Karup Municipality: River, Routes and Cultural History

Karup Municipality offers several specific themes to help you plan your trip: the Karup Å, trails in Alheden Skov and cultural sites in Karup. These include the route near Høgild, the R25 cycling route (Grathe Hederuten), Karup Church and the Gedhusmuseet. If you are looking for a hotel in Karup Municipality, you can plan your stay around whether you are more interested in the river and fishing, cycling and hiking trails, or cultural history. The following places show how varied these themes are.

Boating and fishing on the Karup Å

Two questions are central to the Karup Å: which boats are permitted, and what types of fishing are possible? The municipal boating information, updated on 29 April 2026, permits only canoes, kayaks and rowing boats on the river system; motorboats are prohibited. If you are planning a boat trip, the choice of boat type is therefore clearly limited.

Fishing on the Karup Å includes fly fishing, spin fishing and fishing with natural bait. In addition, toggergarn nets have traditionally been used along the river. Today, the Karup Å is the only place in Denmark where this method is permitted. Boating and fishing therefore offer different ways to experience the river: a specific rule applies to boat types, while several fishing methods are mentioned.

Trails in Alheden Skov and near Høgild

In Stendalen, the Norskestien runs through Alheden Skov along the edge of a meltwater ravine. The terrain shapes the route: both the forest and the ravine edge are part of its description. Alheden Skov includes the Havredal, Stendal and Ulvedal plantations; the forest is next to the Hærvejen. Knowing the name of the forest area also helps you identify its associated plantations and the neighbouring Hærvejen as specific points of reference.

The R25 cycling route (Grathe Hederuten) offers a different perspective: it runs from Sdr. Resen along the Karup Å. Alheden lies north of the road and the Karup Å to its south; in Karup, R25 crosses regional walking route 21. R25 is therefore described as a cycling route with a specified crossing, while the Norskestien is characterised by its position along the ravine. Near Høgild, a route starts at a car park and information board on Åhusevej. This helps distinguish between different route details: the terrain at the Norskestien, the crossing in Karup and the starting point near Høgild.

Pilgrimage sites and the Gedhusmuseet

Karup Church served as a pilgrimage church in the Middle Ages. Vor Frue Kilde in Karup also attracted the sick and pilgrims from across the country during the Middle Ages. The two places shed light on pilgrimage in different ways: the church’s role in the Middle Ages is central to one, while the people it attracted are central to the other. Karup Helligkilde is a restored holy spring with an information board.

The Gedhusmuseet at the Gedhus guardhouse at Flyvestation Karup offers a different focus on history. Aircraft are on display on the grounds. The museum presents life in the Gedhus and Grove refugee camps through photographs, objects and other exhibits. At the same site, aircraft on the grounds and the museum’s account of camp life are presented side by side. If you are planning a visit, please check the current opening hours in advance.

Discover more destinations: Grønhøj, Tjele, Lynderup, Tange, Viborg, Møldrup, Rødkærsbro, Bjerringbro.

For the broader travel overview: Viborg Municipality.