Vestbirk Hydroelectric Plant (Vandkraftværk)

Vestbirk Hydroelectric Plant (Vandkraftværk)

Søvejen 68

8752 Østbirk

Photo: Hanne Nielsen

vestbirk-vandkraftvaerk-med-kanoer

Photo: Hanne Nielsen

vestbrik-vandkraftvaerk-ved-gudenaaen-sti

Photo: Hanne Nielsen

vestbrik-vandkraftvaerk-ved-gudenaaen-tandhjul

Vestbirk Hydropower Plant

Vestbirk Hydropower Plant is Denmark’s first alternative power plant, powered by waterpower. The station is located by the scenic river Gudenåen and is an exciting historical excursion destination for both walking and canoeing. 

The site is also known as the headquarters of the famous Danish Christmas TV broadcast ”Nissebanden på Grønland”.

However, the station is only open for guided tours.

You can read more about the history of the place at the poster exhibition that tells about the old mills and the waterpower station.

If you are on an excursion, you can easily bring your picnic baskets. There are tables and benches and also a shelter for 20 people where you can eat your lunch. There is also access to toilets.

Vestbirk Hydropower Plant is less than 1 km from ”The Uncovered Bridge” (Den Genfundne Bro) which is also a popular excursion destination.

 

Guided tours

 You have the opportunity to join a guided tour at Vestbirk Hydropower Plant. See here if guided tours are planned for

 

  • Vestbirk Hydropower Plant
  • The Uncovered Bridge (Den Genfundne Bro) and Vestbirk Hydropower Plant

 

For those travelling in canoe

At Vestbirk Hydropower Plant there are trolleys that you can use to move your canoe on land from the canal to the river Gudenåen.

 

Parking

There is a parking lot at Søbanke (between Vestbirk and Gammelstrup, where the canal runs from Vestbirk Lake.

 

The history of Vestbirk Hydropower Plant

In December 1924, Vestbirk opened a waterpower station. Alternative energy sources, such as waterpower to produce electricity, had become attractive. After World War 1 (1914-1918) there was no longer a supply of coal and diesel.

A huge amount of work was done to calculate the right fall on the water to power the turbines. 120 people were involved in the digging and construction work over a number of years. As a result, the 3 lakes Bredvad, Naldal and Vestbirk were formed.

The plant was built by architect Mikkel Thomsen and engineer Kr. Thomsen for the then newly founded company Horsens Omegns Forenede Vandkraftværk.

The hydropower plant is located where Vestbirk Yarn- and Knitwear Factory (Vestbirk Garn- og Trikotagefabrik) was built in 1852. The factory utilized waterpower until a fire in 1920.

In 1979 the plant and lakes were sold to the Danish Forest and Nature Agency, which still leases and operates the station and the areas. The station still sends 1.8 million kWh to the grid per year.

 

Hotels nearby of Vestbirk Hydroelectric Plant (Vandkraftværk)

  • Hotel Skanderborghus

    15.25 km

    Skanderborghus, which is situated in the deer park Dyrehaven at the shore of the lake, is indeed a gem near lake and wood. The hotel is situated close to the cosy centre of Skanderborg with fine shopping possibilities, and in the surroundings there are fine possibilities of sailing, golfing and playing tennis.
    Read more : Hotel Skanderborghus
  • Jørgensens Hotel

    15.72 km

    When you visit Jørgensens Hotel, look forward to an experience of historical awareness, quality in every detail and personal hospitality in the center of Horsens.
    Read more : Jørgensens Hotel
  • Nørre Vissing Kro

    18.82 km

    The royally licensed inn Nørre Vissing Kro, dating back to 1801, is situated close to hills, woods and lakes. The inn is famous for its creative and uncom-promising cuisine with a restaurant, filled with an incredible atmosphere, and an excellent wine cellar. 25 min. to both Aarhus and Silkeborg.
    Read more : Nørre Vissing Kro
  • Låsby Kro

    21.17 km

    You will find Låsby Inn in the middle of Jutland in the beautiful and hilly nature between Silkeborg and Aarhus. There is a cozy atmosphere and the inn is furnished with all that classifies a typical inn. It's like being in another time wrap.

    Read more : Låsby Kro
  • Hotel Dania Silkeborg

    24.76 km

    Hotel Dania commands a central location in Silkeborg, surrounded by shops, sights and attractions and close to the woods and lakes. Dating from 1848, the hotel has been carefully refurbished to preserve its special charm and atmosphere. The hotel restaurant Brasserie Underhuset serves a cuisine in a class of its own.

    Read more : Hotel Dania Silkeborg
  • Hotel Hedegaarden

    29.38 km

    Hotel Hedegaarden is a family-run hotel which offers everything from the traditional Danish cuisine to new and different taste experiences. They emphasize good food made of first-rate ingredients, an unpretentious atmosphere and that everything functions as is should. The hotel is situated right at motorway exit no. 60
    Read more : Hotel Hedegaarden
  • ToRVehallerne- SDH Partner Hotel

    31.8 km

    The hotel offers delicious food and high service to you as a guest. Located in the spirit of the city, you can experience all the cities facilities and easily get around without a car.
    Read more : ToRVehallerne- SDH Partner Hotel
  • Montra Hotel Sabro Kro

    32.73 km

    This beautiful hotel is located in the heart of Sabro close to the city of smiles, Aarhus. With the E45 close by, there is easy and fast transport to a wealth of options. Here you will find room for attention, presence and wonderful experiences. There is always a good reason to visit Montra Hotel Sabro Kro.

    Read more : Montra Hotel Sabro Kro
  • Hotel Vejlefjord

    32.8 km

    Due to the beautiful location near the fjord and in the beech forest, Hotel Vejlefjord is often referred to as “The castle in the forest ". The hotel spa and wellness facilities and the thermal baths are unique and compares favorably with the best in Northern Europe. Enjoy the 20 km forest tracks.

    Read more : Hotel Vejlefjord
  • Kongensbro Kro

    35.75 km

    Kongensbro Kro is located between Aarhus and Viborg. In the old times it was known as a bargeman’s inn, but today it is a modern inn with up-to-date rooms with a view of the inn’s garden and the Gudenå. The inn’s patent of nobility is good food, from homemade rissoles to the French cuisine.

    Read more : Kongensbro Kro