart of Jutland.
The Silkeborg Ski Shop
13.7 km
Specialist ski outfitter in Silkeborg where Scandinavian style, expert advice and quality gear come together before you head for the winter mountains.
Møbelhuset Silkeborg A/S
13.9 km
Spacious Scandinavian furniture house in Silkeborg, offering curated room settings, design-led Danish brands and personal guidance for complete home interiors.
Hjemmebryggeren v/Ken Gade Thøgersen
14.2 km
A no‑nonsense Silkeborg homebrewing hub where sacks of malt, fragrant hops and expert advice help turn curious visitors into confident DIY beer makers.
KiDS Coolshop Silkeborg
14.5 km
Big-box toy wonderland on Brokbjergvej, where Silkeborg families and visitors stock up on games, gifts and playful gear for kids of every age.
Let-Køb (Byens Købmand Kjellerup)
14.7 km
Local grocer with fresh produce, competitive prices, and genuine community service in central Kjellerup.
Læsehesten Silkeborg
14.8 km
A cosy Silkeborg cave of used books, comics, games and films where collectors, readers and gamers lose track of time among shelves of nostalgic finds.
Din Tøjmand
14.8 km
Well-stocked men’s outfitter in central Kjellerup, combining trusted brands, occasion wear and everyday basics with friendly, personal service on Søndergade.
Imerco
14.9 km
Compact Danish homeware and kitchen specialist on Kjellerup’s main square, blending practical everyday essentials with gift ideas and cosy design touches.
SHOPPE LOPPE
15.0 km
A vast indoor flea-market supermarket in Silkeborg with over 400 stands, mixing retro design, antiques, clothing and curios in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
MadebyMichelle
15.1 km
Intimate Silkeborg atelier where a local designer turns Scandinavian simplicity into small-batch fashion accessories on a quiet residential street.
Special-butikken Rask A/S
15.2 km
Silkeborg's trusted source for professional tools, equipment, and expert guidance since 1978.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Oldboys Mc
4.0 km
A low-key biker clubhouse bar in Fårvang, where local riders gather over beers, stories and engines in an authentic, no-frills Danish village setting.
Kristinesminde
5.9 km
A rustic farm bar in rural Jutland, Kristinesminde pours handcrafted Danish ciders in a cozy, countryside setting on the edge of Fårvang.
Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen
12.0 km
Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.
Pub North Cape v / Allan Hede
12.3 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in northern Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks, easygoing hygge and a slice of local bar life late into the evening.
John's
12.9 km
Hammel's premier pub and nightlife destination with live music, DJ performances, and vibrant disco entertainment.
Kings Pub
14.8 km
Straightforward local bar on Borgergade in Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and a relaxed, sociable pub atmosphere from daytime into late evening.
The Smoke Pub
15.2 km
A classic Silkeborg bodega on Borgergade, where smoke, cold beer and easy conversation create an unpretentious local living room from late morning to late night.
Kaptajnens Slyngelstue
15.2 km
An old-school Danish bodega in Silkeborg where cold beer, warm banter and a hint of maritime mischief create the captain’s cosiest neighbourhood hideout.
Woodys Aps
15.2 km
Experience the warm ambiance and diverse drinks at Woodys Aps, a central bar in Silkeborg.
Bakkens bodega
15.7 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.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
15.7 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Café Kling Klang
16.2 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
The Admiral Pub
16.2 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Kaffebaren
16.2 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Roxy Malt
16.3 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
- Seasonal Only
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
