The Skjern Å flows right through Skarrild, while the Dalgas Canal and several memorial and cultural sites tell the story of how the landscape has been used and of the town’s history. When planning your visit, you can choose a clear focus: walks and bike rides by the water, fishing at the fishing lake, or exploring the area’s cultural heritage.
River, Fishing and Outdoor Accommodation
The banks of the Skjern Å offer opportunities for walking and cycling. Højkilde Fishing Lake near Skarrild offers a different focus: here, you can enjoy put-and-take fishing in natural surroundings. The lake is suitable for family outings, and children can learn to fish there. It is known for its rich variety of species, and with a little luck, you may spot kingfishers in the area. So, walks and bike rides take centre stage by the river, while the fishing lake offers fishing and possible wildlife sightings.
The privately operated shelter site in Skarrild is right by the Skjern Å. It has four shelters, two of which can be booked. You can also pitch a tent alongside the shelters.
The Dalgas Canal and Industrial History
The Dalgas Canal was inaugurated in 1872 and is almost 20 kilometres long. It runs through Skarrild and is also known as the Skjern Å Canal, or locally as “Kassen.” The canal tells the story of how people have used and shaped the Jutland heath. East of Skarrild, in the surrounding area, the aqueduct built in 1950 carries the canal over Lustrup Bæk.
Another trace of the area’s industrial history is the tar kilns in Hesselvig Plantation, also near Skarrild. They were used to produce wood tar from around 1910 until shortly after the Second World War, and are considered the only surviving tar kilns in Denmark. The aqueduct tells the story of how water was carried through the canal, while the tar kilns illustrate the processing of wood into tar: two different insights into the historic use of the landscape.
Memorials and Local History
Skarrild Cemetery is home to Flyvergraven, the grave of seven Allied airmen. They were buried there in 1944 after the Lancaster ME650 was shot down. A memorial service is held every year on 5 May at Flyvergraven by the church. The grave and the annual memorial day keep the memory of the event alive in Skarrild.
The Skarrild-Karstoft Museum and Local Archives are housed in Kirkely on Hovedgaden; Kirkely was built in 1844/45. A memorial room there commemorates the shooting down of an English bomber on the night of 27 August 1944. The museum welcomes individuals, families, clubs and school groups who are interested in visiting. The Skarrild Merchant’s Museum, by contrast, offers a glimpse into local trade history and everyday life in a traditional general store. Together, memories of war and daily life in commerce provide two different perspectives on local history.
Spring and Directions
Helligkilden is a historic spring west of Højkilde farm. Since ancient times, it has been associated with healing and church protection. Skarrild rectory is at Skovvænget 19; the path to Møllesøen starts immediately to its west.
Discover more destinations: Avlum, Ørnhøj, Sunds, Sønder Felding, Kibæk, Skærbæk, Stakroge, Troldhede.
For the main travel overview: Herning Municipality.
