Århus - Surroundings

Near Løgten north of Århus a road branches off left to Rosenholm Castle. This 16th century Renaissance building has been owned for more than four centuries by the Rosencrantz family, an old Danish aristocratic line. The rooms are decorated with paintings and tapestries. There is a lake and a Renaissance pavilion in the park which is open to the public.

About 1 km/1,100 yd from the village of Rønde on Kalo Bay north of Århus a little road branches off on the left to Thorsager, the site of Jutland's only surviving round church, part of which dates from 1200. It is two-storied, with the vaulting of the lower story being supported on four columns. The upper story, reached by a winding staircase, was probably used as a gallery for the local nobility. Note the 1525 crucifix.

The church is one of Denmark's seven medieval round churches.

Leaving Århus in a northerly direction and following the wide arc of Kalø Bay, the A15 road leads to the Djursland Peninsula to visit its castles and churches.

The A15 runs from Århus to Ronde and from there a road leads southeast to Ebeltoft. To the right on a spit of land projecting into Kalø Bay can be seen the ruins of Kalo Castle (Kalø Slot), built in 1314 by King Erik Menved. At one time it was joined to the mainland by a drawbridge. Gustav Vasa, later King of Sweden, was held prisoner here in 1518, but escaped. On the return journey the visitor will enjoy a view of the peninsula of Mols.

The Djursland Railway Museum is located in a century old train depot. It houses more than 1000 objects related to the rail industry including a cycle trolley.