Lille Blåkilde – The Little Blue Spring of Rold Skov
A remarkably powerful blue spring hidden in Rold Skov, where cold, crystal water, rare species and ancient burial mounds share a quiet forest hollow.
Tucked deep inside Denmark’s Rold Forest near Skørping, Lille Blåkilde – the “Little Blue Spring” – is anything but small. One of the most powerful springs in the area, it sends around 90 liters of crystal‑clear, limestone-filtered water gushing out every second, at a steady 7.5°C all year. Reached only on foot via forest paths and wooden steps, this protected oasis combines rare chalk grassland plants, unusual cold‑loving insects and traces of ancient burial mounds for a quietly magical nature escape.
A brief summary to Lille Blåkilde
- Unnamed Road 9520, Skørping, 9520, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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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, sturdy shoes; the forest paths and steps around the spring can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
- Bring binoculars or a macro lens if you enjoy observing small insects and details in the clear water and chalk grassland plants.
- Respect the protected status: stay on paths, do not step into the spring, and avoid collecting plants, animals or stones.
- Plan to combine Lille Blåkilde with other Rold Skov highlights such as Rebild Bakker, Store Blåkilde or nearby forest lakes.
- Visit in late spring for flowering orchids and primroses on the chalk slope, or in autumn for rich forest colours along the approach.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Public transport from Skørping
From Skørping Station, take a regional bus toward Rebild Bakker or Rebild area stops; journey times are typically 10–15 minutes and a single ticket usually costs about 20–30 DKK. Services are not constant throughout the day, so check current timetables in advance. From the nearest stop you continue on foot through forest trails to Lille Blåkilde, allowing 20–30 minutes of walking on unpaved, sometimes muddy paths that are not ideal for wheelchairs or strollers.
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Car access via Rebild Bakker and Rold Skov
Arriving by car from Skørping or nearby towns, plan around 10–20 minutes’ driving on local roads to one of the marked parking areas along Rebild Kirkevej or Buderupholmvej that serve Lille Blåkilde and the surrounding forest. Parking is generally free but spaces can be limited in fine weather. From the parking area, the spring is only reachable on foot; allow 15–30 minutes along marked forest trails and wooden steps, which can be steep and slippery in wet or icy conditions.
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Cycling within the Rold Skov area
Confident cyclists can ride from Skørping or Rebild Bakker into the Rold Skov trail network, typically 20–40 minutes each way depending on route and fitness. There is no fee to use the trails, but surfaces vary from gravel to forest track and may be soft after rain. Bicycles must be left at or near the parking areas or trail junctions, as the final approach to Lille Blåkilde is on footpaths and steps that are unsuitable and not permitted for cycling.
Lille Blåkilde location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Lille Blåkilde
A hidden blue eye in Denmark’s great forest
Lille Blåkilde sits in a quiet corner of Rold Skov, one of Denmark’s largest forests, where the trees suddenly open to reveal a remarkably clear, blue-tinged spring. Despite its modest name, this is among the largest springs in the region, pushing out around 90 liters of water every second from underground. The water surfaces through several small craters in the limestone, bubbling up in pale, circular patches that make the spring look almost alive. For about 70 meters the water runs in a narrow stream before joining Lindenborg Å, a broader river that cuts through meadows and forest. Even on still days you can watch sand and lime particles dance in the upwelling, a subtle reminder of the pressure and volume beneath your feet. The colour shifts with the light, from clear glassy green to milky turquoise, especially where bare chalk reflects the sun.Chalk, cold water and rare forest life
The spring’s constant temperature of roughly 7.5°C creates a small, stable climate that many species depend on. In the water live typical freshwater invertebrates such as stoneflies, mayflies and several caddisfly species. The most talked-about resident is Apatania muliebris, a rare caddisfly usually associated with cold mountain streams in Norway and the Alps. Here, the spring’s steady coolness lets it survive far from its usual high-altitude homes. Where the outflow meets Lindenborg Å in May, you may spot slender, eel-like brook lampreys attached to the gravel. On the slopes around the basin, the thin soil over chalk supports a patch of calcareous grassland, a scarce habitat in Denmark. Lime-loving plants such as primroses, cowslips and early-purple orchids appear in spring, mixed with woodland indicators like Solomon’s seal and Baneberry that hint at the slope’s more densely forested past.Ancient traces above the waterline
