Thingbæk Chalk Mines & Rebild Center
Underground limestone galleries filled with sculpture, Cold War tales, bats, and geology, all set in the rolling, protected landscape near Rebild Bakker.
Set in the rolling hills near Skørping, the Thingbæk Chalk Mines & Rebild Center blend geology, art, and modern history in one atmospheric complex. Once a working limestone mine, the underground galleries now house evocative sculptures by Danish artists like Anders Bundgaard and Carl Johan Bonnesen, displayed in candlelit chambers that stay cool year‑round. Above ground, the Rebild Center adds exhibitions on limestone, springs, and a major Cold War bunker story, all framed by a protected landscape rich in trails and scenery.
A brief summary to Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center
- Røde Møllevej 4, Skørping, 9520, DK
- +4598375500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 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-5 pm
Local tips
- Bring a warm layer and closed footwear; the mines stay cool and slightly damp year-round, even in summer.
- Check current opening hours and any seasonal closures before visiting, as schedules and access to some mine areas can vary.
- Allow time to explore the outdoor surroundings; short walks from the center lead into scenic hills, forest, and land art installations.
- If you are sensitive to wildlife, be aware that bats hibernate in parts of the mine during winter and are protected.
- Combine your visit with nearby Rebild Bakker National Park or Rold Skov to make a full day of nature and cultural history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and local taxi from Aalborg
From Aalborg, take a regional train toward Skørping; the journey typically takes 25–35 minutes and runs at least once per hour during the day. From Skørping station, a pre-booked local taxi to the chalk mines usually takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares for this short rural trip are often in the range of 120–200 DKK one way, with supplements in evenings and on weekends.
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Regional bus from Skørping or nearby towns
Several regional bus routes serve the Rebild area from Skørping, Støvring, and other nearby towns, with journey times typically between 15 and 35 minutes depending on the route and time of day. Expect standard regional bus fares in the range of 25–50 DKK per adult for a single ticket within the local zones. Services are less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so checking the timetable in advance is important.
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Car from Aalborg and North Jutland
Reaching the chalk mines by car from Aalborg and other North Jutland towns usually takes 30–45 minutes, using main regional roads that are paved and well signposted in rural surroundings. There is typically free or low-cost parking on site, but spaces can fill during school holidays and peak summer days. Road conditions are generally good year-round, though winter weather may occasionally require slower driving.
Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center
From Working Limestone Mine to Atmospheric Museum
Thingbæk began life as a limestone mine in 1926, when generations of surface quarrying in the area moved underground. Long galleries were carved into the soft chalk, forming lofty, cave-like halls supported by pale columns. Mining continued until 1960, when operations ceased for economic reasons, but the underground world had already started a new career decades earlier. The mine opened to the public in 1935, inviting visitors into a cool, echoing labyrinth that felt more like a natural cave than an industrial site. Today, the former mine forms the heart of a museum experience. The rock walls still bear traces of pick and drill, and underfoot the compacted chalk crunches softly with each step. Constant temperature and gentle humidity preserve both the stone and the artworks that now line the passages. Subtle lighting and occasional candles emphasize the texture of the limestone and create deep shadows that give the place a quietly dramatic character.Sculptures Hidden Beneath the Hills
The most striking surprise underground is the art. Within the mine, you wander among a sculptural collection that includes gypsum works by Anders Bundgaard and bronzes by Carl Johan Bonnesen, two influential Danish sculptors. Many pieces served as prototypes or models for well-known public monuments elsewhere in Denmark, from the powerful Cimbrian Bull in Aalborg to the Gefion Fountain in Copenhagen. Seeing them here at close range, framed by rough limestone, adds an intimate dimension to works usually viewed outdoors in city squares. Rather than standing on white plinths in a bright gallery, the figures emerge directly from the gloom of side chambers and alcoves. Reliefs cut into the limestone walls by artists such as Søren Assenholt play with the raw surface of the rock, blurring the boundary between sculpture and geology. Temporary exhibitions sometimes occupy parts of the mine as well, using light, sound, or additional artworks to reinterpret the subterranean setting.Cold War Stories and the REGAN Vest Connection
