Jættestuen Viborg Krat
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.
Tucked into the western edge of Viborg Plantage, Jættestuen Viborg Krat is an evocative prehistoric burial mound wrapped in old oak scrub and conifer forest. Technically a burial mound rather than a classic passage grave, it still carries the weighty nickname “jættestue” – a giant’s stone chamber – hinting at centuries of folklore. Paths through the plantation bring you to this grassy rise, where archaeology, quiet woodland and the soft light of central Jutland combine into a low-key but atmospheric stop on a walk near Viborg.
A brief summary to Jættestuen Viborg Krat
- Viborg, 8800, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 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
- Combine the mound with a circular walk in Viborg Plantage to appreciate how the ancient burial site sits within the wider forest landscape.
- Wear sturdy shoes; paths are generally easy but can be muddy, rooty or slippery with wet leaves in autumn and winter.
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for softer light through the trees, which makes the contours of the mound easier to see and photograph.
- Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no dedicated facilities at the mound itself; use rest areas in the wider plantation instead.
- If visiting with children, turn it into a mini time-travel story, imagining how the landscape looked when the mound was first built.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car from Viborg center
Driving from central Viborg to the Viborg Plantage area typically takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking is usually free in designated forest lay-bys or small car parks near the plantation, though spaces can fill on sunny weekends. There is no separate entrance fee to visit the forest or the mound, and access is generally available year-round in normal weather.
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Local bus and short forest approach
Regional buses running between Viborg and nearby villages stop on roads within walking distance of Viborg Plantage, with journeys from Viborg bus terminal usually taking 10–20 minutes and adult single fares typically in the range of 20–35 DKK. Services often run at least once an hour on weekdays but can be less frequent in evenings and on weekends. From the nearest stop, expect an additional 15–30 minutes on foot along forest tracks to reach the area around Jættestuen.
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Cycling from Viborg
Cycling from Viborg center to the plantation edge usually takes 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace, using local roads and minor lanes that are generally suitable for everyday bikes. There is no charge for bike access, and you can ride on wider forest tracks while dismounting near narrower paths around the mound. Surfaces vary from asphalt to gravel and packed earth, which can be soft or muddy after heavy rain.
Jættestuen Viborg Krat 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
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Jættestuen Viborg Krat
Ancient mound in a quiet Jutland forest
Jættestuen Viborg Krat sits in the gently rolling landscape just west of Viborg, hidden within the trees of Viborg Plantage and the old oak scrub once known as Bymandsris or Viborg Krat. The name suggests a classic Danish passage grave, but archaeologists classify it more soberly as a burial mound. That small technicality does little to dim its presence: a rounded, grass-covered rise that breaks the rhythm of pines and oaks and hints at lives lived here several thousand years ago. The surrounding plantation was established in the 19th century on former heathland and rough grazing, and the mound now feels like a relic from a much older landscape that has almost vanished. As you step off the broader forest tracks and approach the site, the soundscape softens to wind in branches, bird calls and the muted crunch of needles and leaves underfoot.From prehistoric settlement to plantation
Archaeological finds in the area indicate dense settlement in prehistory, and the mound in Viborg Krat is usually linked to those vanished farmsteads and fields. Rather than standing alone, it formed part of a wider ritual and everyday landscape of houses, fences, fields and other burial places scattered across the sandy soils west of Viborg. Over time, cultivation patterns shifted, villages moved, and the old field systems disappeared, leaving only durable monuments like this mound. In 1846 the state took over the area and began planting forest as part of a broader project to tame heath and drifting sands in Jutland. The old oak scrub of Viborg Krat survived as a distinctive corner of twisted trunks and light-dappled undergrowth, with the mound nestled inside it. This layering of eras – Stone or Bronze Age grave, traditional scrub woodland and planned plantation – gives the site much of its quiet fascination.Walking among oaks, pines and heather
Visiting Jættestuen is less about a single dramatic sight and more about the atmosphere of the wider plantation. Tracks for walkers, runners and cyclists loop through stands of conifers, patches of heather and the darker, denser oak thicket around the mound. Sunlight filters in narrow shafts, and mosses and lichens soften stones and fallen branches. The burial mound itself is modest in scale; its interest lies in pausing to imagine the open, treeless landscape in which it was first raised. The forest provides shelter in unsettled weather, making the area appealing in most seasons. Spring brings fresh greens and birdsong, summer offers dappled shade, autumn colours the oaks in copper tones, and winter strips the canopy to reveal the simple, geometric form of the mound more clearly. Throughout the year, it is a natural place to slow your pace, listen and look more closely.Folklore, giants and modern curiosity
The very word “jættestue” is wrapped in folklore. In Danish tradition, jætter are giants or powerful beings, and many ancient stone monuments were once explained as their handiwork. Calling this mound a jættestue reflects that older habit of seeing the extraordinary in prehistoric structures, even when their true builders were ordinary farming communities. Stories of hidden treasures, restless spirits or strange lights would not have been out of place here in earlier centuries. Today, the enchantment is quieter and more reflective. There are no dramatic reconstructions or heavy interpretive displays: just the landscape itself and occasional information in the wider plantation area. This simplicity encourages visitors to supply their own curiosity, imagining processions, burials and changing beliefs while standing on soil that has held human traces for millennia.Practical visit in a low-key setting
Jættestuen Viborg Krat forms one stop within a broader network of paths in Viborg Plantage, making it easy to combine with a longer forest walk or short nature break from the town. There is no entrance fee, and there are no formal facilities directly at the mound, so it is wise to bring water and anything else you need. Nearby clearings and path junctions offer spots to pause or sit, while the trees provide a roomy, ever-changing backdrop. Because the site is understated, it suits visitors who appreciate subtle historical traces rather than big, built attractions. Families, walkers, runners and history-minded travelers can all fold it naturally into an hour or two outdoors. The reward lies in the encounter between everyday woodland and deep time: a small rise in the ground that quietly insists the story of this landscape began long before the forest you see today.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Viborg View
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Vi er Viborg
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Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads
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Bølling Lake
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Museum Salling
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silkeborg
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Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
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Tollundmanden
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Silkeborg Water Tower
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Silkeborg Bunkermuseum
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Art Center
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Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
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Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
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Store Troldhøj
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Unmissable attractions to see
Naturstyrelsen
1.0 km
Discover glacial hills, serene lake views, protected forests, and ancient legends at Dollerup Bakker, the famed natural preserve on Viborg’s scenic outskirts.
