Holiday apartment in Skanderborg – Lakes, Culture and Nature

Denmark’s longest river, the Gudenå, shapes the landscape around Skanderborg. Extensive forests, lakes, streams, hills and valleys define the area and combine experiences of nature with a multifaceted cultural history.

Water and Landscape

Skanderborg Sø can be explored by canoe or boat. Along the way, you can head for the islands of Æbelø and Sct. Helene, which are open to visitors. Æbelø has a landing pier and can be visited, but overnight stays on the island are not permitted. Dyrehavens Søbad is also located on Skanderborg Sø, a family-friendly bathing spot that invites visitors to swim all year round.

The modern municipal swimming centre complements the opportunities by the water with a pool, diving facilities, a sauna, water sports and access to the lake. You can go kayaking and use SUP there. The history of the Gudenå is also closely connected with its use: In the past, the river served as a fishing ground and source of energy, as well as a transport route.

Nature and Activities

Anebjerg Skov has interactive and educational points focusing on climate, the environment and biodiversity. Five listening benches also provide the opportunity to listen to podcasts lasting 5 to 10 minutes about various processes and topics related to the forest. For mountain bikers, Baneskoven in Skanderborg offers a 5 km blue MTB route for different ability levels; red and black loops are being developed continuously.

Himmelbjerget is located in the surroundings of Skanderborg, near the railway town of Ry. There is a viewing tower with views over Julsø, the forests and the surrounding landscape. At the same time, the site conveys the history of the development of democracy.

Culture and History

Skanderborg Museum is responsible for the entire cultural history of Skanderborg Municipality and comprises four museum departments and six archives. At the Øm Kloster Museum, you can see a monastery described as Denmark’s best-lit medieval monastery. There are also numerous objects and skeletons from extensive archaeological excavations.

The Museet på Gl. Rye Mølle preserves the original furnishings and equipment of the mill and sawmill in its permanent exhibition. The exhibitions include glassmaking in Glarbo in the 16th century and the production of wooden shoes, which once brought prosperity to Gl. Rye. Gl. Rye Mølle itself is a Dutch gallery windmill, also known as a cap mill, built as a grain mill in 1872.

The Slotskirke in Skanderborg was preserved as a parish church when Skanderborg Castle was demolished. Parts of the original church furnishings have been preserved in Skanderborg Slotskirke, including pew ends bearing the royal coat of arms and a pulpit. The Skanderborg Bunkerne Bunker Museum focuses on a different aspect of history: It covers bunker construction, the duties of Luftwaffe generals, the top-secret ENIGMA coding machine, the occupation period and everyday life during the occupation.

Smukfest, also known as Skanderborg Festival or Danmarks Smukkeste Festival, is a Danish music festival. It takes place every summer on the second weekend of August in Skanderborg’s Dyrehave.

Other local pages at this level: Skanderborg, Emborg, Alken, Hørning, Låsby, Hårby, Skovby. Another destination in the higher-level area is Skive Municipality.

To the higher-level travel overview: Central Jutland.