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Naturstyrelsen Thy: The Heart of Denmark’s Wild West

Administrative hub and information center guiding visitors through Denmark’s first national park—your gateway to Thy’s dunes, heath, forests, and unspoiled landscapes.

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Naturstyrelsen Thy serves as the administrative hub for Thy National Park, Denmark’s first and largest national park, overseeing the preservation of its rolling dunes, heathlands, and rich coastal forests. Located in Thisted, this nature preserve is both a gateway to the region’s wild, windswept landscapes and a source of valuable information for visitors eager to explore the park’s unique biodiversity and history.

A brief summary to Hanstholm Fyr

  • Monday 9 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-9 pm
  • Friday 9 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Pick up an up-to-date hiking map here before venturing into the park—weather and trails can change quickly.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts should ask about the best spots and timings for viewing deer, cranes, or migratory birds.
  • The center is a great place to inquire about accessible trails and facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.
  • Pack a windproof jacket even in summer—the North Sea breeze is ever-present across open terrain.
  • Public restrooms and parking are typically available near the main office and popular trailheads.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From the central areas of Thy National Park, a drive to the Naturstyrelsen Thy headquarters near Thisted usually takes 15–25 minutes, depending on where you start in the park. Parking is free near the office, but can be limited during peak summer months, so early arrivals have the best pick of spots. There are no tolls for access.

  • Bicycle

    Cycling from the center of the park to Naturstyrelsen Thy is a scenic option for experienced riders, taking 40–70 minutes through forests and farmland. You’ll pass lakes and open heath before arriving on the edge of Thisted, where the office is located. Bring your own bike or rent one locally; bike parking is available at the site.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from popular lodges or trailheads in Thy National Park to Naturstyrelsen Thy typically costs 120–180 DKK for the journey, depending on distance and time of day. The ride is direct and travels via the main access road towards central Thisted.

  • Public Transport

    Regional buses serve the Thisted area, with connections from villages and park gates to stops near the Naturstyrelsen office. Expect travel times of 25–45 minutes, with single adult tickets usually costing 24–40 DKK. Buses run less frequently outside summer and weekends.

Unlock the Best of Hanstholm Fyr

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Discover more about Hanstholm Fyr

Tucked against Denmark's dramatic northwest coast, Naturstyrelsen Thy stands as the operational center and visitor service hub for Thy National Park. The center’s mission is to conserve the area’s rugged natural beauty—an extraordinary sweep of windswept dunes, dense conifer plantations, and ancient heathland, shaped by the harsh North Sea climate. Stretching over 244 square kilometers, Thy National Park was established in 2008, becoming Denmark’s first national park and earning its reputation as the nation’s wild west. Naturstyrelsen Thy, based in Thisted, coordinates everything from habitat preservation to wildlife monitoring, while welcoming guests with up-to-date guidance on hiking trails, wildlife watching, and unique local sites. Though not a traditional visitor center with interactive exhibits, the office is a first stop for those seeking detailed maps, current information on seasonal highlights (such as migrating cranes or blooming heather), and advice about experiencing the area’s wild tranquility. The surrounding region is a patchwork of wandering deer, pristine lakes, dune heaths, and birdlife; wanderers can find themselves alone amidst whispering pine forests or on remote sand beaches where the North Sea roars. The region’s human history, shaped by centuries of peat cutting, afforestation, and the ongoing battle with shifting sands, is echoed in the landscape’s haunting openness and resilient flora. The sense of untamed space is palpable: wild ponies graze on the heath, red deer roam in the evenings, and rare butterflies flutter in summer. Visitors arriving at Naturstyrelsen Thy find a launchpad to explore this immense living wilderness, whether for a few hours on tranquil trails or several days among dunes and lakes. Access is generally free, and practicalities such as parking and accessible toilets are provided nearby. With its blend of raw Nordic nature, deep silence, and the ever-changing drama of sea and sky, the area managed by Naturstyrelsen Thy promises an authentic, soul-refreshing Danish outdoors experience.

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