Background

Naturstyrelsen Thy, Søholt

Administrative heart of Thy’s wild landscapes, where Denmark’s coastal dunes, forests and heathlands are planned, protected and managed from a quiet base at Søholt.

3.9

Naturstyrelsen Thy at Søholt in Thisted is the local hub for exploring Denmark’s wild west coast landscapes, including National Park Thy. Set in gently rolling countryside near forest, dune, and lake areas, this small complex of offices and service buildings acts as a gateway to an extensive mosaic of protected dunes, heath, plantations, and wetlands. Visitors can find information on trails, nature projects, and wildlife management before heading out into the vast open landscapes that define Thy.

A brief summary to Naturstyrelsen Thy

  • Søholtvej 6, Thisted, 7700, DK
  • +4572543000
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Combine a brief stop at Søholt with a full day in nearby state forests, dunes or lakes to appreciate how the administrative work here shapes the wider landscape.
  • If you have detailed questions about access rules, grazing animals or nature projects on state-owned land in Thy, prepare them in advance and contact the office during weekday hours.
  • Use online maps and information boards in the surrounding areas that reference Naturstyrelsen Thy to plan self-guided routes through coastal heath and plantations.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From central Thisted, driving to Naturstyrelsen Thy at Søholt typically takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. The route follows main regional roads through gently rolling countryside and is straightforward for standard vehicles. There is usually free, informal parking near the buildings, but spaces can be used by staff during office hours, so allow a little extra time to find a spot.

  • Bus

    Regional buses serving the Thisted–Vester Vandet corridor stop within walking distance of Søholt. The journey from Thisted bus terminal usually takes around 15–25 minutes, with services running less frequently outside weekday daytimes. A typical adult single ticket within the local zone network costs in the range of 20–35 DKK, paid on board or via regional ticketing apps.

  • Bicycle

    Cycling from Thisted to Søholt is a realistic option for experienced cyclists, taking roughly 25–40 minutes each way. The route uses paved country roads with gentle gradients but can feel exposed in strong coastal winds. Surfaces are generally good; standard city or touring bicycles are sufficient, but high-visibility clothing and lights are recommended in low-light conditions.

  • On foot from nearby nature areas

    If you are already exploring nearby state-owned forests or open landscapes around Søholt, you can plan a longer walk of 1.5–3 hours to include a pass by Naturstyrelsen Thy. Expect a mix of forest tracks, field paths and quiet country roads, with mostly gentle terrain. Surfaces may be uneven or muddy in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is advisable.

Naturstyrelsen Thy location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Gateway to Denmark’s Wild West Coast Landscapes

Naturstyrelsen Thy at Søholt is the on-the-ground headquarters for managing some of Denmark’s most unspoiled coastal nature, including large parts of Thy’s forests, dunes, and heathlands. From this modest base at Søholtvej 6 outside Thisted, rangers coordinate conservation, grazing projects, and visitor facilities across a wide swathe of northwest Jutland. The setting itself hints at what lies beyond: open skies, windswept fields, and the sense that the North Sea is never far away. Although it looks like a small administrative complex, the site symbolises an enormous outdoor territory. Here, work carried out in meeting rooms and workshops directly affects how rare habitats are restored, how trails are laid out, and how wildlife is protected in surrounding state-owned areas.

From Office Courtyard to Coastal Wilderness

Standing at Naturstyrelsen Thy, you are only a short drive from classic West Jutland scenery: pale dune ridges, dark conifer plantations, mirror-still lakes, and wide moorland plains. Many of these landscapes fall under the care of the local Nature Agency team based here. They plan forestry operations, manage grazing with cattle and horses to keep open heath from closing over, and coordinate projects in sensitive Natura 2000 areas. Maps, information materials and advisory services connected to local state forests and nature areas are linked to this address, even if they are distributed through other visitor points around Thy. For travelers keen to go beyond waymarked routes, understanding that this is the administrative heart of the area offers context about how carefully the surrounding wilderness is curated.

Nature Management and Biodiversity in Action

The work anchored at Søholt focuses heavily on biodiversity. Staff are involved in re-wetting drained soils, opening dense scrub, and creating better conditions for birds, amphibians, and dune and heath species. Much of the funding behind these projects comes from national and European rural development schemes aimed at promoting more natural hydrology and extensive, often organic, grazing. When you explore nearby forests or coastal heath, you will see the results of decisions made here in the pattern of fenced pastures, newly opened glades, or restored wetlands. The quiet administrative feel of Naturstyrelsen Thy contrasts with the dynamic natural processes it helps set in motion across the wider landscape.

Practical Hub for Exploring Thy’s State Forests

For visitors planning longer hikes, cycling routes, or nature study in Thy’s state-owned lands, Naturstyrelsen Thy functions as a behind-the-scenes base of operations. Information boards in the region, digital maps, and local signage all refer back to this authority. If you need detailed knowledge about access rules, hunting seasons on public land, or where grazing animals are present, this is the institution responsible for providing and updating that guidance. The address is also where land-use questions are handled, from timber harvesting to agreements with local farmers and nature projects with schools and associations. While it is not a classic visitor centre with exhibitions, it underpins many of the practical arrangements that make exploring Thy’s wild landscapes straightforward and safe.

A Quiet Corner at the Edge of Big Nature

The atmosphere at Søholt is low-key and functional: office buildings, service yards, vehicles ready for field work. Yet the sense of place comes from its position on the threshold between town and wild coastal country. From here, the transition into the broader protected landscapes feels natural; you are close to everyday services in Thisted but on the cusp of vast open spaces. For travelers interested in how modern nature management works, Naturstyrelsen Thy adds another layer to a trip in Thy. It is the institutional counterpart to the dunes, lakes, and forests you explore—proof that the wild feel of this coast is carefully nurtured rather than simply left to chance.

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