Discover Ikast-Brande Municipality

Two beaches at Hampen Sø, open heathland and public art give Ikast-Brande Municipality its distinct character. Swimming is permitted at the beaches on the west and north shores of Hampen Sø. The lake is one of two registered bathing lakes in the municipality. Those who would rather spend their time on trails, observing nature or enjoying culture will find other specific destinations in different parts of the municipality.

Heathland, lakes and trails

Harrild Hede is known for its expansive heathland, with large open areas, a rich variety of birds and wildlife, and sites of cultural and historical interest. Along the route near Harrild Hede there is a forest playground, accessible toilets, viewpoints and a campsite. Near the Harrild Hede Nature Centre, you will also find tent and shelter sites, fire pits and another forest playground. Marked trails run through Nørlund Plantage, Harrild Hede and Castenschiolds Hede.

It is 6.4 kilometres on foot from Smedebæk to the nature school at Harrild Hede. Bus route 190 between Ikast and Brande stops in Smedebæk, from where the route to the nature school continues. As timetables can change, it is a good idea to check the latest times before travelling. The nature centre also caters to tourists and provides information about local nature and culture.

A five-kilometre hiking route runs around Hampen Sø. Near Hampen, a former railway line has also been converted into cycling and hiking trails towards Funder near Silkeborg and Brande. Another longer excursion is the 11.6-kilometre route “Perlen Bølling Sø – en del af Danmarks Naturstier”. It passes through meadows, heathland and marshland near the water, offering glimpses of the rich birdlife as well as striking views over the lake.

The Hærvejen runs through Ikast-Brande near Engesvang, Stenholt Skov and Nørre Snede. One historic hike along the Hærvejen covers 6.5 kilometres, from Vester Palsgård Forest Museum to Nørre Snede Church. With the Hærvejspasset, you can explore the route and collect stamps at 45 locations in total.

The municipality also offers opportunities for water activities: canoeing and kayaking are possible on many lakes and waterways. Free rod fishing is permitted at some public areas along waterways and lakes owned by Ikast-Brande Municipality; please observe local rules. The streams and lakes offer opportunities to fish for sea trout, brown trout, pike and grayling, among other species, as well as typical freshwater fish.

The routes mentioned vary in their stated lengths and described landscapes; when choosing a hotel, you can then check which location suits your specific plans.

Museums, art and local history

Klosterlund Museum is housed in a former peat factory and tells the story of the peat industry and heathland cultivation around Bølling Sø. The exhibition “Stenalderjægerne ved Søen” introduces some of the first inhabitants of the area around Bølling Sø. An audio walk leads to listening stations within a radius of up to 1.5 kilometres; you can visit the stations in any order. Audio walk visitors can use the museum’s parking, toilets, tables and benches, as well as a covered picnic shelter. In summer, volunteers demonstrate how peat was worked in their grandparents’ time. Check before visiting whether this seasonal demonstration is taking place.

“Hedens kunst” features works by Danish and international artists on Harrild Hede and in five towns. The works include stone and wood sculptures as well as living installations involving microorganisms; individual works may change over time. In Brande, several of the original gable murals from 1968 remain. The project produced 23 colourful large-scale works of art that summer and made public art a defining feature of the town.

In Ikast, Kunstpakhuset hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary Danish and international art in a renovated former railway warehouse. Ikast Stenen, a major work by sculptor Jørgen Haugen Sørensen, is a two-part sculpture and was the first sculpture in Frisenborgparken. Hjertet in Ikast also has a pump track where cyclists can practise their skills and rhythm.

In Uhre, Uhre Mølle is a listed building, fully restored and operational, with all its original equipment preserved. An exhibition of information boards in an adjoining building tells the story of the mill. Den Gamle Købmandsgård now serves as a general store museum and gallery with changing exhibitions; the shop is authentic and arranged as it was originally. Visitors can book a guided tour. Uhre Nature Park offers, among other things, a fishing lake, a nature playground, a barbecue, and tables and benches. It also provides the setting for the Midsummer’s Eve celebration, which has become a tradition in Uhre.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hampen, Ejstrupholm, Brande, Smedebæk, Nørre Snede, Engesvang, Silkeborg Municipality, Herning Municipality.

To the main travel overview: Central Jutland.