Did you know Voldby means “the town on the grassy field?” This name dates back to the Viking Age. Endings like “-by” were common then and signified a settlement. “Vold” meant pasture or plain in Old Norse.
Voldby is a lively village in East Jutland. It sits just two kilometers south of Hammel. Aarhus is only 20 kilometers to the east. Voldby has 467 residents in 2024. Favrskov Municipality has almost 50,000.
The history of Voldby stretches back centuries. The Voldby Kirke was built around 1200. This shows the town existed in the Middle Ages or even earlier.
Voldby was planned around a common “forte.” A forte is a village green. This one centered on a road that became Viborgvej. The forte included a road and grazing land for animals. Each farm had its own plot for a kitchen garden. Today, the street layout around the old forte physically connects Voldby. It unites the village across Viborgvej.
After land reforms in 1786, houses were built on the forte. The village hall and merchant are now on this old land. The space between Åvej and Viborgvej shows the last bit of untouched forte land.
Historically, Voldby’s farms belonged to Frijsenborg Manor. Farmers had to perform labor for the count before working their own land. In 1852, farmers could buy their farms from Frijsenborg. Many sold land to afford it. This led to new plots and farms in the outer areas.
Today, Voldby is close to major cities in central Jutland. Viborg, Silkeborg, Randers, and Aarhus are all within a half-hour drive. Bus route 114 connects Voldby to Aarhus. Buses run frequently during rush hour and hourly at other times.
Plans exist to connect Voldby to the highway network. The Viborg highway between Aarhus and Viborg may pass south of the town. This could reduce traffic and noise on Viborgvej.
A major attraction in Voldby is Voldby Friluftsbad. This outdoor swimming pool is popular. Families and young people flock here in the summer. The pool is open from mid-May to late August. It has a 25-meter swimming pool and an 8-meter children’s pool. There are changing rooms, a kiosk, and a covered pavilion.
Besides public swimming, the pool is rented out. Local associations, schools, and clubs use it. There is also a Monday swimming club. Private events can also rent the pool. Volunteers run the pool, including the Voldby residents’ association. All profits go back to the town.
Many families with children and older people live in Voldby. They appreciate the village’s community. Hammel’s shops, institutions, and leisure activities are nearby.
Other facilities in Voldby include Friluftscenter Sprækkenbjerg. It offers a climbing wall, obstacle course, football golf, and paintball. Voldby Købmandsgaard sells specialty items. These include beer, wine, spirits, and organic foods. The community center hosts events like beer and wine tastings. There are also communal dinners and Christmas and Shrovetide parties.
The Voldby residents’ association manages the community center and swimming pool. It also handles town activities. The association has a chairman, treasurer, and seven board members.
Voldby may be small but it offers a rich history and a strong sense of community. From its Viking roots to its modern amenities, Voldby is a vibrant place to live and visit. The friendly atmosphere makes it a special place in Denmark.