Towpath

The nature path called Træstien (the Towpath) runs alongside Denmark’s longest waterway, Gudenåen (the Gudenå river). It stretches around 70 km from Silkeborg to Randers. If you take a walk along Trækstien, you can follow the river through the landscape and along the way experience nature in all its glory.

The route can easily be divided into shorter, but still attractive walks. You can, for example, walk through the bogland Vejerslev mose, the deciduous wood at the edge of lake Tange Sø or past the industrial-historical landscape at Tangværket. The varying landscape offers different experiences: In the meadows you can experience wild birdlife, and towards Randers, the landscape opens up further until Gudenåen gradually becomes Randers Fjord.

Trækstien is itself part of the story and the name comes from its use: Originally Trækstien was established for horses and bargemen that pulled flat-bottomed boats (kåge in Danish) containing goods between Randers and Silkeborg until the early 20th century.

The path shifts between walking and nature trails, and wooden and gravel paths. You can cycle along sections of the path between Kongensbro and Silkeborg, and in several places there are fishing platforms for angling. At times, sections of the path may be wet and less accessible. Trækstien can also be experienced from the water by canoe – you can start your canoe trip at Silkeborg or Bjerringbro, where canoes can be hired.