Cycling Stage Funder Kirkeby - Nørre Snede (25 km)

The journey from Funder Kirkeby to Nr. Snede is a treat for nature lovers. You cycle through Skærbæk Plantation with its wonderful heath land, while north of Vrads is a sandy area with dunes, heather and lakes. You will also pass by the protected Tingdal lakes, where the rare water lobelia grows on the lake bottom.
Funder
The route crosses Funder River, south of the village of Funder itself and east of the ridge. There is a marked contrast between the river valley and the flat lands towards the west.  

Skærbæk Plantage
The route crosses Funder River, south of the village of Funder itself and east of the ridge. There is a marked contrast between the river valley and the flat lands towards the west. 

In Skærbæk Plantation, there are many attractive heath lands with juniper bushes.

Vrads
North of Vrads, is the sandy heath land, with dunes. The heath has both moist and dry areas and there is much juniper and broom, as well as erica, bilberries and cranberries. 

Vrads also has a village store and campsite.

Tingdalsøerne
The Tingdal lakes are Rævsø, Grane Langsø, Kalgård Sø and Kongsø, which are extremely clean, clear water lakes, low in nutrients. The lakes and their surroundings are protected, as they are vulnerable to human impact, and it is not permitted to walk on the bare banks, or bathe, fish or sail in the lakes. Torup Lake is a normal lake, with access to the eastern bank. 

The lakes are mostly surrounded by woods and heath lands. West of Kålgård Sø and Kongsø is Kongsø Heath, which is subject to nature landscaping, to prevent the area becoming overgrown, and to keep the heather trimmed. There is a small artificial lake on the heath, with the remains of an old hill fort “Hansborg”. There are marked trails and information boards as well throughout the area. 

From here, the route goes through Palsgaard Skov woodland, where you can visit the Palsgaard Skov museum and the Tourist Information Office in the old forest warden’s cottage. 

Nørre Snede
On the journey from Viborg, Nørre Snede is the first slightly larger town, along the Hærvej and has been a meeting point for travellers for many centuries. It was the site of a holy spring, dedicated to St. Knud, which attracted many pilgrims and from the remains of ox shelters found in the woods, it is known that drovers used the town as a resting place. The churchyard contains a grave mound, which creates a link with the past, while the romantic period church has a distinctive christening font from the 1100’s with carved lion heads.  

TO THE NEXT STAGE: NR. SNEDE - GIVSKUD