Daugbjerg Kalkgruber – Denmark’s Oldest Limestone Mine

Step into a cool underground maze where ancient miners, outlaw legends and hibernating bats share Denmark’s oldest hand‑cut limestone mine.

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Daugbjerg Kalkgruber

Hidden beneath the forest near Viborg, Daugbjerg Kalkgruber is one of Scandinavia’s oldest hand‑dug limestone mines, with a cool 8°C climate, winding tunnels and a rich mix of geology, myths and wildlife. Around 900 metres of illuminated passages invite you underground, where lime was quarried for more than a thousand years and where thousands of bats now hibernate in winter. Above ground, the protected Dybdal Forest offers walking paths, rare plants and a cosy café in a woodland hut, making this a distinctive family‑friendly half‑day escape.

A brief summary to Daugbjerg Kalkgruber

Dybdalsvej 18c, Viborg, 8800, DK
+4540551703
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Budget
Mixed
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Wear warm layers and sturdy, closed shoes; the temperature underground is around 8°C year‑round and the floor is uneven in places.
Bring a small flashlight or headlamp if you like extra light for reading signs and exploring darker corners beyond the main illumination.
Check seasonal opening times in advance; the mine operates on a holiday and spring–autumn schedule rather than being open every day year‑round.
Combine your visit with a walk in Dybdal Forest to see the distinctive limestone landscape, rare plants and family‑friendly troll or treasure trails.
If you are sensitive to confined or dim spaces, start with the wider, well‑lit chambers near the entrance before deciding whether to go deeper.

Getting There

Car from Viborg

From Viborg’s central area, driving to Daugbjerg Kalkgruber typically takes 20–25 minutes, following regional roads through gently rolling countryside. The route is straightforward, and the last stretch leads through forest on narrower lanes. Entrance to the mine area is paid on arrival; adult tickets are around 90 DKK and children 3–12 around 50 DKK, with younger children free. Parking is free but can be busy on school holidays and in summer, so allow extra time at peak periods.
Car from Skive

If you are staying in Skive, expect a 25–30 minute drive to reach the mine, mostly on rural highways and local roads. Traffic is usually light, but winter conditions can make the approach slower and the forest access road occasionally slippery. Entry prices match the standard mine tariffs, roughly 90 DKK for adults and 50 DKK for children 3–12. There is no fuel station immediately by the site, so plan to fill up in town before you set out.
Regional bus and short walk

From Viborg, you can use regional buses towards Stoholm or nearby villages and alight at a stop a few kilometres from Daugbjerg. Total travel time is typically 40–60 minutes including a rural walk at the end on quiet roads and forest tracks. Bus tickets on local routes usually cost in the range of 25–50 DKK per adult, with discounts for children. Services are less frequent on weekends and public holidays, and the final walking section is not ideal for wheelchairs or heavy luggage.
Cycling from nearby villages

Confident cyclists can reach the mine from nearby villages such as Stoholm or Daugbjerg itself in roughly 20–40 minutes, using a mix of minor roads and forest approaches. There is no extra charge for bicycles at the site and you can usually leave them in informal racks or against fences near the entrance. Surfaces vary from asphalt to gravel and can be muddy after rain, so lights, reflective gear and a sturdy bike are recommended, especially outside midsummer.

Daugbjerg Kalkgruber location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures
Clear Skies

Discover more about Daugbjerg Kalkgruber

Ancient Limestone Labyrinth Beneath Jutland

Daugbjerg Kalkgruber lies under a quiet patch of woodland west of Viborg, but its story reaches back more than a millennium. The soft limestone here was already being dug by Vikings, making this one of the oldest continuously worked limestone sites in Scandinavia. For centuries, stone from these hills supplied mortar for churches and manors across Denmark and even further afield, shaping the built landscape far beyond this valley. Today, about 900 metres of the mine’s 22‑kilometre tunnel network are accessible, leading you through an underground world carved entirely by hand. The air is still, the temperature a constant 8°C, and the walls bear the marks of generations of labour, from narrow early shafts to later, broader galleries.

