Thingbæk Chalk Mines & Rebildcentret
An evocative limestone mine turned sculpture museum, paired with Rebildcentret’s geology and Cold War exhibits in the protected hills near Skørping.
Carved deep into the hills near Skørping, Thingbæk Chalk Mines form an atmospheric underground world where sculpture, geology and history meet. Once a working limestone mine, the caverns now house evocative gypsum and bronze works by Danish artists such as Anders Bundgaard and Carl Johan Bonnesen, displayed in cool, candlelit chambers. Above ground, Rebildcentret adds exhibitions on limestone, springs and Denmark’s Cold War bunker REGAN Vest, all framed by the protected Rebild landscape.
A brief summary to Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center
- Røde Møllevej 4, Skørping, 9520, DK
- +4598375500
- 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-5 pm
Local tips
- Bring a warm layer and sturdy, closed shoes; temperatures in the mine stay cold year‑round and the floor can be uneven or damp.
- Allow extra time to combine the underground sculptures with the Cold War and geology exhibitions in the museum building.
- Check current opening hours and any seasonal bat‑related restrictions before you go, as access and times can vary through the year.
- If you are sensitive to low light or confined spaces, be prepared for dimly lit tunnels and enclosed underground chambers.
- Combine your visit with a walk in nearby Rebild Bakker or the Gravlev valley springs to fully appreciate the surrounding limestone landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Regional train and local bus from Aalborg
From Aalborg, take a regional train toward Skørping; the journey typically takes 30–40 minutes. From Skørping station, use a local bus or seasonal shuttle toward Rebild Bakker and Thingbæk, with a combined onward travel time of about 15–25 minutes depending on connections. Standard adult single fares for train plus bus usually total around 60–100 DKK. Services run more frequently on weekdays and in daytime hours, with reduced frequency in the evening and on some weekends.
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Car from Aalborg and North Jutland
Driving from Aalborg and other parts of North Jutland is straightforward, with travel times from Aalborg typically around 30–40 minutes. The route uses main regional roads, followed by smaller country roads in the last stretch. There is on‑site or nearby parking, but spaces can be tighter at busy times or during special events, so arriving earlier in the day provides more flexibility. No special vehicle is needed and roads are paved year‑round, though winter conditions may occasionally require extra care.
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Cycling from Skørping and Rebild area
For those already staying in Skørping or the Rebild hills area, cycling is a realistic option in good weather. Expect 20–40 minutes of riding from central Skørping, including some hills and stretches on smaller country roads with limited shoulders. The route is best suited to confident cyclists comfortable sharing the road with local traffic. There is generally space to leave bicycles near the entrance, but locking facilities may be basic, so bring your own lock and lights if returning in the evening.
Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center 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 Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center
From working mine to atmospheric underground museum
Opened in 1926 as a commercial limestone mine, Thingbæk was once part of a busy local industry extracting the soft white rock that underpins much of northern Jutland. By 1960, changing economics brought mining to a halt, but the site had already begun a new life. As early as 1935, parts of the mine were open to the public, doubling as an exhibition space that made use of the naturally stable, cool interior. Today the former galleries form a subterranean museum unlike anything in a conventional gallery. The ceilings arch like a man‑made cave, walls bear the marks of hand and machine, and the constant chill wraps every sound in a faint echo. Lighting is deliberately subdued, with pools of warm light and flicker from candles establishing an almost theatrical backdrop for the art.Sculptures in stone, gypsum and bronze
The core of the underground experience is a collection of sculptures by celebrated Danish artists. Gypsum figures by Anders Bundgaard stand in alcoves and side corridors, their pale surfaces blending with the chalk. Nearby, bronze works by Carl Johan Bonnesen add contrast, catching the low light with a muted metallic sheen. Many of the pieces are models or prototypes for major public monuments elsewhere in Denmark. Visitors can trace a direct line from the quiet mine to the Cimbrian Bull in Aalborg or the dramatic Gefion Fountain in Copenhagen, seeing how large‑scale national symbols began as intimate studio works. A relief cut directly into the limestone by Søren Assenholt further blurs the line between sculpture and geology, as if the mine itself has become an artist’s canvas.Limestone, springs and the landscape above
