Mønsted Kalkgruber: Denmark’s Labyrinthine Limestone World
Delve into the vast, atmospheric tunnels of the world’s largest limestone mine—where history, geology, and nature collide in Central Jutland.
Mønsted Kalkgruber, set in the rolling landscape near Stoholm in Central Jutland, is the world’s largest limestone mine—a vast underground network carved over centuries. Visitors explore dramatic caverns, subterranean lakes, and atmospheric tunnels once active with miners and now home to thousands of hibernating bats.
A brief summary to Mønsted Kalkgruber
- Kalkværksvej 8-10, Stoholm, Stoholm Jyll, 7850, DK
- +4586646011
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring warm layers—even in summer, the tunnels stay around 8°C and can feel surprisingly chilly on long tours.
- Don’t miss the captivating audiovisual show projected inside the mine on select dates—check schedules at the visitor center.
- Bat season is typically March–October; some cave sections may be closed to protect hibernating colonies in winter.
- Sturdy, non-slip footwear is highly recommended due to uneven and occasionally wet surfaces underfoot.
- Visit the café for homemade cakes and regional specialties after your underground adventure.
Getting There
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Driving
The mines are easily reached from the heart of Central Jutland by car, with clear signage guiding you through open countryside as you approach Stoholm. Ample parking is available at the visitor entrance for a daily fee of around 35-40 DKK. The complex sits slightly outside town, so driving offers the greatest flexibility, especially for families or those carrying outdoor gear.
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Public Transport
A regional train from nearby urban centers brings travelers to Stoholm Station. From there, local taxis and occasional buses make the short onward journey to the mine; expect a taxi fare of around 60-80 DKK for the final segment. Some advance planning may be required, as rural public transport operates less frequently, particularly on weekends.
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Cycling
For those seeking a scenic approach, the area around Stoholm is easily accessible by bike from local villages and towns. The ride passes through rolling farmland, with rural lanes leading to the mine entrance. Secure bike stands are available near the visitor center, but be prepared for a gradual uphill stretch in the final part of the journey.
Discover more about Mønsted Kalkgruber
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup
7.0 km
A modest countryside liberation stone near Viborg, quietly commemorating Denmark’s freedom in 1945 amid open fields and a peaceful village setting.
Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads
14.7 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Viborg View
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Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.
Vi er Viborg
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Museum Salling
16.4 km
Dive into Denmark's past at Museum Salling, where Limfjord's heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, ancient artifacts, and engaging storytelling in scenic Skive.
Bølling Lake
33.8 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Befrielsessten i Gullestrup
34.1 km
A 1949 liberation stone honoring Denmark's freedom in the quiet village of Gullestrup.
Mindesten for Jens Vejmand
34.7 km
A windbreak memorial to a stoneworker whose life inspired Denmark's most beloved folk song.
Fuglsang Lake
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Discover Fuglsang Lake in Herning: a man-made oasis offering swimming, recreation, and natural beauty, perfect for a refreshing escape and outdoor adventures in Denmark.
Herningsholm Museum
36.0 km
Experience Central Jutland’s aristocratic past and local history in a beautifully preserved manor house surrounded by serene gardens in Herning.
Ilva
36.7 km
Experience contemporary art in a repurposed 1950s vending machine at Vejle's innovative Kunsthal Vejle.
Befrielsessten i Herning
37.1 km
A solemn outdoor memorial honoring Denmark's fallen, open always for quiet reflection.
Louis Nielsen Herning
37.4 km
Experience contemporary art in a unique setting at Kunsthal Vejle, where a historic vending machine becomes a dynamic exhibition space.
Herning City Hotel
37.5 km
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Zency Herning
37.5 km
Discover contemporary art in Vejle's unique vending machine gallery at Banegårdspladsen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Daugbjerg Kalkgruber
2.1 km
Step into a cool underground maze where ancient miners, outlaw legends and hibernating bats share Denmark’s oldest hand‑cut limestone mine.
Daugbjerg gamle vandmølle
2.9 km
A 17th-century water mill and miniature village preserving Denmark's rural heritage in the scenic Mølleådalen valley.
Daugbjergskiltet
3.1 km
Historic papermaking brought to life in a working 19th-century mill on Viborg’s outskirts, with hands-on workshops and authentic industrial atmosphere.
Kalk Kaminoen
3.6 km
A 30 km limestone-inspired hiking trail through heath, forests and rural Jutland, weaving geology, bats and farming history into one long day’s walk.
