Those considering Grynderup as a travel destination will find a distinctive natural attraction nearby at Grynderup Sø. The restored lake lies in northwestern Salling and covers 140 hectares. Its shoreline is not made up of water alone: meadows and reeds surround the very shallow lake; together with wet meadows and marshland, it forms part of a protected natural area. Numerous animal and plant species find habitat there. The area is well suited to a trip focused on observing nature and spending time outdoors.
A landscape with a history
In the mid-19th century, Grynderup Sø was drained and subsequently used for agriculture. The lake was later recreated as part of one of Denmark’s largest lake restoration projects. Construction work took place in 2011, and the lake was inaugurated in August 2012. Today’s landscape thus combines a restored lake with a history of changing uses. Those interested in the area can focus both on its wetlands and on how the lake as it exists today came to be.
Birdwatching at both ends of the lake
At the southern end, there are meadows and mudflats where many wading birds stop during migration. The Twin Tower bird tower is also located at the southern end and offers a view over the shallow-water areas in the southern part of the lake. At Grynderupvej, there is a low bird hide overlooking the northernmost part of the lake. The two viewpoints therefore offer views of different sections: the southern shallows and the northern end of the lake. Those especially interested in birdlife can also plan a visit to the southern meadows and mudflats during migration season.
Walking trails and planning your time
There are walking and cycling routes in the area around Grynderup Sø. The northern circular route around the lake is listed as 4.7 kilometres, with an approximate walking time of one hour. The Grynderup Sø walking route is listed as 14.8 kilometres in total, with sections of 4.8 or 12.5 kilometres. You can plan your time around these route details: the northern tour, which takes about an hour, provides a shorter time guide, while the longer route takes more time. There is a current closure notice for the northern section of the 14.8-kilometre route. Check access before walking there.
Parts of the walking route can be very wet in rainy weather; waterproof footwear is recommended. Keep this in mind when choosing the day of your visit and what to wear. For the 14.8-kilometre route, also bear in mind that the distance alone does not indicate the condition of the trail on any given day.
Practical information for Grynderup Sø
Parking is available east and west of the lake; parking at Grynderupvej is also listed along the walking route. As parking availability can change, it is worth checking the situation again before travelling. Near the northern end, there is a primitive overnight site in a wooded area. A dry toilet is about 100 metres away, at the end of the woodland in the direction of the cable ferry. Check the condition of the facilities before visiting.
An official notice dated 31 August 2026 reported that the cable ferry at Grynderup Sø was out of service. Check its status before travelling if you plan to use it. This way, you can treat the ferry, walking trail and overnight site as separate planning considerations rather than assuming they form a continuously available connection.
Discover more destinations: Sønder Lem, Engelst, Hald, Roslev, Vile, Fur, Rønbjerg, Selde.
See the overview of the wider area: Skive Municipality.