Human history here is almost as deep as the water source itself. A short distance south of the spring lie the remains of an ancient road, stone rows and stone circles, marking an age-old route across the landscape. Above the spring, one of Denmark’s closest gatherings of Stone Age dolmens and Bronze Age burial mounds underlines how long people have settled near this reliable water supply. It is not clear whether the spring once held direct religious significance, but its setting invites that sort of imagination. The combination of unusually blue water, constant flow and nearby burial monuments fits well with the role that many European springs played in myth and ritual. Today, interpretation boards in the wider Rebild Bakker and Rold Skov area help set this cultural landscape in context, even if Lille Blåkilde itself remains pleasingly understated.A protected pocket of quiet wildness
Lille Blåkilde lies in a protected zone where nature conservation takes priority. Visitors must stay on the paths and platforms, and it is strictly forbidden to dig up plants, collect animals or wade into the spring. These rules safeguard both the delicate chalk grassland and the fragile aquatic ecosystem that depends on clear, undisturbed water. The approach on foot is part of the charm. Trails weave through mixed woodland and small clearings, with the sound of the spring only audible at the last moment. Simple wooden steps lead down to the water’s edge, where low railings and natural banks bring you close without letting you intrude. There are no big facilities here; instead you get birdsong, the murmur of flowing water and the soft rustle of leaves overhead.Experiencing Lille Blåkilde on the trail
Most travelers visit Lille Blåkilde as a short detour on a longer walk through Rold Skov and the rolling hills of Rebild Bakker. Because it can only be reached by foot, sturdy footwear is essential, especially in wet weather when roots and slopes grow slippery. The setting feels intimate: you can easily spend half an hour simply watching the upwelling, tracing bubbles and testing the chill of the water with your fingers from the bank. Combine the visit with nearby viewpoints, other springs and forest lakes for a full day in the landscape. The lack of built-up infrastructure encourages you to carry your own water and snacks and to leave no trace. For photographers, the best light often comes in the early morning or late afternoon, when low sun angles emphasize the blue tones of the spring and the textures of the surrounding forest floor.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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ravnkilde
1.6 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
1.7 km
Artistic forest playground where imagination meets adventure in Denmark's largest woodland.
Gravlev Kilde
1.7 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.
Comwell Rebild Bakker
1.7 km
Luxury resort immersed in Denmark's most visited national park, blending Nordic wellness with historic landscape.
Stenstuen
1.8 km
A low-key forest shelter in Rold Skov where simple wooden roofs, campfire evenings and birdsong offer an easy, authentic overnight in Denmark’s great outdoors.
Danhostel Rebild
1.9 km
Welcoming hostel near Denmark's scenic Rebild Bakker hills with modern rooms, friendly staff, and included breakfast.
Jensen Frode (Kulbrænder)
2.0 km
Discover one of Denmark’s last traditional charcoal burners in Skørping, where forest heritage, slow craft and smoke-darkened timber tell stories of another age.
Kvalitetssti Rebild
2.0 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.
VINGES VANDRING
2.0 km
Experience Denmark’s most iconic heathland vistas and heritage on the well-marked Kvalitetssti Rebild hiking trail in the legendary Rebild National Park.
Rebild Bakker Information
2.0 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.
RebildPorten
2.0 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 National Park
2.0 km
Denmark's historic heathland where glacial hills meet Danish-American heritage and Europe's finest certified hiking trails.
Museum Rebild
2.0 km
Where Danish emigration stories meet transatlantic friendship in historic northern Jutland hills.
Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
2.1 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
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.
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.
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
2.7 km
Discover handcrafted Danish furniture blending tradition and modern design at KaLo Design in Skørping.
Vinhandel La BourGogne
2.9 km
Discover Vinhandel La BourGogne in Skørping: A curated selection of fine wines and expert guidance await wine enthusiasts.
Lenas Blomster
3.1 km
Friendly neighbourhood florist and gift boutique in the heart of Skørping, blending seasonal blooms, curated presents and local small-town charm.
Kirkens Korshær Genbrug
3.1 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.
Meny
3.2 km
Modern Danish supermarket in Skørping Centret with fresh counters, local specialties and a strong wine selection – a practical one‑stop shop for travelers.
Bogby 9520
3.2 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.
Maggies Gemakker
3.2 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
3.2 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
3.2 km
Small-town Danish charity shop where second-hand fashion, homeware and local community spirit come together to support global humanitarian work.
REMA 1000
3.3 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.
Garndamen
3.3 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
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Nature Escape
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
