Background

Into the Depths: The Thingbæk Chalk Mines & Rebild Centre

Subterranean sculpture gallery and regional heritage hub carved beneath Rold Skov, uniting natural wonders, mining history and Danish-American connections.

Hidden beneath gentle hills on the edge of Rold Skov, the Thingbæk Chalk Mines invite visitors into a subterranean world of ancient geology, dramatic sculpture, and regional history. Once vital for mining chalk and limestone, today the labyrinthine chambers enchant with cool, dripping ambiance and evocative displays of stone art. Above ground, the Rebild Centre provides interactive exhibitions that bring the area’s science, culture, and the tale of the American-Danish ‘Rebild Festival’ to life. It’s a thoroughly atmospheric, family-friendly combination of underground wonder and local heritage.

A brief summary to Vandstær

  • Mølledamsvej 4, Støvring, 9530, DK

Local tips

  • Bring a warm layer even in summer—the mines stay cool year-round, often under 10°C.
  • Sturdy footwear is recommended; some sections can be damp and slippery.
  • Photography is allowed in most areas, but tripods might require special permission.
  • The on-site café offers simple local fare and hot drinks, ideal after exploring underground.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions or family-oriented events at the Rebild Centre, especially during school holidays.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Rold Skov, follow well-marked trails heading toward the cluster of visitor attractions on the forest’s southern edge. The mines lie beside the Rebild Centre complex, visible as low heritage buildings above rolling countryside. The approach typically takes 20–30 minutes on foot from central forest landmarks, with gentle inclines and shaded paths leading to the entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Regional buses connect Skørping station (the main transport hub near Rold Skov) with the cluster of museums and visitor attractions at Rebild Bakker. Disembark at the stop for the Rebild Centre, a short 3–5 minute stroll from the entrance of the Thingbæk Chalk Mines. Bus tickets usually cost DKK 24–30 for a single adult ride within the local zone.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Skørping station or local hotels, with a journey to the mines typically taking under 10 minutes. Expect to pay around DKK 90–130, depending on time of day and traffic. Vehicle drop-off is in a shared parking area with the Rebild Centre and Rebild Bakker.

  • Driving/Parking

    Parking is available beside the Rebild Centre complex, serving all key attractions in the area. On weekends or holidays, the car park can fill, but overflow parking is often directed nearby. Parking is generally free for visitors to the mines and Centre—watch for signage indicating designated spaces.

Unlock the Best of Vandstær

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Vandstær

Few attractions so fully blend the mysterious, the artistic, and the local as the Thingbæk Chalk Mines, a short journey from the forested heart of Rold Skov. Carved out by generations of miners from the late 1800s onward, this network of cool chalk tunnels and expansive chambers once fueled Denmark's demand for lime. Today, the mines are a living gallery: step into a silence broken only by the echo of footsteps, where rough-hewn walls form a theatrical backdrop for an ever-changing array of sculptures. Many works—some carved simply from the native chalk—gleam hauntingly amid gentle electric lighting. Above ground, the Rebild Centre connects visitors with remarkable stories tied to Rold Skov and Northern Jutland. Immersive displays take you from Ice Age geology through the heyday of mining to the unique bond between Denmark and America, represented yearly at the Rebild Festival—one of the world’s largest July 4th gatherings outside the US. The Centre also pays homage to the region’s natural and cultural riches, with hands-on science exhibits, regional art, and insights into local flora and fauna. Visitors are often surprised by the year-round coolness of the mines—a refuge in summer heat, or a chilly adventure in winter. Children especially love the sense of exploration, while art lovers appreciate the interplay between sculpture and stone. Practical info: The mines may become damp underfoot, so sensible shoes are wise; wheelchair access is modest due to some uneven sections. On busy weekends or festival days, exhibitions above and below ground can buzz with activity, while quieter weekdays amplify the gothic stillness of the mines. Allow time to wander both underground and through the Centre’s engaging displays, pausing over a coffee or light meal at the welcoming on-site café.

Popular Experiences near Vandstær

Popular Hotels near Vandstær

Select Currency