Ans: Lake, Trails and Town History

Ans offers several distinct highlights for a trip: Tange Sø and its ice-shaped landscape, trails for hiking and cycling, and the town’s history on the Gudenå. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ans, these themes can help structure your plans. First consider whether landscape, activity, or historic sites matter most to you; the information below helps you get a sense of the destination’s different facets.

Lake and landscape

Tange Sø is Denmark’s largest artificial lake. It was created in 1920 by damming the Gudenå in connection with the construction of Tangeværket. The landscape around Ans is also shaped by numerous meltwater ravines formed as the ice melted. The lake and ravines represent two different formation processes: the lake was created by human intervention, while the ravines were formed by a natural process during the melting of the ice. The forested area at Knolden offers views over Tange Sø and Ans. There is also a dog forest at Knolden in Ans.

Bathing area at Ans Søbred

There is a designated bathing area at Ans Søbred. Check the current local bathing notices before swimming. The Solsneglen sculpture stands north of the toilet building at Ans Søbred. The lakeshore therefore offers both a specific place to swim and a named point of interest for art.

Walking and cycling routes

The Trækstien can be followed on foot or by bicycle from Ans to Tangeværket; the surface may vary. Stage 14 of the Gudenåstien runs from Frisholtvej, the road across Tange Sø, via Ans to Bjerringbro. The main difference for planning purposes is the routes’ stated destinations: Tangeværket is the destination from Ans on the Trækstien, while Stage 14 places Ans along a route that continues to Bjerringbro.

The Ans IF MTB training course is about 1 km long and includes blue and red categories. Local trail conditions can change; follow the current signage when using the course. The course is described by its length and categories, while the other two routes are identified by their named places and routes.

Town history

From the early Middle Ages until the expansion of the railway network toward the end of the 19th century, Ans was a trading and loading place for barge traffic on the Gudenå. Ans Kro can be traced back to around 1640. In the 19th century, it was one of the taverns serving boatmen on the Gudenå and a rest stop for barge traffic. The history of river transport is therefore reflected both in Ans’s earlier role as a trading and loading place and in the Kro’s role as a rest stop.

Ans Kirke is a Neo-Gothic church in the center of Ans and has become a town landmark. In 1958, it was formally inaugurated for full church services. The church and the Kro offer different points of interest: the church is notable for its architecture and inauguration history, while the Kro is linked to barge traffic. A town walk takes you along Vestre Langgade, Markedsgade, Søgade, Østre Langgade, and Søndermarksgade.

Getting to Ans

Ans can be reached by bus route 73 from Silkeborg, Randers, and Bjerringbro. Bus services may change, so check the current timetable before travelling. There is a car park at Ans Bro on Frisholtvej, on the east side of the lake. Together, the bus connection and the named car park provide specific reference points for planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Roe, Ans By, Them Municipality, Guldforhoved, Virklund, Bording, Vrads, Lemming

For the main travel overview: Silkeborg Municipality.