The treatment paths at the old sanatorium

Go for a historic hike

Fresh air and excercise were important elements in the treatment of tuberculosis patients, and hence the tuberculosis sanatorium was made in the very hilly landscape straight down to Vejle Fjord. The patients could get the right combination of fresh air and exercise through systematically ordained walks on the paths in the area.

The paths are in this day and age used by the guests of the hotel and the locals in the area for walks and excercise. The Park is public, so everyone is welcome to go here and enjoy the beautiful nature.

The picturesque treatment paths

There are a total of four waymarked hiking routes between 1,5 and 2,4 kilometres long. The routes lead through beautiful landscape in Grund Forest, the beautiful park and at the shore of Vejle Fjord. 

Along the paths, there are several historical attractions, great and small, but all a part of the history of Vejle Fjord.

• Grandmothers Bridge. The original bridge was a gift from a patient. The bridge makes it possible to cross over a large sloop in the woods without having to go all the way down to the Fjord. A new version of the bridge was built in 2012.
• The Dove Tree is a rare tree that blossoms in May/June, with leaves that look like white pigeons or handkerchiefs
• The Anniversary Oak is a dead oak tree, which stands as a memorial figure. The tree was planted on the 20th of June 1942.
• Kings New Square is characterized by a white horse made out of wood. A peaceful version of Kings New Square in Copenhagen.
• The King Beech is a valuable beech tree with 18 meters of log before the first branch sticks out.
• The Kiss me House is and old hunting lodge that, according to history, was used for dates by young tuberculosis patients. A new lodge was built in 2012.
• The Mask Tree is a tree with ceramic masks, that rehabilitation patients with brain damages made in ergotherapy.
• The Source is where the original water supply for Vejle Fjord emanated.
• The Tulip Tree blossoms in the middle of summer with very special and beautiful yellow-green tulip-like flowers.
• The Forest Tower was inaugurated in November 2001.
• Burial Ground where Chr. Saugman and wife Augusta Saugman are buried.
• Træskohage Lighthouse is built in 1904 and was up and running until 1968. There is free access to the 14 meters high viewtower all year round.
• Winters Heart is an artproject which makes up a grid of lines all across the globe.

Furthermore, there are more than 20 wooden benches with inspiring quotes on them.

Enjoy the impressive park

The park below the stunning hotel is a wonderful sight. Gardened by the hotel's skilled gardeners, the park slopes gently to the fjord and the bathing jetty covered in beautiful colours. 

The plants in the park are continously taken care of, so the guests get an experience of lushness all year round. In the spring, thousands of spring flowers lights up around the buildings. And in May/July the old Rhodondendrons blossom in many colors.

Scattered around the gardens are a training court, sitting areas and cosy corners. 

Try climbing the spiral shaped snail hill, which was used in the past to assess whether patients at the sanatorium were ready to be discharged. 

The history of the treatment paths

On the 1st of March in year 1900 the sanatorium opened. Vejle Fjord sanatorium was the first tuberculosis sanatorium in Denmark, and the beautiful location far from the noise from the city was ideal.

Saugman created a net of paths with varying difficulty, so that the patients could work out systematically. The park was created at the same time in a romantic landly style with rhodondendrons, bridges, creeks and lakes right down to the Fjord.

Fresh air, excercise and rest were the three pillars in the therapy, that Chr. Saugman ordained his patients. They had to gain strength on the easy paths and later on the more difficult ones.

Already from the opening the paths measured 12 kilometers in total and were soon extended to 20 kilometers. These paths still exist today.

Enjoy a meal at the brasserie

After a days hike in the area, you deserve something good. At Hotel Vejlefjords restaurant you can enjoy delicious a la carte dishes. Buffet is often offered for lunch with a mix of tasty cold and warm dishes. 

Do you feel like going for another hike

In Kystlandet there are several great hiking routes. Find inspiration for your next trip here.