Hovvig lies in the dune landscape of western Jutland, five kilometres north of the seaside resort of Søndervig. Around 50 bunkers are scattered across Houvig, among the dunes and along the beach. The area can be understood through two related but distinct aspects: the landscape between the coast and Stadil Fjord, and the military installations built there.
Dunes between the coast and the fjord
The position at Houvig lies in a dune belt about 300 m wide, stretching from the coast to the beach meadows on Stadil Fjord. The landscape is hilly, with dunes up to 15 m high. The area described therefore extends beyond the immediate beach, all the way to the edge of the fjord. If you think of Hovvig primarily as a coastal destination, you can take this wider extent and the undulating dune terrain into account when picturing the area. The two measurements describe different dimensions: 300 m is the width of the belt between the landscape areas mentioned, while up to 15 m is the height of individual dunes.
The Sortebærdalen car park is near Houvig Beach. If you include the beach area in your plans, its name provides a specific point of reference on the coast.
Bunkers and military history
Houvig Fortress, also known as the Kryle-Ringelnatter position, was built in 1943–45 as part of the Atlantic Wall. The Kryle position was a coastal artillery position operated by the army, with numerous bunkers and gun emplacements. The Ringelnatter position was under Luftwaffe command and included radar stations. Its radar position at Houvig was reinforced with nine substantial concrete bunkers from early 1943 onwards.
The different bunker counts can also be understood in terms of what each figure refers to. A total of 26 permanent bunkers were built at the Houvig coastal battery position; around 50 bunkers are scattered across the Houvig area, among the dunes and along the beach.
Visiting and getting your bearings
Visitors can walk among numerous bunkers at Houvig Fortress. Some structures are more or less hidden in the dunes. Other bunker installations cannot be visited because they are on private land or have been flooded by sand or water. The opportunity to walk among numerous bunkers therefore does not mean that every individual structure is accessible.
The route “2. World War: Ringkøbing–Houvig–Vedersø–Ringkøbing” provides another way to place the site geographically: it heads north from Søndervig to Houvig Fortress. This means the fort can be located not only in relation to the coastal area, but also by following a named route.
When looking for a holiday rental, Hovvig is a useful place name to use if you are planning a stay in this particular dune landscape. Its location five kilometres north of Søndervig helps you identify your preferred accommodation area geographically.
Discover more destinations: Stadil, Dejbjerg, Søndervig, Klegod, Stavning, Muldbjerg, Spjald, Skaven
For the overview of the wider area: Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality.