Above ground, the adjacent museum building broadens the story beyond art and stone. One of the centerpieces here is a large exhibition devoted to the Cold War and Denmark’s deepest secret bunker, REGAN Vest. Through models, artifacts, photographs, and interpretive displays, the exhibition explains why a sprawling government shelter was hidden in this quiet corner of Jutland, how it was designed to function, and what daily life inside might have been like if it had ever been activated. The exhibition does not recreate the entire bunker but provides context, background, and glimpses into the political tensions and civil defense planning that shaped Scandinavia in the second half of the 20th century. Combined with the physical reminder of the limestone beneath your feet, it creates an unusual link between the deep geological past, the industrial era, and the nervous politics of the recent past.Limestone, Springs, and a Protected Landscape
Another part of the Rebild Center focuses on the natural world that made the mines possible in the first place. Displays explore how ancient seas laid down vast layers of chalk, how groundwater carves out springs, and how the rolling hills of northern Jutland developed over millions of years. The theme “Sources of Life” ties together limestone, water, and human settlement, showing why this landscape has long been important for both resources and recreation. Outside, the museum sits within a protected area near the heather-clad hills of Rebild Bakker and the forests of Rold Skov. Trails lead into the surrounding woods, where land art pieces created from natural materials slowly weather back into the environment. Seasonal springs and clear streams punctuate the valleys, adding movement and sound to the otherwise quiet countryside. For many visitors, combining the underground visit with a walk in the hills or forest completes the experience.Bats, Concerts, and Seasonal Atmosphere
The mine’s stable, cool climate not only protects art; it also attracts wildlife. During the coldest months, several species of bats hibernate in the mine chambers, hanging in small clusters from ceilings and walls. Winter visits may reveal a few resting animals, while access to certain areas can be limited to protect the colonies. The knowledge that hundreds of bats use the mine as a refuge adds another layer to its sense of hidden life. At certain times of year, the mines also host concerts and special events. Music resonates unusually well in the chalk corridors, and candlelit performances take advantage of both the acoustics and the atmosphere. Combined with occasional storytelling events and creative workshops at the Rebild Center, these activities underline how the site has shifted from industrial production to a cultural and natural hub, all while preserving the distinctive subterranean world that lies just beneath the grassy slopes.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel BramslevGaard
19.6 km
Experience tranquility and history at Hotel BramslevGaard, nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker by Mariager Fjord, offering gourmet dining, spa retreats, and easy access to Northern Jutland's natural wonders.
Restaurant BramslevGaard
19.6 km
Experience Danish history and gastronomy at BramslevGaard, a charming manor house nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker near Hobro, offering stunning views and French-inspired cuisine.
Mariager Fjord
20.9 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
20.9 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
22.5 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
22.7 km
Experience historic Danish charm and modern comfort at Hotel Postgaarden Mariager, nestled in the heart of the 'City of Roses' with easy access to Mariager Fjord's natural beauty.
Mariager Kirke
22.8 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
22.8 km
Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's premier design museum.
Mariager Church
22.9 km
A towering former abbey church above Mariager Fjord, where Gothic brickwork, noble tombs and a distinctive Aubertin organ keep centuries of faith and history alive.
Befrielsessten i Assens
23.0 km
A modest liberation stone in historic Mariager, offering a quiet green corner to reflect on Denmark’s World War II occupation and the joy of 1945.
Rosenhaven
23.0 km
Discover Rosenhaven in Mariager, Denmark: a serene city park with over 400 rose species, blending history and beauty for a tranquil escape in the 'City of Roses'.
Alstrup krat
23.1 km
Explore Alstrup Krat near Mariager: Hike through ancient forests, discover Bronze Age burial mounds, and enjoy stunning views of Mariager Fjord. A blend of history and nature awaits.
