1-day canoe trip: Voervadsbro – Ry
Experience one of the most diverse stretches of the Gudenå River – from Voervadsbro to Ry. Here you will find dense green vegetation, historic sights, and abundant birdlife. A perfect day trip for nature lovers and adventurers!
Length: 16 km
Duration: 1 day
Portages: 2 (one with a trolley, one via a slide)
Tour Summary
Start at the campsite in Voervadsbro, idyllically located between the river and the old inn. From here, glide calmly towards Vilholt Mill. Keep to the right as there is a fish ladder on the left side. Shortly after the mill, you will find a cozy rest area with tables and benches – perfect for a break.
The river now winds through narrow, deep passages and shallow rapids. Follow the currents to avoid grounding.
Klostermølle and View from Sukkertoppen
The next part of the tour feels like paddling through a green tunnel. You reach Klostermølle, where Cistercian monks once built a monastery and dug a canal for mill operations. Later, a paper factory was established here – the drying barn, Denmark’s longest wooden building, still stands.
Here you will find both an exhibition and a birdwatching tower with a magnificent view over Lake Mossø. If time and energy allow, a short hike up to Sukkertoppen (108 meters above sea level) is recommended. From there, you get a panoramic view of the lake and forest – the hike takes about one hour.
At Klostermølle, there is a portage site with a trolley for the canoe.
Gl. Rye Campsite and Øm Monastery
After Klostermølle, continue left as the Gudenå River opens up a bit. Shortly after, the Salten Å flows in from the left. If you paddle about 500 meters upstream on this stream, you will find the Gl. Rye Campsite – ideal for overnight stays or breaks. Note: paddling further upstream on the Salten Å is not permitted.
Back in the main river, paddle left and continue towards Gudensø and Ry. Here you will pass Emborg Bridge, where there is a picnic shelter, tables, and benches – perfect for a last break before the final stretch.
Birdlife and Monastery Ruins at Øm
At the river outlet into Gudensø, keep right – here is a shallow, wide sandy beach at Dalgaard where you can pull your canoe ashore. From here, a path leads to Øm Monastery, an old Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century. The site once served as a hospital, nursing home, and medical center – today it houses ruins, a museum, and a monastery garden with historic medicinal herbs.
Ending at Ry
Continue paddling through Gudensø, where you may spot herons, cormorants, or sea eagles. Avoid reed areas and steer clear of water lilies – boating is prohibited here to protect the nature.
The tour ends with a peaceful passage through Ry Møllesø. On the way, you pass Holmens Camping, where there are shopping and accommodation options. At the narrowing near Ry, keep left – here you will find toilets and access to a passage under the main road.
After the tunnel, there is a short portage, after which you continue to Lillesø. Turn right – and you will arrive directly at us, at the end of the harbor in Ry.