Around Mossø
In the southern part of the Danish Lakelands, you will find Jutland’s biggest lake in picturesque and inviting surroundings that is perfect for nature experiences. Explore the 28-kilometre-long bicycle route around the lake through preserved and unique nature areas, rich in history and idyllic villages.
Jutland’s biggest lake
It is 9 kilometres wide – Mossø – the biggest lake in the Danish mainland. With its location in the beautiful nature area between Horsens and Silkeborg, it is an ideal option for a day trip on foot or by bike. The river Gudenå traverses Mossø just like the Silkeborg Lakes to the north and is also connected to Skanderborg Lake. Therefore, you will often see canoeists on the water.
Mossø and the area around it is preserved in order to protect the distinctive nature and the access to it. The varied nature with heath, meadow and hilly, glacial landform creates the perfect conditions for a rich animal life.
Where the monastery culture was blooming during the Middle Ages
The western part of Mossø was home to an unusually large number of monasteries during medieval times. The Cistersian Øm Monastery was located in the village Emborg. The hill, the Sugar Loaf (Sukkertoppen) was home to a nunnery and the Benedictine Over Monastery was located at Koostermølle.
Klostermølle is at the western lakefront and is a popular excursion and picnic spot. After the monastery closed, a paper factory was built here. Many of the old buildings still stand today. One of them is the longest wooden building in Denmark with a bird observation tower in one end and an amazing view of Mossø.
Beautiful vista points
When talking about viewpoints at Lake Mossø it is impossible not to mention the Sugar Loaf. The steep hill near Klostermølle peaks at 108 metres above sea level, and from here you have one of the best views in Denmark of the lakelands and Mossø.
At Klostermølle there is a small sandy beach with a great view to the east. And on the eastern lakefront, several beaches have a great view to the west. Both north and south of the lake, the landscape slopes, resulting in a great view much of the way. You will often encounter benches and picnic spots where you can take a break and enjoy the view.
Follow the signs around the lake or the digital map
The trip around Mossø is not a waymarked route, but it follows existing national and regional bicycle routes that are waymarked. On the north- and east side you can follow the signs of regional bicycle route 7, and regional bicycle route 51 on the southside. On the westside you will ride on national bicycle route 4.