Tange – Lake, Hydropower and Nature in Denmark

Tange brings together a lake, river and forest within an unusually compact area. Tange Sø is Denmark’s largest artificial lake, while the Gudenå continues to flow out of the lake. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Tange can therefore plan their stay in very different ways: with hydropower history and technology, walks by the water or longer stretches along historic and nature-rich paths.

Lake and Hydropower as a Special Combination

Tange Sø defines the surrounding area and offers opportunities for fishing. Electricity has been generated at Tangeværket, also known as Gudenaacentralen, since 1921. This combination of landscape and technology makes Tange an interesting destination for travellers seeking not only beautiful surroundings but also a tangible insight into the history of energy generation.

At the Energy Museum, the machine hall of Tangeværket can be seen with its three 100-year-old generators. The hydropower exhibition explains how Tangeværket works. Visitors can try out Francis, Pelton and Kaplan turbines there. The Energy Museum also stages a lightning show with Tesla coils. This allows historic installations, accessible technology and a spectacular experience to be combined, without the day being entirely dependent on a hike or time spent by the lake.

Walks, Nature Trails and Waterways

An easily accessible section for a walk is the 800-metre-long dam of Tangeværket. Those who prefer a longer hike can follow the Trækstien, an approximately 70-kilometre-long nature trail that follows the Gudenå from Silkeborg to Randers. The landscape is varied and partly difficult to access. Take these differences in trail conditions into account when planning, and choose a section that suits your preferred schedule for the day.

The hiking route around Tange Sø also follows the old towpath. In addition to the lake itself, this provides a route that highlights the historic use of the Gudenå. The river’s history also includes Kågen, the last flat-bottomed barge to have travelled on the Gudenå.

There is a launch point for canoes and kayaks at Tangeværket. This is where the Gudenå continues to flow out of Tange Sø. The site is accessible from the car park at the Energy Museum and is located near a toilet building as well as tables and benches. On the Gudenåen route, boats must be carried around the Gudenaacentralen. Those considering the approximately 40-kilometre canoe route from Silkeborg to Bjerringbro should also note that it enters Tange Sø shortly after Kongensbro.

Which Location Suits Your Trip

The choice of accommodation in Tange depends primarily on which experiences you would like to combine. For a culture- and technology-focused stay, the Energy Museum, the machine hall and the hydropower exhibition take centre stage. Those who prefer spending time outdoors can include the dam, the towpath or a suitable section of the Trækstien in their plans. For paddlers, the launch point at Tangeværket provides a specific point of reference.

There are extensive recreational areas and many facilities at Tange Sø. This leaves room for days with different interests: while some members of the group stay by the water, others can explore the exhibition or a section of the trail. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Tange therefore provides a base for a trip where nature, river history and energy history are closely connected.

Other Places to Include in Your Search

If you would like to consider places besides Tange, you can continue your search with Stoholm, Bjerringbro, Hjarbæk, Skals, Løgstrup, Møldrup, Rødkærsbro or Karup Municipality. Tange is particularly suitable if you would like to combine a lake and river, the history of technology and walks during your holiday.

For the overarching travel overview: Viborg Municipality.