Tornby Bjerg & Præstegårdsbakkerne
Hiking trails, adventures and places to eat
Tornby
Tornby is an idyllic village near Hirtshals, characterized by its beautiful nature. With charming old buildings and a friendly ambiance, it attracts visitors with historical sights and local experiences. Tornby is a magnet for holidaymakers with its large holiday home areas, lovely bathing beach, and scenic dune plantation.
Tornby Strand is one of the area's finest beach areas with soft white sand and Trygfonden's bathing tower, ensuring a safe swimming experience in the peak season. Here, one can enjoy long walks, sunbathing, and refreshing dips in the sea.
Tornby Klitplantage is a paradise for active holidaymakers with hiking and running trails, horse riding paths, and challenging MTB tracks. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic and visit Yxengaard, which transports them back to the Viking Age.
Tornby Old Grocery Store, with its shop dating back to 1860, delights the senses with a selection of candies, cured meats, freshly ground coffee, and local specialties. Tornby Dyssen, Denmark's northernmost dolmen, is a historic landmark inviting reflection on the area's past.
Præstegårdsbakkerne
Præstegårdsbakkerne north of Hjørring is a hilly landscape with a rich history. From the village community of the Middle Ages to today's overgrown forests, the area tells a story of change and preservation.
The landscape offers a unique mix of open meadows and dense forests. Beech, oak and hazel thickets are part of the varied vegetation that attracts rare species and contributes to the area's biological diversity.
The protection of vulnerable species such as oak thickets and the creation of artificial lakes highlight the area's commitment to nature conservation. Troll forests and hazel woods are additional features that enrich Præstegårdsbakkerne.
The artificial lakes and natural springs add an extra dimension to the landscape. These water features are habitats for various species and contribute to the area's ecosystem and aesthetics.
The hiking trails
Below you see the selected hiking trails from the hiking area with mileage.
We have prioritized the trails with our favorite trail in the area as the first.
You get information about each hiking trail by clicking on the pictures.
Bjergstien
Following Gl. Landevej southwards, you turn left onto N.A. Jensensvej. Soon after, you turn left again, following a boundary line where the path is marked with blue arrows on marker posts. With Tornby Bjerg rising to the east as your guide, your destination is clearly defined. As you ascend the hill, the path becomes challenging with muddy soil, especially in wet weather, making your boots heavy.
Præstegårdsbakkerne - red+blue route
The hiking trail at Præstegårdsbakkerne winds through the hilly moraine landscape, where you experience a varied nature.
The trail at Odden
The hiking trail leads you through the scenic landscape around Herregården Odden. Located on the northern tip of a headland and surrounded by streams, the estate boasts a history dating back to the 15th century. Through the hilly terrain of the forest, the hiking trail follows the northern side of a terminal moraine formed after the last ice age. Deep canyons and meltwater have shaped the landscape, and just north of Odden, a 7,000-year-old coastline reveals nature's enduring influence on the area.
Dyssestien
Heading southward, you'll set your sights on Tornby Church and briefly follow Kirkestien. Dyssestien then takes you southward to the first stop: the Long Barrow at Risdal Farm. Learn about its history from the informational sign posted there. Afterward, the trail sharply turns eastward, crosses the main road, and leads through the most rugged terrain.
The Ringsti's short west route
Starting from Fyret, you walk through open grasslands and into the dune landscape. From a resting bench nestled amidst the dunes, you can enjoy the impressive panorama overlooking the beach, the sea, and the bay towards Rubjerg Knude.
Ideal sequence of the trails in relation to transport
We recommend that you walk the hiking trails in the following order (or vice versa) to get the shortest possible transport distance between the trails:
- Bjergstien 7.4 km (1)
Dyssestien 4.8 km ( 4)
ræstegårdsbakkerne - red route 2.1 km (2)
The trail at Odden 2.2 km (3)
Ringstien's short west route 5.3 km
You can choose to skip paths so that the distance fits what you want to walk.
For example, if you want to walk 9.5 km, you simply start with the Bjergstien, skip over the Dyssestien and then follow the red route in Præstegårdsbakkerne.
Be aware
On the trails Bjergstien and Dyssestien, the route often follows field boundaries with no visible path. In other places, it's a beaten track that can be hard to spot.
Similarly, the paths at Præstegårdsbakkerne and Sporet ved Odden are poorly marked in several places and can be challenging to follow. Both areas can get quite wet, especially after prolonged rain.
It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear and regularly confirm your position on the trail.
