Kornerup Å Trækfærge
A hand-powered cable ferry in the Kornerup River Valley, turning a simple stream crossing into a playful pause amid open meadows, big skies and quiet Danish nature.
Hidden in the green river valley west of Roskilde, the Kornerup Å Trækfærge is a simple hand‑pulled cable ferry that carries walkers across the tranquil Kornerup Stream between Roskilde and Lejre. Installed in 2012 as part of the Skjoldungelandet National Park trail system, it turns a regular hike along Skjoldungestien into a playful, hands‑on adventure. Surrounded by meadows, birdlife and wide skies, this free, self‑service ferry is especially fun for families and anyone who enjoys a touch of old‑fashioned ingenuity in beautiful Danish nature.
A brief summary to Kornerup Å Trækfærge
- 4000, Roskilde, DK
- +4593597090
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 6 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
- Thursday 6 am-6 pm
- Friday 6 am-6 pm
- Saturday 6 am-6 pm
- Sunday 6 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Wear sturdy, closed footwear; paths to the ferry are unpaved and can be muddy or slippery after rain.
- Bring drinks and snacks, as there are no facilities directly at the river and the spot is ideal for a simple picnic.
- If visiting with children, let them help pull the ferry but keep an eye on smaller kids near the water’s edge.
- Plan extra time to walk up Hesselbjerg hill for sweeping views over the lakes and Roskilde’s distant cathedral towers.
- In cooler months, pack windproof layers; the open valley can feel significantly colder than in town.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from central Roskilde
From central Roskilde, driving to the trailheads near Svogerslev Lake or Hesselbjerg typically takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking is at small rural lots or roadside spaces, which can fill on sunny weekends. There is no fee for the ferry itself; parking is usually free as well. From the car, expect an additional 15–30 minutes of walking on unpaved paths to reach the trækfærge, so good footwear is important.
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Local bus plus walk
Regular local buses run from Roskilde towards Svogerslev and nearby villages, with journey times of around 10–20 minutes. A single adult ticket typically costs about 25–35 DKK within the local zones. From the nearest bus stops, you should plan for a 20–40 minute walk along country lanes and marked trails to the ferry. Services are less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so checking timetables in advance is advisable.
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Cycling from Roskilde
Cycling from Roskilde town to the area around Svogerslev Lake or Hesselbjerg usually takes 20–35 minutes at a relaxed pace. Much of the route follows paved roads and local cycle-friendly stretches, but the final section to the ferry is along grassy or dirt paths where you may need to push the bike. There is no charge to use the ferry, and a bicycle can be taken on board if you are comfortable handling it on the small platform.
Kornerup Å Trækfærge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about 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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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M/S Sagafjord - Restaurant Roskilde
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Seasonal Only
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly