Iron Lake Challenge in Danmarks Smukkeste
Denmark is full of large and beautiful lakes, but have you ever considered walking around the 10 largest, or maybe just three, two or one of them? Danmarks Smukkeste includes three of the largest lakes in Denmark, which are part of the Iron Lake Challenge Denmark.
The Iron Lake Challenge is a German concept where participants are challenged to hike around the ten largest lakes in various countries worldwide. This challenge also exists in a Danish format, and in Danmarks Smukkeste, we are fortunate enough to have three of Denmark's largest lakes: Mossø, Skanderborg Sø, and Julsø.
Mossø
Mossø is Denmark's fourth largest and Jutland's second largest lake, and it is part of the Gudenå system. The trip around the lake is characterised by beautiful nature, and you will pass through both the forest and through more open spaces. The majority of the route takes place either in forests, including Højlund Forest, Dørup Forest and Boes Forest, or on relatively large roads. So please be aware that parts of the trip may be noisy.
Along the route, there are plenty of opportunities to experience beautiful views and local birds. The lake is known to be home to several different wading birds.
We recommend starting the route at Klostermølle, where there are good parking options. Klostermølle was previously a monastery and later a paper factory. Several of the factory buildings still stand, including Denmark's longest wooden building, which has a bird tower with a beautiful view of Mossø.
The route around the lake is approximately 28 km long and takes on average between 7 and 8 hours to complete.
It is possible to stay overnight at the Old Rye Tent Site, which is located close to the route.
See the entire route of pictures from the route here.
Skanderborg sø
On the route around Skanderborg Lake, you pass through both city and nature. Along the way, you will pass the Castle Church, "Kærligheden", which is one of Smuk Fest's camping areas, Skanderborg Golf Club, Ringkloster, Vetermølle and the marina.
If you prefer to walk on unpaved roads, you can walk down towards Hylke Strand by the golf course and follow the yellow path back up to the road. However, be cautious when walking near the golf course; a ball may occasionally come flying.
We recommend visiting some of the previously mentioned places during your trip, such as Skanderborg Castle Church or Vestermølle. The castle church is part of King Frederik II's medieval castle, which was built between 1562 and 1563. Vestermølle is a mill that is over 500 years old, and today houses both a restaurant and a museum.
The route around the lake is approximately 22 km long and takes an average of 4 to 5 hours to complete.
There is the option of staying overnight at the Junges Plantage shelter or at Skanderborg Sø Camping, which is located close to the route.
See the entire route of pictures from the route here.
Julsø
Julsø is the largest and deepest lake of all the lakes in the Himmelbjerg area. Julsø has a water surface of 565 hectares and is therefore used extensively for water sports in the summer months. As beautiful as the lake is, so are the surroundings. The landscape around the lake is often described as Denmark's answer to the Alps because the lake is located in one of the most hilly areas in the country.
Hills characterise the route, so please note that the elevation gain on the route is relatively high. However, the hilly landscape also means that along the path, you can experience many beautiful views of both the lake and the surrounding landscape.
During the route, we recommend stopping by the town of Ry or climbing Himmelbjerget. At the top of Himmelbjerget or "The Sky Mountain", you can experience a magnificent view of the lake and the landscape, as well as exploring the many memorials scattered on and around the "mountain".
Please note that to complete the route, you must cross the Gudenå River with the Sun Ferry, which only sails between March and October.
The route around the lake is approximately 46 km long and takes an average of 11 to 12 hours to complete.
There is the possibility of overnight accommodation at Julsø Tent Site, Skimminghøj Tent Site and Alling Tent Site, which are all located close to the route.
See the entire route of pictures from the route here.
Other accommodation options in connection with the Iron Lake Challenge in Danmarks Smukkeste
Find more accommodation options here.
Read more about Iron Lake Challenge Denmark and sign up here.