Skanderborg Lake District

The Skanderborg Lake District is one of the most attractive natural areas in eastern Jutland, a landscape of rolling hills, old beech woodland and interconnected lakes gathered around the town of Skanderborg. The town sits on the shores of Skanderborg Lake, with several smaller lakes and ponds nearby, and the varied terrain offers countless routes for hiking and cycling as well as calm water for canoeing and kayaking. The mature forests are home to abundant wildlife, and quiet paths make it easy to leave the town behind and find yourself deep in the woods within minutes. History is close at hand too: by the lake stand the remains of Skanderborg Castle, once a royal residence, while just north of the town lies Illerup Ådal, an archaeologically important site that has yielded remarkable Iron Age weapon finds. Each August the town comes alive with the hugely popular Smukfest music festival, held in the beech forest and one of the largest music events in Denmark. Over time Skanderborg has grown into the orbit of nearby Aarhus, yet it retains its own relaxed lakeside character. Access to the nature areas is free and open all year, so you can walk or paddle whenever you like; bring proper footwear for the forest trails, and consider renting a canoe to see the lakes from the water.