Stories of Witches, Robbers and Lime Workers

As you move deeper into the mine the atmosphere becomes part history book, part legend. Interpretive signs and exhibits reveal how lime workers toiled in candlelight, hauling stone up to the surface in all seasons. Local folklore threads its way through the darkness too, most famously the tale of Jens Langkniv – a 17th‑century outlaw often dubbed Jutland’s answer to Robin Hood. He is said to have used these tunnels and nearby forest as a hideout, and modern storytelling trails pick up on his exploits. The mine’s past also links to medieval church builders and craftsmen, who relied on lime from Daugbjerg for mortar and whitewash. That long chain from underground seam to village church helps explain why such an apparently remote spot became so important.

Bats, Constant Darkness and Underground Climate

The mine’s stable, cool climate now makes it one of Denmark’s most significant bat hibernation sites. Several species, including water bats and larger cave dwellers, use the tunnels as a winter refuge, hanging from the ceilings in quiet, off‑limits chambers. In spring and autumn you may glimpse them at the entrances at dusk, slipping in and out between forest and mine. Even when the bats are hidden, the environment they favour is very much part of the experience. The soft drip of water, beads of moisture on the rock and low light create an atmosphere that is both calm and slightly eerie. A warm layer and sturdy shoes are essential, even on hot summer days, as the temperature underground never changes.

Dybdal Forest, Rare Plants and Troll Hunts

Back on the surface, the experience continues in Dybdalskov, the protected forest that cloaks the mine. Its steep slopes, sinkholes and clearings reflect the underlying geology, and the damp, lime‑rich soils support an unusual mix of ferns, mosses and wildflowers. With a bit of patience you may spot lizards sunning on stones or birds hunting along the forest edge. Waymarked paths radiate from the mine entrance, and family‑oriented activities, such as troll‑ or treasure‑themed trails, add a playful note for younger visitors. The Skovhytten woodland hut houses a simple café and kiosk, making it easy to round off an underground visit with coffee, cake or ice cream while you look back over the valley.

Exploring Safely and Making the Most of Your Visit

The tunnels are illuminated but remain uneven and low in places, so the atmosphere is very much that of an authentic mine rather than a polished museum. Ducking your head, watching your footing and moving at a relaxed pace are all part of the experience. Those who prefer extra context can join guided walks that delve into geology, mining techniques and folklore. Most visitors combine time below ground with a gentle walk in the forest and a pause at the café, turning the site into a satisfying half‑day outing from Viborg or Skive. Seasonal opening periods, the cool climate and the presence of hibernating bats shape how and when the mine can be explored, but they also preserve the very qualities that make Daugbjerg Kalkgruber so distinctive.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup

8.6 km

A modest countryside liberation stone near Viborg, quietly commemorating Denmark’s freedom in 1945 amid open fields and a peaceful village setting.

Museum Salling

16.1 km

Dive into Denmark's past at Museum Salling, where Limfjord's heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, ancient artifacts, and engaging storytelling in scenic Skive.

Viborg View

16.2 km

Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.

Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads

16.3 km

Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.

Vi er Viborg

16.5 km

Experience Danish innovation at Dokk1, Aarhus’ renowned waterfront library and cultural hub, blending architecture, technology, and vibrant community life.

Befrielsessten i Gullestrup

32.1 km

A 1949 liberation stone honoring Denmark's freedom in the quiet village of Gullestrup.

Mindesten for Jens Vejmand

32.7 km

A windbreak memorial to a stoneworker whose life inspired Denmark's most beloved folk song.

Bølling Lake

33.0 km

A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.

Worldmap at Klejtrup Lake

34.7 km

Explore the world in miniature at Klejtrup Lake's Worldmap, a unique park featuring a walkable map, playgrounds, and animal encounters for an unforgettable family adventure.

Ilva

34.9 km

Experience contemporary art in a repurposed 1950s vending machine at Vejle's innovative Kunsthal Vejle.

Befrielsessten i Herning

35.2 km

A solemn outdoor memorial honoring Denmark's fallen, open always for quiet reflection.

