Dollerup Bakker Nature Hills
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.
Dollerup Bakker, just south of Viborg in central Jutland, is one of Denmark’s most striking Ice Age landscapes. Rolling, heather-clad hills drop steeply towards Hald Sø, one of the country’s deepest lakes, creating rare dramatic scenery in an otherwise gentle nation of plains. Protected as part of a Natura 2000 area, the reserve weaves together glacial ravines, open heath, forest and lakeshore paths, offering superb hiking, picnicking and sweeping viewpoints over a uniquely rugged corner of Denmark.
A brief summary to Dollerup Bakker
- 8800, Viborg, 8800, DK
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- 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: slopes can be steep, uneven and slippery after rain, even on the shorter marked routes to the main viewpoints.
- Bring water and snacks or a picnic, especially outside summer, as refreshment options near the hills are seasonal and limited.
- Plan for wind at exposed viewpoints; an extra layer makes it easier to linger and enjoy the panoramas over Hald Sø.
- If visiting with small children or limited mobility, look for the more level lakeside and accessible paths rather than the steep hill circuits.
- Visit in late summer for flowering heather across the hillsides, or in early autumn when the mix of purple heath and golden forest is at its best.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Viborg
From central Viborg, driving to Dollerup Bakker typically takes around 15–20 minutes along regional roads through Hald Ege. The route is straightforward and paved throughout. Several small car parks serve the hills and lakeside, but they can fill on sunny weekends and summer evenings. Parking is generally free, and there are no entrance fees for the nature area, but be prepared for narrow local roads and slow speeds near villages.
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Local bus from Viborg
A regional bus line runs between Viborg and the Dollerup area in roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on departure and stops. Buses usually operate several times per day on weekdays with more limited service in the evening and on weekends. A one-way ticket typically costs the equivalent of about 20–30 DKK within the local zone system. From the nearest stop you should expect a short walk on rural roads and paths to reach the main viewpoints and trails.
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Cycling from Viborg
Cycling from Viborg to Dollerup Bakker is a scenic option for experienced riders, taking about 35–50 minutes each way over gently hilly terrain. You follow a mix of cycle-friendly roads and local lanes, with some sections sharing space with cars. There is no fee to enter the nature area, but be ready for a few steeper gradients near the hills themselves and bring lights and reflective gear if you plan to return later in the day.
Dollerup Bakker location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
- Snow
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Dollerup Bakker
Ice Age Hills Above One of Denmark’s Deepest Lakes
Dollerup Bakker unfolds as a dramatic series of heather-clad hills and ravines rising above Hald Sø, about 10 km south of Viborg in central Jutland. Shaped by the last Ice Age, the terrain here is unusually steep for Denmark, with slopes and ridges dropping sharply to the lakeshore and viewpoints opening to wide horizons. From the higher knolls you look down on Hald Sø, one of the country’s deepest lakes, its dark waters framed by forested banks and open heath. This contrast between rugged relief and tranquil water is what makes Dollerup Bakker stand out. Where much of Denmark is softly undulating, this area feels almost mountainous in miniature, a compact showcase of glacial forces carving and sculpting the land. On clear days the views stretch far across central Jutland, with layers of hills receding into the distance and the lake glinting below.Heathland, Forest Paths and Protected Nature
The hills form part of a larger protected landscape that includes heath, species-rich grasslands, mixed woodland and wetland pockets. Heather, grasses and wildflowers dominate the open slopes, creating a purple haze in late summer and a tapestry of greens in spring. In the woods you find quieter, shaded paths under beech and other deciduous trees, especially around the peninsula trails and lower lakeside sections. Birdsong follows you through the reserve, and with a bit of patience you may spot deer moving between forest and clearings or foxes crossing the open ground at dusk. The area’s protected status under the Natura 2000 network helps conserve these habitats, while still allowing visitors to explore on a network of marked trails that vary from gentle lakeside strolls to more strenuous climbs.Walking Routes with Sweeping Viewpoints
Dollerup Bakker is laced with hiking routes suited to different energy levels and interests. Short, well-trodden circuits lead from the main parking areas to classic viewpoints over Hald Sø, ideal if you have limited time or are visiting with young children. Longer loops combine hilltops, forest tracks and stretches of shoreline, giving a fuller sense of how the terrain shifts from open heath to dense woodland. Viewpoints such as the ridges near Bisballe Bakker reward the effort of the climb with broad panoramas, especially beautiful in late afternoon when the light softens across the hills. The paths are generally unpaved and can be rooty, steep or slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is advisable even for shorter walks. In several spots, simple benches or grassy patches invite you to pause, unpack a picnic and just absorb the scenery.Hald Sø and Layers of Local History
