Discover Hampen

A stay in Hampen can focus on several different things: Hampen Sø, with swimming spots and a circular trail; Palsgård Skov, with its woodland and open-land habitats; or walking routes, the church and events.

Hampen Sø: swimming and a circular trail

Hampen Sø covers 76 hectares; the part known as Storesø is up to 13 to 14 metres deep. The nutrient-poor lake is one of Denmark’s cleanest lakes. Swimming is permitted at the two beaches on the west and north sides. A 5-kilometre walking trail runs around the lake. For an outing, you can choose between the named swimming spots and a circuit around the lake: both are associated with Hampen Sø, but each offers a different focus.

Palsgård Skov and the walking routes

Palsgård Skov covers 1,100 hectares and is an old heathland plantation. Its landscapes include conifers, oak and beech trees, as well as raised bogs, meadows and dry grasslands. Red and roe deer live throughout the forest. Most of Palsgård Skov belongs to Natura 2000 site No. 53. With its varied woodland and open-land habitats, the forest offers a nature-focused experience distinct from the lake.

The Den Skæve Bane recreational trail runs through the middle of Hampen. It follows a former railway line and is now used as a nature-oriented recreational trail. The full route is 79 kilometres long and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. The Hærvejsruten is another walking option in the region: it passes through the eastern part of Palsgård Skov and Tingdalskoven.

The 5 kilometres around Hampen Sø and the 79-kilometre total length of Den Skæve Bane represent different scales: a circuit around the lake on the one hand, and the full length of a recreational trail suitable for walking or cycling on the other. This distinction can help with planning if you are considering either a single circuit of the lake or a longer route.

Church and events

Hampen Kirke dates from 1957 and was built to designs by the architect Søren Vig-Nielsen. The whitewashed church stands high on a hill on the Jyske Højderyg. If you are interested in architecture, you can include it in your travel plans as an additional point of interest alongside the natural attractions.

Hampen holds an annual Fastelavnsfest. Amerikanerdag, a gathering for American cars, is also held regularly. If one of these events is the reason for your trip, check the relevant date before making plans.

Planning your journey and stay

Bus routes on Hovedvej 13 between Viborg and Vejle, and between Brande and Silkeborg, pass Palsgård Skov. For a specific journey, check the current timetable for the relevant service.

Discover more destinations: Engesvang, Brande, Ejstrupholm, Nørre Snede, Smedebæk.

Return to the main travel overview: Ikast-Brande Municipality.