Østbirk: Church Art, Farm History and Nature Trails

When looking for a hotel for a trip to Østbirk, the local themes can shape your plans: church art and settlement history sit alongside nature and outdoor activities. The VELUX Collection adds company and industrial history to the mix. These different highlights can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Church and Settlement History

Østbirk Church was built around 1200. Its works of art also have their own timeline: the Gothic altarpiece was created around 1480 and brought to the church in 1582. More than a hundred years passed between its creation and its arrival at the church. The Grabow funerary chapel is located inside Østbirk Church. It was fitted out in 1768 and contains five sarcophagi belonging to the Grabow family; these details are recorded in the National Museum’s church documentation.

Østbirk Præstegårdsmark, a state-established smallholder colony, lies on the northeastern edge of Østbirk. It was created in 1922 by subdividing the parsonage’s land. It consists of five farms arranged along a straight road. This history and linear layout give the colony a different historical focus from the church: here, the story is about the division of land and the structure of a settlement. Præstegårdsmark also contains two protected burial mounds and six that have been ploughed over. Their differing states of preservation are among the details that add to the picture of the site’s history.

Industrial History at the VELUX Collection

The VELUX Collection presents the history of the VELUX company, its founder and the industry, as well as the development of its products. This includes the story of the first VELUX factory, which was established in Østbirk near Horsens. Visitors to the VELUX Collection can park at Industrivej 19D; they then walk the final stretch along the blue path. Everyone is welcome at the Collection. A lift connects the two floors, and several toilets are available. The visit therefore covers both company and product history, as well as information to help visitors find their way around the building.

Nature and Trails

Natur Østbirk is a nature area in the western part of Østbirk. Five nature attractions offer opportunities to enjoy the view, exercise your arms, relax and experience nature. The activities range from exercise to quiet moments. Those interested in landscapes and outdoor activities will find a different focus here from the historical themes of the church and Præstegårdsmark.

The Horsens-Silkeborg Nature Trail, also known as Bryrupbanestien, winds around Natur Østbirk. The route is 61 kilometres long and intended for hiking, cycling and horse riding. It follows the former Bryrup Railway line, so today’s route traces an old railway track. The combination of its route and former use gives the tour a historical connection that goes beyond outdoor recreation.

An 11-kilometre hiking route also passes through Østbirk. The distances show two routes that differ considerably in length: the 61-kilometre Nature Trail is designated for several activities, while the 11-kilometre distance refers to a hiking route through Østbirk.

Discover more destinations: Brædstrup, Assendrup, Horsens, Slagballe, Hovedgård.

Back to the main travel guide: Horsens.