Thingbæk Chalk Mines & Rebildcentret
An underground world of chalk, sculpture, bats and Cold War stories, set in protected North Jutland hills at the evocative Thingbæk Chalk Mines and Rebildcentret.
Carved into the hills near Skørping, Thingbæk Chalk Mines form an atmospheric underground world where art, geology and history meet. Once an active limestone mine, the caverns now house haunting gypsum and bronze sculptures by Danish masters, seasonal bat colonies and special exhibitions. Above ground, Rebildcentret adds hands-on displays on limestone, springs and the Cold War, all set in protected countryside close to Rebild Bakker National Park.
A brief summary to Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center
- Røde Møllevej 4, Skørping, 9520, DK
- +4598375500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Bring a warm layer; the mine stays chilly even in summer and the contrast with outdoor temperatures can be noticeable.
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes, as the mine floors can be slightly uneven and may feel damp in places.
- Check current opening hours and ticket prices in advance, as these can vary seasonally and for special events.
- If you are interested in REGAN Vest, allow extra time to explore the Cold War exhibition in the museum building.
- Photography is atmospheric underground; adjust settings for low light and be considerate of other visitors when using flash.
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
Getting There
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Regional train and taxi from Aalborg
From Aalborg, take a regional train to Skørping station; departures are typically at least hourly and the journey takes around 20–25 minutes. From Skørping, a pre-booked taxi ride to Thingbæk Chalk Mines usually takes 10–15 minutes. Expect to pay roughly 40–70 DKK per adult for the train depending on ticket type and around 150–250 DKK for the taxi each way, with higher fares in evenings or on weekends.
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Car from Aalborg and North Jutland
Driving from Aalborg to the mines normally takes about 30–40 minutes via main regional roads. The route is straightforward and mostly on good-quality highways and country roads, with gentle hills and occasional narrow sections near the attraction. Parking is typically available near the Rebildcentret area, but spaces can fill up on busy summer days and during school holidays, so plan to arrive earlier in the day for easier parking.
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Cycling from Skørping area
For active visitors staying around Skørping or Rebild Bakker, cycling to Thingbæk is a pleasant option in good weather. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes each way from Skørping depending on your route and pace. Expect rolling terrain with some moderate hills and a mix of paved roads and potential roadside cycle paths. Bring lights and reflective gear if returning late, as some stretches may have limited lighting and fast-moving traffic.
Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center
From Working Limestone Mine to Atmospheric Museum
Thingbæk began life in the 1920s as a limestone mine, part of a long local tradition of quarrying the soft white rock for construction and industry. The underground galleries were hewn horizontally into the hillside, creating high, vaulted spaces with thick pillars left to support the ceiling. When mining became unprofitable around 1960, the tunnels might easily have been abandoned, but they had already started a second life. As early as 1935, the caverns opened to the public as an exhibition space, turning an industrial site into a cultural experiment. The constant cool temperature and muffled acoustics gave the mine a naturally theatrical quality, transforming simple corridors into shadowy halls where light, stone and silence do much of the storytelling.Sculptures in the Half-Light Underground
Today the mine is best known as a sculpture museum. In the larger chambers, you wander among gypsum figures by Anders Bundgaard, the sculptor behind famous Danish monuments such as the Gefion Fountain and the Cimbrian Bull. Many pieces here are working models for those grand public artworks, allowing you to see intimate versions of sculptures that later grew to monumental scale elsewhere in Denmark. The collection also includes bronze works by Carl Johan Bonnesen and a striking relief carved directly into the limestone wall by Søren Assenholt. Candles and discreet spotlights pick out faces and folded drapery, while the rough mine walls frame each piece. The combination of raw geology and carefully modelled figures creates a surreal, almost otherworldly gallery.Bats, Springs and the Limestone Landscape
Beyond art, the mines are a haven for wildlife. During winter, several species of bats hibernate in the cool, stable air, hanging unnoticed above the paths or tucked into crevices. Interpretation in the museum explains how important such underground spaces are as seasonal refuges, and why the colony is carefully protected. Outside, the Rebildcentret broadens the story into a wider portrait of chalk landscapes. Exhibitions highlight the way limestone filters water to create clear springs and how this geology has shaped local agriculture and settlement. Trails in the surrounding protected area lead past land art pieces made from natural materials and viewpoints over nearby Rebild Bakker’s rolling heath and woodland.Rebildcentret, the Cold War and REGAN Vest
Above ground, the museum building adds layers of recent history. A large exhibition focuses on the Cold War and Denmark’s deepest secret bunker, REGAN Vest, constructed nearby as a hidden command center during tense decades of East–West standoff. Models, objects and explanations outline how the bunker was designed to function and what life inside would have been like during a crisis. Another permanent display, often titled along the lines of “Sources of Life”, examines limestone and springs from a scientific and cultural angle, tying together geology, water and human use. Temporary exhibitions, from photography to themed historical displays, round out the mix, ensuring there is usually something new on show for repeat visitors.Exploring the Caverns as a Visitor Experience
A visit combines indoor galleries, outdoor paths and the evocative underground walk. The mines stay cool year-round, so even on hot days you will want a warm layer as you step into the dim tunnels and your breath fogs slightly in the air. Underfoot, the ground is firm but slightly uneven, and the echo of footsteps mixes with the occasional drip of water. Most visitors allow a couple of hours to explore both the mine and the museum exhibitions at a relaxed pace, lingering over sculptures or reading about the Cold War. The setting in gentle hills makes it easy to combine with short walks in the surrounding landscape, turning a cultural stop into a half-day escape in North Jutland’s countryside.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel BramslevGaard
19.6 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
19.6 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
20.9 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
20.9 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
22.5 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
22.7 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
22.8 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
22.8 km
Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's premier design museum.
