NST Himmerland – Rold Skov & Lakes Nature Area

Forests, lakes and quiet trails: NST Himmerland’s Rold Skov landscape offers classic Danish nature, gentle adventures and simple outdoor facilities near Skørping.

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Rold Skov
Nst Himmerland

NST Himmerland is the local unit of the Danish Nature Agency managing parts of the vast Rold Skov forest and its tranquil lakes near Skørping in Himmerland, North Jutland. From mirror‑still waters like Lille Økssø to mixed woodland rich in orchids, mosses and birdlife, this is a quietly spectacular pocket of Danish nature. Waymarked trails, picnic spots and campfire shelters make it ideal for gentle walks, family outings and unhurried immersion in the forest landscape.

A brief summary to Nst Himmerland

Møldrupvej 26, Skørping, 9520, DK
+4572543000
Duration: 1.5 to 6 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Bring sturdy walking shoes; forest paths can be sandy, rooty and muddy after rain, especially near lakes and boggy sections.
Pack snacks and water, as facilities are scattered and you may be far from shops once you head into the forest.
Consider visiting in early morning or late afternoon for calmer trails, softer light and a higher chance of spotting wildlife.
Respect fire regulations at campfire sites; use only designated fireplaces and check any posted restrictions during dry periods.
In summer, bring swimwear and a towel so you can take advantage of the forest lakes where bathing is permitted.

Getting There

Regional train and local walk from Aalborg

From Aalborg, take a regional train on the line toward Skørping; journeys typically take about 30–40 minutes and run at least once an hour during the day. A standard adult single ticket usually costs around 60–90 DKK depending on discounts and time of purchase. From Skørping station, allow 30–40 minutes on foot along local roads and forest edges to reach the main NST Himmerland forest access points. The walk is on mixed pavement and gravel, mostly flat but with some gentle inclines, and is suitable for most visitors with comfortable footwear.
Car from Aalborg or Hobro area

Driving from central Aalborg to the NST Himmerland area near Skørping typically takes 30–40 minutes, while the journey from Hobro usually takes 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic. There is no entrance fee to the nature area itself, but expect fuel costs of roughly 60–120 DKK return depending on your vehicle and starting point. Several small forest car parks serve trailheads and lakes; they are generally free, but spaces can be limited on sunny weekends and during school holidays. Surfaces are gravel, with some narrow access roads, so drive slowly and watch for walkers and cyclists.
Train to Arden and short taxi hop

Another option is to take a regional train to Arden, which lies on the same line between Aalborg and Randers; travel times from Aalborg are roughly 35–45 minutes. Ticket prices are similar to those to Skørping, generally in the 60–90 DKK range for a standard adult single. From Arden station, local trails and forest edges are within walking distance for confident walkers, but if you prefer, a short taxi ride of around 10–15 minutes can bring you closer to specific NST Himmerland facilities or lakes, usually costing in the region of 100–200 DKK depending on distance and time of day.

Nst Himmerland location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Snow
Hot Weather
Windy Conditions

Discover more about Nst Himmerland

Forest heart of Himmerland

Rold Skov is one of Denmark’s largest contiguous forests, and NST Himmerland is the local branch of the Danish Nature Agency that looks after much of this landscape. The agency’s territory stretches around Skørping and Arden, where deep woodland, rolling hills and a patchwork of lakes and bogs form a core nature area in northern Jutland. Here you encounter classic Danish beech stands, darker conifer plantations and patches of ancient forest where deadwood is left for fungi and insects. Although the management office itself sits unobtrusively on Møldrupvej, what draws visitors is the surrounding mosaic of nature. Paths fan out into the woods, linking viewpoints, bathing lakes and quiet clearings. This is a working forest, but recreational access is a central part of its purpose, so you repeatedly see signs, simple facilities and map boards inviting you to step further in.

Lakes, bogs and rare plants

One of the area’s signatures is its small, dark lakes set like mirrors among the trees. Lille Økssø and other nearby forest lakes are typical: tannin‑stained water edged by reeds and birch, with sandy patches suitable for a cooling dip in summer. Boardwalks and soft forest trails hug the shores, giving you shifting views of water, sky and canopy. Early in the day, mist can hang over the surface while grebes and ducks trace gentle ripples. Botanically, Rold Skov is known for species that thrive in its leached sandy soils and remnant wetlands, from blue anemones to unusual orchids where moisture and light conditions are right. Small bogs and spring areas create microhabitats for mosses, amphibians and dragonflies. Under the trees you will often see interpretive signs installed by the agency, explaining the forest’s plants and how different patches are managed.

