Canoe on the Gudenåen River

Gliding through the water on the beautiful Gudenåen River on a lovely summer day is definitely something most people would enjoy. In a canoe, it is possible to slow down completely and simply enjoy the surroundings around the 149 km long river, which originates from Tinnet Krat and flows into Randers Fjord.

If you would like to rent a canoe, Silkeborg Kanocenter is the largest canoe & kayak rental company on the entire Gudenåen River. We are based in Silkeborg Harbour and can both deliver and pick up canoes from 30 different starting points along the Gudenåen River. You, therefore, have ample opportunity to plan a trip that fits your wishes exactly.

Gudenåen Kano: Go canoeing on Gudenåen and experience an exciting history and nature

Canoeing on the Gudenåen River provides an opportunity to experience nature up close. The landscape around the Gudenåen River is a unique experience. Several of the landscapes are classified as being of national geographical interest. The flora and fauna are a diverse sight along the banks of the Gudenåen River, which you can study from the canoe. There is also a good stock of salmon and trout. The zebra mussel is an invasive species that is unfortunately also part of the Gudenåen River's aquatic life. It can actually clean the water of algae, but it can be in such large populations that it completely outcompetes salmon and trout, among others. From the canoe's perspective, there are good opportunities to see beautiful herons, listen to the nightingale's song, and if you are really lucky, you can catch the shadow of an otter.

The history of Gudenåen is also a very exciting and mysterious one of its kind.

As the canoe glides through the water, you can let your thoughts drift to the legend of Gudar. The beautiful Else was abducted by the demigod Gudar. Her father sought advice from a wise man in Tørring. Gudar had fled north with Else, but the wise man sent the water after them. At Randers, the water caught up with Gudar, who perished in the depths. Fortunately, Else was rescued ashore – and this is the story of Gudar's river.

Rent a canoe on Gudenåen

Have you been tempted to experience the beautiful nature and exciting history for yourself? Read on here and see what options are available when you rent a canoe or kayak from Silkeborg Kanocenter.

There is ample opportunity to plan a trip exactly as you want it. It is possible to go on hourly trips, day trips or multi-day trips. Silkeborg Kanocenter is located at Silkeborg Harbour, where all hourly trips start and end. You decide how long you want to sail, and when you return from the trip, you simply pay for the number of hours you have been away – nice and easy!

How far can we get around?

Depending on what you want to do, you can quickly get far around in a canoe. We have made a series of suggestions for where you can sail and when you will be back at Silkeborg Harbour again. It can be reassuring to know the different distances in time on the water. Perhaps it will inspire you to sail to places you have never been.

Examples of round-trip canoeing:

• Avnsø/Brillerne: 1.5 hours
• De Små Fisk Teltplads: 2 hours
• Slåensø: 3 hours
• Ålekroen/Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst: 4 hours
• Himmelbjerget: 5-6 hours.

Hour cruises are ideal for those who want to spend a morning or afternoon on the Gudenåen and Silkeborg Lakes with cozy company, laughter and relaxation on the water.

Canoe trip Gudenåen - Map

When you rent a canoe or kayak from Silkeborg Kanocenter, you will always be given a map of the Gudenåen River and Silkeborg Lakes. Here you will be able to see the above examples of where you can sail on the hourly trip. In addition, there will also be information about campsites and tent pitches if you would like to go on a multi-day trip with overnight stays. Please note that different prices apply for day and multi-day trips.

On the map, which can be printed from our website, there is also information about general rules in the entire Gudenåen system. Special stretches that are subject to special rules will be marked, so you can be sure to sail in peace and order.

It is important to us that you feel safe when you rent and sail in a canoe on the Gudenåen River and Silkeborg Lakes. The map can help provide important information that provides security during the trip. We, therefore, always recommend that the map is stored in a dry and safe place.

As safety is important for you and other sailors to have a good experience, we always recommend that you wear a life jacket during the voyage. Use your common sense and protect the fantastic nature you encounter on your trip. We all want to be able to preserve nature for many years, so that we can also enjoy canoe trips on the Gudenåen River and Silkeborg Lakes in the future.

How do we rent a canoe on Gudenåen?

If you would like to try your hand at hourly sailing, it is easy to rent a canoe here at Slusekioskens Kanoudlejning in Silkeborg Harbour or online. The hourly trips both start and end at Silkeborg Harbour, so you don't have to worry about arranging to have the canoes picked up or brought.

The price for hourly sailing with start and end in Silkeborg Harbor starts from DKK 150 and depends on how many hours you want to set off.

You can rent the canoe for a minimum of one hour and then pay for each started 15th minute. It may well be worth sailing for more than 3 hours and 15 minutes, as the canoe then only costs 500 kroner – no matter how long you sail.

However, you should be aware of being back at Silkeborg Harbour either at 5:00 PM or 8:00 PM. The time depends on the opening hours and when in the season you want to sail. You wouldn't want to be stranded in the harbor without the possibility of returning the canoe.

You can start from Silkeborg Harbour from 9:00 AM every day of the season, where you will be handed over the canoe via personal service, as Silkeborg Harbour is manned. If it is any other place than from Silkeborg Harbour that you want to start, the canoe will be ready for you with the bottom up with paddles, vests and possibly extra equipment underneath. At the end of the canoe there is a plastic pocket where you can see your information and thus are not in doubt that the canoe is yours. Here, the map of the Gudenåen River will also be placed.

Remember, we also rent kayaks (sea kayaks & touring kayaks) and motorboats. However, motorboats can only be rented with start and end in Silkeborg Harbour.

If you would like to start from one of the 30 starting points by the Gudenåen River another time, it is easy to have the canoe or kayak delivered, e.g. at Tørring, Åle, Åstedbro, Gudenå Camping, Vestbirk Camping, Voervadsbro, Klostermølle, Emborg Bro, Holmens Camping, Ry, Skyttehusets Outdoor Camp, Silkeborg, Sminge, Svostrup Kro, Kongensbro, Ans, Tangeværket, Bjerringbro, Ulstrup and Langå.

So are you ready to get out and challenge yourself in the canoe and at the same time enjoy the beautiful Danish nature? Visit us today.