A day trip canoeing on the Gudenå: Åstedbro-Vestbirk
Go for a day trip and float downstream through peaceful nature in a canoe. When you rent the canoe, you can have it delivered to the starting point, so everything is ready when you arrive. Here, you can have a memorable experience without much planning and trouble.
Idyll and quality time together on Denmark's only river
Canoeing on the Gudenå is one of those special experiences that can be scaled up and down, at a pace perfectly suited for you and your followers.
On the peaceful stretch between Åstedbro and Vestbirk, northwest of Horsens, you can see the landscape change character as you approach the forests, lakes, and hills of the Danish Lakelands.
The trip from Åstedbro to Vestbirk is perfect for a day trip. It takes approx. 3½-4 to paddle the 12-kilometre distance.
We will guide you to a good and comfortable day in the canoe.
Step 1: Book your canoe(s)
It is not very difficult to book the canoes for today's trip. Contact Vestbirk Camping to book the canoe. They have all the practical stuff covered - and they will even make sue that the canoe is ready for you at the starting point in Åsterbro.
We recommend that you rent the canoe some time in advance if possible. There are limitations to how many people can sail on the Gudenå per day - and annually. Therefore, you risk that it is not possible to rent a canoe if you try to book last minute.
On this southern part of the Gudenå river, you are only allowed to sail from June 16 to December 31 - the reason for this is to protect an important nature area.
Step 2: Off to Åstedbro
If you have your own car, then it is possible to park at the camp site in Åstedbro (Nørresnedevej 140) and leave the car there until you return. If you wish to use public transportation, then you can get on bus 116 that connects Horsens and Herning. You can also choose to rent a car for the excursion - for example from Oscar Car Rental i Horsens. It is cheaper than you think - and if you are more people travelling together, then it can actually be cheaper than the bus.
You are allowed to sail on the Gudenå from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Your time of departure depends of course, on when you expect to be in Åstedbro, and whether you wish to get a ride back to Tørring with the Gudenå Bus. It has one daily departure - we will get back to that.
If you want to experience one of the most beautiful stretches of the Gudenå River, you can easily rent a canoe. All logistical practicalities are taken care of so you can just enjoy the trip.
The Gudenå Bus operates daily along the southern part of the Gudenå River during the summer holidays, providing canoeists and hikers the opportunity to be transported back to their vehicles after their canoe trip.
Step 3: Get in the canoe
When booking the canoe for this trip, make sure to ask the canoe rental where they will leave the canoe for you. Vestbirk Camping Vestbirk Camping are ready to inform you about safety and techniques, and will gladly give you tips and tricks. Pull the canoe down to the water and get comfortable in the canoe once it is halfway into the water. You will be able to push the canoe out from here. You will be sailing north - away from the bridge. If you never tried canoeing before, then this stretch is fairly suited with calm and shallow water. If you are looking for the most beginner-friendly stretch , then we recommend Tørring-Åstedbro, just south of this trip.
Åstedbro is located between the big wetland Uldum Kær to the south and the lush and hilly lakelands in Bakkelandet to the north. As you make your way northwards, you will notice how the landscape changes from vast expanse to dark green colours and lakes.
We recommend that you start the trip from Åstedbro around 10 a.m. This way, you can have lunch after six kilometres at the camp site Gudenå Camping. The camp site has a kiosk and a cafeteria that is open during the summer. Here, you can buy delicious fast food and pizza. Keep an eye out for the camp site's landing site on your right hand.
Shortly after the camp site, you will get to a particularly winding stretch with many turns which is quite entertaining. After a few kilometres, you will reach Bredvad Mill, which is one of the most beautiful places around the Gudenå with big trees leening over the river. At Bredvad Mill, there is a landing site with toilets and a picnic area. Shortly after, you will venture onto Bredvad Lake. The lake marks the end of today's trip. Here, you will find the big camp site, Vestbirk Camping. On your right hand, you can pull the canoe ashore. If you wish, you can spend the night at this beautifully located camp site. There are several types of accommodation available. You can rent a wooden cabin, a glamping tent or a caravan. Alternatively, you can also sleep in your own tent.
Step 4: Back to Åstedbro - or just back home
From June 29 to August 11 you can get a free ride back to Åstedbro with the Gudenå Bus. It departs at 4:30 p.m. from Vestbirk Camping's parking lot. There is a sign at the bus stop. Since the bus only has one daily departure, it is recommended that you leave from Åstedbro quite early.
