Gudenåens udspring,Vonge, Midtjylland, 7173

## Overview Gudenåens Udspring, located near the village of Vonge in the Midtjylland (Central Jutland) region of Denmark, marks the source of the Gudenå — Denmark's longest river, stretching approximately 160 kilometers from this humble spring all the way to the Randers Fjord on the east coast. The spring itself is a modest but enchanting spot where crystal-clear water bubbles up from the ground, beginning its long journey through some of Denmark's most beautiful landscapes, including the Jutland lake district. The Gudenå has played a significant role in Danish history and culture for thousands of years. Archaeological finds along its course date back to the Stone Age, and the river served as an important transportation and trade route throughout the Viking Age and medieval period. The source spring has long been a point of pilgrimage and curiosity for Danes and visitors alike, drawn by the simple wonder of seeing where one of the country's most important waterways begins. The water at the source flows continuously and has been described by visitors as crystal clear with a delicious, clean taste. Historically, the spring has been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers. ## Directions 1. Head to the village of **Vonge** in the Vejle Municipality of Central Jutland, Denmark. 2. The spring is located in a wooded area near Vonge. Use the GPS coordinates **55.90211, 9.40087** to navigate directly to the site. 3. This is reported to be the easiest spring to locate in the area — look for signage or a marked path leading to the source. ## What to Expect At Gudenåens Udspring, you'll find a gentle, continuously flowing spring emerging from the earth in a peaceful, forested setting. The water is crystal clear and the surroundings are lush and tranquil — a surprisingly understated birthplace for Denmark's mightiest river. Just a few hundred meters to the north, you can also find **Skjernåens Udspring** — the source of the Skjern River, Denmark's most water-rich river. Having the sources of two of Denmark's most important rivers so close together makes this area a unique geographical curiosity well worth exploring. The surrounding woodland is excellent for **mushroom hunting and wild food foraging**, particularly in late summer and autumn. The area offers pleasant walking trails through mixed forest, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers even beyond the springs themselves. The site is publicly accessible and makes for a wonderful stop on a longer hike or cycling trip through the Central Jutland countryside. Wear sturdy footwear, as the paths around the springs can be soft and muddy, especially after rain.