Beyond its natural drama, Dollerup Bakker is closely tied to the cultural landscape around Hald Sø. Along the lake’s shores and nearby ridges, traces of earlier estates and fortified sites tell stories of medieval bishops, noble families and shifting power. The red-brick manor of Hald Hovedgård and the ruins of earlier strongholds around the lake illustrate how this commanding setting has long drawn people seeking both defence and beauty. Today the historical buildings, gardens and ruins form a scenic backdrop to walks and viewpoints rather than a formal museum complex. The combination of old manor silhouettes, lakeside meadows and high heathland ridges gives the whole area a quietly storied atmosphere, where glimpses of Denmark’s past appear between clusters of trees and along old paths.Seasonal Moods in a Rugged Danish Landscape
Dollerup Bakker changes character with the seasons. In spring, fresh green leaves and bright wildflowers soften the hillsides, while the still-cool air makes longer hikes comfortable. Summer brings warmer days, busier lakeside spots and vibrant greens in the forest, with the heather starting to colour the slopes. Late summer and early autumn are especially striking, when purple heath and turning foliage frame the deep blue of Hald Sø. Even in winter the hills retain their appeal, with bare trees revealing more of the glacial contours and occasional frost or snow sharpening the landscape’s lines. Whatever the time of year, the area remains fundamentally about space, sky and the play of light over water and heath – a rare chance to experience Denmark at its most rugged, yet still easily accessible from Viborg.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Viborg View
9.7 km
Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.
Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup
10.0 km
A modest countryside liberation stone near Viborg, quietly commemorating Denmark’s freedom in 1945 amid open fields and a peaceful village setting.
Vi er Viborg
10.5 km
Experience Danish innovation at Dokk1, Aarhus’ renowned waterfront library and cultural hub, blending architecture, technology, and vibrant community life.
Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads
10.9 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Bølling Lake
21.7 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
silkeborg
26.0 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Water Tower
26.4 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Funder Ruin
26.7 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern life at Stændertorvet, Roskilde's central square.
Silkeborg Bunkermuseum
26.9 km
Relive Central Jutland’s wartime past at Silkeborg Bunkermuseum, an immersive WWII command bunker with original artifacts and deep stories from Denmark’s occupation.
Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
26.9 km
A colossal wooden troll crafted from recycled materials—where art, nature, and Nordic folklore converge near Silkeborg's serene lake.
Art Center
26.9 km
A vibrant historic square in Roskilde, encircled by lively cafés, markets, and the iconic cathedral—an essential hub for local culture and urban atmosphere.
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
27.1 km
Explore the world of Asger Jorn and modern art at this vibrant museum in Silkeborg, Denmark, featuring a diverse collection, interactive exhibits, and a scenic riverside setting.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
27.7 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
27.8 km
Roskilde’s historic main square blends medieval roots with lively markets and café culture, making it an essential stop in the heart of town.
Kroghs Bænk
28.1 km
Elevated forest sanctuary with panoramic lake views and 19th-century heritage
Unmissable attractions to see
Inderøen
1.2 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.
Hald Sø
2.1 km
Deep, clear waters, Ice Age hills and centuries of castles and manors make Hald Sø a striking blend of wild Danish nature and quiet cultural landscape.
E Bindstouw
2.2 km
Atmospheric 18th-century village schoolhouse and Blicher haunt in Lysgård, offering an intimate glimpse into rural Jutland life, learning and storytelling.
Troldeslugten
2.4 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
2.8 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.
The Manor House of Hald
2.9 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.
Den Selvejende Institution Hald
2.9 km
Medieval ruins and ice-age hills where 800 years of Danish history meets pristine natural landscape.
Hald Slot
3.0 km
Evocative lakeside castle ruins where towering earthworks, a rebuilt tower and wooded shores reveal centuries of power struggles beside clear Hald Sø.
Jættestuen Viborg Krat
5.3 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
6.0 km
Discover glacial hills, serene lake views, protected forests, and ancient legends at Dollerup Bakker, the famed natural preserve on Viborg’s scenic outskirts.
Viborg Plantage
6.6 km
A centuries-old forest sanctuary blending nature, history, and outdoor adventure near Viborg.