Emerging from the mine, Rebildcentret’s museum building broadens the story. Exhibitions explain how limestone formed over millions of years, how it has been used, and how it shapes the region’s distinctive landscape. Another focus is on the powerful springs in the nearby Gravlev valley, where crystal‑clear water bubbles up through the limestone layers. Large windows and outdoor paths reinforce the connection to the surrounding protected countryside. The center sits within a gently rolling terrain close to Rebild Bakker, where heathland, forest and open views offer a striking contrast to the enclosed underground world. Sculptural land art pieces in the nearby woods use natural materials, slowly weathering back into the environment and underscoring the theme of change over time.Cold War secrets and REGAN Vest stories
One of the most distinctive elements of Rebildcentret is its 700‑square‑meter exhibition devoted to the Cold War and the once‑secret REGAN Vest bunker. Displays, models and archival material explain why a deep underground facility was built in this area, how it would have functioned in a crisis, and what everyday life might have looked like for those sheltering inside. The exhibition places Denmark’s experience within a broader Cold War context while keeping the focus on the local landscape that hides these structures. It adds a second layer of underground history to a visit: the mines represent the industrial past, and the bunker exhibition evokes a more recent era of global tension and quiet preparedness.Seasonal wildlife and the sensory feel of the caves
The mine’s stable climate makes it attractive not only for art but also for wildlife. During the winter months, several species of bats hibernate in the darkness, using the labyrinth of passages as a safe refuge until spring. Access is managed so that human visitors and these seasonal residents can coexist, and the presence of bats adds a living dimension to the subterranean story. For visitors, the physical experience is memorable: cool air around 7–8 °C, soft crunch of gravel underfoot, and a faint smell of damp stone and mineral. In certain periods, concerts or special events make use of the cave acoustics, where music carries clearly yet gently along the tunnels. Combined with the sculptures and exhibitions above ground, the result is a visit that moves between art, geology, history and nature in a compact, multilayered site.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel BramslevGaard
19.6 km
Experience tranquility and history at Hotel BramslevGaard, nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker by Mariager Fjord, offering gourmet dining, spa retreats, and easy access to Northern Jutland's natural wonders.
Restaurant BramslevGaard
19.6 km
Experience Danish history and gastronomy at BramslevGaard, a charming manor house nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker near Hobro, offering stunning views and French-inspired cuisine.
Mariager Fjord
20.9 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
20.9 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
22.5 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
22.7 km
Experience historic Danish charm and modern comfort at Hotel Postgaarden Mariager, nestled in the heart of the 'City of Roses' with easy access to Mariager Fjord's natural beauty.
Mariager Kirke
22.8 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
22.8 km
Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's premier design museum.
Mariager Church
22.9 km
A towering former abbey church above Mariager Fjord, where Gothic brickwork, noble tombs and a distinctive Aubertin organ keep centuries of faith and history alive.
Befrielsessten i Assens
23.0 km
A modest liberation stone in historic Mariager, offering a quiet green corner to reflect on Denmark’s World War II occupation and the joy of 1945.
Rosenhaven
23.0 km
Discover Rosenhaven in Mariager, Denmark: a serene city park with over 400 rose species, blending history and beauty for a tranquil escape in the 'City of Roses'.
Alstrup krat
23.1 km
Explore Alstrup Krat near Mariager: Hike through ancient forests, discover Bronze Age burial mounds, and enjoy stunning views of Mariager Fjord. A blend of history and nature awaits.
Munkholmanlægget
23.1 km
Discover Munkholmanlægget in Mariager: A historic park with tranquil nature, a charming lake, and a touch of whimsy, perfect for a peaceful escape and exploration.