Den Selvejende Institution Hald
2.8 km
Medieval ruins and ice-age hills where 800 years of Danish history meets pristine natural landscape.
Viborg Plantage
2.8 km
A centuries-old forest sanctuary blending nature, history, and outdoor adventure near Viborg.
The Manor House of Hald
2.8 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.
De Fem Halder
2.9 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.
Troldeslugten
3.1 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.
Hald Slot
3.4 km
Evocative lakeside castle ruins where towering earthworks, a rebuilt tower and wooded shores reveal centuries of power struggles beside clear Hald Sø.
Inderøen
4.2 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
4.2 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.
Søndermarkskirken
4.4 km
A circular parish church where modern Danish design, symbolic artwork and community-focused architecture come together on Viborg’s quiet southern edge.
Dollerup Bakker
5.3 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.
Sønæs Vandpark
5.3 km
A lakeside climate park where Viborg’s rainwater is tamed, cleaned and celebrated in a landscape of ponds, paths and playful green spaces.
Sønæs Park
5.5 km
Innovative wetland park in Viborg where rainwater basins, lakeside paths and playful green spaces turn climate adaptation into a scenic urban escape.
Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand
5.5 km
Broad wooden sun steps tumbling into Søndersø, where Viborg’s inventive sØnæs climate park becomes a laid‑back lakeside beach for swimmers, strollers and sunset‑seekers.
Strandparken
5.5 km
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Essential places to dine
Niels Bugges Kro
3.1 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
3.6 km
Authentic Danish inn blending traditional Nordic cuisine with European refinement and craft brewery excellence.
Konge Buffet
4.1 km
Relaxed all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Viborg, blending Chinese dishes, Mongolian barbecue and sushi in a spacious, family-friendly setting.
Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg
4.2 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.
Carl's Jr. Viborg
4.4 km
Flame-grilled American burgers and crispy chicken in the heart of Viborg's shopping district.
Sunset Boulevard
5.4 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
5.8 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
6.0 km
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Viborg Pizzaria
6.0 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
6.0 km
Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.
Restaurant Pavarotti Viborg
6.1 km
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Crispy Chicken
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Restaurant Palads
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D'let - Det Grønne Køkken Thai Take Away
6.1 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.
For Enden Af Gaden
6.2 km
Relaxed Nordic-inspired dining in a hyggeligt madhus on Viborg’s main pedestrian street, serving generous plates, local produce and a warm, unpretentious welcome.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
NORMAL Viborg, Viborg Storcenter
4.3 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.
COW CONCEPT I / S
4.7 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
4.7 km
Accessible, family-focused fashion in Viborg, offering practical Danish everyday clothing, outerwear and basics for all ages under one roof on Livøvej.
Red Cross Op Shop
5.3 km
Spacious Red Cross thrift store in Viborg, where second-hand fashion and homeware meet Danish volunteer spirit and every bargain supports humanitarian work.
The Old Garage
5.7 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
5.9 km
A compact Viborg fashion boutique blending Scandinavian simplicity with elegant, curated womenswear and accessories just off the city’s historic heart.
Rashed
6.0 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
6.1 km
A calming Scandinavian treasure trove in central Viborg, filled with affordable décor, crafty inspiration and small everyday joys tucked inside Sct. Mathias Centret.
Hunkemöller
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Sct. Mathias Center
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NEYE Viborg
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PIECES Viborg
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Zizzi - Viborg
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Scandinavian creativity meets affordable everyday joy in Viborg's most colorful gift shop.
Frølund Fashion Viborg
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Long‑standing Danish womenswear boutique inside Sct. Mathias Centret, blending contemporary fashion, seasonal collections and friendly styling help in central Viborg.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roxy Malt Viborg
6.0 km
Cosy Irish-style pub in central Viborg with specialty beers, cocktails, live music and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere for unhurried nights out.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
6.3 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
6.3 km
Cosy Viborg bodega and karaoke bar where cold beers, pool games and sing-along nights blend into an easygoing, late-night local hangout.
Ølluminati Brewbar
6.3 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.
Tema Bar
6.3 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
6.3 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.
Mathias Kælderen
6.3 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.
Rockabilly Bar
6.4 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Sportspub Målet
6.4 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.
Holms Vinotek
6.4 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
6.5 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.
Café Børsen
6.5 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
6.6 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Mødestedet Viborg ApS
6.6 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.
Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen
13.1 km
Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
5.2 km
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Der Kuhstall Mønsted
9.0 km
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B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
31.0 km
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Piano Herning
37.7 km
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Bart
37.8 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
37.8 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.
Buddy Holly
38.0 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.
Mindegade5
38.0 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
38.0 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.
Jazz Hobro
38.1 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
East End Holstebro
43.8 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
44.1 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
44.1 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
44.2 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
45.0 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- 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
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
