Guldforhoved: Heath, Moor and Forest Landscape

Nature around Guldforhoved ranges from a protected heathland area and a moor within the planning area to forests and routes in the surrounding area. A named burial mound is also among the local features. When planning your trip, you can explore a range of themes: heathland vegetation, wetlands, forest and a route with railway history.

Protected Heathland and Wetlands

A protected heathland area lies within the Guldforhoved planning area, with vegetation dominated by heather. Geologically, the landscape is situated on a heath-sand plain with geest islands dating from the penultimate ice age. The terrain is relatively flat and lies slightly above a former wetland. In the center of the heath is a small, wetter hollow. It is home to valuable, nutrient-sensitive wetland species such as cross-leaved heath, soft rush and tufted club-rush.

The water hole in the moor within the planning area also has a distinctive shape: it consists of an excavated channel around an island. A protected watercourse flows into this water hole from the east. A protected lake is also among the natural features in the area around the planning area. Floddalen near Guldforhoved is a nature area protected under Section 3 and designated as a recreational area.

Forest Areas in the Surrounding Area

Southeast of Guldforhoved, nearby, lies the 34 km² Gludsted Plantation, with coniferous forest, heath and moors. Guldforhoved Forest lies immediately to its west. This forest was established in 1992 through the purchase and afforestation of agricultural land. Its long-term development objective is a forest type featuring oak, lime and beech.

The two forest areas therefore have different natural features: Gludsted Plantation is characterized by coniferous forest, heath and moors, while the long-term goal for Guldforhoved Forest is to develop into a forest type featuring oak, lime and beech. This distinction helps put the landscape features of the surrounding area into context without confusing the future tree composition with the current woodland.

Walking, Cycling and Railway History

The 67 km Hjortestien walking and cycling route runs nearby through the southern part of Gludsted Plantation. Another historical trail follows Den Skæve Bane: the nearby route runs mostly along a former railway line and crosses several old railway bridges. On route R23 Den Skæve Bane, the surface alternates between gravel and asphalt.

The routes therefore have different highlights: Hjortestien is defined by its total length and its course through the southern part of the plantation; Den Skæve Bane connects the former railway alignment with old bridges and a changing surface. Banedammen can be reached nearby on foot via Den Skæve Bane or by bicycle along the route.

At the shelter site on Den Skæve Bane, there are two shelters, a fire pit, and tables and benches nearby. This adds a specific place with these facilities to the route’s features.

The Burial Mound in Guldforhoved

The burial mound “Guldforhoved By (#3)” is considered well preserved and is covered with heath. The mound is 1 m high and has a diameter of 23 m. The vegetation may change over time.

Discover more destinations: Skygge, Vrads, Fårvang, Svostrup, Funder, Bryrup, Gjern Municipality, Kjellerup

For the broader travel overview: Silkeborg Municipality.