Ivan Evigvår trold
23.1 km
Explore Ivan Evigvår Trold, a magical tourist attraction in Mariager, Denmark, where folklore meets artistry in a stunning natural setting.
Fyrkat Viking Museum
23.1 km
Explore the rich Viking heritage at Fyrkat Viking Museum in Hobro, Denmark, featuring interactive exhibits and authentic Viking reconstructions.
Unmissable attractions to see
rebildsmykket.dk
0.0 km
Underground chalk mines, evocative sculpture and modern exhibitions meet scenic valley views at this compact cultural and landscape hub near Rebild Bakker.
Rold Storkro
0.6 km
Classic Danish forest inn with pool, mini-golf and panorama dining, set between Rold Skov’s deep woods and the rolling heath hills of Rebild Bakker.
Skillingbro kalkgrav
0.7 km
A quiet chalk quarry at the edge of Rold Skov where ancient seabed fossils, rare wildflowers and forest lore meet in a compact, hands-on slice of deep time.
Lars Kjærs Hus
0.9 km
Tiny forest cottage, big folk tale: step into the poacher Lars Kjær’s world and his fortune-telling wife’s home in the hills of Rebild Bakker.
Rold Forest
1.1 km
Denmark’s largest contiguous forest: a rolling mosaic of springs, hills, rare orchids and historic tracks, inviting year‑round walking, cycling and quiet nature immersion.
Troldeskoven
1.1 km
A compact corner of Rold Skov where centuries‑old beech trees twist into troll-like sculptures, blending folklore, forest history and quietly enchanting woodland atmosphere.
Ravnkilde
1.1 km
A powerful clear-water spring hidden in the wooded folds of Rebild Bakker, where rare wetland plants, cool streams and seasonal sea trout share a tranquil valley.
Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
1.2 km
Once Denmark’s deepest state secret, this fully preserved Cold War government bunker now reveals life, fear and contingency planning 60 metres beneath a Jutland hill.
Skovtårnet
1.4 km
Modest in height but rich in views, Skovtårnet lifts you above Rold Skov’s twisted pines for wide horizons over Rebild’s hills and valleys in every season.
Gravlev Kilde
1.5 km
One of Denmark’s largest basin springs, where crystal-clear turquoise water wells up from chalk depths to feed a wildlife-rich brook and lake in Gravlev Valley.
Hvasstræet
1.7 km
A modest memorial tree in the depths of Rold Skov, Hvasstræet quietly honours forester Jens Hvass amid rustling conifers and tranquil North Jutland woodland.
Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker
1.7 km
Octagonal fire shelter honoring Danish-American heritage in Rebild's protected hills.
Rebild National Park
1.8 km
Denmark's historic heathland where glacial hills meet Danish-American heritage and Europe's finest certified hiking trails.
Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
1.8 km
A carved Cimbrian bull in the heather-clad hills of Rebild Bakker, Kimbrerstenen links quiet North Jutland scenery with the far-reaching journeys of an ancient tribe.
Urskoven
1.9 km
Ancient beech forest untouched for centuries, where nature evolves freely in Denmark's largest woodland.
Essential places to dine
Westernhuset
1.7 km
Skørping's premier venue for group celebrations and traditional Danish dining
Top Karens Hus
1.7 km
Historic countryside traktørsted at the gateway to Rebild Bakker, serving traditional Danish food, coffee and cake in intimate low‑ceilinged rooms and garden.
Rebildhus
1.9 km
Hearty Danish lunch and countryside charm on the edge of Rebild Bakker’s rolling hills, a relaxed restaurant base for walks, family outings and day trips.
Bb Rold
2.0 km
A homely little café and B&B-style retreat in a quiet Skørping street, offering simple comforts and easy access to the forests and hills of Rold Skov.