If you arrived with public transportation, then you can get on bus 112 to Horsens from Vestbirk. Before getting on the bus, consider stopping by the big attraction of Vestbirk, The Uncovered Bridge.
Large camping site with excellent facilities placed beautifully in nature and surrounded by the river Gudenå and lakes. A place for the whole family.
A magnificent cultural-historical top attraction in beautiful scenery by the stream Gudenåen. The perfect destination for a day trip in East Jutland.
Frequently asked questions about canoeing
I cannot swim. Can I go canoeing on the Gudenå?
If yo can not swim, then you should avoid the parts of the Gudenå where the water level is high.
For those who can not swim or feel unsafe in the water, we recommend the stratch from Tørring to Åstedbro. Here the stream is narrow and the water level low. Often so low, that the canoe almost hits the bed. You can easily touch bottom on this whole stretch, and there are not many waves that can make the canoe tip. On the other hand, there are many turns which makes the route quite technical. It is quite fun to navigate around the winding stream - and then you forget the insecurity or hesitation.
Do I need to purchase a lot of equipment before a day in the canoe?
No, that is not necessary at all. In theory you can come as you are for a canoeing day-trip. The only thing you must remember is water and food. Paddling can be quite hard, and you are going to need some fluid.
And remember the sunscreen. The author of this text forgot it once. Never again!
The canoe has space for storage, and you can easily bring a couple og rucksacks and a cool box. There is a small but real risk that the canoe tilts. Therefore, it is a good idea to bring drybags for the most important things (smartphone, wallet etc.).
Also cinsider your choice of footwear. You could get water in your canoe - and you might also have to get out of the canoe and push it. Therefore, we recommend bringing spare clothes. Especially dry socks.
Can I use a kayak or SUP board on Gudenåen?
Yes, absolutely. The rules for permits that apply to canoes also apply to kayaks and paddleboards.
It is possible to rent kayaks at Tørring Canoe Rental.
Do I nee a permit for canoeing on the Gudenå?
If you rent a canoe, then you do not need to worry about permits. The canoe rental has this covered.
If you bring your own canoe to the area, then you must purchase a guest registration.
If you are a citizen in Horsens or Hedensted Municipality, you can register the canoe as local, and you do not need a guest registration.
Are you only permitted to sail in one direction?
Yes. You are not allowed to sail upstream from Klostermølle to Tørring. Therefore, you must follow Gudenåen northward. Sailing downstream is also a bit nicer.
For this reason, during the summer holiday, you can get on The Gudenå Bus, which sails canoeists from Klostermølle to Tørring with several stops every day. The bus is your way to get back to the starting point.
How many is there room for in a canoe? Can we bring the kids?
There is room for two adults in a canoe. If you have two children (max. 30 kilo), there is also room for them.
Bigger children can paddle, but prepare to be the engine if you share a canoe with a child. And take into account how patient the child is, since a day trip can be quite long.
How far can I canoe in one day?
Naturally, if you are preparing a canoeing holiday, it is nice to know how many days you need to spend on the journey. A day trip in a canoe is about 15-20 kilometres. It is of course individual and depends on preferences as well as who is canoeing. If you are in doubt, ask the canoe rental. They are always ready to guide and assist you.
How long is the Gudenå?
If you ask your good friend Google, you can get a bit confused. some sources say 149 kilometres - others 176... or 160. It all depends on what you refer to as the Gudenå. For example the first narrow stretch after the sources of the Gudenå and its outlet in Randers Fjord.
The strech that you can navigate in a canoe is 140 kilometres. And the one-way traffic stretch in the Coastal Land between Tørring and The Monastery Mill is 41 kilometres.
Tørring – Åstedbro: 14 km
Åstedbro – Bredstenbro: 6 km
Bredstenbro – Vestbirk Hydropower Plantrk: 7 km
Vestbirk Hydropower Plant – Voervadsbro: 7 km
Voervadsbro – The Monastery Mill/Lake Mossø: 6 km
The Monastery Mill/Lake Mossø – Ry: 10 km
More guides for canoe trips
Would you rather start with a canoe course?
Some feel safest in the company of an experienced guide when they go canoeing for the first time. Outdoor Connection offers courses, tours, and fun activities in the canoe on Gudenåen.
