Mønsted Kalkgruber – The World’s Largest Limestone Mines
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.
Carved beneath the rolling countryside near Viborg, Mønsted Kalkgruber is the world’s largest limestone mine: a 60km maze of caverns, lakes and echoing tunnels, about 4km of which are accessible to visitors. Constantly chilled to 8°C, the underground world contrasts with the green Natura 2000 landscape above, where an old lime works has been reborn as a museum and the former quarry shimmers as a blue‑green lake. Industrial heritage, geology, bats and family‑friendly adventure all meet in one remarkably atmospheric site.
A brief summary to Mønsted Kalkgruber
- Kalkværksvej 8-10, Stoholm, Stoholm J, 7850, DK
- +4586646011
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Bring warm layers for the underground sections; the temperature is around 8°C year-round, even when it is hot and sunny outside.
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes, as mine floors can be damp and occasionally uneven, especially on the longer walking routes.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours to combine the illuminated tunnels with the museum, nature trails and a break at Café Kridthuset in season.
- If visiting in the main season, check in advance for mine train operating dates and any seasonal closures linked to bat protection.
- Families should make time for the bat-themed playground and bring a small torch if children enjoy peering into darker corners.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Viborg
From Viborg town centre, driving to Mønsted Kalkgruber typically takes about 20–25 minutes. The route follows main regional roads through gently rolling countryside and is straightforward in all seasons. Parking is free at the site, but spaces can fill up on busy summer days and public holidays, so plan to arrive earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.
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Regional bus from Viborg
Regional buses connect Viborg with Stoholm, the nearest town to Mønsted Kalkgruber, in around 25–35 minutes depending on the service and time of day. A single adult ticket usually costs in the range of 25–40 DKK. From Stoholm, expect an onward walk of a few kilometres along local roads and paths; the terrain is mostly gentle but not ideal for those with limited mobility.
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Train plus taxi
Trains run regularly to Stoholm station from larger hubs such as Viborg or Skive, with journey times typically 10–20 minutes. A standard single ticket is usually around 20–40 DKK depending on distance and time. From Stoholm station, local taxis can cover the remaining short drive to the mines in about 5–10 minutes; expect to pay approximately 80–150 DKK per car depending on time and waiting charges.
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Cycling from Viborg region
Confident cyclists can reach Mønsted Kalkgruber via minor country roads from Viborg and nearby villages. From Viborg, the ride is roughly 15–20 km and usually takes 45–75 minutes each way, with rolling but not mountainous terrain. Surfaces are mostly paved, but weather and wind can strongly influence travel time, so bring appropriate clothing and lights if returning later in the day.
Mønsted Kalkgruber location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Mønsted Kalkgruber
Deep Below the Danish Hills
Beneath the fields around Stoholm lies a vast hidden world: the limestone labyrinth of Mønsted Kalkgruber. Centuries of quarrying have created around 60 kilometres of tunnels on multiple levels, with some chambers soaring like underground cathedrals and others narrowing to intimate passageways. Around 4 kilometres of this network are open to visitors, with roughly half of that subtly lit so you can take in the textures of the rock and the reflections in still pools. The temperature hovers at about 8°C all year, so stepping inside feels like entering a natural refrigerator, even at the height of summer. Water drips from the ceiling, small streams trickle along the floor and occasional underground lakes mirror the rough-hewn vaults. Sound carries in unusual ways here; a quiet conversation can feel amplified as it bounces along the rock corridors.Stories in Stone and Steel Above Ground
Mønsted Kalkgruber is as much an industrial monument as it is a geological wonder. Above ground, the former lime works buildings, where limestone was burned in roaring kilns until 1980, now serve as a museum. Exhibits trace the evolution from hand tools and horse-drawn carts to mechanised extraction, and explain how lime from these hills helped build Danish towns and treat agricultural soils. Old machinery, wagons and chimneys form a surprisingly picturesque industrial landscape. Interpretive displays bring to life the daily routines of workers, from exhausting shifts underground to the heat and dust of the kilns. It is a rare chance to see both the raw source underground and the processing facilities that once powered a regional industry.Bats, Nature Trails and Protected Landscapes
The mines are a vital winter refuge for bats, with tens of thousands sheltering in the cool, stable climate of the tunnels during the colder months. To safeguard these protected species, access to the deepest sections is carefully managed, and parts of the mine are closed in winter while the museum above ground operates seasonally. Information points explain how sensitive electronic counters monitor bat movements at key entrances. Outside, the surrounding hillsides form part of a Natura 2000 protected area. Trails lead past dramatic sinkholes, steep limestone slopes and open grassland, where the thin, chalky soils support specialised plants. A blue-green lake fills the old open quarry, its colour hinting at the limestone beneath the surface. Wooden benches and grassy spots provide natural picnic corners with wide rural views.Exploring Routes, Light Shows and the Mine Train
