Slaggård Banke Burial Mounds and Ridge Landscape
Bronze Age burial mounds on a quiet Jutland ridge, with gentle trails, far-reaching views and a nearby stargazing shelter for atmospheric nights under the sky.
Slaggård Banke, just outside Østbirk in Central Jutland, is a gently rolling ridge strewn with Bronze Age burial mounds, open fields and pockets of woodland. This protected cultural landscape combines quiet walking trails, far-reaching views toward the Gudenå valley and a palpable sense of prehistory. Simple waymarked paths, a distinctive shelter-and-stargazing tower nearby and scattered information boards make it a rewarding stop for nature lovers and history-minded walkers alike.
A brief summary to Slaggård Banke
- Naldalvej 5, Ostbirk, 8752, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear; paths can be soft and muddy after rain, especially on meadow sections between the mounds.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no shops or cafés directly at the site; facilities are found back in Østbirk.
- If you plan to use the shelter and stargazing tower, check local booking rules in advance, as overnight stays may require reservation.
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for softer light that highlights the contours of the barrows and the ridge.
- Respect the protected burial mounds: stay off the tops where requested and avoid damaging vegetation or moving stones.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car from Horsens
From Horsens town centre, driving to Slaggård Banke near Østbirk typically takes 25–35 minutes via regional roads through rolling countryside. The route is straightforward, with paved two-lane roads almost all the way. Parking is usually possible on or near Naldalvej by the site entrance and is generally free, but spaces are informal and can be limited on fine weekends. There are no tolls or special permits required.
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Regional bus from Horsens
Regional buses link Horsens and Østbirk in about 35–50 minutes, with services running roughly every hour during weekdays and less frequently in the evening and on Sundays. A standard adult single ticket usually costs around 35–50 DKK, depending on zones. From the Østbirk bus stop, expect an additional 20–25 minutes of walking on village and country lanes to reach the ridge, along gently undulating terrain suitable for most walkers.
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Cycling from Østbirk and surroundings
If you are staying in or near Østbirk, cycling to Slaggård Banke is a pleasant option, typically taking 10–20 minutes from the village centre. Roads in the area are mostly quiet but shared with cars and agricultural vehicles, so lights and high-visibility gear are advisable, especially in low light. There are no dedicated bike racks at the site; most cyclists lock their bikes discreetly to a fence or leave them off the verge near the entrance.
Slaggård Banke location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Slaggård Banke
Ancient Ridge Above the Jutland Farmland
Slaggård Banke rises as a long, undulating ridge south of Vestbirk and east of the Gudenå valley, its profile marked by rounded Bronze Age burial mounds that punctuate the skyline. Standing here, you look out over patchwork fields, hedgerows and farmsteads, with the ridge itself forming a natural stage for thousands of years of human activity. The landscape feels both modest and monumental: low hills under a big sky, yet layered with the weight of time. The banke is part of a wider old cultural environment where agriculture, ancient monuments and later forest planting coexist. Grassy paths and farm tracks weave between open slopes and small groves, revealing new angles on the mounds and the surrounding countryside as you walk.Bronze Age Barrows and Stories of the Dead
The rounded humps crowning Slaggård Banke are prehistoric barrows, raised some 3,000 years ago as burial places for local elites. Their position on the ridge was no accident: elevated ground symbolised status and ensured that the dead remained visible to the living, watching over routes that once threaded through this part of Jutland. Although the individual graves are closed to visitors, their forms tell a clear story. Some mounds stand singly on small knolls, others group together like a silent family above the fields. A few show subtle signs of old excavations, reminders of early antiquarian interest and the fragile nature of such sites, which today are protected under heritage law.Walking Through Woods, Meadows and Art
Slaggård Banke is best experienced on foot. Waymarked trails lead through light woodland, across meadow-like clearings and along the crest of the ridge, with gentle gradients that suit most walkers. Underfoot, surfaces shift between grass, soil and occasionally gravel, and in wet weather the low-lying patches can feel soft and muddy. In some sections, local art initiatives have placed sculptural pieces and playful interventions in the forest, giving the walk a subtle, open-air gallery character. A curve in the path might suddenly frame a mound between tree trunks, or a clearing may reveal both a barrow and an artwork sharing the same quiet space.Night Skies and the Stargazing Shelter
