Discover Østbirk: Nature, Trails and Culture

Østbirk is a destination for anyone who wants to combine nature experiences with cultural history. Between the nature area, historic farms, the church and varied trails, there are different options for planning your days. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Østbirk, you can therefore consider whether you would like hiking, the landscape or cultural and historical discoveries to be the focus of your stay.

Cultural history around Østbirk

An important cultural and historical landmark is Østbirk Church. It was built around 1200. The church also contains the Grabow burial chapel with five sarcophagi belonging to the Grabow family. The Gothic altarpiece also tells a long story: it was created around 1480 and came to the church in 1582. For visitors interested in culture, Østbirk therefore offers several specific details that can be combined into a journey through different eras.

Østbirk Præstegårdsmark, a state-established smallholder colony, is located on the northeastern edge of Østbirk. It was divided up in 1922 from the lands belonging to the vicarage and consists of five farms along a straight road. The site contains two protected burial mounds and six that have been ploughed over. The combination of the farm structure and traces of earlier history makes Præstegårdsmark a special subject for visitors who want to experience the landscape not only as a backdrop, but also in its historical context.

Nature and trails for different types of holiday days

Natur Østbirk is located in the western part of Østbirk. The nature area has five nature attractions that offer views, arm training, relaxation and the opportunity to enjoy nature. This allows you to vary your stay: a more active part can be followed by a quiet moment in nature, while the views or enjoyment of nature can provide a focus of their own.

For hikers, an 11-kilometre hiking route runs through Østbirk. If you would like to plan a longer route, the 61-kilometre Naturstien Horsens-Silkeborg, also known as Bryrupbanestien, offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and horse riding. The route winds around Natur Østbirk and follows the former Bryrupbanen railway line. The different lengths and uses make it easier to decide whether to focus on a hike through Østbirk or a longer tour by bicycle or on horseback.

Insights into the history of VELUX

The VELUX Collection complements the nature and cultural experiences with an insight into industrial history. It presents the history of the VELUX company, its founder and the industry, as well as the development of its products. The Collection also conveys the history of the first VELUX factory, which was founded in Østbirk near Horsens.

For your visit, you can park at Industrivej 19D and walk the final section along the blue path. All visitors are welcome at the VELUX Collection. An elevator between the two floors and several toilets are also among the listed facilities. These details help you fit a cultural visit concretely into your stay without having to devote the rest of your time to a single experience.

Østbirk as a starting point for planning your trip

You can choose your accommodation based on the mix of activity and history you want. If you like keeping different ideas for your days open, the hiking route through Østbirk, Natur Østbirk and the 61-kilometre Naturstien offer different options. If cultural and historical topics are more important, Østbirk Church, the Grabow burial chapel, the altarpiece and Præstegårdsmark take centre stage. In this way, Østbirk becomes not just a place to stay overnight, but a specific destination with several independent discoveries.

More places to explore

For further travel planning, you can also explore Brædstrup, Hovedgård, Assendrup, Horsens and Slagballe.

To the higher-level travel overview: Horsens.