Stories in the landscape

Nature and culture overlap strongly here. Burial mounds and stone formations in nearby forest sections speak to millennia of human presence in Himmerland. Other spots commemorate more recent history, such as memorial stones to resistance fighters from the Second World War. Simple plaques and boulders beside paths hint at dramatic stories, inviting you to pause and imagine earlier lives lived under the same canopy. The agency’s role includes preserving these traces alongside the natural environment. Old trading sites, charcoal pits and forest cottages are often left as low‑key features in the landscape rather than polished attractions. Walking through, you sense a lived‑in forest that has shifted from resource to recreation area without losing its depth of memory.

Outdoor life made easy

NST Himmerland’s management philosophy is to make outdoor life easy and low‑key rather than intrusive. Around the forest and lakes you find basic but thoughtful infrastructure: gravel tracks suitable for bikes and prams, marked hiking loops of varying length, and clear signposting where routes cross. Selected areas feature campfire shelters, wood‑store huts and picnic tables, giving structure to longer stays without overwhelming the environment. Some spots are designed with accessibility in mind, with flatter surfaces and nearby parking so that wheelchair users and those with limited mobility can enjoy the forest. Other corners are intentionally left wilder, where paths dwindle to narrow sandy tracks between heather and juniper. You can choose between a short family stroll with a playground stop, or a half‑day hike that feels surprisingly remote for such an accessible part of Denmark.

Seasons, silence and simple pleasures

What stays constant through the seasons is the sense of calm. In spring, fresh beech leaves glow almost neon‑green and birdsong fills the canopy. Summer brings warm, resin‑scented air, longer days for lake swims and late‑evening walks. Autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and rust, with crunchy leaves underfoot and good conditions for mushroom forays. In winter, a dusting of frost or snow simplifies the landscape into quiet lines of trunks and branches. Because the area is spread out, it is easy to find your own pocket of solitude. You might follow a lakeside loop, stop at an undercover fire site on a rainy day, or simply sit on a mossy stump listening to the wind in the crowns. NST Himmerland’s light‑touch management is always present in the background, but on the trail it fades away, leaving you with uncomplicated encounters with forest, water and sky.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mariager Fjord

16.8 km

Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.

Hotel BramslevGaard

17.1 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

17.1 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 Lystbådehavn

18.6 km

Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.

Hotel Postgaarden Mariager

18.9 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

19.0 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

19.1 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.

Hobro Lystbådehavn

19.2 km

Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.

Ivan Evigvår trold

19.3 km

Explore Ivan Evigvår Trold, a magical tourist attraction in Mariager, Denmark, where folklore meets artistry in a stunning natural setting.

Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb

19.7 km

Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's premier design museum.

Hotel Amerika

19.9 km

Experience tranquility and luxury at Hotel Amerika in Hobro, surrounded by the scenic Østerskoven forest and close to the beautiful Mariager Fjord, offering a unique blend of history and modern comfort.

Havnø Gods

20.0 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.

Torvekonen

20.0 km

A modest bronze market woman and fountain on Hobro’s main square, Torvekonen quietly celebrates the town’s trading roots and everyday life at Store Torv.

Havnø Mølle

20.3 km

Discover North Jutland's oldest active windmill, a beautifully restored 1842 Dutch mill offering guided tours and a glimpse into Denmark's milling history amidst scenic fjord landscapes.

Lille Vildmose

21.0 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.

Unmissable attractions to see

Nst Himmerland

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

3.3 km

Experience Denmark’s most iconic heathland vistas and heritage on the well-marked Kvalitetssti Rebild hiking trail in the legendary Rebild National Park.

Kvalitetssti Rebild

3.3 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.

Essential places to dine

Mosskovpavillonen

1.1 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

2.6 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

Bb Rold

3.2 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

3.3 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

3.3 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

3.5 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

3.5 km

Skørping's premier venue for group celebrations and traditional Danish dining

Restaurant Hul19

3.6 km

Laid-back Scandinavian clubhouse dining with sweeping views over Rold Skov Golfklub’s closing hole and the forested landscape beyond in Skørping.

