Top Karens Hus
A historic cottage eatery at the edge of Rebild Bakker, serving classic Danish comfort food and coffee in low‑ceilinged rooms steeped in over a century of local history.
Tucked at the gateway to Rebild Bakker near Skørping, **Top Karens Hus** is a nostalgic Danish eatery in a low‑ceilinged, timbered house dating back to 1912. Once a modest “traktørsted” selling only hot water for coffee, it now serves traditional Danish dishes, coffee, and homemade cakes in intimate rooms and a leafy garden. With its creaking floors, old photographs, and direct access to forested hills, it’s an atmospheric stop after exploring the surrounding national park landscape.
A brief summary to Top Karens Hus
- Rebildvej 27, Skørping, 9520, DK
- +4598392716
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 12 pm-9 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-9 pm
- Friday 12 pm-9 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-9 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-9 pm
Local tips
- Reserve a table in advance for weekend lunches and summer evenings, as the cottage is small and fills quickly in good hiking weather.
- Time your meal around a walk in Rebild Bakker; start with coffee and cake before a hike or reward yourself with a hearty dinner afterward.
- Bring layers and sturdy shoes; many guests arrive directly from the nearby forest and heath trails, and outdoor seating is popular on fine days.
- Check current opening days and kitchen hours in advance, as the restaurant closes on some weekdays and seasonal schedules may change.
- If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for early lunch or an early dinner midweek rather than peak midday hours on sunny weekends.
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
Top Karens Hus location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Top Karens Hus
From Hot Water to Hearty Meals
Top Karens Hus began life in 1912 as Rebild’s first small refreshment house, opened by Marie “Top Karen” Andersen at the entrance to the hills. Her original offer was charmingly simple: visitors could buy boiled water to make their own coffee, a practical service for early day‑trippers heading into the heather‑clad slopes. Over time, she expanded into a full traktørsted, using the family home as a place where walkers could rest, chat, and refuel. The little house quickly became woven into local lore. Top Karen herself became a minor celebrity in the area, known for her energy, hospitality, and a catchy slogan promising soft drinks, beer, and coffee to all who passed. When she died in 1929, the place slowly fell into a long dormancy, like a fairy‑tale cottage sealed in time. Decades later, a careful restoration brought the house back to life, preserving the spirit of the original hostess while adapting the building for modern diners.A Historic Cottage Beside the Hills
Today, Top Karens Hus stands just where the forest gives way to the rolling landscape of Rebild Bakker, its whitewashed walls and sloping roof peeking through the trees. The scale is intimate: a series of small, low‑ceilinged rooms where wooden beams, old framed photographs, and simple country furniture evoke early 20th‑century Denmark. It feels more like a private home than a conventional restaurant, which is very much the point. On bright days, the garden is an extension of the dining room. Tables and chairs are set among greenery, with glimpses of the surrounding hills and the sound of wind moving through the trees. The setting makes it a natural pause point on longer walks through the heath and forest, and a comfortable refuge when the weather turns.Taste of Traditional Danish Country Cooking
The kitchen focuses on classic Danish fare: think generous plates rather than experimental tasting menus. Seasonal lunchtime dishes often lean toward smørrebrød‑style servings, hearty meat and potato combinations, and familiar favorites like crispy pork with parsley sauce when in rotation. In the afternoon, coffee is paired with homemade cakes and pastries, a nod to the house’s origins as a simple coffee stop. Dinner continues the theme of unpretentious, well‑cooked food rooted in local traditions. Sauces are rich rather than delicate, portions are satisfying, and the overall experience is about comfort as much as flavor. The drinks list reflects the same approach, with beers, soft drinks, and approachable wines that suit relaxed meals after a day outdoors.Atmosphere of Cozy Danish Hygge
Stepping inside, the first impression is one of warmth. Low beams, small-paned windows, and the hum of conversation create a feeling of hygge that is heightened in the cooler months when candles and lamps soften the rooms. The layout of intimate parlors means you are rarely in a vast open space; instead, each room feels like its own little nook. The pace here is unhurried. Groups linger over dessert, couples stretch out coffee breaks, and walkers in hiking boots sit alongside families dressed up for a leisurely lunch. The connection between house and landscape is constant: muddy shoes are common, and jackets hang over chairs, a reminder that most guests come directly from the trails.Gateway to Rebild’s Walking Country
Top Karens Hus functions as both destination and waypoint. Its position at the edge of Rebild Bakker makes it an ideal bookend to a circuit through the hills, or a mid‑route pause before tackling another loop through the heathlands and valleys. Paths and viewpoints lie just beyond the garden, so it is easy to combine a meal here with an hour or two of exploration. Because of its compact size and popularity on weekends and holidays, the rooms can feel lively at typical mealtimes. Planning your visit slightly earlier or later in the lunch or dinner window often rewards you with a quieter table and a better chance to appreciate the historic details of the house itself: the worn steps, the old doors, and the sense that you are dining inside a living piece of local history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel BramslevGaard
19.3 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
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Mariager Fjord
20.0 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
21.0 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
21.6 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
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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
22.1 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Mariager Church
22.1 km
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Alstrup krat
22.2 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.
