Lille Blåkilde

A crystal-clear fracture spring discharging 90 liters per second, home to rare alpine species and 6,000 years of human history.

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Denmark
Rold Skov
Lille Blåkilde

Lille Blåkilde, meaning 'Little Blue Spring,' is one of Northern Jutland's most voluminous natural springs, discharging approximately 90 liters of crystal-clear water per second from limestone fractures within the Rold Skov forest. Located near Skørping, this protected natural wonder supports rare alpine species like the caddisfly Apatania Muliebris, maintained by the spring's constant 7.5°C temperature year-round. Accessible only by foot via well-marked forest trails, the site offers an immersive experience combining pristine hydrology, unique chalk grassland habitat, and evidence of 6,000 years of human settlement.

A brief summary to Lille Blåkilde

Unnamed Road 9520, Skørping, 9520, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Free
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 sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as forest trails can be uneven, rocky, and muddy, especially after rain.
Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best natural lighting and fewer visitors; May mornings offer a chance to hear nightingales singing in the wetland vegetation.
Bring binoculars and a field guide to identify rare plants like early-purple orchids and lime-loving species on the chalk grassland slopes.
Stay strictly on marked paths to protect the protected habitat; do not wade in the spring or collect plants, animals, or geological samples.
Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the scenic rest areas along the trails; bring water and snacks as facilities are minimal.

Getting There

Car from Skørping

Drive north from Skørping on Rebildvej for approximately 5 kilometers, then turn right onto Rebild Kirkevej and continue for about 2 kilometers until you reach the free parking area. The drive takes approximately 10–15 minutes. From the parking area, follow the marked forest trail on foot for 1–2 kilometers to reach Lille Blåkilde. The final approach is accessible only by foot.
Public bus and walking from Skørping Station

From Skørping Station, take bus 103 or 104 toward Rebild Kirkevej (confirm current schedules locally, as stops may vary). The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes. A single fare costs approximately 24 DKK. Exit near Rebild Kirkevej, then walk to the parking area and follow the marked forest trail for 1–2 kilometers to the spring. Total journey time is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Taxi from Skørping Station

A taxi from Skørping Station to the parking area on Rebild Kirkevej costs approximately 150–200 DKK and takes about 10–15 minutes. From the parking area, follow the marked forest trail on foot for 1–2 kilometers to reach Lille Blåkilde.
Walking from alternative parking on Buderupholmvej

Park at either Frueskoen-parkeringsplads or Havdalspladen along Buderupholmvej. Follow the yellow-marked forest trails from either parking area to Lille Blåkilde. This route offers an alternative approach through the Rold Skov forest, with walking times varying depending on which parking area you choose.

Lille Blåkilde location weather suitability

Any Weather
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather

Discover more about Lille Blåkilde

A Geological Marvel Hidden in the Forest

Lille Blåkilde emerges from a fracture in the underlying limestone bedrock, creating one of Denmark's most remarkable natural springs. Despite its diminutive name—translating to 'Little Blue Spring'—it is paradoxically one of the region's largest springs, discharging approximately 90 liters of crystal-clear water every second. The water emerges through several small cracks in the limestone, a geological phenomenon known as a fracture spring, before flowing approximately 70 meters into Lindenborg Å. This constant, powerful discharge drains an area of 10 to 12 square kilometers, making it a significant hydrological feature of the Rold Skov landscape.

An Ecosystem of Exceptional Rarity

The spring's most distinctive characteristic is its year-round constant temperature of 7.5 degrees Celsius, a feature that creates a unique habitat found nowhere else in Denmark. This stable thermal environment supports the rare caddisfly Apatania Muliebris, a species typically found only in alpine regions of Norway and the Alps. The spring also hosts common freshwater species including stoneflies, mayflies, and other caddisflies. At the outlet into Lindenborg Å during May, brook lampreys—small eel-like fish also called nine-eyed eels—can often be observed. The surrounding waters and limestone substrate create conditions that sustain this exceptional biodiversity, making Lille Blåkilde a living laboratory of natural selection and adaptation.

