Horsens Fjord is a narrow inlet running about 20 kilometres from the town's harbour to the open Kattegat, lined with small wooded promontories and scattered with islands. It is one of the calmer and less-visited fjords of the east Jutland coast, and is particularly good for kayaking — the sheltered water and varied shoreline suit both novices and more experienced paddlers. Several kayak rental companies operate from the harbour.
Cycling along the fjord shore is possible on well-signed tracks. The southern shore is more developed; the northern shore has more farmland and forest and is quieter. From the town quayside, small boats run irregular services to the islands of Endelave and Hjarnø in summer. Endelave in particular is a Natura 2000 protected area with significant seal colonies and seabird populations.