Røverstuen
2.0 km
Woodland restaurant at Rebild’s edge, where Danish comfort cooking, rustic interiors and forest legends combine into a relaxed, story-rich meal stop in Skørping.
Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin
4.7 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and kebab house in central Skørping, serving generous Danish-style pizzas, kebabs and grill favorites at moderate prices all week.
Mosskovpavillonen
5.1 km
Historic forest pavilion serving French-Danish cuisine beside a pristine lake in North Jutland's natural heart.
Ice Sushi
6.5 km
Straightforward sushi takeaway on Hobrovej in Støvring, serving practical sharing boxes and casual eat-in options for easy weeknight dinners and road-trip stops.
Restaurant Hul19
6.7 km
Laid-back Scandinavian clubhouse dining with sweeping views over Rold Skov Golfklub’s closing hole and the forested landscape beyond in Skørping.
Bella Italia Støvring
6.8 km
Cozy pizza and steakhouse on Støvring’s main street, serving generous Italian-inspired comfort food and easygoing Danish hospitality for locals and road‑trippers alike.
MesterBageren Støvring
6.8 km
Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.
Burger King
8.9 km
Flame-grilled burgers and quick meals in rural Jutland's convenient fast-food hub.
Motorvejsgrillen
9.0 km
Old-school Danish roadside grill off the Nørager motorway, serving hearty burgers, fries and classic fast food to drivers, locals and truckers all week.
MADUMSØHUS ISBAR
9.1 km
Homely countryside ice cream stop by Madum Lake, where classic Danish soft ice meets quiet Jutland landscapes and relaxed summer-evening vibes.
Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen
9.9 km
Rural North Jutland kitchen turning classic Danish farm recipes into hearty daily meals and generous buffets for locals, pensioners and countryside celebrations.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Vinhandel La BourGogne
0.6 km
Discover Vinhandel La BourGogne in Skørping: A curated selection of fine wines and expert guidance await wine enthusiasts.
Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus
1.9 km
A cosy vintage barn near Rebild Bakker packed with Danish design, retro furniture and quirky treasures for slow, sustainable treasure hunting in Skørping.
Rebild Bakker (Rebildvej / Rebild)
2.0 km
Heather-clad hills, glacial gorges, and cross-Atlantic heritage unite in Rebild Bakker, Denmark’s iconic national park and cultural meeting ground.
Holy Moses Wineshop
4.0 km
Characterful neighbourhood wine shop in Skørping, pouring American bottles, local vintages and sustainable delights from morning to evening every day.
Lenas Blomster
4.6 km
Friendly neighbourhood florist and gift boutique in the heart of Skørping, blending seasonal blooms, curated presents and local small-town charm.
Bogby 9520
4.6 km
Volunteer‑run book town in Skørping, where thousands of second‑hand volumes and a cosy, local atmosphere turn browsing into a slow‑travel highlight.
REMA 1000
4.7 km
No‑frills Danish discount supermarket in Skørping, ideal for stocking up on groceries, snacks and everyday essentials before exploring Rebild Bakker and Rold Skov.
Maggies Gemakker
4.7 km
A cosy Skørping fashion boutique offering timeless, mix-and-match women’s clothing and personal styling advice focused on longevity rather than fast trends.
FKN Genbrug / DCA Op Shop
4.7 km
Cozy volunteer-run charity thrift shop in central Skørping, where slow treasure-hunting, reuse and global solidarity all meet on one compact shop floor.
Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug
4.7 km
Small-town Danish charity shop where second-hand fashion, homeware and local community spirit come together to support global humanitarian work.
Meny
4.7 km
Modern Danish supermarket in Skørping Centret with fresh counters, local specialties and a strong wine selection – a practical one‑stop shop for travelers.
Kirkens Korshær Genbrug
4.8 km
Small-town Danish thrift shop where every second-hand bargain helps fund social work and offers a glimpse into everyday community life in Skørping.