Chalk Grassland and Botanical Significance

The limestone geology visible on both sides of the approach steps creates two distinct ecological zones. On the right side, bare limestone is clearly visible beneath the forest canopy. On the left, a thin layer of topsoil covers the limestone, forming a rare natural habitat called chalk grassland or calcareous grassland. This specialized environment supports lime-loving plants including primrose, cowslip, and the early-purple orchid. Evidence of recent woodland succession is visible through remnant plants such as Solomon's seal and baneberry, indicating that the slope was forested until recent decades. The area is strictly protected, and removal of plants is prohibited to preserve this delicate ecological balance.

Six Millennia of Human Presence

The landscape surrounding Lille Blåkilde bears witness to continuous human occupation spanning at least 6,000 years. A few hundred meters south of the spring, remains of ancient roads, stone rows, and stone circles testify to prehistoric activity. Above the spring lies one of Denmark's most concentrated archaeological sites, where dolmens from the Stone Age and burial mounds from the Bronze Age are located in closer proximity than anywhere else in the country. An ancient road that once traversed the forest and connected to the river valley still leaves visible traces, including a ford south of the spring's outlet. These archaeological remnants suggest that the spring's reliable freshwater supply made it a focal point for settlement and travel throughout the ages.

The Forest Setting and Sensory Experience

Lille Blåkilde is situated within the expansive Rold Skov forest, northwest of Nørreskov, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient trees. The approach via well-marked forest trails offers visitors a gradual immersion into the natural landscape, with views of open fields and meadows before reaching the wooden boardwalk that leads to the spring itself. The gentle murmur of flowing water, the cool forest air, and the sight of crystal-clear water emerging from limestone create a profoundly tranquil atmosphere. The area's protected status ensures that the forest environment remains largely undisturbed, preserving the sensory qualities that make a visit to Lille Blåkilde a contemplative experience.

Access and Visitor Considerations

The spring is accessible only on foot, with parking available halfway along Rebild Kirkevej. The walking trail from the parking area to Lille Blåkilde is approximately 1 to 2 kilometers through the forest, well-marked and relatively easy for most visitors, though the terrain can be uneven and rocky in places. The protected status of the area means that visitors must remain on designated paths, and wading in the spring or collecting plants and animals is strictly forbidden. The site's remote location within the forest and its protected designation ensure that Lille Blåkilde retains its character as a place of natural significance rather than a heavily developed tourist attraction.

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.

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.

Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin

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.

Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen

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

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.

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.

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Lille Blåkilde

A brief summary to Lille Blåkilde

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Skørping

Public bus and walking from Skørping Station

Taxi from Skørping Station

Walking from alternative parking on Buderupholmvej

Lille Blåkilde location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Lille Blåkilde

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Lille Blåkilde

A Geological Marvel Hidden in the Forest

An Ecosystem of Exceptional Rarity

Chalk Grassland and Botanical Significance

Six Millennia of Human Presence

The Forest Setting and Sensory Experience

Access and Visitor Considerations

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hotel BramslevGaard

Restaurant BramslevGaard

Aalborgtårnet

Mariager Fjord

Østre Anlæg

Aalborgmanden

Gråbrødrekloster Museum

Aalborg Historical Museum

Old City Hall

Jens Bangs Stonehouse

Aalborg Kloster

House of Music

Jørgen Olufsens House

Aalborghus Castle

Hobro Lystbådehavn

Unmissable attractions to see

Ravnkilde

Røverknolden

Gravlev Kilde

Comwell Rebild Bakker

Stenstuen

Danhostel Rebild

Jensen Frode (Kulbrænder)

Kvalitetssti Rebild

VINGES VANDRING

Rebild Bakker Information

RebildPorten

Rebild National Park

Museum Rebild

Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker

Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker

Essential places to dine

Røverstuen

Rebildhus

Top Karens Hus

Westernhuset

Bb Rold

Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin

Ice Sushi

Bella Italia Støvring

MesterBageren Støvring

Restaurant Hul19

Mosskovpavillonen

MADUMSØHUS ISBAR

Burger King

Motorvejsgrillen

Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Rebild Bakker (Rebildvej / Rebild)

Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus

Holy Moses Wineshop

KaLo Design

Vinhandel La BourGogne

Lenas Blomster

Kirkens Korshær Genbrug

Meny

Bogby 9520

Maggies Gemakker