The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Skanderborg Sø

The Old Oak / The Oak of Christian IV Christian IV's Oak, The King's Oak or The Old Oak are some of the names given to a large, free-standing tree in the easternmost part of Dyrehaven Skanderborg. Over time, the tree has been the center of many events. After the visit of Hereditary Prince Ferdinand and Princess Caroline to Dyrehaven in 1839, there was interest in including the area around the old oak as a party venue. The following year, the first summer festival with drinking and forest ball took place in a decorated dance tent next to the property. It was the start of a rich entertainment life in Dyrehaven. In 1852, confectioner Brandt built a permanent dance floor and a modest inn barn, which was continued by an active social club; forest association. Every Sunday during the season there was dancing and illumination for a fee of 24 shillings for men while entry was free for ladies. At the end of the 19th century, the fairground at the Old Oak lost its importance with the construction of the pavilion. Nowadays the oak tree still stands prominently and in the middle of the festival ground when the ”Smukfest” takes place in the forest in August. But is it correct to name the oak of King Chr.4? In 2009 a dendrochronological study was carried out on the tree, the annual rings were counted and it was concluded that the tree was planted between 1620 and 1719. King Chr.4 lived from 1577 to 1648, so it is not unrealistic that the tree grew in the last years of the king's life. Source: Skanderborg Leksikon

In 1937, in a race with other towns, the city of Skanderborg succeeded in bringing the national exhibition "Technology, Nature, Culture" to Skanderborg. It is estimated that the national exhibition, held from June 3rd to 21st, was seen by approximately 130,000 visitors. The female figure ”Våren” on the ”Bear Claw” base in the small fountain is a surviving reminder of the national exhibition. It was created by the sculptor Mathilius Schack Elo (1887.1948) specifically for this event and bought by the city after it ended. When Hotel Skanderborghus was built in 1961, ”Våren” was moved closer to the lake. Source: Skanderborg Museum

From the bathing bridge you have a beautiful view over the "Skanderborg Lake".

Castle Hill and Castle Church of Skanderborg Castle Church is a remnant of the former Skanderborg Castle, which was finally demolished in 1770. In 1562-63 King Frederik II converted the medieval castle on Slotsholmen into a modern fortress. Due to the kingdom's financial problems, the king decided to settle in Skanderborg. Therefore, in 1572, a castle chapel was set up in the newly built royal wing, which was also increased with two staves. The castle served as the residence of the royal family for several years. The current church consists of a nave with a round tower with a conical, copper-covered spire. The tower was originally one of the flanking towers of the castle. Source: www.VisitAarhus.dk

The Dagmar Bridge was a small but important part of the gigantic construction work to connect the country with new main roads across Denmark in the early 19th century. It was Colonel Rosenberg who directed the work on the section between Kolding and Frederikshavn. The construction of a bridge between Adelgade and Slotsholmen has reduced the travel time through Jutland considerably. The listed small bridge cannot be seen from above the bridge. You can only see the bridge by sailing under it in a canoe or kayak. But if you cross the small bridge, you have a nice view on both sides - on "Lille Sø" and "Skanderborg Sø".

The Old Town Hall of Skanderborg was built in 1860 according to plans by Hans Christian Zeltner and rebuilt in 1920 according to plans by Rudolf Frimodt Clausen and extended with a side wing and rear building. The building complex served as a council, trial, and detention center, and as such historically contained chambers of the county council and city council, courtrooms, cells, and prison administrator's quarters. The building was listed as a historical monument in 1978 and served as a police station until 2016. After conversion and restoration, the building now houses an office community in which preserved details and reconstructed rooms form the framework for modern workplaces in a historical ambience.

House inspired by the universe of author Ole Lund Kirkegaard. Ole Lund Kirkegaard was born in Aarhus, grew up in Skanderborg and graduated from Aarhus Cathedral School in 1959. After half a year as a sailor and temporary work in small schools, he decided to become a teacher - although he hated school as a child. Ole Lund Kirkegaard made his debut as a writer with the short story The Dragon, which he wrote in 1966. He won the competition and was encouraged to write more. The first children's novel was Little Virgil, which was published in 1967 and quickly became a success. His stories are usually about children who have somewhat difficult relationships with their parents and other "normal" adults, but with ingenuity and the support of more eccentric existences, they overcome the problems. In 1977 he decided to quit teaching to focus on being a full-time writer. Financially it could well be related as his books sold well. Source: www.waymarking.com

The culture house in Skanderborg forms the framework for a cinema, a library, a café and also a seaside resort. Kulturhuset is located in the middle of the city with a beautiful view of Lake Skanderborg.