Vedsø
6.7 km
A small, sky‑wide lake on Viborg’s fringe, where quiet banks, open horizons and simple paths offer an easy escape into classic Jutland countryside.
Danske Soldaters Mindelund
7.5 km
A tranquil memorial park by historic Rindsholm Kro, honoring more than 100,000 Danish soldiers and peacekeepers amid lawns, trees, monuments and armored vehicles.
Mindesten for Faldne ved Jydske Dragonregiment
7.6 km
A quiet countryside memorial near Viborg where the Jutland Dragoons’ fallen are honoured amid trees, flags and fields at the historic Rindsholm site.
Søndermarkskirken
8.0 km
A circular parish church where modern Danish design, symbolic artwork and community-focused architecture come together on Viborg’s quiet southern edge.
Essential places to dine
Niels Bugges Kro
2.3 km
Historic countryside inn by Hald Sø, where refined seasonal cuisine, intimate rooms and forest-framed views create a slow, indulgent escape near Viborg.
Birgittelyst Kro
4.5 km
Authentic Danish inn blending traditional Nordic cuisine with European refinement and craft brewery excellence.
Rindsholm Kro og Hotel (selskaber mv., se åbningstider på hjemmesiden)
7.5 km
Historic Danish roadside inn near Viborg where hearty kro cooking, characterful rooms and walls of memorabilia turn a meal or stay into a journey through local history.
Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg
7.8 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.
Konge Buffet
8.9 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
9.1 km
Flame-grilled American burgers and crispy chicken in the heart of Viborg's shopping district.
Sunset Boulevard
9.8 km
Danish-style fast food on Holstebrovej, serving freshly made burgers, sandwiches and signature seasoned fries in a bright, casual setting all day.
Les Jeunes — kaffebar og neo-bistro
9.9 km
A modern Viborg hangout where specialty coffee, Nordic-Japanese small plates and relaxed bistro vibes share the same intimate, light-filled corner space.
Restaurant Pavarotti Viborg
10.0 km
Authentic Italian flavours meet Danish freshness in Viborg's most welcoming neighbourhood restaurant.
Khawand Pizzaria
10.1 km
Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.
Viborg Pizzaria
10.1 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.
Vesterbro Pub
10.1 km
Experience the best of Danish nightlife at Vesterbro Pub - where great drinks meet vibrant atmosphere in Viborg.
D'let - Det Grønne Køkken Thai Take Away
10.1 km
Bright, buffet-style Thai fast-casual in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, where you fill your own plate, pay by weight and eat in or take your food to go.
Crispy Chicken
10.1 km
Quick, casual fried chicken and pizza in central Viborg—affordable fast-food convenience.
Café Baghuset
10.1 km
Hygge‑filled all‑day café in central Viborg, serving generous brunches, Danish comfort dishes, coffee and cocktails in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
sexshop-midt.dk
6.2 km
Discreet rural sex shop in central Jutland offering toys, lingerie and accessories in a calm, low‑profile setting on the outskirts of Havredal.
Romantiske Gaver
6.5 km
Discover unique Danish crafts and souvenirs at Romantiske Gaver in Kjellerup.
NORMAL Viborg, Viborg Storcenter
9.0 km
Bright, budget-friendly and packed with everyday essentials, NORMAL Viborg in Viborg Storcenter offers a quick, quirky shopping stop inside a modern Danish mall.
Gimli-Store v/Bjarne Laursen
9.2 km
Denmark's premier archery equipment specialist, serving archers of all disciplines with expert knowledge and quality gear.
Red Cross Op Shop
9.3 km
Spacious Red Cross thrift store in Viborg, where second-hand fashion and homeware meet Danish volunteer spirit and every bargain supports humanitarian work.
COW CONCEPT I / S
9.4 km
A cozy Viborg showroom where an online design shop comes to life through tactile bags, jewelry and accessories in a calm, curated studio setting.
Dansk
9.4 km
Accessible, family-focused fashion in Viborg, offering practical Danish everyday clothing, outerwear and basics for all ages under one roof on Livøvej.
The Old Garage
10.0 km
Characterful little vintage store in a former Viborg garage, where retro Danish furnishings, quirky curios and nostalgic finds wait behind an unassuming suburban door.
Eleganza Eterna
10.0 km
A compact Viborg fashion boutique blending Scandinavian simplicity with elegant, curated womenswear and accessories just off the city’s historic heart.