Birkesø Telt Plads
6.2 km
Simple lakeside tent camping on a grassy lawn by Birkesø, offering quiet, back-to-basics overnights in rural Viborg for cyclists, hikers and nature lovers.
Kongenshus Mindepark
8.8 km
Sweeping Jutland heathland and a granite‑etched tribute to Denmark’s heath farmers, where open skies, violet heather and quiet trails turn history into landscape.
Jættestuen Viborg Krat
10.7 km
A modest prehistoric burial mound tucked into Viborg’s old oak scrub, where quiet forest paths meet deep-time stories in the heart of Jutland.
Naturstyrelsen
11.2 km
Discover glacial hills, serene lake views, protected forests, and ancient legends at Dollerup Bakker, the famed natural preserve on Viborg’s scenic outskirts.
Troldeslugten
12.9 km
A short, atmospheric forest ravine above Hald Sø where steep, root-tangled slopes, cool shade and nearby playgrounds and ruins turn a simple walk into a layered outing.
Undallslund
12.9 km
Expansive forest playground with marked trails, BBQ spots, and dog park near Viborg.
Viborg Plantage
13.0 km
A centuries-old forest sanctuary blending nature, history, and outdoor adventure near Viborg.
Den Selvejende Institution Hald
13.0 km
Medieval ruins and ice-age hills where 800 years of Danish history meets pristine natural landscape.
De Fem Halder
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A lakeside cultural landscape where moats, ruins, ramparts and a manor house compress 800 years of Danish power and landscape history into a single scenic walk.
Viborg Miniby
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Step into a painstakingly crafted 1:10 miniature of 1850s Viborg, where tiny streets, churches and workshops bring a thousand years of Danish city history to life.
The Manor House of Hald
13.0 km
Discover Dollerup Bakker’s breathtaking glacial hills, lush meadows, and legends overlooking Hald Sø—Viborg’s premier nature escape and a Danish outdoor treasure.
Essential places to dine
King's House Inn & Hotel
7.5 km
Traditional Danish country inn on the Viborg heath, combining homely cooking, simple hotel rooms and flexible spaces for celebrations, meetings and rural getaways.
Konge Buffet
12.2 km
Relaxed all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Viborg, blending Chinese dishes, Mongolian barbecue and sushi in a spacious, family-friendly setting.
Hjarbæk Kro 2021 Aps
12.5 km
Modern Danish inn cuisine and candlelit hygge on the edge of Hjarbæk Fjord, where classic kromad meets wide water views and glowing Jutland sunsets.
Carl's Jr. Viborg
12.5 km
Flame-grilled American burgers and crispy chicken in the heart of Viborg's shopping district.
Niels Bugges Kro
13.0 km
Historic countryside inn by Hald Sø, where refined seasonal cuisine, intimate rooms and forest-framed views create a slow, indulgent escape near Viborg.
Sunset Boulevard
13.7 km
Danish-style fast food on Holstebrovej, serving freshly made burgers, sandwiches and signature seasoned fries in a bright, casual setting all day.
Familie Cafeen Thai Take Away
13.9 km
Unfussy, family-run Thai takeaway in a Viborg neighbourhood, serving fragrant curries and wok dishes at wallet-friendly prices for easy, flavourful evenings.
Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg
13.9 km
Quick, no-fuss Asian chinaboxes and stir-fries served from a cosy grill counter inside Løvbjerg on Koldingvej – ideal for an easy lunch or early dinner.
Queens Corner
14.0 km
Classic Danish grill-bar comfort on Viborg’s ring road, serving hearty hot dogs, burgers and fries in a relaxed, family-friendly setting every day.
Birgittelyst Kro
14.3 km
Authentic Danish inn blending traditional Nordic cuisine with European refinement and craft brewery excellence.
Vesterbro Pub
14.4 km
Experience the best of Danish nightlife at Vesterbro Pub - where great drinks meet vibrant atmosphere in Viborg.
Les Jeunes — kaffebar og neo-bistro
14.4 km
A modern Viborg hangout where specialty coffee, Nordic-Japanese small plates and relaxed bistro vibes share the same intimate, light-filled corner space.
Viborg Pizzaria
14.4 km
Casual, no-nonsense pizza and Italian-style comfort food on central Vesterbrogade, perfect for quick sit-in meals or convenient takeaway in historic Viborg.
Wild & Raw
14.5 km
Bright, casual vegan sportscafé in Viborg’s Tingvej complex, serving plant-based comfort food and coffee to athletes, locals and curious travellers alike.
