Challenge
Kolding is surrounded by nature. One of the areas is called Hylkedalen and is a beautiful and hilly river valley. The nature of the valley is ideal for practicing various forms of exercise and creating new communities. Kolding Municipality was given the opportunity to seek funding to develop a trail centre as a gathering point for the area's users. How can a trail center strengthen and promote the use of nature in Hylkedalen — for boating associations, institutions, schools, tourists and self-organized, so that everyone can “move for life” in a convenient and safe way?
Process and solution
The development of “Trailcenter Seest — Hylkedalen” began by mapping out which stakeholders could benefit from a trail center. About 10 different types of stakeholders were identified and were continuously involved in the design process. For example, 3 workshops were held where they were given the opportunity to give input.
In the first workshop, stakeholders were given the opportunity to give their input on the types of activities the building should support. The architect on the project took all of these suggestions home and began sketching the trail center.
The second workshop gave stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback on the architect's first sketches. The workshop focused on assessing which sketches and ideas met the needs of most users within the project budget.
At the final workshop, the stakeholders were presented with the finished plans and were able to provide feedback.
Today, Trailcenter Seest is finished. The treehouse serves as the clubhouse for several local associations. Around the building and in the woods right next door, an active training environment has been created. You can freely use Denmark's longest monkey bar at 33 metres, treadmill training, use the balance and strength training elements or take one of the trails that lead into the beautiful nature of Hylkedalen.
Results
Both the Trail Center itself and the surrounding training facilities and trails are actively used by the townspeople. The trail center's association room has today by several associations, and is used almost daily by one or more clubs.
The trail center and surrounding facilities are used both for yoga practice, athletics rallies, and school sports.
The trails from the Trail Center and out into Hylkedalen were used by over 27,000 people during September 2024-September 2025. The area has also become an attractive place to host sporting events. Both trail running book MTB races are held in the area.
