Nedkastningspladsen ved Madum Sø
A modest forest clearing near Madum Sø where Allied air drops once armed the Danish resistance, now a tranquil spot that quietly preserves a powerful wartime story.
Tucked into the forests near Madum Lake in North Jutland, Nedkastningspladsen ved Madum Sø is a quiet clearing with a powerful story. During World War II, this was a parachute drop zone used by Allied aircraft to deliver weapons, equipment and agents to the Danish resistance. Today the site feels modest and understated, but interpretation boards and the surrounding nature invite you to pause, reflect and imagine the tense night-time operations that once unfolded here.
A brief summary to Nedkastningspladsen ved Madum Sø
- Madum Søvej, Arden, 9510, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy, closed footwear; access is via forest tracks that can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no shops or cafés directly at the drop zone clearing.
- Combine your visit with a walk along Madum Sø to appreciate both the historical site and the surrounding lake landscape.
- Visit during daylight to read any information boards clearly and understand the surrounding terrain used during the war.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Arden town centre
From Arden town centre, driving to the Madum Sø area typically takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on conditions. The route uses local country roads and is straightforward, but surfaces can be narrow and occasionally winding. Expect to park in informal roadside or forest-edge parking areas near Madum Sø, then walk on marked forest paths to reach the clearing. There is no specific parking fee, but take care not to block access tracks or private drives.
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Regional train plus bicycle
Arden is on the regional rail line between Aalborg and Randers, with journey times from Aalborg usually around 30–40 minutes and from Randers around 35–45 minutes. Standard adult one-way tickets on these routes typically cost in the range of 60–110 DKK, depending on distance and fare type. From Arden station, cycling to the Madum Sø area takes roughly 25–40 minutes along minor roads and rural lanes. Surfaces are mostly paved but with some gentle hills, so moderate fitness and lights in low visibility are recommended.
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Hiking from nearby Madum Sø recreation spots
If you are already visiting other recreation points around Madum Sø, you can often reach the drop zone on foot via forest and lakeside trails. Walking times vary with your starting point but commonly range between 20 and 50 minutes. Paths are unpaved and can be sandy, muddy or rooty, so closed shoes are important, and the route is not ideal for wheelchairs or prams after heavy rain. Access is free, and wayfinding typically relies on local trail posts and map boards.
Nedkastningspladsen ved Madum Sø 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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Hot Weather
Discover more about Nedkastningspladsen ved Madum Sø
A quiet forest clearing with a hidden wartime past
Nedkastningspladsen ved Madum Sø looks, at first glance, like an ordinary glade in the woods outside the small town of Arden, close to the shores of Madum Sø. The trees sway, birds call from the canopy and the sandy forest tracks are popular with walkers and cyclists exploring this corner of North Jutland. Yet beneath the calm surface, this spot carries the memory of some of the most risky operations undertaken in occupied Denmark during World War II. Here, in the darkness of 1943–45, Allied aircraft navigated over the Jutland landscape to drop containers and agents by parachute to local resistance groups. Recognisable by coded signals from the ground, the clearing at Madum Sø became one of several rural lifelines that supplied the Danish resistance with weapons, explosives, radios and training materials.Night flights, coded signals and resistance courage
Operations at drop zones like this relied on precision and bravery. Resistance members moved through the forest with blackout lamps and signal torches, timing their lights to radio messages and the faint drone of approaching aircraft. Containers lashed with parachutes tumbled from the sky into the damp heather and moss, to be collected and hidden before the first signs of dawn. The countryside around Madum Sø was ideal for such clandestine work. Sparse population, open spaces among the trees and the lake as a landmark made it easier for pilots to find their target. For those on the ground, every mission meant huge risk: discovery could lead to arrest, torture or execution. Standing here today, the peaceful forest makes that danger feel distant, but the story remains etched into local memory and archives.Landscape, lake and the feel of North Jutland nature
Although the focus here is history, the natural setting is part of the experience. Madum Sø itself is one of Denmark’s clearer lakes, surrounded by heathland, birch scrub and conifer forest. The paths to the drop zone cross sandy soil, patches of moss and low blueberry bushes, with the scent of pine and humus in the air. The clearing is modest in size, opening the sky just enough that you can easily imagine the silhouette of a bomber passing overhead. Depending on the season, you may hear cranes calling over the lake, woodpeckers in the trunks nearby or the rustle of deer slipping through the undergrowth. It is an atmospheric place to combine a short historical stop with a longer walk or picnic in the wider Madum Sø area.Markers, memories and moments of reflection
On site you find simple markers or information boards that outline the basic facts of the parachute operations and the role of the local resistance network. The presentation is low-key rather than theatrical; this is not a museum with exhibits, but an outdoor reminder anchored in the very landscape where events unfolded. The lack of commercial development around the clearing enhances its contemplative feel. There are no souvenir shops or grand monuments, just the path, the trees and the knowledge of what once happened here. Many visitors choose to pause in silence, taking a moment to picture the forest at night, the tension of waiting for engines overhead and the relief when parachutes appeared against the sky.Planning a thoughtful stop at the drop zone
A visit to Nedkastningspladsen ved Madum Sø is usually brief but meaningful. It pairs well with a day spent exploring the nearby Rold Forest and Rebild Hills, or with swimming and walking around Madum Sø in summer. There is typically no entrance fee, and access is informal, so you can come at any time of day, though daylight makes it easier to read any signage and understand the surrounding terrain. Because facilities are limited, it is wise to bring water, snacks and suitable footwear for forest paths that can be muddy after rain. The site is particularly evocative on overcast or misty days, when the trees close in and it is easier to imagine how dark and isolated it must have felt to the resistance members here eight decades ago.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mariager Fjord
13.8 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
15.8 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Hotel BramslevGaard
16.0 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
16.0 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.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
16.1 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
16.3 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
16.4 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.
Ivan Evigvår trold
16.6 km
Explore Ivan Evigvår Trold, a magical tourist attraction in Mariager, Denmark, where folklore meets artistry in a stunning natural setting.
Munkholmanlægget
16.6 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.
Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
17.7 km
Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's premier design museum.
Lille Vildmose
18.4 km
Discover Denmark's largest protected area, Lille Vildmose, a haven for wildlife and a unique raised bog ecosystem, offering immersive nature experiences and conservation insights.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
18.7 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Panorama Walking Route
18.7 km
Discover Denmark's natural beauty on the Panorama Walking Route in Hobro, offering stunning fjord views, diverse landscapes, and a certified premium hiking experience.
Hotel Amerika
19.0 km
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Lille Vildmosecentret
19.6 km
Uncover the wild heart of Denmark at Lille Vildmosecentret, where immersive exhibits, rare wildlife, and scenic boglands await beside Limfjord.
Unmissable attractions to see
Madum Lake
1.6 km
Crystal-clear forest lake in Rold Skov, combining sandy swimming coves, a scenic woodland loop and rich birdlife in a protected Danish nature sanctuary.
Naturstyrelsen
4.3 km
Hike Denmark’s legendary Kvalitetssti Rebild, where glacial hills, heather moors, and a tapestry of history create a captivating natural escape near Skørping.
Nst Himmerland
4.3 km
Forests, lakes and quiet trails: NST Himmerland’s Rold Skov landscape offers classic Danish nature, gentle adventures and simple outdoor facilities near Skørping.
Store Økssø
4.5 km
A calm, tea-brown forest lake in Rold Skov, ringed by woodland and bog, inviting slow walks, easy fishing and quiet nature moments in every season.
Kløverstien I Skørping
5.9 km
Four colour‑coded trails fanning out from Kulturstationen, linking Skørping’s streets, forest edges and village landscapes into easy, everyday nature adventures.
Rold Skov
6.0 km
Denmark’s largest continuous forest, where glacial hills, crystal-clear springs, heather-clad slopes and deep conifer stands create an endlessly varied northern woodland escape.
Rold Skov Orienteringsklub
6.2 km
Community-driven orienteering at the edge of Denmark’s Rold Forest, where detailed maps, quiet trails and local passion turn navigation into adventure.
Rold Skov Klub
6.5 km
Forest-edge fairways, rolling Jutland hills and a friendly clubhouse atmosphere make Rold Skov Golf Club a scenic base for a full day of golf near Skørping.
Midt inde i Rold Skov
7.2 km
Deep within Denmark's largest forest, a serene woodland viewpoint revealing ancient landscapes and timeless natural beauty.
Røverknolden
7.3 km
Artistic forest playground where imagination meets adventure in Denmark's largest woodland.
Museum Rebild
7.6 km
Where Danish emigration stories meet transatlantic friendship in historic northern Jutland hills.
Rebild Bakker Information
7.6 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
7.6 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.
VINGES VANDRING
7.6 km
Experience Denmark’s most iconic heathland vistas and heritage on the well-marked Kvalitetssti Rebild hiking trail in the legendary Rebild National Park.
Danhostel Rebild
7.6 km
Welcoming hostel near Denmark's scenic Rebild Bakker hills with modern rooms, friendly staff, and included breakfast.
Essential places to dine
MADUMSØHUS ISBAR
0.9 km
Homely countryside ice cream stop by Madum Lake, where classic Danish soft ice meets quiet Jutland landscapes and relaxed summer-evening vibes.
Mosskovpavillonen
4.5 km
Historic forest pavilion serving French-Danish cuisine beside a pristine lake in North Jutland's natural heart.
Restaurant Hul19
4.8 km
Laid-back Scandinavian clubhouse dining with sweeping views over Rold Skov Golfklub’s closing hole and the forested landscape beyond in Skørping.
Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin
5.7 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and kebab house in central Skørping, serving generous Danish-style pizzas, kebabs and grill favorites at moderate prices all week.
Terndrup Kro
7.1 km
Traditional Danish inn and restaurant in the heart of Terndrup, serving hearty local dishes with simple rooms and welcoming village atmosphere near Rold Skov.
Bb Rold
7.5 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
7.5 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
7.6 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
7.7 km
Historic countryside traktørsted at the gateway to Rebild Bakker, serving traditional Danish food, coffee and cake in intimate low‑ceilinged rooms and garden.
Westernhuset
7.8 km
Skørping's premier venue for group celebrations and traditional Danish dining
Ice Sushi
12.5 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.
Bella Italia Støvring
12.7 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
12.8 km
Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.
Restauration Orkidee Dania - Mad som man kender
13.3 km
Relaxed fjordside restaurant and event venue at Dania, serving classic Danish dishes, buffets and catering in cozy banquet rooms with wide views over Mariager Fjord.
davinci RISTORANTE
13.5 km
Waterfront Italian dining on Mariager Fjord, blending classic pasta, pizza and seafood buffets with bright fjordview rooms and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
MilesAbove
5.4 km
Premium footwear destination in Skørping, offering quality shoes and expert service daily.
Louise Nørgaard
5.5 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.
Rold Forest Bike Shop
5.5 km
Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.
REMA 1000
5.7 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.
Garndamen
5.7 km
Intimate yarn shop in the heart of Skørping, brimming with colourful fibres, patterns and friendly expertise for knitters and crocheters of every level.
FKN Genbrug / DCA Op Shop
5.7 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
5.7 km
Small-town Danish charity shop where second-hand fashion, homeware and local community spirit come together to support global humanitarian work.
Maggies Gemakker
5.7 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.
Bogby 9520
5.8 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.
Meny
5.8 km
Modern Danish supermarket in Skørping Centret with fresh counters, local specialties and a strong wine selection – a practical one‑stop shop for travelers.
Lenas Blomster
5.8 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
5.9 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.
Sc Møbler
6.0 km
Down-to-earth Danish furniture and home comforts in a small-town Arden showroom focused on practical, real-life living spaces.
Holy Moses Wineshop
6.1 km
Characterful neighbourhood wine shop in Skørping, pouring American bottles, local vintages and sustainable delights from morning to evening every day.
SPAR
6.1 km
Compact neighborhood supermarket in Arden, ideal for stocking up on everyday groceries, road-trip snacks and simple meals while exploring northern Jutland.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rottehullet / Bodega
3.6 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Skørping Bodega
5.8 km
Down-to-earth local bodega in central Skørping, serving cold beers, simple drinks and small-town atmosphere from midday until late on weekends.
Carsten fenger
6.8 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.
Center Pubben ApS
7.0 km
Cozy neighborhood pub in Terndrup Center, pouring cold beer, simple drinks and warm small-town atmosphere in a no-nonsense Danish bar setting.
Happy Friday
11.7 km
Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.
City Bar Støvring
12.6 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
12.8 km
Laid‑back neighborhood bar in small‑town Støvring, with a subtle motorbike vibe, simple drinks and a down‑to‑earth atmosphere on Viborgvej.
Den Graa Kok Vinkælderen
13.2 km
Refined wine bar and cellar in North Jutland offering curated selections and elegant dining.
Jagtstuen
13.4 km
Traditional Danish bodega-style bar in central Hadsund, known for its cozy atmosphere and pioneering dementia-friendly approach to everyday social life.
Kælderen
13.4 km
Intimate basement bar at the heart of Hadsund's town square, open for evening gatherings Thursday through Sunday.
ar
13.7 km
Unpretentious waterfront bar on Ved Stranden in Hadsund, where simple drinks, fjord views and small-town atmosphere create an easygoing evening stop.
Olivia
14.9 km
Casual Danish beer hall where locals gather for drinks, conversation, and authentic small-town hospitality.
Loke's Ølstue
16.2 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.
Vognhjulet Pub
19.5 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Torvebaren
19.7 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Buddy Holly
19.7 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.
Night Cirque
28.1 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
28.4 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
28.5 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
28.5 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
28.5 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.
Storm P Beer & Cocktails
28.5 km
Experience Aalborg's legendary Jomfru Ane Gade at Storm P Beer & Cocktails—a vibrant night club, beer haven, and cocktail lounge with playful Danish flair.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
28.5 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.
C Night Club
28.5 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Hugos Garage
28.5 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.
Rocken
28.5 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
Casino Aalborg
28.6 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.
Mjølner
29.4 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.
Randers Rave
34.9 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.
Rustik & Flamingo
37.7 km
Rustik & Flamingo offers upscale cocktails and a vibrant late-night dance floor, making it one of Randers’ premier nightlife and party destinations.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