Close to the ridge, a two-storey shelter doubles as a small stargazing tower, offering a simple yet imaginative way to stay overnight in the landscape. Built in timber and tucked into the terrain, it provides basic sleeping platforms and an upper level where openings frame the night sky. On clear evenings, light pollution is low enough that constellations, planets and sometimes the hazy band of the Milky Way become part of the experience. Owls, rustling leaves and distant farm sounds become the soundtrack, while the silhouettes of the barrows fade into darkness below.Seasonal Moods and Subtle Wildlife
The character of Slaggård Banke shifts gently with the seasons. Spring brings fresh beech leaves, birdsong and wildflowers along the ditches. Summer paints the fields in gold and green, with heat shimmering over the mounds. In autumn, mist clings to the valley while the ridge breaks into sunlight, the trees glowing in copper and rust tones. Winter strips the landscape back to its contours, making the shape of each barrow especially clear. Birdlife is present more by sound than spectacle: skylarks above the fields, finches in hedges, occasional birds of prey circling on thermals. Small mammals, insects and a variety of grasses and wild plants add to the quiet richness of this semi-managed, semi-wild environment.A Quiet Pause in Central Jutland
Despite its deep history, Slaggård Banke remains an understated place. There are few built facilities beyond information signs, simple seating in spots, and the shelter area further along the ridge. This low-key setup suits the site: the lack of noise and commercial activity amplifies the sense of stepping briefly outside everyday life. For many visitors, the appeal lies in combining a short, contemplative walk with a picnic or a longer ramble linking nearby woods and streams. Whether you come for archaeology, views or just a peaceful hour in the open, the ridge offers a compact but evocative window into Denmark’s prehistoric heartland.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ejer Bavnehøj
7.5 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
7.5 km
Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.
Jættestuen grønhøj
9.7 km
5.000 år gammel jættestue midt i det østjyske kulturlandskab – et stille møde mellem bondestenalderens stenkonstruktioner, skov, marker og Bygholm Sø.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
9.8 km
Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
Årtusindeskifte Eg
10.9 km
An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.
Horsens Tourist Information Centre
11.1 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter unite in the vibrant city center.
Bilka Horsens
13.1 km
Experience the rich theatrical heritage of Odense at the historic Comediehuus, a cultural landmark since its inception.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
17.3 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
17.9 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Det gamle vandtårn
20.7 km
Skanderborg's 41.5-meter castle-style water tower from 1908—a striking symbol of industrial heritage and urban progress.
De Små Fisk
23.3 km
Discover De Små Fisk near Silkeborg: a serene lakeside escape with a child-friendly beach, scenic trails, and primitive camping, perfect for nature lovers and families seeking outdoor adventures.
Knagerne Silkeborg
23.8 km
Explore Knagerne Silkeborg, an untouched ancient forest where time stands still, offering a unique and immersive nature experience in the heart of Denmark's Lake District.
Lovisehøj
23.9 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Kroghs Bænk
24.4 km
Elevated forest sanctuary with panoramic lake views and 19th-century heritage
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
24.8 km
Roskilde’s historic main square blends medieval roots with lively markets and café culture, making it an essential stop in the heart of town.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Uncovered Bridge
3.2 km
Step back in time at Høgdal, Central Jutland’s idyllic open-air museum, where authentic farm life, heritage crafts, and Danish rural traditions come vividly to life.
Yding Skovhøjs parkeringsplads
6.5 km
Denmark's highest point awaits at this forest gateway, crowned with ancient Bronze Age mounds.
Møllehøj
7.2 km
Stand on Denmark’s highest natural point atop a quiet Jutland farm hill, marked by a lone millstone and wide views across the gently rolling Ejerbjerge.
Møllehøj, DK's highest hill
7.2 km
A modest hill with a millstone marker, Møllehøj turns Denmark’s highest natural point into a gentle countryside detour packed with quiet geographic significance.
Yding Skovhøj
7.4 km
Ancient Bronze Age burial mounds, gentle forest trails and a long-running “highest point” debate meet atop this modest yet characterful hill in East Jutland.
Genforeningstårn på Ejer Bavnehøj
7.4 km
Step inside a living time capsule at Mølholmgård Købmandsmuseum, where the charm of Denmark’s rural merchant life is preserved in a historic village setting.
Møllehjulet
7.5 km
Compact circular kiosk and information hub on Denmark’s rooftop at Ejer Bavnehøj, combining refreshments, facilities and landscape insight amid sweeping views.