Mariager Church
22.9 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.
Befrielsessten i Assens
23.0 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.
Rosenhaven
23.0 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'.
Alstrup krat
23.1 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
23.1 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
23.1 km
Explore Ivan Evigvår Trold, a magical tourist attraction in Mariager, Denmark, where folklore meets artistry in a stunning natural setting.
Fyrkat Viking Museum
23.1 km
Explore the rich Viking heritage at Fyrkat Viking Museum in Hobro, Denmark, featuring interactive exhibits and authentic Viking reconstructions.
Unmissable attractions to see
rebildsmykket.dk
0.0 km
Underground chalk mines, evocative sculpture and modern exhibitions meet scenic valley views at this compact cultural and landscape hub near Rebild Bakker.
Rold Storkro
0.6 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.
Skillingbro kalkgrav
0.7 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.
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.
Rold Forest
1.1 km
Denmark’s largest contiguous forest: a rolling mosaic of springs, hills, rare orchids and historic tracks, inviting year‑round walking, cycling and quiet nature immersion.
Troldeskoven
1.1 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.
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.
Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
1.2 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.
Skovtårnet
1.4 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.
Gravlev Kilde
1.5 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.
Hvasstræet
1.7 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.
Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker
1.7 km
Octagonal fire shelter honoring Danish-American heritage in Rebild's protected hills.
Rebild National Park
1.8 km
Denmark's historic heathland where glacial hills meet Danish-American heritage and Europe's finest certified hiking trails.
Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
1.8 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.
Urskoven
1.9 km
Ancient beech forest untouched for centuries, where nature evolves freely in Denmark's largest woodland.
Essential places to dine
Westernhuset
1.7 km
Skørping's premier venue for group celebrations and traditional Danish dining
Top Karens Hus
1.7 km
Historic countryside traktørsted at the gateway to Rebild Bakker, serving traditional Danish food, coffee and cake in intimate low‑ceilinged rooms and garden.
Rebildhus
1.9 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
2.0 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
2.0 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
4.7 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and kebab house in central Skørping, serving generous Danish-style pizzas, kebabs and grill favorites at moderate prices all week.
Mosskovpavillonen
5.1 km
Historic forest pavilion serving French-Danish cuisine beside a pristine lake in North Jutland's natural heart.
Ice Sushi
6.5 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.
Restaurant Hul19
6.7 km
Laid-back Scandinavian clubhouse dining with sweeping views over Rold Skov Golfklub’s closing hole and the forested landscape beyond in Skørping.
Bella Italia Støvring
6.8 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
6.8 km
Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.
Burger King
8.9 km
Flame-grilled burgers and quick meals in rural Jutland's convenient fast-food hub.
Motorvejsgrillen
9.0 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.
MADUMSØHUS ISBAR
9.1 km
Homely countryside ice cream stop by Madum Lake, where classic Danish soft ice meets quiet Jutland landscapes and relaxed summer-evening vibes.
Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen
9.9 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
0.6 km
Discover Vinhandel La BourGogne in Skørping: A curated selection of fine wines and expert guidance await wine enthusiasts.
Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus
1.9 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)
2.0 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
4.0 km
Characterful neighbourhood wine shop in Skørping, pouring American bottles, local vintages and sustainable delights from morning to evening every day.
Lenas Blomster
4.6 km
Friendly neighbourhood florist and gift boutique in the heart of Skørping, blending seasonal blooms, curated presents and local small-town charm.
Bogby 9520
4.6 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
4.7 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.
Maggies Gemakker
4.7 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.
FKN Genbrug / DCA Op Shop
4.7 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
4.7 km
Small-town Danish charity shop where second-hand fashion, homeware and local community spirit come together to support global humanitarian work.
Meny
4.7 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
4.8 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.
Garndamen
4.8 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
4.9 km
Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.
Louise Nørgaard
5.0 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
4.6 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
5.6 km
Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.
City Bar Støvring
6.6 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
6.8 km
Laid‑back neighborhood bar in small‑town Støvring, with a subtle motorbike vibe, simple drinks and a down‑to‑earth atmosphere on Viborgvej.
Loke's Ølstue
7.0 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
12.0 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
12.5 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Center Pubben ApS
15.2 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
19.1 km
Aalborg's casual neighborhood bar for relaxed socializing and unwinding with friends
Club 85@Nibe Festival
19.7 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.
Jernkroen
20.0 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.
Vognhjulet Pub
21.4 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Torvebaren
21.6 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
21.7 km
A cozy, day‑time neighborhood bar-café in Hobro where locals linger over coffee, beer and small talk in an easygoing, homely atmosphere.
Jazz Hobro
21.8 km
Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Mjølner
20.5 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.
Buddy Holly
21.6 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.
Mariager Fjord Golf
24.0 km
Mariager Fjord Golf blends a challenging 18-hole course with spectacular fjord views, laid-back Danish charm, and a welcoming clubhouse overlooking North Jutland’s scenic waters.
Night Cirque
24.8 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
25.0 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
25.0 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
25.0 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
25.1 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.
C Night Club
25.1 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Hugos Garage
25.1 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.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
25.1 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.
Rocken
25.1 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
Casino Aalborg
25.2 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.
Randers Rave
41.2 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.
Jazzens Venner
42.0 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
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
- Business Friendly
