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Dollerup Bakker: Denmark’s Sweeping Hills and Glacial Lake

Dollerup Bakker offers wild hills, ancient forests, and Denmark’s deepest lake—an atmospheric nature preserve south of Viborg, perfect for hiking and legends.

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Dollerup Bakker, just south of Viborg, is a protected landscape of rolling heath-covered hills, deep woods, and Denmark’s deepest lake, Hald Sø. Loved for scenic walks, birdwatching, and historic legends, it’s an evocative blend of wild natural beauty and Viking echoes. Trails wind past panoramic viewpoints and the ruins of Hald Manor, offering a quintessential taste of Midtjylland’s unique nature and heritage.

A brief summary to Borgvold Park

  • 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 sturdy shoes—the hilly terrain can be slippery and uneven, especially after rain.
  • Bring binoculars for excellent birdwatching, particularly near Hald Sø and the marshes.
  • In summer, pack swimwear for a dip in the clear waters of Hald Sø, accessible at several points.
  • Car parking is free but can fill up on sunny weekends; arrive early for the best spots.
  • Look for storyboards at the main viewpoints to learn about the area's glacial history and historic manors.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Viborg’s center, catch a regional bus bound for Skelhøje or Hald Ege; several routes stop near the nature area. The journey to Dollerup Bakker is about 15–20 minutes, with buses running regularly throughout the day and affordable adult tickets costing between 24–30 DKK each way. The nearest stop is typically near the lake or the main car park, with clear signage directing you toward the hills and viewpoints. Be aware that on weekends or holidays, service frequency can be reduced.

  • Taxi or Rideshare

    A taxi or rideshare from Viborg’s city center to Dollerup Bakker takes 10–15 minutes and usually costs 120–170 DKK per trip, depending on traffic and time of day. Drivers are familiar with the landmark, and drop-off is usually at the main parking area near the visitor information boards.

  • Cycling

    For active travelers, cycling from Viborg to Dollerup Bakker is a popular option. The route follows scenic lanes and countryside, taking around 30–45 minutes at a gentle pace. Bike rentals are available in Viborg, costing from 90–150 DKK per day. The last segment is notably hilly, but spectacular views reward your effort.

  • Driving

    Driving from Viborg to Dollerup Bakker is straightforward and typically takes under 15 minutes. Free parking is offered at the main entrance area near Hald Sø, but spots fill quickly during weekends and holidays. There are no tolls on this route, though some rural lanes can be narrow. Watching for hikers and cyclists is advised near the preserve.

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Discover more about Borgvold Park

Framed by myth and ancient glaciation, Dollerup Bakker is an outstanding example of Denmark’s unspoiled uplands—a vast heathland rolling toward forests, dotted with juniper and oak, all overlooking the shimmering blue depths of Hald Sø. As the hills rise suddenly from the otherwise gentle Jutland countryside, they reveal a landscape both wild and storied: the steep slopes, or 'bakker,' were sculpted over ten thousand years ago by retreating ice age glaciers, leaving behind dramatic ridges and Denmark’s deepest lake below. The area exudes an atmosphere of timelessness. Walking here, visitors are enveloped by birdsong and rustling leaves. Meadow pipits dart overhead, while red deer and hares can surprise you by kicking up through the scrub. Several waymarked trails, like the Hald Lake Route, invite hikers of all abilities—offering everything from short strolls to longer hikes that reveal sweeping vistas from natural viewing points like the “Kongenshus” hill. Central to the area’s character, the evocative ruins of the old Hald Manor stand at the lake’s edge, conjuring stories of Danish nobles, artists, and even World War II resistance heroes. Dollerup Bakker is a year-round attraction: spring bursts with wildflowers, summer is a haven for picnics with wide lake views, autumn paints the woods in gold and red, and winter brings a tranquil, frost-laced silence. Recreational activities abound: you can birdwatch in protected zones, swim or rent a canoe at Hald Sø, or simply linger with panoramic views while learning about the area’s geology and legends at the info boards installed near the main car park. While the terrain can be steep in places, there are accessible areas suitable for families and casual visitors. There’s no admission fee, and basic facilities such as parking, picnic tables, and seasonal restrooms are available. Dollerup Bakker encapsulates the drama and tranquility of “Denmark at its wildest”—a must for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking the open landscapes that inspired Danish folklore.

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