Munkholmanlægget
23.1 km
Discover Munkholmanlægget in Mariager: A historic park with tranquil nature, a charming lake, and a touch of whimsy, perfect for a peaceful escape and exploration.
Ivan Evigvår trold
23.1 km
Explore Ivan Evigvår Trold, a magical tourist attraction in Mariager, Denmark, where folklore meets artistry in a stunning natural setting.
Fyrkat Viking Museum
23.1 km
Explore the rich Viking heritage at Fyrkat Viking Museum in Hobro, Denmark, featuring interactive exhibits and authentic Viking reconstructions.
Unmissable attractions to see
rebildsmykket.dk
0.0 km
Underground chalk mines, evocative sculpture and modern exhibitions meet scenic valley views at this compact cultural and landscape hub near Rebild Bakker.
Rold Storkro
0.6 km
Classic Danish forest inn with pool, mini-golf and panorama dining, set between Rold Skov’s deep woods and the rolling heath hills of Rebild Bakker.
Skillingbro kalkgrav
0.7 km
A quiet chalk quarry at the edge of Rold Skov where ancient seabed fossils, rare wildflowers and forest lore meet in a compact, hands-on slice of deep time.
Lars Kjærs Hus
0.9 km
Tiny forest cottage, big folk tale: step into the poacher Lars Kjær’s world and his fortune-telling wife’s home in the hills of Rebild Bakker.
Rold Forest
1.1 km
Denmark’s largest contiguous forest: a rolling mosaic of springs, hills, rare orchids and historic tracks, inviting year‑round walking, cycling and quiet nature immersion.
Troldeskoven
1.1 km
A compact corner of Rold Skov where centuries‑old beech trees twist into troll-like sculptures, blending folklore, forest history and quietly enchanting woodland atmosphere.
Ravnkilde
1.1 km
A powerful clear-water spring hidden in the wooded folds of Rebild Bakker, where rare wetland plants, cool streams and seasonal sea trout share a tranquil valley.
Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
1.2 km
Once Denmark’s deepest state secret, this fully preserved Cold War government bunker now reveals life, fear and contingency planning 60 metres beneath a Jutland hill.
Skovtårnet
1.4 km
Modest in height but rich in views, Skovtårnet lifts you above Rold Skov’s twisted pines for wide horizons over Rebild’s hills and valleys in every season.
Gravlev Kilde
1.5 km
One of Denmark’s largest basin springs, where crystal-clear turquoise water wells up from chalk depths to feed a wildlife-rich brook and lake in Gravlev Valley.
Hvasstræet
1.7 km
A modest memorial tree in the depths of Rold Skov, Hvasstræet quietly honours forester Jens Hvass amid rustling conifers and tranquil North Jutland woodland.
Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker
1.7 km
Octagonal fire shelter honoring Danish-American heritage in Rebild's protected hills.
Rebild National Park
1.8 km
Denmark's historic heathland where glacial hills meet Danish-American heritage and Europe's finest certified hiking trails.
Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
1.8 km
A carved Cimbrian bull in the heather-clad hills of Rebild Bakker, Kimbrerstenen links quiet North Jutland scenery with the far-reaching journeys of an ancient tribe.
Urskoven
1.9 km
Ancient beech forest untouched for centuries, where nature evolves freely in Denmark's largest woodland.
Essential places to dine
Westernhuset
1.7 km
Skørping's premier venue for group celebrations and traditional Danish dining
Top Karens Hus
1.7 km
Historic countryside traktørsted at the gateway to Rebild Bakker, serving traditional Danish food, coffee and cake in intimate low‑ceilinged rooms and garden.
Rebildhus
1.9 km
Hearty Danish lunch and countryside charm on the edge of Rebild Bakker’s rolling hills, a relaxed restaurant base for walks, family outings and day trips.
Bb Rold
2.0 km
A homely little café and B&B-style retreat in a quiet Skørping street, offering simple comforts and easy access to the forests and hills of Rold Skov.
