Virklund: Lakes, Forests and Church Architecture

If you’re looking for a hotel in Virklund, you can get your bearings by focusing on several specific themes: lakes and waterways, forests with traces of nature and culture, and a church with its own architectural history. When planning your trip, consider whether water, forest or architectural history will be your main point of interest. The details also vary: landscapes and wildlife sit alongside specific routes, architectural facts and a recurring church tradition.

Thorsø, Hulbækken and other names from nature

Thorsø is near Virklund, and Thorsøbadet has a sandy beach. The lake and the beach therefore offer two distinct connections to the water. Another aspect of the landscape can be seen at Hulbækken: glacial movements shaped the valley through which the stream flows, and the sound of running water can be heard along the paths beside Hulbækken. Here, the valley’s formation and an audible detail of nature come together.

Avnsø is also known as “Brillerne.” Dragereden is hidden in the forest between Uglsø and Avnsø. It helps to distinguish between them when finding your way: “Brillerne” is another name for Avnsø, while Dragereden is a separate point of interest in the forest between the two lakes.

Forests, wildlife and cultural traces

Virklund is considered a good starting point for activities in Vesterskov, Østerskov and Sønderskov. The forests around Virklund are home to deer, squirrels, pine martens, polecats and otters. The 60 km-long Naturstien Horsens-Silkeborg runs through Vesterskov. Along the yellow walking route in Vesterskov, information stations highlight cultural traces in the forest; more than 35 burial mounds also line the forest tracks.

The route and the cultural information appeal to different interests: the Naturstien’s length offers a clear measure for planning, while the yellow route’s information stations draw attention to cultural traces. The burial mounds add a specific historical feature along the forest tracks. This means you can explore the forest through both its wildlife and its paths and traces of cultural history.

Church architecture and local tradition

Virklund Church was built in 1994 and designed by Danish architects Johannes and Inger Exner. It is known as the “Church of Light” because light plays a major role in the church interior. From one of the church’s windows, you can look out over Thorsø and a large part of the town of Virklund. The construction date and architects provide the historical context; the nickname and the view from the window draw attention to the effects of light and the outlook. This offers a different way to explore local history than the cultural traces in Vesterskov.

Virklund Parish also has a recurring tradition: it takes part every year in Folkekirkens Nødhjælp’s fundraising day, which includes a concert on the second Sunday in March. This annual event is distinct from the church’s construction date and may be relevant when planning the timing of your trip. Check the specific event dates in advance if you’d like to take it into account.

Discover more destinations: Vrads, Svejbæk, Kjellerup, Ry, Bryrup, Store Bredlund, Bording, Ans.

For the broader travel overview: Silkeborg Municipality.