Ringkøbing Fjord is a shallow brackish-water fjord covering around 300 km², surrounded by extensive salt meadows. At Tipperne and Værnengene, you can see how water and open landscapes shape Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality. Nature watching, historic sites and outdoor activities are also distinct experiences to discover side by side.
Fjord landscapes and birdlife
Tipperne is one of Europe’s most important areas for breeding meadow birds and migratory birds stopping over. During migration, thousands of ducks, geese and waders gather there. With a little luck, you may also spot harriers, marsh harriers or white-tailed eagles. The range of birdlife makes Tipperne an interesting destination for anyone who likes to combine their stay with nature watching.
Skjern Enge also showcases the diversity of the landscape: around 2,200 hectares extend around the Skjern Å. Most of the area consists of meadows and wetlands; its rich birdlife includes white-tailed eagles, spoonbills, kingfishers and great egrets. Tens of thousands of geese and ducks stop over at the region’s fjords during spring and autumn migration. If you prefer to explore larger, continuous landscapes, Borris Hede is home to Denmark’s largest contiguous heathland. It covers 4,720 hectares and is home to numerous animal and plant species. The wild, unspoilt nature of Lønborg Hede is protected; the area is also a destination for a day trip.
Viking life, a lighthouse and local history
At Bork Vikingehavn, you can explore Viking houses, a watermill, ships, a church and a sacrificial grove. There are also hands-on activities: writing runes, making a leather pouch and archery. The activities on offer may vary by season.
Lyngvig Fyr offers a different view of history. The lighthouse was built in 1906 and is the most recently constructed lighthouse on the west coast of Jutland. There are 228 steps to the top, where views extend over the North Sea, Ringkøbing Fjord and the surrounding dune landscape. The grounds also feature a café and shop in Fyrmesterboligen, as well as a large nature-themed playground. Check the seasonal opening hours for the café and shop. There are also ten living museums around Ringkøbing Fjord. At Bagges Dæmning, the remains recall a failed drainage project; today, two bridges and a cycling and walking path run through the area.
Naturkraft brings together nature-related themes and a range of experiences, including a wind machine, the “Tree of Life” exhibition, eight types of nature, explorations of the underwater world and a balance course. Individual offerings may change. A visit can therefore add a different perspective on nature to your trip, without requiring you to follow a particular route.
On foot, by bike or on the water
The Skjern Å offers opportunities for long walks, salmon fishing and canoeing. The hike in Skjern Enge goes across Kalvholm, crosses the river on two hand-operated ferries and offers views of the river delta. The route in Skjern Enge has toilets, fire pits, observation towers, fishing spots, a picnic shelter, a camping area and a hand ferry. The paths are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. To reach the hike, take bus route 69 from Skjern to Lønborg; from there, it is about five kilometres on foot. Check the bus timetable before travelling.
For cycling, the municipality has six signposted routes: two national, three regional and the local Fjorden Rundt cycle route. The Skjern Enge and Å cycling route is about 49 kilometres long and runs over asphalt and gravel through flat terrain; it is classified as easy. Surface conditions may change. The national Denmark Across (N4) cycling route is 310 kilometres long in total, running from Søndervig in the west to Copenhagen in the east, with 62 kilometres passing through the municipality. One signposted cycling route covers 65 kilometres within the municipality, following minor municipal roads and cycle paths through coastal dune landscapes, flat terrain and areas rich in birdlife.
Discover how Stauning Whisky is made
At Stauning Whisky, guided tours introduce you to the production process, from grain to bottling, showing each step from malting to distillation. Every grain is malted on the malting floor using traditional methods. Tastings of the signature whiskies can be added as an option, including single malt and single rye. Check before travelling whether tours and tastings are available.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Hvide Sande, Skjern, Tarm, Tim, Bjerregård, Klegod, Årgab, Bork Havn, Hemmet, Skaven, Stadil, Stavning, Dejbjerg, Muldbjerg, Borris, Østerby, Spjald, Hovvig, Nørre Lyngvig, Videbæk Municipality, Ringkøbing, Lem, Søndervig, Kloster.
For the overview of the wider region: Central Jutland.