Røverstuen
2.0 km
Woodland restaurant at Rebild’s edge, where Danish comfort cooking, rustic interiors and forest legends combine into a relaxed, story-rich meal stop in Skørping.
Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin
4.7 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and kebab house in central Skørping, serving generous Danish-style pizzas, kebabs and grill favorites at moderate prices all week.
Mosskovpavillonen
5.1 km
Historic forest pavilion serving French-Danish cuisine beside a pristine lake in North Jutland's natural heart.
Ice Sushi
6.5 km
Straightforward sushi takeaway on Hobrovej in Støvring, serving practical sharing boxes and casual eat-in options for easy weeknight dinners and road-trip stops.
Restaurant Hul19
6.7 km
Laid-back Scandinavian clubhouse dining with sweeping views over Rold Skov Golfklub’s closing hole and the forested landscape beyond in Skørping.
Bella Italia Støvring
6.8 km
Cozy pizza and steakhouse on Støvring’s main street, serving generous Italian-inspired comfort food and easygoing Danish hospitality for locals and road‑trippers alike.
MesterBageren Støvring
6.8 km
Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.
Burger King
8.9 km
Flame-grilled burgers and quick meals in rural Jutland's convenient fast-food hub.
Motorvejsgrillen
9.0 km
Old-school Danish roadside grill off the Nørager motorway, serving hearty burgers, fries and classic fast food to drivers, locals and truckers all week.
MADUMSØHUS ISBAR
9.1 km
Homely countryside ice cream stop by Madum Lake, where classic Danish soft ice meets quiet Jutland landscapes and relaxed summer-evening vibes.
Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen
9.9 km
Rural North Jutland kitchen turning classic Danish farm recipes into hearty daily meals and generous buffets for locals, pensioners and countryside celebrations.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Vinhandel La BourGogne
0.6 km
Discover Vinhandel La BourGogne in Skørping: A curated selection of fine wines and expert guidance await wine enthusiasts.
Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus
1.9 km
A cosy vintage barn near Rebild Bakker packed with Danish design, retro furniture and quirky treasures for slow, sustainable treasure hunting in Skørping.
Rebild Bakker (Rebildvej / Rebild)
2.0 km
Heather-clad hills, glacial gorges, and cross-Atlantic heritage unite in Rebild Bakker, Denmark’s iconic national park and cultural meeting ground.
Holy Moses Wineshop
4.0 km
Characterful neighbourhood wine shop in Skørping, pouring American bottles, local vintages and sustainable delights from morning to evening every day.
Lenas Blomster
4.6 km
Friendly neighbourhood florist and gift boutique in the heart of Skørping, blending seasonal blooms, curated presents and local small-town charm.
Bogby 9520
4.6 km
Volunteer‑run book town in Skørping, where thousands of second‑hand volumes and a cosy, local atmosphere turn browsing into a slow‑travel highlight.
REMA 1000
4.7 km
No‑frills Danish discount supermarket in Skørping, ideal for stocking up on groceries, snacks and everyday essentials before exploring Rebild Bakker and Rold Skov.
Maggies Gemakker
4.7 km
A cosy Skørping fashion boutique offering timeless, mix-and-match women’s clothing and personal styling advice focused on longevity rather than fast trends.
FKN Genbrug / DCA Op Shop
4.7 km
Cozy volunteer-run charity thrift shop in central Skørping, where slow treasure-hunting, reuse and global solidarity all meet on one compact shop floor.
Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug
4.7 km
Small-town Danish charity shop where second-hand fashion, homeware and local community spirit come together to support global humanitarian work.
Meny
4.7 km
Modern Danish supermarket in Skørping Centret with fresh counters, local specialties and a strong wine selection – a practical one‑stop shop for travelers.
Kirkens Korshær Genbrug
4.8 km
Small-town Danish thrift shop where every second-hand bargain helps fund social work and offers a glimpse into everyday community life in Skørping.