Garndamen
4.8 km
Intimate yarn shop in the heart of Skørping, brimming with colourful fibres, patterns and friendly expertise for knitters and crocheters of every level.
Rold Forest Bike Shop
4.9 km
Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.
Louise Nørgaard
5.0 km
A cosy holistic beauty clinic and natural lifestyle boutique in small-town Skørping, blending personalised treatments, clean products and a calm, slow-paced atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Skørping Bodega
4.6 km
Down-to-earth local bodega in central Skørping, serving cold beers, simple drinks and small-town atmosphere from midday until late on weekends.
Happy Friday
5.6 km
Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.
City Bar Støvring
6.6 km
Unpretentious local bar in Støvring’s City Centret, offering simple drinks, friendly chat and a down-to-earth glimpse of everyday Danish small-town life.
Støvring Mc
6.8 km
Laid‑back neighborhood bar in small‑town Støvring, with a subtle motorbike vibe, simple drinks and a down‑to‑earth atmosphere on Viborgvej.
Loke's Ølstue
7.0 km
Suldrup’s no-frills bodega bar, where cold beer, local stories and small-town Danish pub culture come together in a cozy, lived-in corner on Aarestrupvej.
Carsten fenger
12.0 km
A low-key rural bar near Skørping where locals gather, travelers are welcomed, and simple drinks fuel long conversations in a relaxed countryside setting.
Rottehullet / Bodega
12.5 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Center Pubben ApS
15.2 km
Cozy neighborhood pub in Terndrup Center, pouring cold beer, simple drinks and warm small-town atmosphere in a no-nonsense Danish bar setting.
Skotten
19.1 km
Aalborg's casual neighborhood bar for relaxed socializing and unwinding with friends
Club 85@Nibe Festival
19.7 km
Small-town bar turned festival hotspot, Club 85 is where Nibe’s intimate music nights spill over into easygoing drinks, local charm and late-night singalongs.
Jernkroen
20.0 km
Cozy harbor-side kro-bar in the heart of Nibe, where inexpensive drinks, a friendly courtyard and true small-town atmosphere invite you to linger.
Vognhjulet Pub
21.4 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Torvebaren
21.6 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.
Madam Blå's Vandhul
21.7 km
A cozy, day‑time neighborhood bar-café in Hobro where locals linger over coffee, beer and small talk in an easygoing, homely atmosphere.
Jazz Hobro
21.8 km
Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Mjølner
20.5 km
Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.
Buddy Holly
21.6 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.
Mariager Fjord Golf
24.0 km
Mariager Fjord Golf blends a challenging 18-hole course with spectacular fjord views, laid-back Danish charm, and a welcoming clubhouse overlooking North Jutland’s scenic waters.
Night Cirque
24.8 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Aalborg, where pulsing beats, bold lighting and a stylish crowd keep the dance floor alive late into the night.
LouLou Aalborg
25.0 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
25.0 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
25.0 km
Intimate nightclub and shisha lounge in the heart of Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing DJ-driven dancing, drinks and hookah corners late into the night.
Club Wolf
25.1 km
Compact, late-night nightclub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, blending chart hits, strong weekend energy and a tightly packed dance floor in the city’s bar street hub.
C Night Club
25.1 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Hugos Garage
25.1 km
Experience Aalborg's iconic party vibe at Hugos Garage, a lively bodega-style bar and dance club on Jomfru Ane Gade featuring live music and classic Danish hospitality.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
25.1 km
Adult‑only dance bar in central Aalborg, mixing 80s, 90s, 00s and current hits with cocktails and late‑night energy in an intimate courtyard setting.
Rocken
25.1 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
Casino Aalborg
25.2 km
Compact, adult-only casino in the heart of Aalborg, pairing classic table games and slots with a relaxed Nordic nightlife atmosphere inside a city-center hotel.
Randers Rave
41.2 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.
Jazzens Venner
42.0 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
