Kornerup Å Trækfærge

A hand-powered crossing in a quiet river valley

Kornerup Å Trækfærge is a small, manually operated cable ferry spanning the calm waters of Kornerup Stream in the countryside just west of Roskilde. Installed in 2012, it was created to link the municipalities of Roskilde and Lejre and to give walkers a memorable way to cross the river rather than simply using a bridge. Set low in the landscape, with grazing meadows and wetlands spreading out on either side, the ferry feels both playful and surprisingly peaceful. The construction is deliberately simple: a sturdy wooden platform suspended from steel cables, pulled back and forth using a hand-operated wheel or rope. There is no engine and no staff; you step aboard and do the work yourself. That do‑it‑yourself aspect is a large part of the experience, inviting visitors of all ages to feel the resistance of the water and the gentle movement of the raft as it slides over the stream.

Part of Skjoldungelandet’s living landscape

The ferry lies in the Kornerup River Valley, a broad meltwater landscape formed at the end of the last Ice Age. Today this green corridor connects the southern parts of Skjoldungelandet National Park all the way to Roskilde Fjord, weaving together meadows, lakes and small patches of woodland. The crossing is integrated into the long‑distance Skjoldungestien hiking route, so most people arrive here on foot as part of a longer walk through open country. Immediately west of the ferry rise the slopes of Hesselbjerg, a low hill crowned with grazing land and a simple bench at the top. From here you gain wide views across Lille and Store Kattinge Sø, Svogerslev Lake and the distant towers of Roskilde Cathedral. The setting captures a classic slice of Danish cultivated landscape, where nature, agriculture and historic routes meet.

Family-friendly fun on the water

Despite its modest size, the trækfærge offers an engaging little challenge, especially for children. Pulling the platform across takes coordination and a bit of muscle, but the short distance and slow speed keep it safe and approachable. Groups often share the effort, taking turns at the wheel or rope while others watch the banks slip slowly past at eye level with the reeds. Because motor traffic is absent and only walkers can reach the spot, the atmosphere remains calm even on busy days. Birdsong and the occasional rustle of wind in the grass compete with the creak of cables and the splash of the hull. Many visitors plan a picnic on the meadows near the ferry or combine the crossing with a loop walk along the lakes and viewpoints of the valley.

Seasons, wildlife and changing moods

The character of Kornerup Å Trækfærge shifts with the seasons. In spring and summer, the riverbanks are lush and green, and you may see ducks, herons or the shapes of grazing cattle in the distance. Autumn mists can hang low in the valley, giving the crossing a quiet, almost secretive feel as the water and fields soften into grey and gold. On bright winter days, bare trees and clear air give long views, but the exposed setting can feel very cold. The surrounding wetlands and nearby lakes attract large numbers of birds, and the open views from the hill above the ferry make it a pleasant informal spot for simple birdwatching. Because the ferry is hand‑powered and slow, there is time to look around and notice details in the landscape that are easily missed when moving at speed.

Practical notes for a simple outdoor stop

The ferry is free to use and generally available in daylight hours during the main seasons when trails are accessible. There are no facilities directly at the river; you will not find restrooms, cafés or shelters right by the platform. The experience is intentionally minimal: a straightforward crossing in a natural setting, suited to walkers who bring their own water, snacks and sensible footwear. Paths on both sides of the river are unpaved and can become muddy or slippery after rain, making the approach less suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Most visitors spend a short time at the ferry itself, often between a few minutes and half an hour, as part of a wider hike in Skjoldungelandet National Park. The combination of simple engineering, gentle exercise and big skies makes this small crossing a memorable detail in a day outdoors.