Hiking Stage Funder Kirkeby - Nørre Snede (32 km)
On the journey from Tollund, west of Funder Kirkeby, to Nr. Snede, the landscape is characterised by deep river valleys, unusual cliff forms, plantations and some of Denmark’s cleanest lakes. The route passes by Funder River at Hørbylunde, slight east of the hill ridge.
Skærbæk Plantage
In Skærbæk Plantation, there are many attractive heath lands with juniper bushes, particularly an area roughly 1 km north of the old gamekeeper cottage, where there is a geologically interesting deep valley. In the southern part of Skærbæk Plantation, north of Ansø Mølle, the walking route passes a section of cobbled road, which is presumed to date from the time of the drovers.
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 and known for their water lobelia. 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.
South of Palsgaard Skov woodland is Nørhoved Hostel and Hærvejens Bondegaardsferie - Hærvej farmhouse holidays.
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.
The route goes east about the town, so you have to leave the tour if you want to stock up on food.
TO THE NEXT STAGE: NR: SNEDE - GIVSKUD