Abbey Mill
10.1 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.
Mossø
10.3 km
Jutland’s largest lake, where wide horizons, protected birdlife and easygoing outdoor adventures meet in the rolling Danish Lake Highlands.
Ulvedalen
10.5 km
A small, forested ravine on Horsens’ edge where woodland paths, gentle hills and playful “Naturetales” walks turn an ordinary outing into a quiet, story-filled escape.
Befrielsessten i Horsens
10.9 km
Experience Denmark’s industrial revolution first-hand at Industrimuseet Horsens—explore living workshops, period homes, and hands-on exhibits in historic factory buildings.
Mindesten for Niels Sørensen
10.9 km
A modest fjordside memorial stone in Horsens, quietly honoring 1864 war soldier Niels Sørensen and weaving national history into an everyday neighborhood stroll.
Mindesten for Det Slesvigske Kyrasserregiment
11.0 km
A modest forest memorial stone that quietly recalls Horsens’ century as a cavalry garrison town and the legacy of Det Slesvigske Kyrasserregiment.
FÆNGSLET
11.1 km
A vast former state prison in Horsens, transformed into an immersive museum, hostel and cultural venue where life behind bars is explored within intact cell blocks.
Justenborg Vin & Juletræer
11.4 km
Cut your own Christmas tree and taste estate-grown Danish wine in Skanderborg's countryside.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Møllebæk
8.3 km
Rural Danish restaurant and events venue near Gedved, renowned for hearty stegt flæsk evenings and relaxed, homely celebrations in a countryside setting.
Amalielund Mad - Horsens
9.8 km
Relaxed Danish dining and flexible catering in green surroundings by Horsens Golf Club, combining classic smørrebrød, hearty comfort food and seasonal menus.
Restaurant Kystens Perle
10.7 km
Lakeside skovrestaurant by Bygholm Sø serving hearty, traditional Danish comfort food in relaxed, old‑school surroundings with wide views of water and forest.
Restaurant Oksen
12.4 km
Horsens's premier steakhouse since 1986, serving expertly prepared beef and Danish hospitality.
Ji-Mi's
12.4 km
Intimate tasting-menu restaurant in Horsens’ Latin Quarter, showcasing local Danish produce and thoughtful wine pairings in a cosy, chef-led dining room.
Restaurant Mamma's
12.4 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting on Grønnegade.
rundtenom
12.4 km
Closed but fondly remembered Danish eatery in central Horsens, once known for classic smørrebrød, generous stegt flæsk evenings and a warm, homely atmosphere.
Jacobs Vin & Tapas
12.4 km
Intimate basement wine bar in central Horsens serving Spanish-inspired tapas and a carefully curated wine list in a cosy, candlelit setting.
GRAN Social
12.4 km
Contemporary Danish comfort food, weekend DJs and crafted cocktails meet under one stylish roof at this all‑day restaurant and bar in central Horsens.
Kamii Horsens
12.4 km
Modern sushi bar and Asian steak restaurant in central Horsens, where fresh handcrafted rolls meet warm kitchen favourites and flexible menus for every occasion.
Cafe Vivaldi
12.5 km
Casual brasserie-style café on Horsens’ busy Søndergade, serving comfort food, coffee and drinks all day in a warm, modern setting with street-side seating.
Restaurant Eydes
12.5 km
Historic cellar dining where Danish-French cuisine meets centuries of local tradition.
Corfitz restaurant - bar
12.6 km
Casual city‑centre café, restaurant and bar on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, serving hearty comfort food, drinks and all‑day people‑watching on Søndergade.
Hien's Vietnamesisk Køkken
12.6 km
Cozy Vietnamese kitchen in central Horsens, serving fresh rolls, bánh mì, noodles and signature house specialties in a relaxed, everyday-friendly setting.
Det Ny Kronborg
12.6 km
Traditional Danish restaurant and banquet hall in a quiet Horsens street, combining white-tablecloth charm, hearty cooking and a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
2.4 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in Østbirk where low-priced fashion, furniture and curios support both local community life and international humanitarian work.
Anne & Lotte
2.6 km
A cozy little gift shop on Østbirk’s main street, filled with Scandinavian-style homewares and thoughtful presents in a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
McCabe's Riding / McCabe's Tack & Feed
7.8 km
Rural Jutland’s one-stop equestrian hub, combining a working riding centre atmosphere with a well-stocked tack and feed store for riders and horse lovers.