Rashed
10.0 km
A straightforward neighborhood store on Jernbanegade in central Viborg, offering everyday essentials and a quick, no-fuss stop amid the town’s lived-in streets.
Søsterne Grene
10.1 km
A calming Scandinavian treasure trove in central Viborg, filled with affordable décor, crafty inspiration and small everyday joys tucked inside Sct. Mathias Centret.
Sct. Mathias Center
10.1 km
Compact indoor mall in Viborg’s pedestrian heart, combining everyday shopping, a supermarket and cafés just steps from the cathedral and historic streets.
NEYE Viborg
10.1 km
Specialist bag and luggage store in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, offering Scandinavian-style handbags, backpacks and suitcases for everyday use, school and travel.
Hunkemöller
10.1 km
Contemporary lingerie, swimwear and loungewear in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, with personal fitting help and a focused, comfortable boutique atmosphere.
Imerco
10.1 km
Modern Danish homeware and kitchen design in Viborg’s central Sct. Mathias Centret, combining practical cookware, stylish tableware and gift‑ready ideas under one roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roxy Malt Viborg
10.1 km
Cosy Irish-style pub in central Viborg with specialty beers, cocktails, live music and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere for unhurried nights out.
Ølluminati Brewbar
10.2 km
Microbrewery bar in Viborg’s old town, serving ever-changing small-batch craft beers and ciders in a cozy, quirky setting with a relaxed, music-filled atmosphere.
Mathias Kælderen
10.3 km
Cosy cellar bar in central Viborg offering hygge-filled evenings, rustic charm and relaxed drinks just steps below the historic streets of Sankt Mathias Gade.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
10.3 km
Unpretentious central Viborg bar with friendly staff, late weekend hours, affordable drinks and occasional karaoke nights in a laid-back pub setting.
CRAVE Bar
10.3 km
Cosy Viborg bodega and karaoke bar where cold beers, pool games and sing-along nights blend into an easygoing, late-night local hangout.
Tema Bar
10.3 km
A loud, late‑night party bar in central Viborg with colorful lights, mainstream beats and no‑frills drinks, perfect for weekend dancing and a casual night out.
Rabalder Bar Viborg
10.3 km
Casual, colorful bar energy in the heart of Viborg’s old town, blending easygoing Danish hygge with lively late-night drinks and sociable weekend parties.
Rockabilly Bar
10.3 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Holms Vinotek
10.3 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Sportspub Målet
10.4 km
Classic Danish sports bodega in central Viborg, where cold beer, big matches, karaoke and late-night hygge keep the lights on long after the final whistle.
Café Børsen
10.5 km
A long‑standing Viborg café‑bar where Danish hygge, history and late‑night drinks meet in one cozy, central hangout on Gravene.
Bodega Hegnet
10.5 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
10.6 km
High-energy après-ski style beer bar in central Viborg, pouring big drafts, loud music and late-night party vibes with free entry and group-friendly seating.
Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen
10.9 km
Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.
Mødestedet Viborg ApS
11.1 km
Cosy local bar and meeting place in Viborg, blending classic Danish pub vibes with flexible space for social events, dance evenings and everyday gatherings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
10.2 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Der Kuhstall Mønsted
12.2 km
Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
26.2 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Bart
33.7 km
Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.
Murphy's Pub
33.7 km
Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.
Mindegade5
33.9 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
33.9 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Jazzens Venner
34.5 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
Buddy Holly
41.5 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Jazz Hobro
41.6 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
East End Holstebro
43.6 km
High-energy disco club in central Holstebro, where DJs, flashing lights, and a packed dance floor keep the party going into the early morning hours.
Rustik & Flamingo
44.8 km
Rustik & Flamingo offers upscale cocktails and a vibrant late-night dance floor, making it one of Randers’ premier nightlife and party destinations.
Jagtbar Randers
44.8 km
A lively late-night bar in Randers’ city center known for its dynamic events, energetic crowds, and welcoming atmosphere—a favorite for unforgettable nights out.
Tante Olga - Bar
44.8 km
Beloved for its dynamic live music, unique ambiance, and lively events, Tante Olga is a cornerstone of Randers nightlife and a top local destination for music lovers.
Randers Rave
46.0 km
Compact, bass-heavy nightclub in Randers NØ, where an unassuming façade hides a late-night dance floor fueled by rave-inspired lights, DJs and high energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
