Troldeslugten at Hald Sø
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.
Troldeslugten is a narrow, fairy-tale ravine tucked into the forested shores above Hald Sø, just south of Viborg. Here, steep slopes, twisted roots and mossy trunks create a dramatic natural corridor that feels far wilder than its modest size. A network of forest paths links the gorge with Børnenes Hald nature playground, lakeside viewpoints and the historic landscape of De Fem Halder, making it a rewarding stop on longer walks around the lake.
A brief summary to Troldeslugten
- Ravnsbjergvej 74, Viborg, 8800, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
-
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 footwear with good grip; paths through the ravine can be steep, rooty and slippery after rain or frost.
- Combine the gorge with Børnenes Hald nature playground opposite to keep children engaged before or after a walk.
- Allow extra time to follow trails towards Hald Sø’s shoreline and viewpoints or onward to the historic De Fem Halder area.
- Visit in different seasons; spring greenery, summer shade, autumn colours and winter frost each transform the ravine’s character.
- If the ground is very wet, avoid the steepest side paths and stick to the main route along the bottom of the ravine.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Car from Viborg city centre
Driving from central Viborg to Troldeslugten typically takes 10–15 minutes, following regional roads south towards Hald Sø before smaller country lanes lead to the Ravnsbjergvej area. There is free parking by Børnenes Hald nature playground opposite the gorge, but spaces can fill up on sunny weekends and school holidays, so arriving earlier in the day provides more choice.
-
Local bus plus short walk
From Viborg’s bus connections, regional buses serving the Hald Ege and Hald Sø area usually reach the vicinity in about 15–25 minutes, depending on route and stops. Expect to pay roughly 20–35 DKK each way within the local tariff zone. From the nearest stop, a short walk on minor roads and forest paths leads to Troldeslugten; paths are unpaved and can be uneven, so this option suits those comfortable walking on natural terrain.
-
Cycling from Viborg
Cycling from Viborg to Troldeslugten takes around 30–45 minutes for most riders, using a mix of quieter roads and signposted leisure routes towards Hald Sø. The ride is gently undulating rather than steep and fits well with continuing along the lakeside or Hærvejen trails. There are no dedicated bike racks at the ravine itself, so most visitors simply secure their bikes near the playground or at the edge of the forest.
Troldeslugten location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Troldeslugten
A forest ravine with a touch of folklore
Troldeslugten, literally “the trolls’ gorge,” is a short but striking ravine carved into the wooded hillsides above Hald Sø. As you step beneath the canopy, the light dims, the air cools and the path dips between steep, tree-clad slopes. Tangled roots, moss-covered stones and leaning trunks give the impression that the forest is slowly closing in, perfect for imagining trolls and other creatures hiding just out of sight. Despite its modest scale, the gorge has a surprisingly dramatic feel by Danish standards. The terrain drops sharply from the plateau towards the lakeshore, and the path threads through a natural corridor that can feel almost tunnel-like in places. In wet weather, the ground grows soft and the slopes glisten darkly, underlining the sense that this is a place shaped by water and time.Shaped by ice, water and forest
Troldeslugten is part of the glacial landscape around Hald Sø, where meltwater once carved channels through sandy, moraine-rich hillsides. Over thousands of years, the ravine has deepened as water found the easiest route down towards the lake, leaving behind a V-shaped cut now softened by beech and mixed woodland. Today it offers a compact lesson in how geology and vegetation interact in Denmark’s inland lake districts. The surrounding forest is dense and varied, with beech, oak and conifers creating a layered green ceiling in summer and a rustling carpet of leaves in autumn. Birdsong carries clearly between the slopes, and you may hear woodpeckers tapping or catch sight of deer slipping quietly between the trunks higher up the banks. In winter, bare branches reveal more of the ravine’s contours, while frost and occasional snow pick out the textures of roots and rocks.Part of the wider Hald Sø walking country
Although the gorge itself is quite short, it sits on a mesh of waymarked routes that circle Hald Sø and connect to the historic Hærvejen trail. Walkers often link a passage through Troldeslugten with sections over the open heath of Stanghede and along the lakeside path, creating a varied loop that alternates between enclosed forest, open views and cultural landscapes. Close by, the area known as De Fem Halder preserves traces of five different fortifications and manor sites spanning several centuries. While Troldeslugten is primarily about atmosphere and nature, the wider surroundings add a strong sense of historical depth. The combination of wooded ravines, open slopes and glimpses of ruins makes this corner of central Jutland feel richer than a simple forest stroll.Playful neighbours at Børnenes Hald
Just across from the ravine you will find the imaginative Børnenes Hald nature playground, with large wooden wild boar figures, climbing structures, a tower with slide and a zipline. The contrast between the dark, almost secretive atmosphere inside Troldeslugten and the bright, lively energy of the playground invites families to blend quiet exploration with active play. Sheltered picnic spots and simple facilities nearby make it easy to turn a visit into a half-day outing. Children can first scramble along the roots and banks of the ravine, then test their balance and courage on the playground’s obstacles. Adults can enjoy the forest calm, lakeside views and the pleasure of seeing the area used in a way that still respects its natural character.Seasons, moods and practical feel
Each season gives Troldeslugten a different mood. In spring, wildflowers and fresh leaves brighten the slopes, and small streams or damp patches underline the gorge’s watery origins. Summer brings deep shade and cool air, making the ravine a welcome contrast to sunlit hills and open heath. Autumn brushes the trees in gold and copper, while winter can leave icicles on roots and a thin mirror of ice in still puddles near the lake. Paths can be narrow, sloping and rooty, so footwear with a good grip makes the experience more comfortable. The area feels compact and manageable, yet the tangle of forest routes means you can easily extend your walk if you wish. Despite the fairy-tale name, Troldeslugten is less about staged spectacle and more about quietly dramatic Danish nature a short distance from Viborg.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Viborg View
7.4 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
8.1 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
8.1 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
8.6 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Bølling Lake
23.9 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
silkeborg
27.7 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Tollundmanden
27.9 km
Stændertorvet is the historic main square of Roskilde, home to bustling markets, festivals, and community life, set beside UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral.