Christys Festtøj
7.8 km
Gedved's premier boutique for bridal gowns and elegant occasion wear.
Deko Home - Danish Recycling Furniture
7.9 km
Timeless Danish furniture crafted entirely from recycled wood in a working studio.
Else Rønne Keramik
8.1 km
Handcrafted Danish ceramics emphasizing minimalist design and functional beauty in a rural Jutland workshop.
Ville vintage
9.4 km
Discover timeless treasures and unique vintage finds at Ville Vintage in Skanderborg.
Shell / 7-Eleven Ejer Bavnehøj West
9.5 km
24/7 motorway pit stop at Ejer Bavnehøj, combining Shell fuel and a compact 7‑Eleven shop for coffee, snacks and essentials on the E45 through Jutland.
Boserup Keramik
10.2 km
Intimate countryside ceramics studio in East Jutland, where handcrafted stoneware cups, vases and sculptures are created and sold directly from the potter’s own workshop.
Provence Antik
10.5 km
Curated Provençal antiques and vintage treasures in the heart of Skanderborg.
MÅNESØSTER.DK
12.4 km
Intimate crystal and ritual boutique in central Horsens, blending a cosy basement setting with a carefully curated universe of stones, oils and spiritual tools.
Blåmst
12.4 km
Danish design boutique featuring hand-embroidered textiles and timeless home décor in central Horsens.
Kronhjort Galleri
12.4 km
Intimate Horsens gallery and gift shop where curated Scandinavian design, local craft and a calm, personal atmosphere turn browsing into a gentle art.
Hugo
12.4 km
A spacious Horsens lifestyle store where florist craft, women’s fashion, home décor and gourmet treats come together in one inspiring, cozy space.
Sinnerup
12.5 km
A bright Danish lifestyle store in central Horsens, blending Nordic-inspired interiors, furniture, kitchenware, gifts and women’s fashion in one relaxed space.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sprutskuret I/S
2.6 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.
Kom Tit
11.8 km
Smoky, old-school Horsens pub in a yellow 19th-century building, with cheap beers, billiards, darts and a laid-back local crowd from midday to late night.
Værtshuse
12.1 km
A compact, traditional Danish bar on Allegade in Horsens, serving simple drinks and everyday atmosphere for those who enjoy classic brown‑pub charm.
The Long Field Road
12.2 km
AC Horsens’ Irish-inspired fan pub, where yellow-and-black passion, cold beer and stadium buzz come together in one lively Horsens clubhouse.
Horsens Sport og Pool Bar
12.3 km
Central Horsens sports bar with 23 screens, pool tables, and competitive games in a welcoming, energetic atmosphere.
Stalden
12.3 km
Relaxed pool and sports bar in central Horsens, blending cue sports, big-screen matches, board games, casual bites and easygoing drinks in one social hangout.
Hemingway's Horsens
12.3 km
Late-night bar and nightclub in central Horsens, delivering cocktail-fueled weekends, loud music, and a packed dance floor until the early morning hours.
Morzybitten
12.4 km
Cozy Danish pub‑brasserie in central Horsens, pairing classic smørrebrød and hearty dishes with a remarkably broad beer list and occasional intimate live music.
Restaurant Wulff ApS
12.4 km
Late-night bar and nightclub-style hangout in central Horsens, turning quiet Rædersgade into a lively social hub on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Vores lille Vinbar
12.4 km
An intimate Horsens wine bar where candlelight, jazz and personal guidance meet a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass and bottle.
The Golden Horse
12.4 km
Unpretentious local bar in central Horsens, pouring affordable drinks from morning to late night amid slot machines, sports on TV and easygoing neighborhood chat.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Horsens A/S
12.5 km
High-energy Alpine after-ski bar in central Horsens with big beer steins, Schlager singalongs and a late-night dance-floor party vibe.
Cashpoint Sportsbar
12.5 km
Horsens's premier sports bar with multiple screens and live betting action.
Kokomo Horsens
12.5 km
Three floors of tropical cocktails, DJs and late-night energy in the heart of Horsens’ old town nightlife district.
B-A-R 2 Aps
12.5 km
Casual, central and unpretentious, B-A-R 2 Aps is a friendly neighborhood bar in Horsens’ old town, ideal for relaxed drinks from daytime pit stop to late-night meet-up.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Stargazing
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly