Kilen
Hiking trails, adventures and places to eat
Kilen
Kilen, at Struer, extends from the Limfjord's Struer Bay to the west. Once an arm of the fjord, it was cut off from the Limfjord by a dam in the mid-1800s. Today it appears as a 319 ha brackish water lake with an average depth of 2.9 m and a maximum depth of 6.5 m, with water replacement ensured by a small lock.
The area around Kilen is marked by its rich history, with hollow ways from the Stone Age in the slopes. Freshwater is supplied via Bredkær Stream at the western end, and variations in lock practices at the dam have created fluctuating salt levels in the lake.
Pollution from various sources previously impacted Kilen's ecosystem, but improved conditions have allowed underwater vegetation to thrive. The dry slopes are home to a rich grassland vegetation and spring-fed marshes with a diversity of plant species.
Kilen's fish population is dominated by brackish water species, and the area is an important resting place for waterfowl during migration. Otters and pond bats are also found in the area, which was protected in 1980 and is part of the Struer Wildlife Reserve.
Struer
Struer is a picturesque town located by the Limfjord in western Denmark. With a population of around 10,000 inhabitants, Struer offers a harmonious mix of natural beauty, industry and cultural offerings.
The city center is characterized by charming streets and squares, where local shops and cafes create a cozy atmosphere. At the harbor you can experience maritime life with boats and yachts, which give an insight into the city's connection to the fjord.
Struer has a proud industrial history, especially in electronics and sound technology. Bang & Olufsen, a globally recognized manufacturer of high-end audio equipment, was founded here in 1925 and has put the city on the world map in audio technology.
Culturally, Struer has a lot to offer, including the Struer Museum, which tells the town's history through interactive exhibitions and artefacts. The museum also focuses on the technological developments that have shaped the city over the years.
The nature around Struer is breathtaking with the fjord, forests and green areas that invite outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and fishing. Struer also hosts various outdoor events and festivals throughout the year that attract locals and visitors alike.
The paths
Below you see the selected hiking trails from the hiking area with mileage.
We have prioritized the trails with our favorite trail in the area as the first.
You get information about each hiking trail by clicking on the pictures.
Kilen rundt
Kilen rundt is a hiking route around the brackish water lake Kilen northwest of Struer. The route is challenging with steep and uneven paths.
Hornet - red route
Hornet Plantage's hiking trail takes you through a varied forest area, where deciduous trees dominate and create a beautiful backdrop. The landscape changes between hilly moraines in the north and open heath to the south.
Resenborg Plantage - yellow trail
When you walk on the hiking trails in Resenborg Plantage, you will notice that the nature here is a little different than in the typical plantations in West Jutland. Thanks to the steep terrain, the good soil and the many deciduous trees, it feels more like walking through a mixed forest from Eastern Denmark.
Resenborg Plantage - blue tour
When you walk on the hiking trails in Resenborg Plantage, you will notice that the nature here is a little different than in the typical plantations in West Jutland. Thanks to the steep terrain, the good soil and the many deciduous trees, it feels more like walking through a mixed forest from Eastern Denmark.
Ideal sequence of the trails in relation to transport
We recommend that you walk the hiking trails in the following order to get the shortest possible transport distance between the trails:
- Kilen rundt 14.4 km (1)
- Hornet - red route 2.9 km (2)
- Resenborg Plantage - yellow trail 1.4 km (3)
- Resenborg Plantage - blue trail 1.5 km (4)
You can choose to skip paths so that the distance fits what you want to walk.
For example, if you want to walk 16.9 km, you start with Kilen round and then stop after the Hornet - red route.
Pay attention to
Kilen round is a long round trip of 14,4 km.
Experiences and sights
-
Central and West Jutland Railway Museum
At the Central and West Jutland Railway Museum in Struer, you can experience an impressive collection of locomotives, carriages and railway effects, as well as explore a wealth of photos and archives.
The museum tells the story of the railway's importance to the area and Struer's development as a railway trading town. Guided tours around the museum are also offered, where visitors can gain a deeper insight into the area's railway history. -
Struer Museum
The Struer Museum is an essential destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the city's history. In addition to the impressive architecture, the museum offers a wide range of exhibitions, including the Bang & Olufsen museum and the history of Struer's development from a fishing village to a market town.
With sections on the importance of the railway and a unique introduction to the life and works of Olga and Johannes Buchholtz, there is something for everyone. Through interactive experiences and exploration of sound and hearing, Struer Museum invites you to learn and play. -
Johannes Buchholtz's house
Johannes Buchholz's home in Struer stands as a unique period document from the 1920s and 1930s and is considered a gem in Danish interior art. Its authenticity and beauty make it a deeply original artist home.
The house exudes an artistic spirit with traces of visits by prominent poets and visual artists. Buchholtz's passion for antique furniture, vintage clocks and unique finds permeates every corner of the distinctive home, where everything is wrapped in the signature ultramarine blue color for which Buchholtz was known. -
Gimsinghoved Art and Culture Centre
Gimsinghoved is an independent institution that primarily focuses on changing art exhibitions. With its beautiful Steinway grand piano, the house forms an ideal setting for classical and jazz concerts, which are held approximately 10 times a year.
In addition to music events, the venue offers lectures, author evenings and singing evenings organized by various associations. The works of art on the walls of the atmospheric living rooms complement the concerts and other events, contributing to a complete experience.
Cafés and restaurants
-
Restaurant Fjord
Restaurant Fjord, with perhaps the city's best view directly over the Struer marina and the Limfjord, offers food and drink in relaxing surroundings with a focus on taste, local and regional ingredients.
Here you can dive into a multitude of tempting options, regardless of what you might fancy - whether it's fresh fish, juicy mussels, delicate oysters or delicious dishes from the mainland. -
Café & Restaurant Værftet
Restaurant Værftet is beautifully located by the marina with a stunning view over Venø Bay. In the summer, you can enjoy meals on their rooftop terrace.
With a menu that combines classic dishes with a modern twist, seafood from the Limfjord are natural stars, but there is also a wide selection of meat dishes and vegetarian options.
