Kongens Kær wetlands, Knabberup Lake and Haraldskær Forest

Kongens Kær is a unique wetland in the river valley of Vejle Å, which in connection with the Knabberup Lake and Haraldskær Forest offers a beautiful landscape, rich bird life and fantastic views.

Nature around Kongens Kær and Haraldskær Forest

The wetland Kongens Kær is a popular excursion destination on the outskirts of western Vejle. This unique wetland, in conjunction with Knabberup Lake, covers over 100 hectares. The area can be explored via trails.

An observation platform allows you to view the beautiful landscape of Vejle River Valley and the birdlife in the wet meadows. The white-tailed eagle is also a frequent visitor.

Haraldskær Forest is very diverse with old and new forests, deciduous and coniferous trees, hills, banks, bogs, and ponds, dense vegetation, and open spaces from which you can enjoy a fantastic view over Vejle River Valley. The forest extends over a small number of woods. Haraldskær Forest is located on the steep slopes on the south side of Vejle River, while Helligkilde Forest is an overgrown spring bog with older birch trees. Lilleskoven is designated as untouched forest, where the otter has found peace and space for its den, while Nørre Plantation, with its moist, shrub-covered area, is a favorite spot for nightingales.

Kongens Kær at sunset. Foto: VisitVejle.

A bog body in Dronningens Mose (The Queen's Bog)

In Dronningens Mose, a female body from the Iron Age was found during peat digging. Initially, it was believed to be the body of the missing Queen Gunhild from the Viking Age. However, investigations by the National Museum revealed that the woman found was an ordinary woman from 490 BC. She may have violated the rules and laws of her time, as she was executed and fastened with wooden hooks at the bottom of the bog. "Queen Gunhild" is on display at the Cultural Museum in Spinderihallerne.

What can you experience in the area?

• Haraldskær Manor: A beautiful manor with a history dating back to 1434. Today, the manor is a hotel. Read more about Haraldskær Manor here.
• Visitor Center Haraldskær: Near Haraldskær, you will find the open exhibition room 'Vejle River Valley and Fjord'. Here you can learn about the area's cultural and natural history for free. Read more about the exhibition room at Haraldskær here.
• Birdlife: The area around Kongens Kær is known for its rich birdlife. You may be lucky to see white-tailed eagles, ospreys, marsh harriers, and red kites.
• Tables and benches around Kongens Kær: There are plenty of benches and tables in Kongens Kær, making it an ideal place for a picnic. Access to Kongens Kær can be via the parking lot at Ribe Landevej.

Haraldskær Manor. Foto: VisitVejle.

Routes in the area

Here is a selection of the area's routes. Check the hiking brochure or Udeliv Vejle for a complete overview.

• Around Kongens Kær and Knabberup Lake: A round trip of about 8 km. You can start the tour from Vejle and follow the path around Kongens Kær. Cross Vejle River over the bridge and continue past the anglers' clubhouse. Cross under the main road and follow the Bindeballe Path back to the city. Get an overview of the route here.
• Højen and Mølholm Valleys: A round trip of 19.3 km. The tour takes you around Kongens Kær and Knabberup Lake as well as around Sønderskoven. The route takes you through wetlands, meltwater valleys, and open grasslands. Get an overview of the hiking route here.
• Around Østengård, Slelde: A round trip of 4 km. The tour around Østengård goes through forests, living hedges, and springs. The tour starts with a steep climb, reaching its peak at a lookout tower with a beautiful view over the fjord, Vejle Valley, Kongens Kær, and Ravning. Get an overview of the route here.
• Haraldskær - Valley Route: A round trip of 6.5 km. A beautiful tour through the valley and grazed meadows. Get an overview of the route here.
• Haraldskær - Meadow Path: A round trip of 1.5 km. The route goes around Haraldkær Sinatur Hotel. The route is very close to the open exhibition room 'Vejle River Valley and Fjord'. Get an overview of the route here.
• The Queen's Bog - Haraldskær Factory: A round trip of 4.5 km. Start the tour at Haraldskær Factory. The tour passes the bog where the bog body "Queen Gunhild" was found. Part of the route follows the Bindeballestien. Get an overview of the route here.

If you want a longer tour, both the Bindeballestien, the Coast-to-Coast Path, and the Ancient Road pass through this area.

Download the hiking brochure

Follow this link and download the hiking brochure for Kongens Kær, Knabberup Lake, and Haraldskær Forest.