Skillingbro Kalkgrav
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.
Skillingbro Kalkgrav is a small former limestone quarry tucked into the northern edge of Rold Skov near Skørping. Here, steep white slopes reveal more than 60‑million‑year‑old limestone layers rich in tiny marine fossils from the early Tertiary period. The chalky soil nurtures rare orchids, wildflowers and butterflies, while a short path from the forest edge drops you into a sheltered bowl that feels part outdoor classroom, part secret natural amphitheatre.
A brief summary to Skillingbro kalkgrav
- 56°49'34.0N 9°48'55., Skørping, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a small pocketknife or light hammer and a magnifying glass to search gently through loose chalk fragments for tiny fossils without damaging the rock faces.
- Wear sturdy shoes; slopes and paths can be uneven, chalky and slippery after rain, especially on the steeper sides of the pit.
- Visit in late spring or summer to see the chalk-loving wildflowers and butterflies that thrive here but are scarce in the surrounding forest.
- Pack water and perhaps a snack; facilities are limited at the quarry itself, though services are available at nearby forest inns and in Skørping.
- If visiting with children, set clear boundaries near steeper slopes and encourage fossil hunting only in loose scree to protect both kids and fragile plants.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Train and walk from Skørping
From Skørping railway station, regular regional trains connect with Aalborg and other North Jutland towns, typically every 30–60 minutes, with standard Danish regional fares applying. The onward journey to Skillingbro Kalkgrav is a forest walk of about 3–4 km on mixed gravel and forest paths, taking roughly 45–75 minutes each way. The route includes some gentle gradients and can be muddy in wet weather, so it is better suited to reasonably fit walkers with sturdy footwear.
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Car via local roads near Rold Skov
Driving from Skørping town to the forest edge near Skillingbro Kalkgrav usually takes 10–15 minutes along local roads. There is a small free parking area close to the forest where a short signposted path leads to the quarry. Spaces are limited and can fill up on fine weekends, and the final stretch is on narrow forest roads where care is needed for cyclists and walkers. There is no entrance fee at the quarry itself.
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Cycling from Skørping and nearby accommodations
Bicycles are a practical option from Skørping and nearby forest inns, with a typical riding time of 20–35 minutes depending on your starting point and pace. The route combines minor country roads and designated forest tracks, some of which are unpaved and can be soft or slippery after rain. There are no dedicated bike racks at the quarry, so bring a lock and be prepared to leave the bicycle at the forest edge before continuing on foot.
Skillingbro kalkgrav location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Skillingbro kalkgrav
Ancient seabed hidden in the Danish forest
Skillingbro Kalkgrav looks modest at first glance, but the white slopes around you are the exposed floor of an ancient sea. The quarry walls consist of hard limestone formed over 60 million years ago, packed with remains of bryozoans, corals, shells and other marine life that once thrived far below the waves. Today, the pit sits quietly between forest roads and meadows at the edge of Rold Skov, a compact open-air window into deep geological time. The quarry dates back roughly a century, when limestone was dug here for building and agriculture. Once extraction ceased, the pit gradually naturalised, leaving behind a sheltered hollow with bright chalk faces, scattered blocks and patches of thin, lime-rich soil that host a very different plant community from the surrounding beech forest.Hands-on fossil hunting and natural science
Skillingbro Kalkgrav invites exploration on a human scale. The walls are low enough to feel approachable, and loose fragments of chalk and limestone at your feet make it easy to search for small fossils without any specialist skills. With patience and a pocketknife or small hammer, you can spot bryozoans, tiny shells, fragments of sea lilies and, if you are lucky, a fossil sea urchin or even a shark tooth. Because the fossils are embedded in clearly visible layers, the quarry works almost like a textbook cross-section. It is a popular outdoor classroom for school groups and families who want to see geology, biology and time stratified in front of them. The contrast between the pale rock, dark forest edge and flashes of wildflower colour gives photographers plenty of quiet detail to work with.Rare flowers, butterflies and chalky slopes
The lime-rich, fast-draining soil here supports a specialised flora more typical of chalk downs than of dense Danish woodland. In late spring and summer, small orchids, gentians and other calcicolous plants dot the slopes, along with grasses that stay short and sparse. These in turn attract butterflies and other insects that favour warm, open banks. Because the pit is sunken and partly sheltered from the wind, it can feel noticeably warmer than the surrounding forest on a clear day. That microclimate lengthens the flowering season and creates a good spot for quiet observation. Careful footsteps are important: some of the plant communities are vulnerable, and sticking to existing paths and more stable areas of scree helps preserve them.Stories of robbers, roads and forest crossings
Skillingbro sits beside old routes that have crossed this valley for centuries, linking Rold and Skørping and threading through the northern edge of Rold Skov. Nearby hollow ways and embankments mark the lines of former roads that once carried traders, farmers and travellers between inland settlements and coastal trading posts. Local lore tells of a band of robbers said to have used a nearby depression as a hideout, alerted to passing travellers by tripwires and bells. While the tale cannot be proven, it reflects how the folds of this landscape have long provided concealment, resources and strategic crossings in an otherwise rugged forest region.A quiet pause amid larger Rold Skov adventures
Compared with the dramatic underground galleries of the Thingbæk chalk mines or the rolling heaths near Rebild, Skillingbro Kalkgrav is compact, calm and easily explored in under an hour. A simple path leads down from a small forest-edge clearing into the bowl-like quarry, where you can sit on exposed blocks, examine rock surfaces or simply take in the contrast between white chalk and green canopy above. Many visitors pair a short stop here with longer walks through Rold Skov, using the quarry as a geological detour on a day of forest hiking. Its modest size, soft underfoot terrain and clear sightlines make it welcoming for families and anyone curious about the hidden stories inside the landscape rather than seeking a strenuous outing.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel BramslevGaard
18.8 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
18.9 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
20.2 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
20.3 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
21.8 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
22.0 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.