Silkeborg Water Tower
28.1 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Silkeborg Bunkermuseum
28.7 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.
Art Center
28.7 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.
Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
28.7 km
A colossal wooden troll crafted from recycled materials—where art, nature, and Nordic folklore converge near Silkeborg's serene lake.
Funder Ruin
28.7 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern life at Stændertorvet, Roskilde's central square.
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
28.8 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.
Worldmap at Klejtrup Lake
29.1 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.
Store Troldhøj
29.2 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Unmissable attractions to see
De Fem Halder
0.5 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
0.5 km
Medieval ruins and ice-age hills where 800 years of Danish history meets pristine natural landscape.
The Manor House of Hald
0.6 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.
Hald Slot
1.1 km
Evocative lakeside castle ruins where towering earthworks, a rebuilt tower and wooded shores reveal centuries of power struggles beside clear Hald Sø.
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
1.3 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.
Dollerup Bakker
2.4 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.
Jættestuen Viborg Krat
3.1 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
3.6 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
4.3 km
A centuries-old forest sanctuary blending nature, history, and outdoor adventure near Viborg.
E Bindstouw
4.3 km
Atmospheric 18th-century village schoolhouse and Blicher haunt in Lysgård, offering an intimate glimpse into rural Jutland life, learning and storytelling.
Vedsø
5.0 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.
Søndermarkskirken
5.8 km
A circular parish church where modern Danish design, symbolic artwork and community-focused architecture come together on Viborg’s quiet southern edge.
Danske Soldaters Mindelund
6.1 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
6.1 km
A quiet countryside memorial near Viborg where the Jutland Dragoons’ fallen are honoured amid trees, flags and fields at the historic Rindsholm site.
Essential places to dine
Niels Bugges Kro
0.1 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
2.5 km
Authentic Danish inn blending traditional Nordic cuisine with European refinement and craft brewery excellence.
Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg
5.5 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.
Rindsholm Kro og Hotel (selskaber mv., se åbningstider på hjemmesiden)
6.1 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.
Konge Buffet
6.5 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
6.7 km
Flame-grilled American burgers and crispy chicken in the heart of Viborg's shopping district.
Sunset Boulevard
7.4 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
7.6 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
7.7 km
Authentic Italian flavours meet Danish freshness in Viborg's most welcoming neighbourhood restaurant.
Khawand Pizzaria
7.8 km
Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.
Vesterbro Pub
7.8 km
Experience the best of Danish nightlife at Vesterbro Pub - where great drinks meet vibrant atmosphere in Viborg.
Viborg Pizzaria
7.8 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.
Crispy Chicken
7.8 km
Quick, casual fried chicken and pizza in central Viborg—affordable fast-food convenience.
D'let - Det Grønne Køkken Thai Take Away
7.8 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.
Café Baghuset
7.8 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
NORMAL Viborg, Viborg Storcenter
6.7 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.
Red Cross Op Shop
6.9 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
7.0 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
7.0 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
7.6 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
7.7 km
A compact Viborg fashion boutique blending Scandinavian simplicity with elegant, curated womenswear and accessories just off the city’s historic heart.
Rashed
7.7 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
7.8 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
7.8 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
7.8 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
7.8 km
Contemporary lingerie, swimwear and loungewear in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, with personal fitting help and a focused, comfortable boutique atmosphere.
Imerco
7.8 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.
Zizzi - Viborg
7.8 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.
PIECES Viborg
7.8 km
Compact Danish fashion boutique inside Sct. Mathias Centret, offering Scandinavian basics, trend pieces, and accessories for women in the heart of Viborg.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
7.8 km
Scandinavian creativity meets affordable everyday joy in Viborg's most colorful gift shop.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roxy Malt Viborg
7.8 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
7.9 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
7.9 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.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
8.0 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
8.0 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
8.0 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
8.0 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
8.0 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Holms Vinotek
8.0 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Sportspub Målet
8.1 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
8.2 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
8.2 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
8.2 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.
Mødestedet Viborg ApS
8.7 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
11.0 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
7.8 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
11.2 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
27.9 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Piano Herning
35.8 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant nightlife in a cozy piano bar with live music, great cocktails, and classic Danish hospitality in the center of town.
Bart
35.9 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
35.9 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
36.1 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
36.1 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.
Buddy Holly
39.4 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
39.5 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
Rustik & Flamingo
43.7 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
43.7 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
43.8 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.
East End Holstebro
44.3 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.
Randers Rave
44.8 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
- Instagrammable
- 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
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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