Khawand Pizzaria
14.5 km
Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
NORMAL Viborg, Viborg Storcenter
12.3 km
Bright, budget-friendly and packed with everyday essentials, NORMAL Viborg in Viborg Storcenter offers a quick, quirky shopping stop inside a modern Danish mall.
Dansk
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Accessible, family-focused fashion in Viborg, offering practical Danish everyday clothing, outerwear and basics for all ages under one roof on Livøvej.
COW CONCEPT I / S
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A cozy Viborg showroom where an online design shop comes to life through tactile bags, jewelry and accessories in a calm, curated studio setting.
The Old Garage
14.0 km
Characterful little vintage store in a former Viborg garage, where retro Danish furnishings, quirky curios and nostalgic finds wait behind an unassuming suburban door.
Red Cross Op Shop
14.2 km
Spacious Red Cross thrift store in Viborg, where second-hand fashion and homeware meet Danish volunteer spirit and every bargain supports humanitarian work.
Eleganza Eterna
14.4 km
A compact Viborg fashion boutique blending Scandinavian simplicity with elegant, curated womenswear and accessories just off the city’s historic heart.
Danmission Op Shop
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Spacious Viborg charity thrift warehouse where bargain-hunting, reuse and global-minded giving come together under one practical, volunteer-run roof.
Rashed
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A straightforward neighborhood store on Jernbanegade in central Viborg, offering everyday essentials and a quick, no-fuss stop amid the town’s lived-in streets.
Viborg Stjerne Marked
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Søsterne Grene
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A calming Scandinavian treasure trove in central Viborg, filled with affordable décor, crafty inspiration and small everyday joys tucked inside Sct. Mathias Centret.
Hunkemöller
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Rituals
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Luxury wellness rituals inspired by Eastern traditions, transforming everyday self-care into meaningful moments.
PIECES Viborg
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Compact Danish fashion boutique inside Sct. Mathias Centret, offering Scandinavian basics, trend pieces, and accessories for women in the heart of Viborg.
Zizzi - Viborg
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Curve-focused Danish fashion in the heart of Viborg, offering modern plus-size womenswear, beach styles and friendly, relaxed shopping inside Sct. Mathias Centret.
JACK & JONES
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Central Viborg menswear stop for denim, casual staples and smart-casual outfits, set right on Sankt Mathias Gade beside the Sct. Mathias shopping center.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mødestedet Viborg ApS
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Cosy local bar and meeting place in Viborg, blending classic Danish pub vibes with flexible space for social events, dance evenings and everyday gatherings.
Roxy Malt Viborg
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Cosy Irish-style pub in central Viborg with specialty beers, cocktails, live music and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere for unhurried nights out.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
14.7 km
High-energy après-ski style beer bar in central Viborg, pouring big drafts, loud music and late-night party vibes with free entry and group-friendly seating.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
14.7 km
Unpretentious central Viborg bar with friendly staff, late weekend hours, affordable drinks and occasional karaoke nights in a laid-back pub setting.
CRAVE Bar
14.7 km
Cosy Viborg bodega and karaoke bar where cold beers, pool games and sing-along nights blend into an easygoing, late-night local hangout.
Tema Bar
14.8 km
A loud, late‑night party bar in central Viborg with colorful lights, mainstream beats and no‑frills drinks, perfect for weekend dancing and a casual night out.
Rabalder Bar Viborg
14.8 km
Casual, colorful bar energy in the heart of Viborg’s old town, blending easygoing Danish hygge with lively late-night drinks and sociable weekend parties.
Sportspub Målet
14.8 km
Classic Danish sports bodega in central Viborg, where cold beer, big matches, karaoke and late-night hygge keep the lights on long after the final whistle.
Ølluminati Brewbar
14.9 km
Microbrewery bar in Viborg’s old town, serving ever-changing small-batch craft beers and ciders in a cozy, quirky setting with a relaxed, music-filled atmosphere.
Mathias Kælderen
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Cosy cellar bar in central Viborg offering hygge-filled evenings, rustic charm and relaxed drinks just steps below the historic streets of Sankt Mathias Gade.
Café Børsen
14.9 km
A long‑standing Viborg café‑bar where Danish hygge, history and late‑night drinks meet in one cozy, central hangout on Gravene.
Rockabilly Bar
14.9 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Holms Vinotek
15.0 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Bodega Hegnet
15.0 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen
23.8 km
Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.
