The Heart Path in Himmerig Forest

Welcome to the Heart Trail in Himmerig Forest.

As you can see on the map of the Heart Trail, you can walk the entire route, or you can take shorter walks in the two loops located on either side of Rønbækken. Additionally, benches have been set up for those who wish to enjoy the fantastic view or if someone needs a rest before heading to the next experiences.

Himmerig Forest between Hinnerup and Gundfør consists of an “old” forest with tall trees and a forest that was planted between 2015 and 2020. It is located very close to the town and is of great importance as a recreational area. Therefore, emphasis has been placed on biodiversity and experiential value in the area. The Heart Trail is located in the new forest, which provides a unique opportunity to follow the growth of the forest.

The forest thus consists of many different, primarily native trees and shrubs. 14 species of deciduous trees (including oak, beech, alder, cherry, elder, and a few conifers (spruce, Douglas fir, and Scots pine)), and 9 different shrubs. Many of the species bear fruit for the joy and benefit of humans and animals. Notice the variation between large, open light areas and the forest areas. They also help to increase Himmerig Forest's range of habitats for both animals, plants, and fungi. In the open areas, flowers such as lady's bedstraw and cliff pink have been sown, much to the delight of butterflies and a variety of other insects and small creatures. Natural forest development is accelerated by the installation of bird-dispersal trees - dead trees secured with wire - and a bird feeder. Visitors are invited to bring seeds for the bird feeder. The birds eat the seeds and then disperse them. Throughout the area, there are stone piles where lizards, insects, and other small animals can warm themselves in the first rays of spring sunshine. Brush piles are placed so that birds and other small animals can seek shelter and find materials for building nests and the like. In other areas, there are forest "islands" in a so-called mini arbor consisting of a mix of trees and shrubs. From here, they will then spread their seeds and establish new populations.

This part of the forest was established because there is a desire to future-proof the important groundwater resources and is a collaboration between Hinnerup Waterworks, the Nature Agency, and Favrskov Municipality. The forest has been planted on nutrient-rich agricultural land. Therefore, oats were sown on part of the areas, which were subsequently harvested and removed to eliminate nutrients. The more nutrients present, the harder it is for the resilient plants to compete with the fast-growing nutrient-demanding species such as thistles, nettles, and grasses.

The bridge over Rønbækken was built in connection with the establishment of the Heart Trail. The materials were funded by Favrskov Municipality, and the work was carried out by volunteers from the Heart Association.

There are two parking areas at Engelbjerggård and Rønbækvej, and you can start your journey from either location. Strollers, etc., can be taken along on part of the route.

Enjoy your trip