Kongsdal Havn
22.1 km
Modern marina sheltered in Mariager Fjord, where contemporary facilities meet Denmark's maritime heritage.
Mariager Kirke
22.1 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Kongsdal Fyrtårn
22.1 km
A retired North Sea lighthouse reborn as the red‑and‑white landmark of tranquil Kongsdal Marina on the scenic shores of Mariager Fjord.
Mariager Church
22.2 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
22.3 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
22.4 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.
Munkholmanlægget
22.4 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.
Alstrup krat
22.4 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.
Ivan Evigvår trold
22.4 km
Explore Ivan Evigvår Trold, a magical tourist attraction in Mariager, Denmark, where folklore meets artistry in a stunning natural setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rold Storkro
0.3 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.
Rold Forest
0.4 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
0.6 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.
Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center
0.7 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
0.7 km
Underground chalk mines, evocative sculpture and modern exhibitions meet scenic valley views at this compact cultural and landscape hub near Rebild Bakker.
Skovtårnet
0.9 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.
Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
0.9 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.
Lars Kjærs Hus
1.0 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.
Hvasstræet
1.1 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
1.3 km
Ancient beech forest untouched for centuries, where nature evolves freely in Denmark's largest woodland.
Ravnkilde
1.5 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.
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.
Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker
1.6 km
Octagonal fire shelter honoring Danish-American heritage in Rebild's protected hills.
Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
1.7 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
1.7 km
Denmark's historic heathland where glacial hills meet Danish-American heritage and Europe's finest certified hiking trails.
Essential places to dine
Westernhuset
1.6 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
1.8 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
1.9 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
1.9 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.
Mosskovpavillonen
4.5 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
4.6 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and kebab house in central Skørping, serving generous Danish-style pizzas, kebabs and grill favorites at moderate prices all week.
Restaurant Hul19
6.6 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
7.1 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
7.5 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
7.5 km
Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.
MADUMSØHUS ISBAR
8.6 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
8.8 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
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
0.2 km
Discover Vinhandel La BourGogne in Skørping: A curated selection of fine wines and expert guidance await wine enthusiasts.
Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus
1.8 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
3.8 km
Characterful neighbourhood wine shop in Skørping, pouring American bottles, local vintages and sustainable delights from morning to evening every day.
Lenas Blomster
4.5 km
Friendly neighbourhood florist and gift boutique in the heart of Skørping, blending seasonal blooms, curated presents and local small-town charm.
Bogby 9520
4.5 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
4.6 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
4.6 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
4.6 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
4.6 km
Small-town Danish charity shop where second-hand fashion, homeware and local community spirit come together to support global humanitarian work.
Meny
4.6 km
Modern Danish supermarket in Skørping Centret with fresh counters, local specialties and a strong wine selection – a practical one‑stop shop for travelers.
Garndamen
4.6 km
Intimate yarn shop in the heart of Skørping, brimming with colourful fibres, patterns and friendly expertise for knitters and crocheters of every level.
Kirkens Korshær Genbrug
4.7 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
4.8 km
Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.
Louise Nørgaard
4.8 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
4.5 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
6.2 km
Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.
City Bar Støvring
7.2 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.
Loke's Ølstue
7.4 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.
Støvring Mc
7.4 km
Laid‑back neighborhood bar in small‑town Støvring, with a subtle motorbike vibe, simple drinks and a down‑to‑earth atmosphere on Viborgvej.
Carsten fenger
11.9 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
12.0 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Center Pubben ApS
14.9 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
19.6 km
Aalborg's casual neighborhood bar for relaxed socializing and unwinding with friends
Club 85@Nibe Festival
20.4 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.
Vognhjulet Pub
20.7 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Jernkroen
20.7 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.
Torvebaren
20.9 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
21.0 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
21.1 km
Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Buddy Holly
20.9 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.
Mjølner
21.1 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.
Mariager Fjord Golf
23.4 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
25.4 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
25.6 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
25.6 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
25.7 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
25.7 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
25.7 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Hugos Garage
25.7 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
25.7 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
25.7 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
Casino Aalborg
25.8 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
40.5 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
41.3 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
