A day trip canoeing on the Gudenå: Vestbirk-Klostermølle
The most beautiful part of the Danish river Gudenå for a day trip? The stretch between Vestbirk and Klostermølle in the hilly and enthralling nature of Bakkelandet is a good bet. Rent a canoe and look forward to a great experience together.
Time for immersion in the jungle
Okay, jungle might be a bit of a stretch, but this lovely canoe trip on Denmark's only river does have a certain Amazonas vibe. Between the hills, forests, and lakes of the Danish Lakelands, you will wiggle your way through the peaceful stream - often with nature towering up on both sides.
It is a visually stunning and peaceful trip - and it is easily accessible. Because canoeing is neither difficult, nor expensive.It takes approx. 4-4,5 hours to paddle the 14-kilometre distance.
We will guide you to a great and safe day in the canoe on the river Gudenå.
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 pick up the canoe at the final destination, Klostermølle.
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.
Large camping site with excellent facilities placed beautifully in nature and surrounded by the river Gudenå and lakes. A place for the whole family.
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.
Step 2: Off to Vestbirk
Vestbirk is located in a picturesque nature area with many nature attractions, northwest of Horsens. If you wish to arrive in Vestbirk by car, set the GPS to Vestbirk Camping on Møllevej 4, 8752 Østbirk, and park on their parking lot. You can leave the car here until you return. If you want to use public transportation, bus 112 from Horsens goes all the way to Vestbirk. You can find departures via Rejseplanen.
Before putting the canoe in the water, you might want to visit Vestbirk's biggest attraction, The Uncovered Bridge. But keep an eye out for the time, as you will likely want to catch a ride back to Vestbirk with the Gudenå Bus, later today. The Gudenå Bus has one daily departure - we will get back to that later.
You are allowed to sail on the Gudenå from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Step 3: Get in the canoe
Start by reporting to the reception at Vestbirk Camping. They are ready to inform you about safety and techniques, and will gladly give you tips and tricks. If you never tried canoeing before, then this is a fairly beginner-friendly choise of stretch with calm water and safe conditions. But please note that you start today's trip in a lake. For an even more beginner- and child-friendly stretch, we recommend Tørring-Åstedbro.
Get the canoe in the water at Bredvad Lake. The personnel will instruct you. At first, you will be sailing through Bredvad Lake and Vestbirk Lake - the most open, wide and deep section of today's trip. The lakes are not so big though, that you will experience trouble with waves. Shortly after, you will get to Vestbirk Hydroelectric Plant where you have to get out of the canoe. There is a portage point here. You can transport your canoe on carts, so you do not have to drag it too far. Here, at the hydroelectric plant you have assess to drinking water and a toilet.
You will now continue northwards to the charming village of Voervadsbro where you can enjoy lunch at the local camp site. You will find the camp site on your right hand, seven kilometres after the hydroelectric plant. Now continue for the last, peaceful section of today's trip towards Klostermølle.You will be surrounded by forest and sailing next to the Gudenå Trail, so here you can greet hikers on your right hand side.
Ultimately, you will make your way around the big forest-clad hill The Sugar Loaf, and arrive at historic Klostermølle(The Monastery Mill). A sign will inform that you have arrived.
The viewpoint The Sugar Loaf north of Horsens is one of Denmark's largest hills and offers a unique view of the Danish Lakelands and Jutland’s largest lake Mossø
At the shore of Jutland's biggest lake, Mossø, you will find one of Eastern Jutland's best picnic spots. Here, historic buildings are combined with beautiful nature.
Step 4: Back to Vestbirk
Pull the canoe ashore at the landing site which is well signposted. The canoe rental will pick up the canoe here, so make sure that you ask them in advance where they prefer that you leave it. Klostermølle is a big nature attraction, and it is tempting to go for a walk in the former benedictine monastery and paper factory, where there are several iconic buildings. Enjoy the view of the big lake Mossø from the shore. And if you have time, walk on the Gudenå Trail to the top of The Sugar Loaf, which offers one of the best views in Denmark. The hike to the top is approx. two kilometres.
But remember the time! The options for public transportation at Klostermølle are limited. But during the summer holiday (June 29-August 11 and all weekend days in August) the Gudenå Bus has one daily departure, and picks up canoeists for free and drives them back to the start of the trip. You can get off the bus at Vestbirk Camping.
The bus departs at 4:00 pm. There is a bus sign at the parking lot where you can get on.
The alternative is private transportation, or a fairly long hike to Brædstrup, Ry or Vestbirk where you can find public transportation.
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.
