Borbjerg, Ryde and Feldborg
Borbjerg Møllesø
Borbjerg Møllesø is located at Borbjerg northeast of Holstebro and is surrounded by a nature trail that leads through reed forest, wetlands and both coniferous and deciduous forests. The area appears as a calm, varied landscape with good opportunities for hiking and nature experiences.
The wildlife is abundant, with fish such as roach, perch, and bream in the lake, while the forest is home to everything from water voles and mustelids to foxes and deer. The area is also known for its diverse birdlife, including nightingales, grey herons, swans, and several species associated with reed beds.
By the lake once stood Borbjerg Watermill, located by Hellegård Stream. Historically, the mill relied on the large mill pond, which ensured a year-round water supply. The mill burned down to the ground in 2021.
Ryde Plantation
Ryde Plantage is a natural forest with both old beech areas and newer forest stretches. The former coniferous area has developed into a quiet natural forest filled with lakes, bogs and varied vegetation.
The forest's wildlife is rich and varied. In the marshes, the rare sharp-snouted frog breeds, while the mix of tree species makes the area attractive to birds such as songbirds, water rails, and small birds of prey.
The paths in the forest lead through varied terrain with mossy clearings, old peat bogs and forest lakes. Here you have the opportunity to experience the change of nature, from forest to wetlands, and feel the tranquility deep within the plantation.
Feldborg Nørreskov
Feldborg Nørreskov is a large, continuous forest area created from old heath plantations. The landscape offers mixed coniferous and deciduous forest and burial mounds, which give the area a special peace and atmosphere.
The forest is known for its rich nature, with large populations of red deer, often seen at dawn and dusk. The birdlife is diverse, including birds of prey, nightjars, woodpecker species, and rare waders in the area's marshes.
Feldborg Nørreskov has many trails that lead through dense forest, clearings and old plantations. The routes offer quiet nature experiences, good chances for animal observation and viewpoints where the size of the forest is truly felt.
The hiking trails
Below you will see the selected hiking trails from the hiking area with an indication of kilometers.
We have prioritized the trails with our favorite trail in the area as the first.
You can get information about each hiking trail by clicking on the images.
Hjertesti at Borbjerg Møllesø
You enter the area at Borbjerg, where the Hjertesti leads you through a forest and lakeside nature with reed forest, trees and water surfaces. Here there is silence and the opportunity for close contact with nature.
Feldborg Nørreskov - gul grundrute
In Feldborg Nørreskov, the tour moves through the quiet spaces of the plantation, where you walk on gravel roads and forest paths between dense stands of trees and hear the forest floor crackle under your boots.
Ryde Plantation - red trail
The route leads through the varied landscape of Ryde Plantation, where the forest spreads over low bogs, moist meadows and older coniferous stands. Here you can see the plantation's development from production forest to a more natural forest area with a great diversity of species.
Tindskov Hill
The path leads through the hilly landscape by Hellegård Å, where the terrain was shaped by meltwater from the last ice age. Here, forest, grassland and meadow meet in a varied and open natural area.
The Hogagerdam route
The path begins at Hogager Dam and leads quietly around the small forest lake, where the water reflects the surrounding trees and the open areas along the shore create views and light in the forest floor.
Ryde Plantation - blue trail
The blue trail in Ryde Plantation begins in the old beech forest north of Stendisvej, where tall trunks create a dense canopy. From here, the trail continues along soft forest paths through varied terrain, featuring both damp depressions and dry areas with heather and crowberry.
Søruten
The route leads through a varied forest landscape with changing stands of beech, oak and red spruce. The forest floor is covered in moss and heather, and clearings break up the dense areas.
Ideal order of the trails
We recommend that you walk the hiking trails in the following order (or vice versa) to get the least possible transportation distance between the trails:
- Tindskov Hill 1 km (4)
- Ryde Plantation - red trail 2.9 km (3)
- Ryde Plantation - blue trail 1 km (6)
- The Hjeresti at Borbjerg Møllesø (1)
- Feldborg Nørreskov - gul rute 5 km (2)
- Søruten 4.4 km (7)
- Hogagerdam route 1.5 km (5)
You can choose to skip paths so that the distance suits what you want to walk.
For example, if you want to walk 9.5 km, you can skip the first 3 trails and start the hike at Hjertestien by Borbjerg Møllesø. Then follow the yellow route of Feldborg Nørreskov and finish the hike afterwards.
Please note:
On Feldborg Nørreskov - gul rute you can take a little detour and visit the troll VildEmil.
Experiences and sights
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Stubber Monastery Ruins
The Stubber Monastery ruins are beautifully situated on a small peninsula by Stubbergård Lake. The ruins date back to a Benedictine monastery first mentioned in 1268 and only show part of the west wing's cellar, which survived rebuilding and demolition over time.
In the area, there is also a round cattle enclosure with an encircling earthen embankment and traces of old drive and access paths. -
Sevel Kalkværk
Sevel Kalkværk is a preserved lime kiln from the period of approximately 1873–1960, where local limestone deposits were exploited for the production of mortar, hydrated lime, and building materials. Original buildings such as the ring kiln, forge, and weighhouse can still be seen in the ruins.
Since 2011, resourceful locals, through the association Sevel Kalkværks Venner (Friends of Sevel Lime Klin), have restored the kilns and built an information center, where visitors can now explore the history of the works. -
Hjerl Hede
Hjerl Hede is an idyllic open-air museum on the Jutland heath, featuring over 50 authentic historic buildings, including half-timbered houses, mills, and Jutland’s oldest farm from 1546. During the summer and at Christmas, the museum comes alive with living history performances and activities.
The museum also offers interactive experiences such as horse-drawn carriage rides, a steam train, traditional crafts, and a playground for children—all set in scenic surroundings with gardens and animals. -
VildEmil
VildEmil, also known as "Wild Emil," is an impressive troll sculpture created by the artist Thomas Dambo in Tinkerdal Forest near Holstebro. He appears to be lying down and sleeping in a nest of fir and branches, and with his dimensions of approximately 2 x 7 meters, he is both enormous and stealthily camouflaged in the terrain.
The troll was erected around 2021 as part of Dambo's "troll project" and has become a popular destination for families and children – partly because it is a bit of a challenge to find him in the forest floor. -
Tvis Mølle Naturlaboratorium
Tvis Mølle Natural Laboratory is a nature-rich educational area by the Tvis Å, featuring forest, meadow, stream valley, and heath. It is designed to promote understanding of nature, culture, and the environment through active learning and experience.
Four themed laboratories—focusing on nature, water, cultural heritage, and health—offer hands-on experiences, such as fieldwork, meditation, and outdoor cooking.
Restaurants and cafés
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Restaurant Pavillonen
Restaurant Pavillonen at Handbjerg Marina is a modern gem in the heart of the Limfjord, with seating for approximately 150 guests indoors and an additional 180 outdoors, surrounded by scenic surroundings and fjord idyll.
The kitchen serves fresh seasonal menus with stylish touches: try signature dishes such as moules-frites or the evening’s “stjerneskud,” or enjoy a buffet served from a restored barge. -
Sevel Kro
Sevel Inn is located in the heart of the small town of Sevel, surrounded by lakes, forest, and heath. The historic inn from the 18th century exudes charm with its whitewashed walls and small dormer windows in idyllic surroundings.
The kitchen offers Danish culinary traditions with a modern touch—seasonal local ingredients are used, and the traditional West Jutland “Ølbien” from 1760 is served alongside the inn’s own herbal schnapps and mustard.
