Hærvejs cycle route: Thorning - Kragelund
On the ride from the plantations west of Thorning, you'll cycle on Grathe Hede, where famous royal battles have taken place. You'll also cycle by Bølling Lake, a good example of successful nature restoration. The 14 kilometre stage runs through hilly terrain.
Experiences on the route
Grathe Hede
Grathe Hede is home to the Grathe Monument and a brand new historical interpretation area that offers exciting stories and experiences for young and old alike.
On 23 October 1157, the landmark battle on the heath took place just outside the town of Thorning. The battle between Svein and Valdemar marked the end of more than ten years of bloody civil war, with Valdemar the Great standing as the sole king of the country after the battle. The sources say that Svein was buried at Grathe Chapel. Most importantly, Valdemar the Great and his descendants gave Denmark a written history, the Dannebrog and Jutlandic Law.
In the centre of Grathe Hede, a stone map has been erected to commemorate the event. The memorial stone also marks the spot where Svend is believed to be buried.
Visit the monuments and step into medieval Denmark, where you can experience bloody battles, murder and intrigue. Try the wheel of fortune, listen to history and ring the church bell as you learn about the struggle for power in the Middle Ages.
Bølling Lake
Bølling Lake, a restored gem between Engesvang, Funder and Kragelund parishes in Central Jutland, is an impressive example of nature restoration. The 360-hectare lake was restored from 2004 to 2005 on the watershed west of Silkeborg.
You'll notice that Bølling Sø is very shallow. In fact, the lake has a maximum depth of only three metres and has no inlets or intensive agriculture nearby, which means there is no nutrient input. The lake drains to the north-west and is the beginning of Karup Å, while the water seeps into Funder Å at the other end, which flows into Gudenåen near Silkeborg.
Since its restoration, the lake has attracted a rich bird life. You're sure to feel the calm descend upon you when you visit the beautiful recreational area that the lake has become today.