Louis Nielsen Herning

35.6 km

Experience contemporary art in a unique setting at Kunsthal Vejle, where a historic vending machine becomes a dynamic exhibition space.

Herning City Hotel

35.6 km

Experience breathtaking panoramic views and serene landscapes at Udsigtstårn in Vejle, Denmark.

Zency Herning

35.7 km

Discover contemporary art in Vejle's unique vending machine gallery at Banegårdspladsen.

Elia

35.8 km

Elia is a breathtaking, avant-garde sculpture in Herning, Denmark—a fusion of contemporary art, architecture, and elemental spectacle, captivating visitors of all ages.

Unmissable attractions to see

Daugbjerg gamle vandmølle

0.8 km

A 17th-century water mill and miniature village preserving Denmark's rural heritage in the scenic Mølleådalen valley.

Daugbjergskiltet

1.0 km

Historic papermaking brought to life in a working 19th-century mill on Viborg’s outskirts, with hands-on workshops and authentic industrial atmosphere.

Mønsted Kalkgruber

2.1 km

Venture into the world’s largest limestone mines, where cool echoing tunnels, bat-filled caverns and a reborn lime works reveal Denmark’s underground heritage.

Kalk Kaminoen

5.0 km

A 30 km limestone-inspired hiking trail through heath, forests and rural Jutland, weaving geology, bats and farming history into one long day’s walk.

Kongenshus Mindepark

7.2 km

Sweeping Jutland heathland and a granite‑etched tribute to Denmark’s heath farmers, where open skies, violet heather and quiet trails turn history into landscape.

Birkesø Telt Plads

8.1 km

Simple lakeside tent camping on a grassy lawn by Birkesø, offering quiet, back-to-basics overnights in rural Viborg for cyclists, hikers and nature lovers.

Jættestuen Viborg Krat

11.6 km

A modest prehistoric burial mound tucked into Viborg’s old oak scrub, where quiet forest paths meet deep-time stories in the heart of Jutland.

Naturstyrelsen

12.2 km

Discover glacial hills, serene lake views, protected forests, and ancient legends at Dollerup Bakker, the famed natural preserve on Viborg’s scenic outskirts.

Troldeslugten

13.4 km

A short, atmospheric forest ravine above Hald Sø where steep, root-tangled slopes, cool shade and nearby playgrounds and ruins turn a simple walk into a layered outing.

De Fem Halder

13.6 km

A lakeside cultural landscape where moats, ruins, ramparts and a manor house compress 800 years of Danish power and landscape history into a single scenic walk.

Den Selvejende Institution Hald

13.6 km

Medieval ruins and ice-age hills where 800 years of Danish history meets pristine natural landscape.

The Manor House of Hald

13.6 km

Discover Dollerup Bakker’s breathtaking glacial hills, lush meadows, and legends overlooking Hald Sø—Viborg’s premier nature escape and a Danish outdoor treasure.

Inderøen

13.8 km

A tranquil, wooded peninsula reaching into Hald Sø, where gentle trails, heathland and sweeping lake vistas create an easy nature escape just south of Viborg.

Viborg Plantage

14.1 km

A centuries-old forest sanctuary blending nature, history, and outdoor adventure near Viborg.

Dollerup Bakker

14.1 km

Ice Age-sculpted hills, purple heath and deep lake views combine at Dollerup Bakker, a remarkably rugged and atmospheric nature reserve just south of Viborg.

Essential places to dine

King's House Inn & Hotel

6.0 km

Traditional Danish country inn on the Viborg heath, combining homely cooking, simple hotel rooms and flexible spaces for celebrations, meetings and rural getaways.

Niels Bugges Kro

13.4 km

Historic countryside inn by Hald Sø, where refined seasonal cuisine, intimate rooms and forest-framed views create a slow, indulgent escape near Viborg.

Konge Buffet

13.6 km

Relaxed all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Viborg, blending Chinese dishes, Mongolian barbecue and sushi in a spacious, family-friendly setting.

Carl's Jr. Viborg

13.9 km

Flame-grilled American burgers and crispy chicken in the heart of Viborg's shopping district.