Experiences and sights
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The Old General Store
Step into a 200-year-old barn and general store where time seems to stand still. In the well-preserved shop from 1860, you are met by the smell of freshly ground coffee, cured sausage, cheese and soap.
Discover the exhibition about the gun trade between Vendsyssel and Norway, which tells the story of the maritime trade routes and the economic ties between the regions. -
Tornby Dyssen
Tornby Dyssen, the northernmost dolmen in Denmark, consists of four supporting stones topped by a large capstone. Originally, the dolmen was covered with earth, but this has disappeared over time. Despite its freestanding status, the dolmen was protected as a historic monument as early as 1881, thanks to its beautiful and monumental appearance.
In the burial chamber, where there were once burials, no traces remain. Grave goods such as flint axes and pottery have been removed due to past disturbances and partial destruction of the dolmen. -
JF Willumsen collection at The estate Odden
Take a trip to The estate Odden and immerse yourself in the unique collection and exhibition of works created by JF Willumsen. Here you can experience everything from his notes and sketches to completed paintings and a number of other exciting objects.
Located among the northernmost manors in Denmark, Herregården Odden is a true artistic treasure trove. With an impressive collection of 1304 works, 810 of which are on display, there is plenty of opportunity to explore and enjoy Willumsen's diverse talent and creative expression. -
Hirtshals Lighthouse
Experience the magnificent landmark that stretches 35 meters high above the city and lights up proudly. From the top of the lighthouse there is a breathtaking view of the majestic west coast, the endless sea and the charming town of Hirtshals. Delve into the story behind the lighthouse in the engine room, where fascinating details of its past await.
Also visit the cozy coffee room, where you can treat yourself to home-baked cake and freshly brewed coffee. Here you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere after a discovery-filled trip to the lighthouse. -
Bunker Museum Hirtshals
At the Bunker Museum in Hirtshals, you step directly into the historic Hirtshals and get a unique insight into the lives of German soldiers during World War II. Learn about the strategic light posts that the Germans set up to navigate in the dark and gain an understanding of the area's well-thought-out strategy.
The Bunker Museum in Hirtshals stands out as the place in Denmark where a bunker facility has been most completely excavated. With 54 out of a total of 70 excavated bunkers as well as several cannon, mortar and machine gun positions, visitors get a comprehensive insight. One of the bunkers functions as an information center that enriches the experience with a detailed exhibition. -
North Sea Oceanarium
At the North Sea Oceanarium, you have countless opportunities for unique experiences both indoors and outdoors.
Here, you can explore everything from the large Oceanarium with the sunfish, to smaller aquariums, children's playrooms, a café, seafood and ice cream stands, an outdoor sealarium, a playground, and much more.
Restaurants and cafés
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Restaurant Munch
Munch's Restaurant is a cozy family-friendly restaurant where the focus is on good food and a relaxed atmosphere. The friendly staff serve the meals with a smile, so you can enjoy both the food and a fantastic view of the Skagerak, where the sunset is not least breathtaking.
On the a la carte menu, you can look forward to good Danish food and a wide selection of fish dishes. In summer there is also a popular weekly fish buffet. -
Hirtshals Fish House
Hirtshals Fiskehus welcomes you to an attractive outdoor environment with only a few meters to the water and with cozy indoor spaces with a local atmosphere.
Here, fish dishes are served using fresh ingredients, with fish coming directly from the daily auction. The menu includes options such as "stjerneskud" (a classic Danish fish dish), fish platters, and fried plaice. -
Restaurant Lilleheden
Lilleheden Restaurant & Café, with the motto "Fish restaurant with great steaks", is beautifully located on "Den Grønne Plads" in Hirtshals, at the end of the pedestrian street with a breathtaking view of the sea and the harbor environment.
The kitchen is based on the fresh and delicious ingredients from the North Jutland nature. They have a simple concept where taste and quality are at the center. The menu varies with the season, as the emphasis is on working with the raw materials at their highest quality. -
Café Møller
Café Møller in Hirtshals offers a fantastic location by the harbor where guests can enjoy the view and the atmosphere.
Regardless of whether you prefer vegan dishes or classic Danish dishes such as "stjerneskud", there is something for every taste on Café Møller's menu. Here you can also enjoy a refreshing drink or a cup of coffee while you watch the local fishermen bring the day's catch ashore or watch the big ferries sail in and out of the harbour. -
Restaurant Abstract
At Restaurant Abstrakt you will find an authentic setting and you will have a gastronomic experience beyond the usual at Hirtshals Havn.
At Restaurant Abstrakt, 3-, 5- and 7-course menus are served, which change according to the seasons. There is also a comprehensive drinks menu, which complements the menus
