Thorning-Kragelund

Selected experiences on the stage

Grathe Heath
At Grathe Heath, the Grathe Monument awaits, along with an entirely new historical dissemination area that offers exciting stories and experiences for both young and old.

On October 23, 1157, a pivotal battle took place on the heath just outside the town of Thorning. The battle between Svend and Valdemar marked the end of more than ten years of bloody civil war, with Valdemar the Great emerging as the sole king of the country. Sources report that Svend was buried at Grathe Chapel. Most importantly, with Valdemar the Great and his descendants, Denmark gained a written history, the Dannebrog, and the Jutland Code.

In the middle of Grathe Heath, 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 Denmark's medieval past, where you can experience bloody battles, murder, and intrigue. Try your luck at the wheel of fortune, listen to the story, and ring the church bell while you learn about the struggle for power in the Middle Ages.

Grågårdevej 29, 8620 Kjellerup

Bølling Lake
Bølling Lake, a recreated gem between the parishes of Engesvang, Funder, and Kragelund in Central Jutland, is an impressive example of nature restoration. The 360-hectare lake was reestablished from 2004 to 2005 on the watershed west of Silkeborg.

Until the 1870s, there was a lake, but in an attempt to create more agricultural land, the lake was drained. However, it was never possible to fully dry out the area, and the first large peatland was exploited for peat extraction, especially during both World Wars. It was also here, at Bjældskovdal on the east side of Bølling Lake, that the Tollund Man was found and later exhibited at the Museum Silkeborg.

Since peat extraction ceased around 1970, the recreation of Bølling Lake has been discussed for recreational reasons. After decades of political debate and environmental studies, the decision to recreate Bølling Lake was made. In August 2004, the drainage canal was covered, and in just half a year, the water level rose to the planned height of 67.25 meters above sea level.

You will notice that Bølling Lake is very shallow. In fact, the lake has a maximum depth of only three meters and has no tributaries or intensive agriculture nearby, which means no nutrients are added. The lake drains to the northwest and is the start of the Karup River, while water seeps into the Funder Stream at the other end, which flows into the Gudenå River at Silkeborg.

Since the lake's restoration, it has attracted a rich birdlife. You will certainly feel a sense of peace descend upon you when you visit the beautiful recreational area that the lake has become today.

Bøllingsøgårdvej 19, 8600 Silkeborg