The Gudenå or Gudenåen () is a river in eastern Jutland, Denmark. It is the longest river in Denmark, though Skjern River is larger by discharge.

The Gudenå has its spring in Tinnet Krat, Vejle Municipality (between Nørre Snede and Tørring-Uldum) and flows a total of to Randers Fjord in Randers, on a northward course which takes it through the central parts of Jutland. On its way, the river traverses the relatively high lying region of Søhøjlandet, through the lakes of Naldal Sø, Vestbirk Sø, Mossø, Gudensø, Rye Mølle Sø, Birksø, Julsø, Borre Sø, Brassø, Silkeborg Langsø and Sminge Sø before it empties in Randers Fjord; a long inlet of the Kattegat sea. It is fed by numerous streams and wetlands along the way.

The Gudenå came into existence some 15,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, when melting ice and glacial streams carved out its bed. The river shelters many species of animals and parts of its course are to be protected under the regulations of Natura 2000.

Local government

The drainage basin of Randers Fjord falls within the boundaries of 13 Danish municipalities. Voluntary collaboration on the use and protection of the Gudenå between the municipalities is organized through the Gudenå Committee (), as well as GudenåSamarbejdet.

See also

• List of rivers of Denmark

References

External links

• The Gudenå Committee

• oplevgudenaa.dk