Inside the mine, clearly marked walking routes of different lengths make it easy to tailor your visit, from short strolls to longer loops linking several chambers. Surfaces are generally firm and relatively even, with many stretches suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though some side passages remain low and rougher underfoot for those seeking a little extra adventure. During the main season, a small mine train runs part of the way into the underground system, offering an atmospheric ride for anyone who prefers less walking or simply wants the thrill of rattling into the hill by rail. Special multimedia projections in one of the large caverns use light and sound to tell the story of the mine, transforming the raw rock walls into a dramatic backdrop.Cafés, Playgrounds and Practical Comforts
Next to the entrance area, the cosy Café Kridthuset serves hot and cold dishes, drinks and local treats when open in season. It is a welcoming place to warm up after time in the chilly mine or to linger on the terrace in fine weather. Nearby, a themed bat playground invites children to clamber over large stylised bat figures representing the different species that winter in the caves. Around the main buildings you will find restrooms, picnic tables, a small shop and information boards that help you plan your route underground. The combination of accessible paths, family-focused facilities and the sheer scale of the subterranean world makes Mønsted Kalkgruber a striking stop on a wider exploration of central Jutland.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup
7.0 km
A modest countryside liberation stone near Viborg, quietly commemorating Denmark’s freedom in 1945 amid open fields and a peaceful village setting.
Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads
14.7 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Viborg View
14.8 km
Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.
Vi er Viborg
15.0 km
Experience Danish innovation at Dokk1, Aarhus’ renowned waterfront library and cultural hub, blending architecture, technology, and vibrant community life.
Museum Salling
16.4 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.
Bølling Lake
33.8 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Befrielsessten i Gullestrup
34.1 km
A 1949 liberation stone honoring Denmark's freedom in the quiet village of Gullestrup.
Mindesten for Jens Vejmand
34.7 km
A windbreak memorial to a stoneworker whose life inspired Denmark's most beloved folk song.
Fuglsang Lake
35.8 km
Discover Fuglsang Lake in Herning: a man-made oasis offering swimming, recreation, and natural beauty, perfect for a refreshing escape and outdoor adventures in Denmark.
Herningsholm Museum
36.0 km
Experience Central Jutland’s aristocratic past and local history in a beautifully preserved manor house surrounded by serene gardens in Herning.
Ilva
36.7 km
Experience contemporary art in a repurposed 1950s vending machine at Vejle's innovative Kunsthal Vejle.
Befrielsessten i Herning
37.1 km
A solemn outdoor memorial honoring Denmark's fallen, open always for quiet reflection.
Louis Nielsen Herning
37.4 km
Experience contemporary art in a unique setting at Kunsthal Vejle, where a historic vending machine becomes a dynamic exhibition space.
Herning City Hotel
37.5 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views and serene landscapes at Udsigtstårn in Vejle, Denmark.
Zency Herning
37.5 km
Discover contemporary art in Vejle's unique vending machine gallery at Banegårdspladsen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Daugbjerg Kalkgruber
2.1 km
Step into a cool underground maze where ancient miners, outlaw legends and hibernating bats share Denmark’s oldest hand‑cut limestone mine.
Daugbjerg gamle vandmølle
2.9 km
A 17th-century water mill and miniature village preserving Denmark's rural heritage in the scenic Mølleådalen valley.
Daugbjergskiltet
3.1 km
Historic papermaking brought to life in a working 19th-century mill on Viborg’s outskirts, with hands-on workshops and authentic industrial atmosphere.
Kalk Kaminoen
3.6 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.
Birkesø Telt Plads
6.2 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.
Kongenshus Mindepark
8.8 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.
Jættestuen Viborg Krat
10.7 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
11.2 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
12.9 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.
Undallslund
12.9 km
Expansive forest playground with marked trails, BBQ spots, and dog park near Viborg.
Viborg Plantage
13.0 km
A centuries-old forest sanctuary blending nature, history, and outdoor adventure near Viborg.
Den Selvejende Institution Hald
13.0 km
Medieval ruins and ice-age hills where 800 years of Danish history meets pristine natural landscape.
De Fem Halder
13.0 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.
Viborg Miniby
13.0 km
Step into a painstakingly crafted 1:10 miniature of 1850s Viborg, where tiny streets, churches and workshops bring a thousand years of Danish city history to life.
The Manor House of Hald
13.0 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.
