Ravnkilde Spring, Rebild Bakker

A clear, powerful hillside spring where rare plants, spawning sea trout and forest silence meet in a cool, shaded hollow of Rebild Bakker.

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Denmark
Rold Skov
Ravnkilde

Tucked into the wooded slopes northwest of Rebild Bakker, Ravnkilde is one of North Jutland’s most beautiful natural springs. Here, crystal-clear water wells up from a swampy hollow, gathering into tiny rivulets that merge into a strong stream flowing toward Lindenborg Å. Boardwalks and small paths draw you close to moss-covered banks, rare wetland plants and, in late autumn, sea trout that swim into the spring to spawn in the cold, oxygen-rich water.

A brief summary to Ravnkilde

Unnamed Road,, Skørping, 9520, DK
Duration: 0.5 to 2 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 waterproof or sturdy shoes; paths can be muddy and slippery around the spring, especially after rain or in winter.
Visit in late autumn or early winter if you hope to glimpse sea trout moving through the ford and into the spring to spawn.
Combine Ravnkilde with a longer loop in Rebild Bakker or Rold Skov to enjoy contrasting landscapes of open heath and dense forest.
Bring a camera with a good close-up mode; the real beauty is in the details of mosses, flowing sand and small stream channels.
Pack water and snacks; there are no facilities at the spring itself, and services are found back near Rebild or Skørping.

Getting There

Car from Aalborg

From Aalborg city, driving to Rebild Bakker and on toward the trailheads near Ravnkilde typically takes 30–40 minutes, using main regional roads through the North Jutland countryside. Parking is available at designated Rebild Bakker car parks, from where you continue on foot along signed forest and heath paths. Expect no entrance fee; parking at the larger lots usually costs around 20–40 DKK for a day ticket, sometimes payable via machine or app depending on the lot.
Train and walk from Skørping

Regional trains link Aalborg and Skørping in about 20–25 minutes, generally running at least once per hour during the day. From Skørping station, allow roughly 45–75 minutes on foot to reach the Rebild Bakker area and the paths leading toward Ravnkilde, depending on your chosen route and pace. The walk includes forest and heath trails with some hills and uneven ground, so it is not ideal for wheelchairs or strollers. Standard one-way train tickets between Aalborg and Skørping usually cost around 40–70 DKK per adult.
Bicycle from Skørping or nearby villages

Cycling from Skørping or nearby villages to the Rebild Bakker trailheads is a popular option in good weather. Expect 20–40 minutes of riding each way on a mix of minor roads and dedicated cycle paths, with some rolling hills on the approach. There is no specific fee for bike access, but you should bring a lock and plan to leave your bicycle at the main parking or visitor areas before continuing on foot to the spring along forest tracks.

Ravnkilde location weather suitability

Mild Temperatures
Clear Skies
Any Weather
Cold Weather
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Ravnkilde

A hillside spring hidden in Rold Skov

Ravnkilde lies in a shaded hollow on the edge of Rebild Bakker and Rold Skov, where a steep slope forms a natural amphitheatre around the water. Instead of bubbling from a single point, the spring seeps up across a swampy bottom, creating a patchwork of tiny pools and trickles that gradually gather into a clear, fast-flowing stream. The constant temperature and high volume of water give the place a quietly dramatic feel, especially on cool days when mist may hang over the surface. Paths and simple wooden structures draw you close to the water without disturbing its fragile edges. The soundscape is surprisingly rich for such a compact area: running water over gravel, the wind in the trees, and birds calling from the forested slopes above. Even on busy days, you can usually find a corner to stand and simply watch the currents.

Water, geology and a powerful flow

Beneath the surface, layers of sand and limestone feed the spring from deep underground. The yield is impressively high for such a small basin, with tens of litres of cold water emerging every second before running onward toward the river Lindenborg Å. The water is famously clear; you can often see the sandy bottom flickering where new water pushes up through it. This constant flow shapes the tiny channels that lace the wetland. Look closely and you may notice how the current undercuts miniature banks, creates sand fans and carves sinuous lines through patches of moss. The ford where the stream crosses the nearby gravel road is another reminder of the spring’s strength: at times the water spreads into a shallow sheet, turning the track into a small, flowing causeway.

A botanical haven in miniature

Ravnkilde’s cool, nutrient-rich water creates ideal conditions for uncommon plants. The swampy floor and banks host several species of moss that thrive only in consistently wet, clean environments. In spring and early summer, the area becomes a subtle mosaic of greens and yellows as cold-loving wood sorrel emerges under the trees and golden saxifrage dots the damp ground. Closer to the water you may find creeping spearwort, water mint, watercress and delicate cutleaf water parsnip. These species form low, tangled mats that stabilise the banks and offer habitat for insects and small aquatic creatures. The diversity is easy to overlook at first glance; take time to scan the edges of the channels and you begin to see just how many different leaves, textures and shades of green are packed into this small hollow.

