Canoeing the river Gudenå

Canoeing along the most beautiful stretch of the river Gudenå

In Tinnet Krat, a small spring trickles out of the ground. This is the start of Denmark's only river and longest stream - Gudenå. It stretches approximately 160 km through the landscape, all the way to its estuary in Randers Fjord. But the most beautiful stretch is found between Tørring and the monastery mill, Klostermølle.

The whole family huddles up – literally – in a canoe. That’s why, it is a completely unique way to be together as a family when the slim boat is pushed from shore and gently rocks along the river Gudenå.

Why visit the Amazon rainforest when you can visit Gudenå in Denmark?

The southern stretch of the river Gudenå is breath-taking with narrow, winding stretches and no larger lakes. The journey will take you through Uldum Kær, a protected bog with abundant nature. You get close to The Uncovered Bridge, the beautiful old hydroplant Vestbirk Vandkraftværk and end up at the cosy monastery mill, Klostermølle with a view of Mossø at the foot of the hill Sukkertoppen - one of the hidden treasures of The Coastal Land. The whole trip is 40 km and can be completed in two to three days at a leisurely pace. Part of the stretch towards Klostermølle takes you through forests and is almost jungle-like which has earned it the nickname "Denmark's Amazons". 800 years ago, the monks of the monastery dug the canal to utilise the hydropower for their mill.

From Tørring to Klostermølle you are only permitted to sail in one direction and only using non-motorised vessels. This makes canoeing along this route especially wonderful if you are a beginner or have children on board. At the canoe rental place Tørring Kanoudlejning, it is possible to arrange pick-up at your end-destination and transport back to your car. During the summer, you can also catch the upstream bus.

Find the ultimate guide to your canoe trip at kystlandet.com.

4

perfect distances for canoeing day trips

3 HOURS 12 KM

Elite Camp Vestbirk to Klostermølle

3,5 HOURS 14 KM

5 HOURS 19 KM

5,5 HOURS 21 KM

Tørring Camping to Åstedbro

Gudenåcamping Brædstrup to Klostermølle

Tørring Camping to Gudenåcamping Brædstrup

The source of the river Gudenå in Tinnet Krat can be visited on foot

Catch a free ride on the upstream bus

If you are canoeing on the southern part of the river Gudenå during the summer, you can hop on Modstrømsbussen (the upstream bus) back to your starting point. The bus picks up canoers and hikers at selected stops on the distance between Tørring and Klostermølle.

The river Gudenå by the the monastery mill, Klostermølle