Discover Hornslet

Hornslet brings together church art, historic buildings and the history of the Rosenholm estate, as well as opportunities for outdoor activities. When planning a stay, you can choose how to balance historic sites, the local archive and the themed trail according to your interests. Parks, playgrounds and cafés in and around the town centre are also part of what the town has to offer.

Church art and the history of Rosenholm

Hornslet Church is the Rosenkrantz family mausoleum and has been shaped by its four centuries of association with the Rosenholm estate. A mural dating from around 1250 depicts scenes from the Arthurian romances. The church also has a Høhne organ, a rare type of organ of which only a few examples exist in the Nordic region. Family history, medieval art and this distinctive type of organ stand side by side here.

The history of Rosenholm Castle began with a purchase in April 1559: Jørgen Rosenkrantz bought Holm farm outside Hornslet from the king, after which the castle was built. In Rosenholm Castle Park are linden avenues dating from the 1740s and the Pirkentavl pleasure pavilion from around 1600. These park features therefore date from different centuries. The castle’s furnishings also offer insights into the life of a noble family over the centuries: they include hundreds of pieces of furniture, paintings and tapestries.

Historic buildings and local memory

In Hornslet, Syddjurs Library is housed in a former courthouse, together with the associated district bailiff’s residence, dating from 1910. The building was designed by architect Hack Kampmann. Behind the library is the Library Garden, which is open to everyone.

Hornslet’s courthouse and jail have cultural and historical value because of their former functions: they served as a courthouse and jail, as well as the district bailiff’s office and residence. The Rosenholm Local Archive preserves collected material documenting the history of Hornslet and its surroundings over time. The buildings and archive offer different ways to explore local history: through former public and administrative functions on the one hand, and through collected historical materials on the other.

Nature and outdoor activities

The Syddjurs Scout and Outdoor Centre includes a 15,000-square-metre nature area in Hornslet. It can be rented for family, school class and nature activities, provided it is not being used by the 1st Hornslet Scout Group for scouting activities. Firewood and access to toilets are included in the rental. As availability depends on bookings, you should check whether it is available before your trip.

The trail Gå i hobbitternes fodspor (Follow in the Hobbits’ Footsteps) links its route with historical and literary stories. The trail description mentions signs providing historical information, as well as QR codes linking to videos featuring historian and Tolkien scholar Casper Clemmensen. In them, he talks about his own past and Tolkien’s inspirations. Alongside the walk, the trail thus offers insight into themes connected with Hornslet and Tolkien.

There are also playgrounds, parks and cafés in and around the centre of Hornslet. The Library Garden is another green space in the town centre and is open to everyone. If a particular café is important to your plans, check its opening hours before your visit.

Hornslet as a starting point

Regional Cycle Route 20 starts in Hornslet. For local sightseeing, there are several different themes to choose from: the history of the Rosenholm estate, the art in the church, historic administrative buildings or activities in the nature area.

Whether you are primarily interested in art, architectural history or nature, these places and themes can help you tailor your stay in Hornslet to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Lyngsbæk, Handrup, Femmøller, Fejrup, Stubbe, Esby, Strands, Ugelbølle

For the overview of the wider area: Syddjurs Municipality.