Kølkær: Hiking Trails and Lignite Mining History

For a trip to Kølkær, two main themes stand out: the trails and lakes associated with Søby Brunkulslejer, and the history of lignite mining. Local events and Kølkær Church, with its own architectural and inventory history, are additional points of interest. These themes offer different ways to shape your stay: you can focus on the landscape and trails, or make the places and stories of working life the centre of your visit.

Lakeside landscape and hiking trails

After lignite mining ended in 1970, excavated sand at Søby Brunkulslejer formed slopes up to 30 metres high and around 50 lakes. The landscape also tells the story of the changes brought about by mining. In 2007, Søby Brunkulslejer was protected as a unique cultural landscape.

Between Fasterholt and Kølkær lies Langesø, a deep swimming lake. At Søby Brunkulslejer, a marked, safe hiking trail runs around the lake; blue markings on the trees identify it. Check the markings and local safety information before setting out for a walk. This will help you plan your trip around the conditions on the trail.

Walking and cycling routes

Walking routes of 4, 8 and 10 kilometres have been designated for Kølkær. A route of about 8 kilometres in Kølkær passed Elmers Hus. These details relate to former pop-up trails; check the current signage and route before setting out. The three distances offer different route options, while Elmers Hus provides a point of reference for local and industrial history.

National cycle route 4 passes through Søby Brunkulslejer along Brunkulsvej. If you plan to cycle, check the latest route information before setting off. The cycle route and the designated walking trails offer different ways to experience the landscape; however, this does not mean they follow the same route.

Lignite mining history on site

From 1940 onwards, lignite mining in Søby created an important workplace and a workers’ settlement on the former heathland. Elmers Hus is a tangible reminder of this history: the building was once a weighbridge used to weigh coal loaded onto lorries. Together, the workers’ settlement and the weighbridge tell different sides of the mining story—the lives of the workers and the weighing of coal for transport.

On request, the Søby Lignite Museum can arrange two-hour guided tours of the lignite pits. The tour starts at the museum and takes visitors through the pits by car, bicycle or on foot; the price is DKK 500. If a guided tour fits your travel plans, contact the museum to arrange a date.

Church, cemetery and event dates

Kølkær Church was built in 1891 in red brick with a copper roof. Its altarpiece dates from the 16th century and comes from the old Herning Church. The church therefore brings together a building from the late 19th century and a much older altarpiece. The cemetery around the church is exceptionally well maintained and laid out; its grounds and carefully tended plants are intended to invite visitors to take a walk.

The parish holds outdoor services in the vicarage garden and sunset services at Søby Lake. If you plan to attend a service, check the parish calendar for specific dates. Kølkær holds a town festival every year in week 23. For several years, the Søby Lignite Museum has held a gathering on the second Saturday in June to commemorate the lignite families; specific dates may vary. Check the programmes for the relevant year before your trip.

More practical information

The Kølkær section of the Fjederholt Å is a fishing area; it begins about 3 kilometres upstream from Kølkær Bridge. There is no parking close to Kølkær Shelterplads. Bear this in mind when planning your visit if you intend to go there.

Discover more destinations: Ørnhøj, Sunds, Stakroge, Skarrild, Kibæk, Herning, Skærbæk, Vildbjerg.

For the wider travel overview: Herning Municipality.