Mønsted Kalkgruber (Mønsted Limestone Mines)
Descend into the world’s largest limestone mine, where cool tunnels, underground lakes, bats and historic lime works create a uniquely atmospheric Danish adventure.
Mønsted Kalkgruber, near Viborg in Jutland, is the world’s largest limestone mine, a subterranean maze of tunnels, caverns and mirror-like lakes stretching for kilometres beneath rolling Danish countryside. Around 4km of passageways are accessible, with roughly half dramatically lit, creating an atmospheric world of dripping rock formations, cool 8°C air and echoing soundscapes. Above ground, an old lime works has been converted into a museum, complemented by nature trails, a blue‑green former quarry lake, seasonal Café Kridthuset and a bat-themed playground for children.
A brief summary to Mønsted Kalkgruber
- Kalkværksvej 8-10, Stoholm, Stoholm Jyll, 7850, DK
- +4586646011
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Pack warm layers and closed shoes; the mine stays around 8°C year‑round and the air is damp, even on hot summer days.
- Allow at least two hours to combine an underground route with time in the lime works museum, nature trails and a break at Café Kridthuset when open.
- Check in advance for mine train operation and seasonal opening hours, especially outside peak summer or around special events and holidays.
- If visiting with children, use the bat playground and simple route maps to turn the underground walk into a themed nature and history quest.
- Bring a small torch or use a phone light for extra comfort in dimmer sections, while still respecting the mine’s mood and the bats’ sensitivity.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Viborg
From Viborg town centre, driving to Mønsted Kalkgruber typically takes 20–25 minutes through rural roads. The route is straightforward, well signposted in the final stretch and suitable for standard vehicles year‑round. Parking at the site is free, but spaces can fill up on peak summer days and during special events, so arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon helps avoid congestion.
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Regional bus from Viborg
Regional buses connect Viborg with Stoholm, the nearest town to Mønsted Kalkgruber, in about 25–35 minutes depending on the service. A single adult ticket usually costs in the range of 30–50 DKK, and buses run at moderate intervals, with fewer departures in the evening and on weekends. From Stoholm, expect a longer walk or a short pre‑booked taxi ride to reach the mine, so check timetables and connections in advance.
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Taxi from Viborg or Stoholm
Taking a taxi offers the most direct option if you do not have a car. From Viborg, the journey to the limestone mines typically takes 20–25 minutes, with fares commonly in the range of 250–400 DKK each way depending on time of day and traffic. From Stoholm the ride is shorter and cheaper, often around 10 minutes. It is advisable to arrange your return pick‑up ahead of time, especially outside peak season when taxis may be less frequent in rural areas.
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Cycling from Viborg region
Confident cyclists can reach Mønsted Kalkgruber by bike from Viborg or nearby holiday houses using quiet country roads. The ride from Viborg usually takes 45–75 minutes each way, depending on fitness and route choice, and includes rolling terrain but no major climbs. There is no fee to park a bicycle at the site. Weather and wind can significantly affect comfort, so pack rain gear, lights and warmer clothing if you plan to cycle back later in the day.
Mønsted Kalkgruber location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Mønsted Kalkgruber
A Vast Underground World Beneath Rural Jutland
Mønsted Kalkgruber lies in gentle farmland west of Viborg, yet beneath the fields stretches the world’s largest known limestone mine. Centuries of quarrying have created a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns, some broad enough to feel like underground cathedrals, others narrowing into intimate corridors. The air is a constant, crisp 8°C, so every visit feels like stepping into natural air‑conditioning, even on a hot Danish summer day. Around 4 kilometres of the mine network are open to visitors, with roughly 2 kilometres illuminated by carefully placed lighting. Pools of light reveal rippled limestone walls, old tool marks and pale mineral veins, while deeper shadows hint at the sheer scale of the workings beyond. Small underground lakes reflect the arches of the tunnels, adding to the almost otherworldly atmosphere.From Hand‑Carved Tunnels to Industrial Powerhouse
Limestone has been quarried here since at least the Middle Ages, when farmers and craftsmen cut stone for mortar, whitewash and building. Over time, extraction intensified, and generations of miners carved their way deeper into the hill, enlarging chambers and pushing new galleries steadily outward. The work was tough and dirty, carried out first with simple hand tools and later with mechanised equipment. Above ground, the historic lime works buildings explain how raw stone was transformed into quicklime in roaring kilns. Exhibits explore the steps of burning, slaking and transporting lime, and trace how this remote corner of Jutland became tied into wider Danish industry and agriculture. Standing amidst the old machinery and brick furnaces, it is easy to imagine the heat, dust and noise that once defined daily life here.Bats, Protected Nature and a Blue‑Green Lake
Today, the mine is as much a haven for wildlife as it is an industrial monument. In the colder months, thousands of bats choose these tunnels as hibernation quarters, taking advantage of the stable temperature and shelter from winter storms. Several species use the site, and conservation measures ensure their roosts are disturbed as little as possible. Above the mine, the landscape forms part of a protected Natura 2000 area. Trails lead past sinkholes, limestone grassland and steep slopes shaped by earlier quarrying. One highlight is the blue‑green lake in the former open quarry, where mineral‑rich water and pale rock combine to create surprisingly vivid colours. It is a striking contrast to the dim, echoing world below.Exploring Routes, Mine Train and Family Activities
