Odder Municipality between coast, island nature and culture

The coast from Gyllingnæs to Hou is part of a Natura 2000 site. It protects interconnected coastal meadows, coastal and marine habitats, as well as the breeding and migratory birds found there.

The localities of Odder Municipality include Odder, Amstrup, Hov, Spøttrup, Dyngby, Torup, Rude, Hundslund, Saksild and Sondrup Strand.

Nature

At the northern boundary of Odder Municipality lies Norsminde Fjord, which was a wildlife reserve from 1942 and is now designated as an EU bird protection area. Near Hov, a large shallow-water area begins, extending into Horsens Fjord and into the municipalities of Hedensted and Horsens; among other designations, it is classified as a Natura 2000 site.

Tunø has varied natural scenery with steep cliffs, coastal meadows and completely untouched wooded bogs. The island is car-free and is regarded as an island with a strong local culture. The Tunø ferry from Hou is the only ferry connection to Tunø; the crossing takes approximately 55 minutes.

Trails and routes

The signposted coastal trail near Hou is a 10-kilometre circular route along the beaches from Hou to Hølken Strand and back through Hou. On Tunø, an 8-kilometre circular walk follows high cliffs, with opportunities to take breaks at quiet bathing beaches. On Gyllingnæs, a 9-kilometre coastal trail leads to the southern tip, Kalsenakke.

The Norsminde–Kysing Næs circular route is approximately three kilometres long and passes through the harbour area and along grass paths around the peninsula. Route 3 of the Culture Ring is a 19-kilometre signposted cycling route that leads south from Odder towards Horsens Fjord. It passes through Hou and continues south-west towards Søby and Gylling.

Gyllingnæs offers opportunities for coastal fishing in Lerdrup Bugt, on the Kattegat side and near Horskær. The coastal meadows near Horskær are closed to visitors from 1 March to 1 August to protect breeding birds. For planning purposes, circular routes, coastal trails and the cycling route can be compared based on their length and course.

Culture and history

Built in 1883, Odder Vand- og Dampmølle is an outstanding example of the last generation of Danish customer mills and shows the condition from the time when production ceased in 1955. Visitors can experience three floors with machinery and mechanical equipment from the period before electronics entered industry.

Odder Museum presents exhibitions on themes from local cultural history and offers outdoor walks that explain historical traces in the landscape and the cultural environment.

Bjørnkær Voldsted is open to the public; there is a car park and signage on site. The fortification, probably built in the 13th century, has two mounds protected by a double rampart.

Gylling Mølle was first built in 1860 and rebuilt at the same location in 1908 after collapsing in a storm in 1906. There is an exhibition about the mill’s function and history; it is open on the first Sunday of the month and otherwise by appointment.

Gylling Church dates from the late 12th century and preserves an original Romanesque nave and an original Romanesque chancel. Its distinctive stilted tower is a type of architecture that is rare in Denmark and found almost exclusively in East Jutland.

Local produce

Brandbygegaard produces organic cider, sparkling wine, beer and spirits from fruit, berries and herbs grown on the farm; the products are made by hand in small quantities.

Throughout the year, Brandbygegaard hosts cultural events offering drinks from the farm and food made from locally produced ingredients. During the summer season, there are set times for tastings before purchase and for the sale of products from the distillery and winery.

To the main travel overview: Central Jutland.