Garndamen
4.8 km
Intimate yarn shop in the heart of Skørping, brimming with colourful fibres, patterns and friendly expertise for knitters and crocheters of every level.
Rold Forest Bike Shop
4.9 km
Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.
Louise Nørgaard
5.0 km
A cosy holistic beauty clinic and natural lifestyle boutique in small-town Skørping, blending personalised treatments, clean products and a calm, slow-paced atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Skørping Bodega
4.6 km
Down-to-earth local bodega in central Skørping, serving cold beers, simple drinks and small-town atmosphere from midday until late on weekends.
Happy Friday
5.6 km
Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.
City Bar Støvring
6.6 km
Unpretentious local bar in Støvring’s City Centret, offering simple drinks, friendly chat and a down-to-earth glimpse of everyday Danish small-town life.
Støvring Mc
6.8 km
Laid‑back neighborhood bar in small‑town Støvring, with a subtle motorbike vibe, simple drinks and a down‑to‑earth atmosphere on Viborgvej.
Loke's Ølstue
7.0 km
Suldrup’s no-frills bodega bar, where cold beer, local stories and small-town Danish pub culture come together in a cozy, lived-in corner on Aarestrupvej.
Carsten fenger
12.0 km
A low-key rural bar near Skørping where locals gather, travelers are welcomed, and simple drinks fuel long conversations in a relaxed countryside setting.
Rottehullet / Bodega
12.5 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Center Pubben ApS
15.2 km
Cozy neighborhood pub in Terndrup Center, pouring cold beer, simple drinks and warm small-town atmosphere in a no-nonsense Danish bar setting.
Skotten
19.1 km
Aalborg's casual neighborhood bar for relaxed socializing and unwinding with friends
Club 85@Nibe Festival
19.7 km
Small-town bar turned festival hotspot, Club 85 is where Nibe’s intimate music nights spill over into easygoing drinks, local charm and late-night singalongs.
Jernkroen
20.0 km
Cozy harbor-side kro-bar in the heart of Nibe, where inexpensive drinks, a friendly courtyard and true small-town atmosphere invite you to linger.
Vognhjulet Pub
21.4 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Torvebaren
21.6 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.
Madam Blå's Vandhul
21.7 km
A cozy, day‑time neighborhood bar-café in Hobro where locals linger over coffee, beer and small talk in an easygoing, homely atmosphere.
Jazz Hobro
21.8 km
Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Mjølner
20.5 km
Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.
Buddy Holly
21.6 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.
Mariager Fjord Golf
24.0 km
Mariager Fjord Golf blends a challenging 18-hole course with spectacular fjord views, laid-back Danish charm, and a welcoming clubhouse overlooking North Jutland’s scenic waters.
Night Cirque
24.8 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Aalborg, where pulsing beats, bold lighting and a stylish crowd keep the dance floor alive late into the night.
LouLou Aalborg
25.0 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
25.0 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
25.0 km
Intimate nightclub and shisha lounge in the heart of Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing DJ-driven dancing, drinks and hookah corners late into the night.
Club Wolf
25.1 km
Compact, late-night nightclub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, blending chart hits, strong weekend energy and a tightly packed dance floor in the city’s bar street hub.
C Night Club
25.1 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Hugos Garage
25.1 km
Experience Aalborg's iconic party vibe at Hugos Garage, a lively bodega-style bar and dance club on Jomfru Ane Gade featuring live music and classic Danish hospitality.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
25.1 km
Adult‑only dance bar in central Aalborg, mixing 80s, 90s, 00s and current hits with cocktails and late‑night energy in an intimate courtyard setting.
Rocken
25.1 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
Casino Aalborg
25.2 km
Compact, adult-only casino in the heart of Aalborg, pairing classic table games and slots with a relaxed Nordic nightlife atmosphere inside a city-center hotel.
Randers Rave
41.2 km
Compact, bass-heavy nightclub in Randers NØ, where an unassuming façade hides a late-night dance floor fueled by rave-inspired lights, DJs and high energy.
Jazzens Venner
42.0 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