Visitors navigate the underground network along clearly marked routes of varying length, from shorter loops to longer circuits that weave past lakes, side tunnels and historic working faces. Surfaces are generally firm and relatively level, making much of the system accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities, though the cool, damp conditions call for sensible footwear and warm layers. In high season, a small mine train often shuttles along sections of the tunnels, offering an alternative way to experience the interior. Above ground, Café Kridthuset serves simple meals, hot drinks and local treats when open, while picnic tables invite unhurried breaks. Nearby, a bat‑themed playground turns the site’s resident creatures into climbable sculptures, giving younger visitors a playful way to connect with the underground world.A Multisensory Journey into Denmark’s Subsurface
Part of the appeal of Mønsted Kalkgruber lies in the way it engages all the senses. The temperature drops noticeably as you enter, breath fogging slightly in the chill. Footsteps echo softly along the tunnel floors, accompanied by the constant drip of water and the murmur of distant visitors. The smell of damp stone and mineral‑rich air is unmistakable. Light projections and sound installations are sometimes used in the larger chambers, adding subtle storytelling layers to the raw geology and old workings. Whether you linger over the industrial history, focus on the bats and protected nature, or simply wander and absorb the strangeness of being deep underground in rural Denmark, the experience feels distinctive and memorable.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
14.8 km
Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.
Vi er Viborg
15.0 km
Experience Danish innovation at Dokk1, Aarhus’ renowned waterfront library and cultural hub, blending architecture, technology, and vibrant community life.
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
35.8 km
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
Experience breathtaking panoramic views and serene landscapes at Udsigtstårn in Vejle, Denmark.
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
13.0 km
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
13.0 km
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
12.6 km
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
12.6 km
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
14.4 km
Spacious Viborg charity thrift warehouse where bargain-hunting, reuse and global-minded giving come together under one practical, volunteer-run roof.
Rashed
14.5 km
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
14.7 km
Compact neighborhood mini‑market and halal butcher in Viborg’s historic center, blending everyday Danish staples with Middle Eastern flavors and friendly local service.
Søsterne Grene
14.7 km
A calming Scandinavian treasure trove in central Viborg, filled with affordable décor, crafty inspiration and small everyday joys tucked inside Sct. Mathias Centret.
Hunkemöller
14.7 km
Contemporary lingerie, swimwear and loungewear in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, with personal fitting help and a focused, comfortable boutique atmosphere.
Rituals
14.7 km
Luxury wellness rituals inspired by Eastern traditions, transforming everyday self-care into meaningful moments.
PIECES Viborg
14.7 km
Compact Danish fashion boutique inside Sct. Mathias Centret, offering Scandinavian basics, trend pieces, and accessories for women in the heart of Viborg.
Zizzi - Viborg
14.7 km
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
14.7 km
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
14.0 km
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
14.5 km
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
14.9 km
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Der Kuhstall Mønsted
1.8 km
Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
12.0 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
East End Holstebro
35.3 km
High-energy disco club in central Holstebro, where DJs, flashing lights, and a packed dance floor keep the party going into the early morning hours.
Fermaten
37.5 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Mindegade5
37.6 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
39.8 km
Scandinavia’s celebrated Riverboat Jazz Festival: riverside concerts, boat gigs, and open-air revelry set against Silkeborg’s scenic lakes and vibrant summer spirit.
Kedelhuset
39.8 km
Kedelhuset: Silkeborg’s buzzing live music and culture venue, blending industrial heritage with creative energy in the lively riverside Papirfabrikken district.
Roxy Malt
39.8 km
Retro-chic bar in the heart of Silkeborg offering craft beers, creative cocktails, and regular entertainment, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
39.9 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Jazzens Venner
43.0 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
Buddy Holly
43.5 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Jazz Hobro
43.8 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
Rustik & Flamingo
53.5 km
Rustik & Flamingo offers upscale cocktails and a vibrant late-night dance floor, making it one of Randers’ premier nightlife and party destinations.
Jagtbar Randers
53.6 km
A lively late-night bar in Randers’ city center known for its dynamic events, energetic crowds, and welcoming atmosphere—a favorite for unforgettable nights out.
Tante Olga - Bar
53.6 km
Beloved for its dynamic live music, unique ambiance, and lively events, Tante Olga is a cornerstone of Randers nightlife and a top local destination for music lovers.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
