A tarred post south of Kongensbro points to the work of the barge haulers: they wrapped a rope around “Æ Swot Man” when hauling a barge around a bend in the river. Traces like these tell the story of the river region. Around Truust, there are also trails, nature destinations and a canoe trip—different ways to shape a stay.

The Gudenå and Trækstien

In the wider region, Trækstien follows the course of the Gudenå. Denmark’s longest river is 152.8 kilometres long from its source to its mouth. Trækstien, by contrast, is about 74 kilometres long and runs between Silkeborg and Randers. The two figures represent different scales: the length of the entire river and the length of a route between two cities.

Trækstien was established in the second half of the 19th century to transport goods from the paper mill in Silkeborg to the port of Randers. Gudenåstien is identical to Trækstien and was opened on 28 March 2026. The former goods transport and the opening date provide different points of reference in the route’s history.

Water levels are also important when planning a walk: when water levels are high, parts of Trækstien can be very wet and may be partially flooded. Check the conditions before setting out if you plan to follow the trail. Another detail about the route concerns the section from Alling Å to Kongensbro: there, Trækstien has been raised.

Cultural traces in the area

The former school in Truust was built in 1882 and is classified as a building of high conservation value under SAVE 3. The building is a private residence. Tvilum Priory Church is also nearby, on the opposite bank of the Gudenå. To get a closer look at the church, you need to cross Tvilum Bridge.

Kongensbro Bro og Kro is considered one of the old inns used by the historic barge haulers at an important crossing. Together with the “Æ Swot Man” post and Trækstien, which was established for transporting goods, these places represent different aspects of the river’s history: the route taken by goods, the historic connection to the barge haulers, and the work involving ropes and barges.

Nature destinations and a short connecting trail

Sminge Sø lies northeast of Silkeborg, in the surrounding area. It is one of the region’s richest areas for birdlife. There is an information board by the lake with drawings of birds that can be seen there. It offers a visual introduction to the area’s birdlife.

At Kongensbro, the connecting path to Trækstien is 0.2 kilometres long. This distance refers to the connecting path; Trækstien itself is about 74 kilometres long. The difference helps put the short connection and the much longer route into perspective as two separate stretches.

Canoe trip and overnight accommodation

A canoe trip connects Søhøjlandets Camping with Kongensbro Teltplads. You can stay overnight at Søhøjlandets Camping before the trip. Kongensbro Teltplads has toilets, drinking water, fire pits, firewood, tables and benches, electricity, and three shelters.

This provides practical details for planning a route, an overnight stay before the canoe trip, and the facilities at the Teltplads. Along with the historic and natural destinations nearby, these options offer different ways to explore Truust.

Discover more destinations: Laurbjerg, Hinnerup, Hammel, Ulstrup, Hadbjerg, Sporup, Hadsten.

Go to the main travel overview: Favrskov.