Lille Blåkilde, Rold Skov

A powerful “Little Blue Spring” hidden in Rold Skov, where crystal water, chalk slopes, rare species and 6000 years of history meet in a tranquil forest hollow.

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Lille Blåkilde

Hidden in the deep beech woods of Rold Skov near Skørping, Lille Blåkilde – “Little Blue Spring” – is anything but small. One of the forest’s most powerful springs, it pours around 90 litres of crystal-clear, blue-tinged water every second from fractures in the limestone, flowing just 70 metres before joining Lindenborg Å. A protected nature site with rare chalk grassland plants and cold-loving aquatic insects, it offers a tranquil, almost mystical forest pause at the end of an easy woodland walk.

A brief summary to Lille Blåkilde

Unnamed Road 9520, Skørping, 9520, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear waterproof or sturdy shoes; the approach paths and steps to the spring can be muddy, uneven and slippery, especially after rain.
Bring binoculars or a macro lens if you enjoy nature photography; the clear water, bubbling sand and tiny aquatic insects make excellent close-up subjects.
Visit in late spring or early summer to see lime-loving flowers and, in May, look for brook lampreys near the outlet into Lindenborg Å.
Respect the protection rules: stay on the paths, do not wade in the spring, and avoid collecting plants, stones or animals.
Combine your stop with a longer hike in Rold Skov or nearby Rebild Bakker to experience more of the springs, hills and forest landscapes.

Getting There

Car from Skørping

From Skørping town centre, driving to the main parking areas along Buderupholmvej or Rebild Kirkevej typically takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking is free at the forest car parks, but spaces can be limited on sunny weekends and holidays. From the parking area you continue on foot along marked forest trails to Lille Blåkilde, which adds roughly 20–40 minutes of walking time depending on your chosen route and pace.
Regional train and bus

Take a regional train to Skørping Station, then transfer to a local bus towards Rebild Bakker or Buderupholmvej; the bus ride usually takes around 10–20 minutes and a single adult ticket costs roughly 20–30 DKK. Services run less frequently in evenings and on Sundays, so check departure times in advance. From the nearest bus stop it is a forest walk of about 2–4 kilometres on waymarked tracks to reach the spring, mostly on dirt paths with some slopes and steps.
Bicycle from Skørping area

Cycling from Skørping or nearby villages to the forest car parks near Rold Skov generally takes 20–40 minutes along minor roads and signposted cycle routes. There is no fee to bring a standard bicycle, but e‑bikes and trailers may be restricted on some narrow forest paths. Bicycles must be left at or near the parking areas, as the final approach to Lille Blåkilde is on foot along hiking trails where cycling is not permitted.

Lille Blåkilde location weather suitability

Mild Temperatures
Clear Skies
Any Weather
Cold Weather

Discover more about Lille Blåkilde

The blue spring at the heart of Rold Skov

Lille Blåkilde lies tucked away in the rolling, forested landscape northwest of Nørreskov in Rold Skov, yet it is one of the largest and most water‑rich springs in the area. Despite its name, the “Little Blue Spring” pushes out around 90 litres of water every second, draining a catchment of roughly 10–12 square kilometres. The water emerges from fractures in the underlying limestone in several small craters, bubbling up through pale mineral sediments before gathering into a clear basin. From the source, the spring runs for only about 70 metres before it slips into the Lindenborg Å valley. The short course means the water you see at the spring is virtually the same that has just surfaced from the underground aquifer – cold, glassy and astonishingly transparent. On still days you can watch grains of sand dance on the bottom where the flow is strongest.

Crystal water and a rare cold-world habitat

The water in Lille Blåkilde holds a constant temperature of about 7.5°C all year. This steady cold creates an ecological pocket that is more reminiscent of mountain brooks in Norway or the Alps than lowland Denmark. Among the usual freshwater insects such as caddisflies, stoneflies and mayflies lives a small celebrity: the caddisfly Apatania muliebris, a species typically known from high‑altitude streams. At the outlet where the spring joins Lindenborg Å, the gravel and sand are often dotted in May with brook lampreys, sometimes called nine‑eyed eels. These ancient, eel‑like fish attach themselves to the bottom with sucker mouths, a curious sight if you pause quietly at the water’s edge. Because the site is protected, plants and animals must be left undisturbed, and stepping into the spring itself is strictly prohibited.