Essential places to dine
King's House Inn & Hotel
7.5 km
Traditional Danish country inn on the Viborg heath, combining homely cooking, simple hotel rooms and flexible spaces for celebrations, meetings and rural getaways.
Konge Buffet
12.2 km
Relaxed all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Viborg, blending Chinese dishes, Mongolian barbecue and sushi in a spacious, family-friendly setting.
Hjarbæk Kro 2021 Aps
12.5 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.
Carl's Jr. Viborg
12.5 km
Flame-grilled American burgers and crispy chicken in the heart of Viborg's shopping district.
Niels Bugges Kro
13.0 km
Historic countryside inn by Hald Sø, where refined seasonal cuisine, intimate rooms and forest-framed views create a slow, indulgent escape near Viborg.
Sunset Boulevard
13.7 km
Danish-style fast food on Holstebrovej, serving freshly made burgers, sandwiches and signature seasoned fries in a bright, casual setting all day.
Familie Cafeen Thai Take Away
13.9 km
Unfussy, family-run Thai takeaway in a Viborg neighbourhood, serving fragrant curries and wok dishes at wallet-friendly prices for easy, flavourful evenings.
Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg
13.9 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.
Queens Corner
14.0 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.
Birgittelyst Kro
14.3 km
Authentic Danish inn blending traditional Nordic cuisine with European refinement and craft brewery excellence.
Vesterbro Pub
14.4 km
Experience the best of Danish nightlife at Vesterbro Pub - where great drinks meet vibrant atmosphere in Viborg.
Les Jeunes — kaffebar og neo-bistro
14.4 km
A modern Viborg hangout where specialty coffee, Nordic-Japanese small plates and relaxed bistro vibes share the same intimate, light-filled corner space.
Viborg Pizzaria
14.4 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.
Wild & Raw
14.5 km
Bright, casual vegan sportscafé in Viborg’s Tingvej complex, serving plant-based comfort food and coffee to athletes, locals and curious travellers alike.
Khawand Pizzaria
14.5 km
Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
NORMAL Viborg, Viborg Storcenter
12.3 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.
Dansk
12.6 km
Accessible, family-focused fashion in Viborg, offering practical Danish everyday clothing, outerwear and basics for all ages under one roof on Livøvej.
COW CONCEPT I / S
12.6 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.
The Old Garage
14.0 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.
Red Cross Op Shop
14.2 km
Spacious Red Cross thrift store in Viborg, where second-hand fashion and homeware meet Danish volunteer spirit and every bargain supports humanitarian work.
Eleganza Eterna
14.4 km
A compact Viborg fashion boutique blending Scandinavian simplicity with elegant, curated womenswear and accessories just off the city’s historic heart.
Danmission Op Shop
14.4 km
Spacious Viborg charity thrift warehouse where bargain-hunting, reuse and global-minded giving come together under one practical, volunteer-run roof.
Rashed
14.5 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.
Viborg Stjerne Marked
14.7 km
Compact neighborhood mini‑market and halal butcher in Viborg’s historic center, blending everyday Danish staples with Middle Eastern flavors and friendly local service.
Søsterne Grene
14.7 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
14.7 km
Contemporary lingerie, swimwear and loungewear in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, with personal fitting help and a focused, comfortable boutique atmosphere.
Rituals
14.7 km
Luxury wellness rituals inspired by Eastern traditions, transforming everyday self-care into meaningful moments.
PIECES Viborg
14.7 km
Compact Danish fashion boutique inside Sct. Mathias Centret, offering Scandinavian basics, trend pieces, and accessories for women in the heart of Viborg.
Zizzi - Viborg
14.7 km
Curve-focused Danish fashion in the heart of Viborg, offering modern plus-size womenswear, beach styles and friendly, relaxed shopping inside Sct. Mathias Centret.
JACK & JONES
14.7 km
Central Viborg menswear stop for denim, casual staples and smart-casual outfits, set right on Sankt Mathias Gade beside the Sct. Mathias shopping center.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mødestedet Viborg ApS
14.0 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.
Roxy Malt Viborg
14.5 km
Cosy Irish-style pub in central Viborg with specialty beers, cocktails, live music and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere for unhurried nights out.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
14.7 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.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
14.7 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
14.7 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
14.8 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
14.8 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.
Sportspub Målet
14.8 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.
Ølluminati Brewbar
14.9 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
14.9 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.
Café Børsen
14.9 km
A long‑standing Viborg café‑bar where Danish hygge, history and late‑night drinks meet in one cozy, central hangout on Gravene.
Rockabilly Bar
14.9 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Holms Vinotek
15.0 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Bodega Hegnet
15.0 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen
23.8 km
Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Industrial
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
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