Amstrup – Trails, Nature and Culture

Amstrup can be explored as a travel destination through several distinct themes: hiking trails to Blakshøj and through Amstrup Enge, the wet meadow landscape, the historic Amstrup Pakhus, and Brandbygegaard’s farm shop and events. When looking for a hotel in Amstrup, you can first consider whether trails, nature, cultural history or a visit to Brandbygegaard will be the focus of your stay.

Hiking Trails and Viewpoints

The round trip from Amstrup to Blakshøj along the same route is 5.6 km. At 73 metres above sea level, Blakshøj is the highest point; there is a flagpole at the summit, and the view from there extends far into the distance. How far you can see depends on the weather. The hiking trail “Fra Amstrup og op på Blakhøj” leads from Amstrup up to Blakhøj. Check local trail updates before setting out.

Another named route is “Rundt om Gyllingnæs”: it runs from Amstrup Enge around Gyllingnæs to Horskærgård and passes along Horsens Fjord and the coastal meadows. The route descriptions use different points of reference: Blakshøj as the highest point, and, for “Rundt om Gyllingnæs”, the route along the fjord and coastal meadows. You can use the destinations and landscapes mentioned for each route to help choose a hike.

Amstrup Enge and Its Biodiversity

Amstrup Enge is a nutrient-rich fen in Åkær Ådal, between Vads Møllevej and Horsens Fjord. Rare species such as samel, leverurt, strandrødtop and slangeurt grow in the coastal meadows. The presence of individual species can vary seasonally, so the plant life looks different at different times of year.

Butterflies are another documented aspect of the area’s natural history: from 1989 to 2017, a total of 622 moth and butterfly species were recorded around Amstrup and Uldrup Bakker. Of these, 541 could be considered reliably established there. The figures refer to this survey period; there is no guarantee of seeing individual butterflies during a visit. Amstrup Enge is also part of the Important Bird Area “Horsens Fjord, Svanegrund & Endelave”.

Amstrup Pakhus: From Warehouse to Annex

Amstrup Pakhus, also known as “Kvindefængsel”, is designated by Odder Municipality as a cultural environment dating from 1850–1920. Its history goes back further: the building was originally a warehouse, built in 1854 and named “Koeds Palæ”.

In 1927, Amstrup Pakhus was sold to the state and converted into an annex. The prison authorities in Horsens housed inmates there during the transitional period before their release. Its designation as a cultural environment and its former use describe different aspects: the historical period with which it is associated, and the building’s development and function after it was sold. The Pakhus can therefore be understood both through its construction history and its later role.

Brandbygegaard: Farm Shop, Produce and Events

Visitors to Amstrup can visit the Brandbygegaard farm shop, which also has its own winery. Opening arrangements vary seasonally, so it is advisable to check them before your visit. Both grapes and apples are used on site. The farm winery and distillery produce various traditional-method sparkling wines, as well as brandy, whisky, grappa, gin and vodka. The product range may change.

Brandbygegaard hosts larger and smaller public events every year. Dates may vary. If you would like to plan your visit around an event, check the specific event dates in advance. Together with the hiking trails, the landscape of Amstrup Enge and the historic Pakhus, these themes offer various starting points for planning your stay in Amstrup.

Discover more destinations: Saksild, Rude, Odder, Spøttrup, Hov, Hundslund, Torup, Dyngby

For the main travel overview: Odder Municipality.