Hjarbæk Kro 2021 Aps

14.6 km

Modern Danish inn cuisine and candlelit hygge on the edge of Hjarbæk Fjord, where classic kromad meets wide water views and glowing Jutland sunsets.

Birgittelyst Kro

15.1 km

Authentic Danish inn blending traditional Nordic cuisine with European refinement and craft brewery excellence.

Sunset Boulevard

15.2 km

Danish-style fast food on Holstebrovej, serving freshly made burgers, sandwiches and signature seasoned fries in a bright, casual setting all day.

Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg

15.2 km

Quick, no-fuss Asian chinaboxes and stir-fries served from a cosy grill counter inside Løvbjerg on Koldingvej – ideal for an easy lunch or early dinner.

Familie Cafeen Thai Take Away

15.5 km

Unfussy, family-run Thai takeaway in a Viborg neighbourhood, serving fragrant curries and wok dishes at wallet-friendly prices for easy, flavourful evenings.

Queens Corner

15.6 km

Classic Danish grill-bar comfort on Viborg’s ring road, serving hearty hot dogs, burgers and fries in a relaxed, family-friendly setting every day.

Les Jeunes — kaffebar og neo-bistro

15.9 km

A modern Viborg hangout where specialty coffee, Nordic-Japanese small plates and relaxed bistro vibes share the same intimate, light-filled corner space.

Vesterbro Pub

15.9 km

Experience the best of Danish nightlife at Vesterbro Pub - where great drinks meet vibrant atmosphere in Viborg.

Viborg Pizzaria

15.9 km

Casual, no-nonsense pizza and Italian-style comfort food on central Vesterbrogade, perfect for quick sit-in meals or convenient takeaway in historic Viborg.

Khawand Pizzaria

16.0 km

Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.

Crispy Chicken

16.0 km

Quick, casual fried chicken and pizza in central Viborg—affordable fast-food convenience.

Luxury wellness rituals inspired by Eastern traditions, transforming everyday self-care into meaningful moments.

Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.

Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen

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Daugbjerg Kalkgruber – Denmark’s Oldest Limestone Mine

A brief summary to Daugbjerg Kalkgruber

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Viborg

Car from Skive

Regional bus and short walk

Cycling from nearby villages

Daugbjerg Kalkgruber location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Daugbjerg Kalkgruber

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Daugbjerg Kalkgruber

Ancient Limestone Labyrinth Beneath Jutland

Stories of Witches, Robbers and Lime Workers

Bats, Constant Darkness and Underground Climate

Dybdal Forest, Rare Plants and Troll Hunts

Exploring Safely and Making the Most of Your Visit

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup

Museum Salling

Viborg View

Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads

Vi er Viborg

Befrielsessten i Gullestrup

Mindesten for Jens Vejmand

Bølling Lake

Worldmap at Klejtrup Lake

Ilva

Befrielsessten i Herning

Louis Nielsen Herning

Herning City Hotel

Zency Herning

Elia

Unmissable attractions to see

Daugbjerg gamle vandmølle

Daugbjergskiltet

Mønsted Kalkgruber

Kalk Kaminoen

Kongenshus Mindepark

Birkesø Telt Plads

Jættestuen Viborg Krat

Naturstyrelsen

Troldeslugten

De Fem Halder

Den Selvejende Institution Hald

The Manor House of Hald

Inderøen

Viborg Plantage

Dollerup Bakker

Essential places to dine

King's House Inn & Hotel

Niels Bugges Kro

Konge Buffet

Carl's Jr. Viborg

Hjarbæk Kro 2021 Aps

Birgittelyst Kro

Sunset Boulevard

Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg

Familie Cafeen Thai Take Away

Queens Corner

Les Jeunes — kaffebar og neo-bistro

Vesterbro Pub

Viborg Pizzaria

Khawand Pizzaria

Crispy Chicken

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

NORMAL Viborg, Viborg Storcenter

Dansk

COW CONCEPT I / S

sexshop-midt.dk

The Old Garage

Red Cross Op Shop

Eleganza Eterna

Rashed

Danmission Op Shop

Viborg Stjerne Marked

Søsterne Grene