Havndal: Lakeside Paths, Culture and Special Excursions

Havndal combines local history with a variety of paths around Udbyover Sø and excursion destinations in the nearby area. Anyone looking for a mix of nature, activity and culture during their holiday will find concrete starting points here for planning each day: from the footpath by the lake and short routes near Udbyhøj to churches, a historic mill and a distinctive runestone.

The Lake, Paths and Breaks by the Water

From the eastern edge of Havndal, Udbyover Sø can be seen from the school and the sports hall. North of Havndalhallen, there is a publicly accessible picnic shelter. You can eat food you have brought with you there and enjoy the view of the lake. The Søstien at Udbyover Sø is a footpath; cycling and horse riding are not permitted there. If you are planning a walk by the water, you should take this distinction into account.

In the immediate vicinity of Havndal, a 4-kilometre starting section of the Randers Fjord Stien begins at Udbyhøj Marina. Also nearby, at Udbyhøj Nord, there is a green route measuring 3 kilometres. It runs from the marina along the dikes to the shelter site and back via Udbyhøj. The shelter site has a shelter, tables, benches and a multiple toilet; water is available on the exterior wall of the Fjordcentret. This allows families with different interests to balance days by the lake, short routes and longer outings in different ways.

Those who prefer another marked route will find the Ajstrup Bugt nature reserve near Havndal. There, a five-kilometre route runs through heathland, grassland and woodland. The Hadsundbanen is a 7-kilometre combined cycling and walking path on the former railway line between Åmølle and Trudsholm on the Mariager Fjord near Havndal. It is part of National Cycle Route 5 and the North Sea Trail. Depending on your destination for the day, you can therefore choose between a walking-only route, a route through different landscapes and a combined cycling and walking path.

Cultural History in Havndal and the Surrounding Area

Havndal is a former station town and has been designated a cultural environment. Numerous buildings are considered worthy of preservation both individually and in terms of their urban structure and layout. Havndal Church was originally a chapel and was inaugurated as a church in 1930. The new altar, created by the artist Erik Heide from Mors, depicts the empty tomb with Christ's burial cloths. These details give a local walk a historical and artistic focus.

In the immediate vicinity of Havndal, a runestone approximately 1.5 metres high stands at Dalbyover Church. Its inscription is dated to the later Viking Age, between the years 970 and 1020. Dalbyover Church has a public car park and a public toilet. The church is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; access is also possible when the cemetery gardener is working or by appointment.

Another special place is Lyshøj Mill. It dates from 1894 and was originally operated as a cooperative mill. Every Thursday, volunteer mill builders work there on the restoration and share their knowledge with interested visitors who would like to follow the restoration process. For travellers who want to combine technical history with hands-on craftsmanship, this visit offers a different experience from the paths by the lake.

The Right Location for Your Holiday

When looking for a holiday apartment in Havndal, it is worth deciding in advance what you want to focus on during your excursions. For days involving a lakeside path and a picnic, Udbyover Sø is the main attraction, while the destinations at Udbyhøj Nord, Ajstrup Bugt and Dalbyover Church provide excursions in the nearby area. Those who prefer cultural history can combine Havndal's church and local character with the runestone and Lyshøj Mill. Choose the location of your accommodation based on the experiences you want to shape your trip, and keep the different local and surrounding-area destinations in mind when planning.

For further travel planning, you can also visit the pages about Gjerlev, Randers, Dagsvad, Sødring, Langå, Fårup and Binderup.

To the overarching travel overview: Randers Municipality.