Rosenhaven
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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'.
Munkholmanlægget
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Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
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Ivan Evigvår trold
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Explore Ivan Evigvår Trold, a magical tourist attraction in Mariager, Denmark, where folklore meets artistry in a stunning natural setting.
Lille Vildmose
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Aalborg Zoo
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Explore Malmö’s premier museum for technology, science, and seafaring, featuring interactive exhibitions, classic vehicles, and Sweden’s only public submarine display.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
0.1 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.
Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker
0.1 km
Octagonal fire shelter honoring Danish-American heritage in Rebild's protected hills.
VINGES VANDRING
0.2 km
Experience Denmark’s most iconic heathland vistas and heritage on the well-marked Kvalitetssti Rebild hiking trail in the legendary Rebild National Park.
Kvalitetssti Rebild
0.2 km
A certified premium hiking loop through Rebild Bakker’s purple heaths, deep springs and ancient forest, showcasing some of Denmark’s most dramatic lowland terrain.
RebildPorten
0.2 km
Contemporary welcome center and terrace at the gateway to Rebild Hills and Rold Forest, where maps, stories and local insight prepare you for the landscape ahead.
Rebild Bakker Information
0.2 km
Compact visitor hub with restrooms and trail information at the edge of Rebild Bakker, linking Skørping’s everyday life to Denmark’s heather-clad national park.
Museum Rebild
0.2 km
Where Danish emigration stories meet transatlantic friendship in historic northern Jutland hills.
Danhostel Rebild
0.2 km
Welcoming hostel near Denmark's scenic Rebild Bakker hills with modern rooms, friendly staff, and included breakfast.
Comwell Rebild Bakker
0.4 km
Luxury resort immersed in Denmark's most visited national park, blending Nordic wellness with historic landscape.
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.
Skovtårnet
1.0 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.
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.
Røverknolden
1.2 km
Artistic forest playground where imagination meets adventure in Denmark's largest woodland.
Troldeskoven
1.2 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.
Hvasstræet
1.3 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.
Essential places to dine
Top Karens Hus
0.0 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
0.0 km
Skørping's premier venue for group celebrations and traditional Danish dining
Rebildhus
0.2 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
0.2 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
0.3 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
2.9 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
3.9 km
Historic forest pavilion serving French-Danish cuisine beside a pristine lake in North Jutland's natural heart.
Restaurant Hul19
5.0 km
Laid-back Scandinavian clubhouse dining with sweeping views over Rold Skov Golfklub’s closing hole and the forested landscape beyond in Skørping.
Ice Sushi
6.3 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
6.7 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
6.7 km
Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.
MADUMSØHUS ISBAR
7.4 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
10.3 km
Flame-grilled burgers and quick meals in rural Jutland's convenient fast-food hub.
Motorvejsgrillen
10.4 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
11.6 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
Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus
0.2 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)
0.3 km
Heather-clad hills, glacial gorges, and cross-Atlantic heritage unite in Rebild Bakker, Denmark’s iconic national park and cultural meeting ground.
Vinhandel La BourGogne
1.5 km
Discover Vinhandel La BourGogne in Skørping: A curated selection of fine wines and expert guidance await wine enthusiasts.
Holy Moses Wineshop
2.2 km
Characterful neighbourhood wine shop in Skørping, pouring American bottles, local vintages and sustainable delights from morning to evening every day.
Lenas Blomster
2.9 km
Friendly neighbourhood florist and gift boutique in the heart of Skørping, blending seasonal blooms, curated presents and local small-town charm.
Bogby 9520
2.9 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
2.9 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
3.0 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
3.0 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
3.0 km
Small-town Danish charity shop where second-hand fashion, homeware and local community spirit come together to support global humanitarian work.
Meny
3.0 km
Modern Danish supermarket in Skørping Centret with fresh counters, local specialties and a strong wine selection – a practical one‑stop shop for travelers.
Garndamen
3.0 km
Intimate yarn shop in the heart of Skørping, brimming with colourful fibres, patterns and friendly expertise for knitters and crocheters of every level.
Kirkens Korshær Genbrug
3.0 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.
Rold Forest Bike Shop
3.2 km
Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.
Louise Nørgaard
3.2 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
2.9 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
5.4 km
Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.
City Bar Støvring
6.5 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
6.7 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
10.3 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
11.1 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Center Pubben ApS
13.4 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
18.5 km
Aalborg's casual neighborhood bar for relaxed socializing and unwinding with friends
Club 85@Nibe Festival
20.7 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.
Den Graa Kok Vinkælderen
20.9 km
Refined wine bar and cellar in North Jutland offering curated selections and elegant dining.
Jagtstuen
21.0 km
Traditional Danish bodega-style bar in central Hadsund, known for its cozy atmosphere and pioneering dementia-friendly approach to everyday social life.
Kælderen
21.1 km
Intimate basement bar at the heart of Hadsund's town square, open for evening gatherings Thursday through Sunday.
Jernkroen
21.1 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.
ar
21.4 km
Unpretentious waterfront bar on Ved Stranden in Hadsund, where simple drinks, fjord views and small-town atmosphere create an easygoing evening stop.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- 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
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
