Brænde Ådal – nature, history, and wildlife on Western Fyn

Brænde Ådal – hiking along Western Fyn's longest river

At 28 km, Brænde Å is the longest watercourse on Western Fyn. From its source near Tommerup Stationsby, the river cuts up to 20 meters into the landscape between Aarup and Håre. The valley was shaped by meltwater from the last ice age, and the water drops nearly 40 meters over just 9 km. That gradient oxygenates the water and supports a rich ecosystem. A healthy population of trout lives here, and every year sea trout migrate upstream to spawn.
At Brende Mølle, a fish ladder and bypass channel have been built so the trout can pass freely.

A river that hasn't moved

Brende Mølle has harnessed the water's power since the 1500s. The buildings have been restored with respect for their original appearance, and the mill pond has been re-established as a wetland with free wildlife passage. What's remarkable is that a map from the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters, drawn in 1783, shows exactly the same course of the river as today. The river hasn't moved. It still winds the same path through the landscape it always has.

The same is true of the traces left by those who lived here before us. Near Håre Bjerge, burial mounds from the Bronze Age and Iron Age have been preserved – up to 16 meters in diameter and 4 meters high. And out in the fields, you'll find Denmark's largest area of ridge-and-furrow cultivation.

The washboard-like pattern in the terrain comes from medieval plowing techniques, where the wheel plow required up to 10 horses to pull. In the mid-1800s, farmers switched to the swing plow, and since then sheep have kept the area open – so the pattern is still visible in the landscape today.

The troll and the legend stone

In the river near Kerte Bro lies a stone with a story. According to a local legend recorded in 1926, a troll once stood by Barløse Church and threw stones at the new tower of Kerte Church. Everything the parishioners built by day, the troll knocked down by night. Eventually they were advised to release a steer in the churchyard and build the tower wherever it lay down. After that, the troll could no longer hit his mark. One of the stones flew past and landed in Brænde Å between Kerte Bro and Mølleknappe. It's still there, at the southern bank of the river, and you can see the marks of the troll's fingers in the stone.

The legend is old. The place is real. That's the kind of detail that gives a hike an extra dimension.

The landscape also holds rare nature. Near Klakkebjerg, heather grows – unusual on Fyn. In the wet fen meadows along the river, the protected Early Purple Orchid blooms in May and June, deep purple and rare. Birdlife is rich: kingfisher, raven, red kite, osprey, and white-throated dipper all live here. In late summer, you may spot the rare White-letter Hairstreak butterfly along woodland edges and open grassland.

There are marked hiking trails in both Middelfart and Assens municipalities, parking at Skovbrynet and Brende Mølle, and a shelter at Klakkebjerg with a fire pit for primitive overnight stays. Cycling Route 71 passes through the area, and there is a train connection to Gelsted. A trail map is available on-site or can be downloaded via VisitMiddelfart.

Tip: Come early in the morning in May or June to see the Early Purple Orchid in bloom and hear the nightingale sing along the river.

Q&A: Brænde Ådal

How long is the hiking trail in Brænde Ådal?

The marked trail in Assens Municipality is approximately 4 to 5 km. There are also trails in Middelfart Municipality's section of the valley, and Cycling Route 71 connects the area to the rest of Western Fyn.

Where do I park at Brænde Ådal?

You can park at Skovbrynet (Ørsbjerg Skovvej 21, 5560 Aarup), at Brende Mølle, or at the parking area by Hårevej. See the trail map for exact locations.

Is there overnight accommodation in Brænde Ådal?

Yes. There is a shelter at Klakkebjerg with a fire pit. It can be booked for a small fee or used for free without a reservation – though you risk having to give way to booked guests.

When is the best time to visit Brænde Ådal?

May and June are best for orchids and birds. Late summer brings the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly. Autumn offers beautiful colors and good chances of spotting the kingfisher along the river.

Can you fish in Brænde Å?

The river has a healthy trout population and is popular with anglers. A fishing permit must be purchased separately. Check the local fishing associations' websites for current rules and permits.

Is Brænde Ådal suitable for children and strollers?

Parts of the area are accessible for people with limited mobility and for strollers, but the trails near the viewpoints and the steep valley slopes are not suitable. Check the trail map for the flat sections.

Are dogs allowed in Brænde Ådal?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash. In private forests, access is permitted from 6 a.m. until sunset. In public forests, you may walk at any time of day.