MADUMSØHUS ISBAR

4.2 km

Homely countryside ice cream stop by Madum Lake, where classic Danish soft ice meets quiet Jutland landscapes and relaxed summer-evening vibes.

Ice Sushi

9.0 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

9.3 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

9.4 km

Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.

Terndrup Kro

10.6 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.

Burger King

11.9 km

Flame-grilled burgers and quick meals in rural Jutland's convenient fast-food hub.

Motorvejsgrillen

12.0 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.

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)

3.3 km

Heather-clad hills, glacial gorges, and cross-Atlantic heritage unite in Rebild Bakker, Denmark’s iconic national park and cultural meeting ground.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Skørping Bodega

2.6 km

Down-to-earth local bodega in central Skørping, serving cold beers, simple drinks and small-town atmosphere from midday until late on weekends.

Rottehullet / Bodega

7.7 km

Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.

Happy Friday

8.1 km

Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.

Carsten fenger

8.5 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.

City Bar Støvring

9.2 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

9.4 km

Laid‑back neighborhood bar in small‑town Støvring, with a subtle motorbike vibe, simple drinks and a down‑to‑earth atmosphere on Viborgvej.

Center Pubben ApS

10.7 km

Cozy neighborhood pub in Terndrup Center, pouring cold beer, simple drinks and warm small-town atmosphere in a no-nonsense Danish bar setting.

Loke's Ølstue

11.8 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.

Den Graa Kok Vinkælderen

17.5 km

Refined wine bar and cellar in North Jutland offering curated selections and elegant dining.

Jagtstuen

17.6 km

Traditional Danish bodega-style bar in central Hadsund, known for its cozy atmosphere and pioneering dementia-friendly approach to everyday social life.

Kælderen

17.6 km

Intimate basement bar at the heart of Hadsund's town square, open for evening gatherings Thursday through Sunday.

ar

18.0 km

Unpretentious waterfront bar on Ved Stranden in Hadsund, where simple drinks, fjord views and small-town atmosphere create an easygoing evening stop.

Olivia

18.6 km

Casual Danish beer hall where locals gather for drinks, conversation, and authentic small-town hospitality.

Vognhjulet Pub

19.8 km

Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.

Torvebaren

20.0 km

Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.

Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.

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NST Himmerland – Rold Skov & Lakes Nature Area

A brief summary to Nst Himmerland

Local tips

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

Getting There

Regional train and local walk from Aalborg

Car from Aalborg or Hobro area

Train to Arden and short taxi hop

Nst Himmerland location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Nst Himmerland

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Nst Himmerland

Forest heart of Himmerland

Lakes, bogs and rare plants

Stories in the landscape

Outdoor life made easy

Seasons, silence and simple pleasures

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mariager Fjord

Hotel BramslevGaard

Restaurant BramslevGaard

Mariager Lystbådehavn

Hotel Postgaarden Mariager

Mariager Kirke

Mariager Church

Hobro Lystbådehavn

Ivan Evigvår trold

Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb

Hotel Amerika

Havnø Gods

Torvekonen

Havnø Mølle

Lille Vildmose

Unmissable attractions to see

Nst Himmerland

Store Økssø

Rold Skov

Kløverstien I Skørping

Rold Skov Orienteringsklub

Madum Lake

Midt inde i Rold Skov

Rold Skov Klub

Røverknolden

Museum Rebild

Rebild Bakker Information

Urskoven

RebildPorten

VINGES VANDRING

Kvalitetssti Rebild

Essential places to dine

Mosskovpavillonen

Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin

Bb Rold

Røverstuen

Rebildhus

Top Karens Hus

Westernhuset

Restaurant Hul19

MADUMSØHUS ISBAR

Ice Sushi

Bella Italia Støvring

MesterBageren Støvring

Terndrup Kro

Burger King

Motorvejsgrillen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Holy Moses Wineshop

REMA 1000

Rold Forest Bike Shop

Louise Nørgaard

Garndamen

Maggies Gemakker

Bogby 9520

FKN Genbrug / DCA Op Shop

Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug

Lenas Blomster

Meny

MilesAbove