Chalk grassland and lime-loving flowers

Climb the steps above the spring and the geology becomes visible in the slopes. On one side, raw limestone shows beneath the tree roots; on the other, a thin layer of topsoil over chalk has created a rare habitat known as calcareous or chalk grassland. This dry, lime‑rich turf supports an unusually rich mix of plants for northern Jutland. In spring and early summer, you may spot primroses, cowslips, and the delicate early‑purple orchid scattered across the slope, alongside woodland relicts such as Solomon’s seal and baneberry that hint the hillside was forested not long ago. The combination of exposed chalk, open grassland and damp valley floor makes a compact lesson in Rold Skov’s varied natural history within just a few dozen metres.

Traces of 6000 years of settlement

The clear water and reliable flow have drawn people here for millennia. A few hundred metres south of Lille Blåkilde, subtle remains of ancient roads, stone rows and stone circles can still be found within the forest. Above the spring, one of Denmark’s closest juxtapositions of Stone Age dolmens and Bronze Age burial mounds marks a landscape that has been in more or less continuous use for about 6000 years. While there is no firm evidence that the spring itself held a ritual function, the nearby prehistoric road leading to the river valley and its old ford suggests this was once a key route through the woods. It takes little imagination, standing in the cool shade beside the water, to picture travellers pausing at this reliable source before continuing towards the lowlands.

A gentle forest walk with strict protection

Today Lille Blåkilde is reached only on foot, via waymarked trails threading through beech and conifer stands. The final approach runs down wooden steps and narrow paths that can be muddy and slippery after rain, so good footwear is helpful. The setting is quiet and sheltered: birdsong overhead, the muffled rush of water, and the occasional rustle from the undergrowth. Because the area is legally protected, visitors are asked to stay on the paths, avoid wading or throwing objects into the spring, and leave flowers, stones and wildlife where they are. In return, the site offers an intimate encounter with one of Denmark’s most impressive springs, a compact scene where geology, hydrology, ecology and deep human history intersect in a single forest clearing.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hotel BramslevGaard

21.3 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

21.3 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.

Aalborgtårnet

21.7 km

A classic 1930s steel tower lifted above a wooded hill, Aalborgtårnet combines a thrilling outdoor elevator ride with 360° views and a cosy sky-high bistro.

Mariager Fjord

21.7 km

Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.

Østre Anlæg

22.3 km

Explore Malmö’s celebrated hub for technology, science, and maritime heritage—offering hands-on discoveries and a genuine submarine, just steps from Malmöhus Castle.

Aalborgmanden

22.3 km

Discover Sweden’s maritime and technology heritage at Malmö’s interactive museum, featuring locomotives, submarines, and hands-on science in a striking industrial setting.

Gråbrødrekloster Museum

22.5 km

A bustling Nørrebro hotspot famous for independent boutiques, artisan makers, and acclaimed culinary experiences—Copenhagen’s Bohemian street at its best.

Aalborg Historical Museum

22.5 km

Jægersborggade in Nørrebro is Copenhagen’s trendsetting street, famed for its artisan shops, innovative cafés, organic bakeries, and unique local atmosphere.

Old City Hall

22.6 km

Aalborg’s tiny Baroque town hall on Gammeltorv, where a vivid yellow façade, royal motto and intimate interiors tell the story of centuries of civic life.

Jens Bangs Stonehouse

22.6 km

Aalborg’s most flamboyant Renaissance mansion, where a 17th‑century merchant’s ambition still lives on in carved stone, gargoyles and a centuries‑old pharmacy.

Aalborg Kloster

22.6 km

A medieval House of the Holy Ghost turned living social institution, Aalborg Kloster offers tranquil courtyards, Gothic brickwork and centuries of quiet urban history.

House of Music

22.6 km

A soaring fjord-side concert hall where cutting-edge architecture amplifies world-class music.

Jørgen Olufsens House

22.7 km

Discover DR Koncerthuset, Copenhagen’s modernist musical landmark, famed for its Jean Nouvel design and the Danish National Symphony Orchestra’s spellbinding performances.

Aalborghus Castle

22.8 km

Discover Copenhagen’s hipster haven on Jægersborggade: a vibrant, creative street filled with cozy cafés, local boutiques, and authentic Scandinavian flair in Nørrebro.

Hobro Lystbådehavn

23.0 km

Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.

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.

Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker

2.1 km

Octagonal fire shelter honoring Danish-American heritage in Rebild's protected hills.

Essential places to dine

Røverstuen

1.9 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.

Rebildhus

2.0 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.

Top Karens Hus

2.0 km

Historic countryside traktørsted at the gateway to Rebild Bakker, serving traditional Danish food, coffee and cake in intimate low‑ceilinged rooms and garden.

Westernhuset

2.0 km

Skørping's premier venue for group celebrations and traditional Danish dining

Bb Rold

2.1 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.

Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin

3.2 km

Casual neighborhood pizzeria and kebab house in central Skørping, serving generous Danish-style pizzas, kebabs and grill favorites at moderate prices all week.

Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin

Ice Sushi

4.4 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.

Bella Italia Støvring

4.7 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

4.7 km

Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.

Restaurant Hul19

5.1 km

Laid-back Scandinavian clubhouse dining with sweeping views over Rold Skov Golfklub’s closing hole and the forested landscape beyond in Skørping.

Mosskovpavillonen

5.6 km

Historic forest pavilion serving French-Danish cuisine beside a pristine lake in North Jutland's natural heart.

MADUMSØHUS ISBAR

8.4 km

Homely countryside ice cream stop by Madum Lake, where classic Danish soft ice meets quiet Jutland landscapes and relaxed summer-evening vibes.

Burger King

11.6 km

Flame-grilled burgers and quick meals in rural Jutland's convenient fast-food hub.

Motorvejsgrillen

11.7 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.

Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen

12.3 km

Rural North Jutland kitchen turning classic Danish farm recipes into hearty daily meals and generous buffets for locals, pensioners and countryside celebrations.

Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Rebild Bakker (Rebildvej / Rebild)

1.9 km

Heather-clad hills, glacial gorges, and cross-Atlantic heritage unite in Rebild Bakker, Denmark’s iconic national park and cultural meeting ground.

Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus

2.1 km

A cosy vintage barn near Rebild Bakker packed with Danish design, retro furniture and quirky treasures for slow, sustainable treasure hunting in Skørping.

Holy Moses Wineshop

2.7 km

Characterful neighbourhood wine shop in Skørping, pouring American bottles, local vintages and sustainable delights from morning to evening every day.

KaLo Design

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

3.5 km

Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Skørping Bodega

3.2 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

3.4 km

Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.

City Bar Støvring

4.5 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

4.7 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

8.7 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

9.9 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

12.4 km

Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.

Center Pubben ApS

13.7 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

16.6 km

Aalborg's casual neighborhood bar for relaxed socializing and unwinding with friends

Club 85@Nibe Festival

19.1 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

19.6 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.

Jazzclub Satchmo Aalborg

20.1 km

Volunteer-run jazz club bringing live swing, New Orleans sounds and bluesy nights to atmospheric venues around Aalborg since 1989.

Den Graa Kok Vinkælderen

22.0 km

Refined wine bar and cellar in North Jutland offering curated selections and elegant dining.

Kontiki Bar

22.1 km

Unpretentious beer hall on Ågade offering inexpensive drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed, central Aalborg hangout from midday to late night.

Jagtstuen

22.2 km

Traditional Danish bodega-style bar in central Hadsund, known for its cozy atmosphere and pioneering dementia-friendly approach to everyday social life.

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.

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Lille Blåkilde, Rold Skov

A brief summary to Lille Blåkilde

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Skørping

Regional train and bus

Bicycle from Skørping area

Lille Blåkilde location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Lille Blåkilde

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Lille Blåkilde

The blue spring at the heart of Rold Skov

Crystal water and a rare cold-world habitat

Chalk grassland and lime-loving flowers

Traces of 6000 years of settlement

A gentle forest walk with strict protection

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hotel BramslevGaard

Restaurant BramslevGaard

Aalborgtårnet

Mariager Fjord

Østre Anlæg

Aalborgmanden

Gråbrødrekloster Museum

Aalborg Historical Museum

Old City Hall

Jens Bangs Stonehouse

Aalborg Kloster

House of Music

Jørgen Olufsens House

Aalborghus Castle

Hobro Lystbådehavn

Unmissable attractions to see

Ravnkilde

Røverknolden

Gravlev Kilde

Comwell Rebild Bakker

Stenstuen

Danhostel Rebild

Jensen Frode (Kulbrænder)

Kvalitetssti Rebild

VINGES VANDRING

Rebild Bakker Information

RebildPorten

Rebild National Park

Museum Rebild

Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker

Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker

Essential places to dine

Røverstuen

Rebildhus

Top Karens Hus

Westernhuset

Bb Rold

Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin

Ice Sushi

Bella Italia Støvring

MesterBageren Støvring

Restaurant Hul19

Mosskovpavillonen

MADUMSØHUS ISBAR

Burger King

Motorvejsgrillen

Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Rebild Bakker (Rebildvej / Rebild)

Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus

Holy Moses Wineshop

KaLo Design

Vinhandel La BourGogne

Lenas Blomster

Kirkens Korshær Genbrug

Meny

Bogby 9520

Maggies Gemakker

FKN Genbrug / DCA Op Shop

Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug