Rold Forest
Denmark's largest forest—a 8,600-hectare wilderness of ancient geology, rare orchids, and legendary robbers.
Denmark's largest connected forest spanning 8,600 hectares across Himmerland, Rold Forest is a sprawling woodland of coniferous and beech trees interspersed with rare flora, ancient burial mounds, and geological wonders. The hilly terrain features pristine springs, sinkholes, and streams that support diverse wildlife including red deer, badgers, and hibernating bats. With 25% state-owned and accessible 24/7, and 75% privately managed with restricted access, the forest offers extensive hiking and cycling trails through landscapes shaped by ice age geology over 18,000 years ago.
A brief summary to Rold Forest
- Vælderskoven, Skørping, 9520, DK
- Duration: 2 to 8 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in summer when heather flowers blanket Rebild Bakker's hills in purple, creating spectacular photo opportunities and vibrant colour throughout the landscape.
- Download trail maps before visiting; many marked routes exist, but maps are primarily in Danish. The state-owned forest (25%) offers unrestricted access 24/7, while private areas require staying on designated paths between 6 a.m. and dusk.
- Seek out the rare lady's-slipper orchid in spring and early summer in chalk-rich areas; observe from a distance as all Danish orchids are protected and picking is forbidden.
- Explore Røverstuen sinkhole and learn the legend of the robbers who once used it as a hideout; the dramatic 12-metre-deep depression is one of the forest's most intriguing geological features.
- Visit Thingbæk Kalkminer, the abandoned limestone mines now used for underground art exhibitions and winter bat hibernation, administered through Rebildcentret with museum facilities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Sheltered Areas
Getting There
-
Car from Aalborg
Drive south from Aalborg towards Skørping, approximately 50 kilometres, taking 50–60 minutes via Route 16 and Route 180. Parking is available at multiple forest access points, including near Vælderskoven and Rebild Bakker. Free parking at most trailheads; some facilities may charge small fees.
-
Train and Bus from Aalborg
Take a train from Aalborg to Skørping station (approximately 1 hour, several daily services). From Skørping, local buses or taxis provide access to forest trailheads; journey time 10–20 minutes depending on destination. Train tickets cost approximately 80–120 DKK; bus fares vary by route.
-
Bicycle from Skørping
Cycle from Skørping town centre to forest entrances, 5–15 kilometres depending on chosen trail access point, taking 20–40 minutes on flat to gently rolling terrain. Bike rental available in Skørping; forest trails are well-marked for cycling.
-
Guided Tour from Rebildcentret
Book guided walks or tours through Rebildcentret visitor centre, located within the forest near Rebild. Tours typically last 2–4 hours and include themed routes exploring geology, flora, history, or specific sites such as Thingbæk Kalkminer. Prices vary; advance booking recommended.
Rold Forest location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Rold Forest
A Forest Shaped by Ancient Ice
Rold Forest rests upon a high-lying moraine plateau carved by glacial forces more than 18,000 years ago. The dramatic terrain reflects this ice age legacy, with elevations ranging from 10 metres above sea level in the Lindenborg Å river valley to 60–80 metres atop the moraine hills. This extreme topographical variation has profoundly shaped the forest's character, creating a landscape of rolling hills, deep gullies, and drainless sinkholes that punctuate the woodland. The geological foundation—sandy and gravelly moraine earth combined with heavy rainfall—makes the region ideal for the dense coniferous forests that dominate today, though efforts have been made to preserve stands of old-growth beech woodland as well.Springs, Sinkholes, and Hidden Stories
The forest's most distinctive geological features are its numerous springs and sinkholes, each with its own character and history. Springs such as Lille Blåkilde, Ravnkilde, Gravlevkilden, and Egebækkilden maintain a constant temperature of 7.5 degrees Celsius year-round, creating unique microclimates where both warm-period and ice age relics have survived. These spring-fed areas support rich wildlife and rare plant species adapted to their cool, mineral-rich waters. Among the forest's most intriguing sinkholes is Røverstuen, a dramatic depression 12 metres deep and 35 metres in diameter. Local legend claims it once served as a hideout for a notorious gang of robbers who would stretch tripwires with bells across the nearby forest road, Roldvej, to alert themselves to approaching travellers they could ambush and rob.Rare Flora and Diverse Fauna
Despite the forest's dominance of conifers, Rold Forest harbours exceptional botanical diversity in specific microhabitats. The rare lady's-slipper orchid grows alongside pennywort, smell fox, and red helleborine in areas where chalk surfaces naturally. Blue anemones and crowberries add seasonal colour to the forest floor. All Danish orchids are protected by law, and picking them is strictly forbidden. The forest's fauna is equally impressive, with populations of red deer, badgers, foxes, and numerous bird species. In winter, five species of hibernating bats shelter in the abandoned limestone mines of Thingbæk, now repurposed as underground galleries for art exhibitions. The forest is designated as both a Natura 2000 habitat and a Ramsar wetland of international importance, reflecting its ecological significance.Human History Etched in the Landscape
Rold Forest carries layers of human history visible to those who know where to look. Burial mounds from the Bronze Age and Bronze Stone Age dot the landscape, particularly in Bjergeskoven north of Rebild, where prominent mounds such as Stenstuen and Svinehøjene stand as silent witnesses to ancient settlements. Sunken lanes—roads eroded into deep ditches by centuries of use—crisscross the forest, with Hulvejen being the most renowned. These hollow ways reveal how medieval and early modern travellers moved through the landscape, their repeated passage gradually carving the earth away. Charcoal making was once an extensive industry here, requiring vast quantities of wood and significantly reducing the forest's extent; today, a single charcoal burner guild maintains the tradition with annual public demonstrations.Ownership, Access, and Recreation
Three major estates—Lindenborg, Nørlund, and Willestrup—own 75% of Rold Forest, while the Danish state administers the remaining 25% through Naturstyrelsen Himmerland. This division creates two distinct visitor experiences. In privately owned areas, access is restricted to designated paths and roads on foot or bicycle, permitted only between 6 a.m. and dusk, and must remain at least 150 metres from residential and operational buildings. In the state-owned forest, visitors enjoy 24-hour access with complete freedom to roam, plus dedicated hiking trails, mountain bike routes, camping facilities, and campfire sites. Popular destinations include Rebild Bakker with its heather-covered hills, Madum Lake for swimming, Store Blåkilde spring, and the atmospheric Troldeskoven woodland.Modern Conservation and Tourism
The forest's transformation into a major tourist destination began in 1869 with the arrival of the railway, which stopped at St. Økssø where a forest pavilion was built, and at Skørping station. Today, Rold Forest attracts visitors year-round, each season offering distinct experiences: spring brings blooming flora, summer sees heather flowers carpeting the hills in purple, autumn displays rich reds and browns, and winter transforms the landscape with snow or bare branches. The Rebildcentret serves as a hub for information, hosting museums and conservation activities. Marked trails such as Rebild Bakker Rute and Den Gastronomiske kvalitetssti guide visitors through the forest's most scenic sections, while the landscape's hilly terrain and variable greenery ensure that solitude is never far away, even during peak visiting periods.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel BramslevGaard
18.5 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
18.6 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
19.8 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
20.0 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
21.4 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
21.6 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
21.8 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Mariager Church
21.8 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.
Rosenhaven
22.0 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'.
Befrielsessten i Assens
22.0 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.
Alstrup krat
22.0 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
22.0 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
22.1 km
Explore Ivan Evigvår Trold, a magical tourist attraction in Mariager, Denmark, where folklore meets artistry in a stunning natural setting.
Fyrkat Viking Museum
22.2 km
Explore the rich Viking heritage at Fyrkat Viking Museum in Hobro, Denmark, featuring interactive exhibits and authentic Viking reconstructions.
Havnø Gods
24.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of Havnø Gods, a historic Danish farm estate offering a tranquil escape into the countryside, complete with scenic trails and a glimpse into traditional agriculture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Skillingbro kalkgrav
0.4 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.
Troldeskoven
0.4 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.
Rold Storkro
0.5 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.
Skovtårnet
0.6 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.
Hvasstræet
0.8 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.
Urskoven
0.9 km
Ancient beech forest untouched for centuries, where nature evolves freely in Denmark's largest woodland.
Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center
1.1 km
An atmospheric limestone mine turned sculpture museum, paired with geology and Cold War exhibits in the Rebild hills, where art, stone, and history meet underground.
rebildsmykket.dk
1.1 km
Underground chalk mines, evocative sculpture and modern exhibitions meet scenic valley views at this compact cultural and landscape hub near Rebild Bakker.
Lars Kjærs Hus
1.1 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.
Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
1.1 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.
Midt inde i Rold Skov
1.4 km
Deep within Denmark's largest forest, a serene woodland viewpoint revealing ancient landscapes and timeless natural beauty.
Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker
1.5 km
Octagonal fire shelter honoring Danish-American heritage in Rebild's protected hills.
Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
1.5 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.
Rebild National Park
1.6 km
Denmark's historic heathland where glacial hills meet Danish-American heritage and Europe's finest certified hiking trails.
Springkilden
1.6 km
A hidden artesian spring surging from the forest floor in a steep Lindenborg valley, where water, ice and deep green woodland create an intimate natural spectacle.
Essential places to dine
Westernhuset
1.5 km
Skørping's premier venue for group celebrations and traditional Danish dining
Top Karens Hus
1.6 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
1.7 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
1.7 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
1.8 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.
Mosskovpavillonen
4.1 km
Historic forest pavilion serving French-Danish cuisine beside a pristine lake in North Jutland's natural heart.
Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin
4.4 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and kebab house in central Skørping, serving generous Danish-style pizzas, kebabs and grill favorites at moderate prices all week.
Restaurant Hul19
6.4 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
7.3 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
7.7 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
7.7 km
Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.
MADUMSØHUS ISBAR
8.3 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
8.7 km
Flame-grilled burgers and quick meals in rural Jutland's convenient fast-food hub.
Motorvejsgrillen
8.9 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
10.1 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
0.5 km
Discover Vinhandel La BourGogne in Skørping: A curated selection of fine wines and expert guidance await wine enthusiasts.
Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus
1.7 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)
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.
Holy Moses Wineshop
3.7 km
Characterful neighbourhood wine shop in Skørping, pouring American bottles, local vintages and sustainable delights from morning to evening every day.
Lenas Blomster
4.3 km
Friendly neighbourhood florist and gift boutique in the heart of Skørping, blending seasonal blooms, curated presents and local small-town charm.
Bogby 9520
4.4 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
4.4 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
4.4 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
4.4 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
4.4 km
Small-town Danish charity shop where second-hand fashion, homeware and local community spirit come together to support global humanitarian work.
Garndamen
4.5 km
Intimate yarn shop in the heart of Skørping, brimming with colourful fibres, patterns and friendly expertise for knitters and crocheters of every level.
Meny
4.5 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
4.5 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
4.6 km
Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.
Louise Nørgaard
4.6 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
4.3 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
6.4 km
Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.
City Bar Støvring
7.5 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
7.7 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
7.7 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.
Rottehullet / Bodega
11.6 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Carsten fenger
11.7 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
14.6 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
19.8 km
Aalborg's casual neighborhood bar for relaxed socializing and unwinding with friends
Vognhjulet Pub
20.5 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Torvebaren
20.7 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.
Madam Blå's Vandhul
20.8 km
A cozy, day‑time neighborhood bar-café in Hobro where locals linger over coffee, beer and small talk in an easygoing, homely atmosphere.
Club 85@Nibe Festival
20.8 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.
Jazz Hobro
20.9 km
Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.
Bræddehytten Bar & Pub
20.9 km
Unpretentious local bar on Hobro’s main street, pouring cold beer and warm hygge in a classic Danish pub setting with friendly, small-town atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Nature Escape
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Eco-Friendly
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Pet Friendly
