Nørre Snede-Kollemorten

Selected experiences on the stage

Rørbæk Lake, Tinnet Krat and the Source of the Gudenå River
When you venture into the magnificent natural area around Rørbæk Lake, Tinnet Krat and the source of the Gudenå River, you step into a world of beauty and adventure. Park your bike and take a stroll along the beautiful hiking trails, where you can enjoy the sight of the old bathhouse and the rich wildlife with deer and red deer.

Rørbæk Lake is located close to the ridge of Jutland, where the sources of the country's two largest rivers, Skjernå and Gudenå, spring forth in the valley with just a few hundred meters' distance. At the same place, the ancient road Hærvejen crosses the valley right in the watershed. The lake is surrounded by a unique mix of forests, meadows, plantations, and heathlands. Tinnet Krat and Kollemorten Krat constitute some of the country's largest areas of oak scrub, thus representing Denmark's original forests. You will clearly see how the poor soil and the harsh winds have left a distinct mark on the small, gnarled, twisted oak trees.

Rørbæk Lake is a ribbon lake that was formed during the Ice Age. In the lake, a diversity of wildlife thrives, from pike and bream to the rare brown trout. Here you can witness diving ducks gathering in the autumn and winter months, and the water attracts a variety of different bird species, including dippers, kingfishers, and ospreys.

The Gudenå River, with its 160 kilometers, is Denmark's longest stream and has its source in Tinnet Krat, flowing out into Randers Fjord. According to legend, the river got its name from a wild fellow named Gudar, who kidnapped the girl Else. But with help from brooks and springs, the girl's father managed to rescue her, and Gudar met his fate at Randers Fjord.

Rørbæk Lake, 7323 Give

Margrethe Dike
Just south of Tinnet Krat, Margrethe Dike is hidden, a 150-meter-long defensive embankment, which stands perpendicular to the Ancient Road (Hærvejen). The origin of the defensive embankment is shrouded in mystery, as it is not known when it was built, or which Margrethe gave the embankment its name. Remnants of weapons and paved fireplaces have been found, and in the dike itself, even a cannonball made of iron has been discovered.

In 1861, King Frederik VII placed a conservation stone by the dyke. It was an event that did not go unnoticed. The story goes that the farmer Per Limkaster expressed his dissatisfaction with the king's action with the words: 'The devil may rasp me after I go and touch my oats nine times'. A memorable moment that adds even more color to the history of Margrethediget.

When you visit Margrethediget, you can ponder which Margrethe the dyke is named after.

Hærvejen 317, 7173 Vonge

Øster Nykirke
Øster Nykirke, also known as St. Peter's Church, majestically rests atop the ridge and reigns as Denmark's highest located church, 130 meters above sea level. The church was built between 1150-1200 as a pilgrimage church in honor of St. Peter's Holy Spring, whose waters were once believed to have healing properties.

You will notice that the church's architectural style is Romanesque. During the late Gothic period, the church was extended with a tower, which was originally 12 meters taller than it is today. Despite the church bell dating from 1438, it still rings to call people to worship. Øster Nykirke's most distinguished treasure is a tympanum: a triangular field in a classical church gable, typically used in Romanesque architecture. When you step inside the church, you will see that both the altarpiece and the pulpit are richly decorated with scenes and figures from the Bible. Both are from 1632, and legend has it that they were carved by a blind woodcarver from Vonge.

St. Peter's Holy Spring can be found just east of the church, where there is a small well surrounded by a replica of a medieval well curb. At a crossroads south of the church stands an old milestone from 1856. The stone is engraved with the place names Colding and Vester Mølle, marking the importance of the Hærvejen route up until the mid-19th century.

Hærvejen 309, 7323 Give