Sea trout and the life of the stream

The spring is not only a refuge for plants. In November and December, large sea trout make an impressive journey from the fjord up through Lindenborg Å and into the Ravnkilde system to spawn. At high water they can even be seen crossing the gravel track via the ford, using the shallow flow to reach the main spring area. In the clear water, their movements over the gravel beds are easy to follow from the bank. Outside the spawning season, the stream supports a quieter web of life: invertebrates clinging to stones, birds hunting along the margins and amphibians using the cool pools as shelter. Because the spring water keeps a relatively stable temperature, the microclimate here can feel noticeably different from the surrounding forest – cooler in summer, milder in winter.

Walking, contemplation and connecting with the landscape

Most visitors experience Ravnkilde as part of a wider walk in Rebild Bakker or Rold Skov, following waymarked trails that dip down to the spring before climbing back into open heath or dense beech woodland. The contrast between open hills and this enclosed, shaded bowl is striking and makes the spring a natural pause point. Benches and informal seating spots invite you to stop, listen and watch the play of light on the water. Photographers are drawn to reflections of the trees, the bright greens of moss and the sight of fish holding steady in the current. For many, though, the main pleasure is simply standing quietly in this cool, damp pocket of forest and feeling how much life is sustained by a single, powerful source of water.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hotel BramslevGaard

20.1 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

20.1 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 Fjord

21.0 km

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

Hobro Lystbådehavn

21.6 km

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

Mariager Lystbådehavn

22.6 km

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

Hotel Amerika

22.7 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.

Hotel Postgaarden Mariager

22.9 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.

Befrielsessten i Assens

22.9 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.

Mariager Museum

22.9 km

Discover the captivating history of Mariager and its surrounding region at this charming museum, housed in a beautifully preserved 300-year-old merchant's house, showcasing local life through the ages.

Mariager Kirke

23.0 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

23.1 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.

Aalborgtårnet

23.1 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.

Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg

23.2 km

Experience hands-on science, vintage vehicles, and maritime history in one of Sweden’s most engaging museums, set within Malmö’s castle grounds.

Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb

23.2 km

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

Alstrup krat

23.2 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.

Where Danish emigration stories meet transatlantic friendship in historic northern Jutland hills.

Essential places to dine

Westernhuset

1.1 km

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

Top Karens Hus

1.1 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

1.2 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.

Røverstuen

1.3 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.

Bb Rold

1.3 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

3.8 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

Mosskovpavillonen

4.9 km

Historic forest pavilion serving French-Danish cuisine beside a pristine lake in North Jutland's natural heart.

Ice Sushi

5.7 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

5.8 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

6.0 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

6.0 km

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

MADUMSØHUS ISBAR

8.5 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

10.0 km

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

Motorvejsgrillen

10.1 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

10.9 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

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

3.9 km

Intimate yarn shop in the heart of Skørping, brimming with colourful fibres, patterns and friendly expertise for knitters and crocheters of every level.

KaLo Design

3.9 km

Discover handcrafted Danish furniture blending tradition and modern design at KaLo Design in Skørping.

Rold Forest Bike Shop

4.0 km

Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Skørping Bodega

3.7 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

4.7 km

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

City Bar Støvring

5.8 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

6.0 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.

Carsten fenger

11.0 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

12.2 km

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

Center Pubben ApS

14.4 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

18.1 km

Aalborg's casual neighborhood bar for relaxed socializing and unwinding with friends

Club 85@Nibe Festival

19.6 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.

Jazzclub Satchmo Aalborg

21.6 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.

Vognhjulet Pub

22.1 km

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

Jagtstuen

22.1 km

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

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

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Ravnkilde Spring, Rebild Bakker

A brief summary to Ravnkilde

Local tips

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

Getting There

Car from Aalborg

Train and walk from Skørping

Bicycle from Skørping or nearby villages

Ravnkilde location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Ravnkilde

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Ravnkilde

A hillside spring hidden in Rold Skov

Water, geology and a powerful flow

A botanical haven in miniature

Sea trout and the life of the stream

Walking, contemplation and connecting with the landscape

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hotel BramslevGaard

Restaurant BramslevGaard

Mariager Fjord

Hobro Lystbådehavn

Mariager Lystbådehavn

Hotel Amerika

Hotel Postgaarden Mariager

Befrielsessten i Assens

Mariager Museum

Mariager Kirke

Mariager Church

Aalborgtårnet

Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg

Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb

Alstrup krat

Unmissable attractions to see

Lars Kjærs Hus

Gravlev Kilde

Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center

rebildsmykket.dk

Rebild National Park

Comwell Rebild Bakker

Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker

Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker

Kvalitetssti Rebild

Danhostel Rebild

VINGES VANDRING

RebildPorten

Rebild Bakker Information

Rold Storkro

Museum Rebild

Essential places to dine

Westernhuset

Top Karens Hus

Rebildhus

Røverstuen

Bb Rold

Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin

Mosskovpavillonen

Ice Sushi

Restaurant Hul19

Bella Italia Støvring

MesterBageren Støvring

MADUMSØHUS ISBAR

Burger King

Motorvejsgrillen

Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Rebild Bakker (Rebildvej / Rebild)

Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus

Vinhandel La BourGogne

Holy Moses Wineshop

Lenas Blomster

Bogby 9520

REMA 1000

Maggies Gemakker

FKN Genbrug / DCA Op Shop

Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug

Meny

Kirkens Korshær Genbrug