At Rettrupkær Lake, you can observe wading birds, swimming birds and birds of wet meadows; Hvidbjerg Plantation combines varied landscapes with abundant birdlife. The area also features Hvidbjerg Church and archaeological traces. During a stay in Hvidbjerg, you can choose between different interests: nature and trails, or architectural history and burial mounds.
Nature and Trails in Hvidbjerg
Hvidbjerg Plantation is a 43-hectare natural area. Its varied terrain is home to abundant birdlife. An artificial woodland lake in the plantation provides drinking water for animals and birds. Rettrupkær Lake, in the vicinity of Hvidbjerg, is a separate lake: it was restored in 2004 and provides a habitat for various wading birds, swimming birds and birds of wet meadows, which can be observed there. A small birdwatching tower stands north of the lake.
The two bodies of water offer different connections with nature: the plantation’s artificial woodland lake provides drinking water for animals and birds, while the bird groups that can be observed at Rettrupkær Lake are a main attraction. If you are particularly interested in birds, both the plantation’s varied landscape and the lake are defining natural features of the area.
Hvidbjerg Plantation has marked walking and riding routes. The Hvidbjerg Plantation–Rettrupkær Lake walking route starts in Hvidbjerg at a recreation area with a shelter, toilet, tables and benches, as well as a fire pit. The starting point is therefore equipped with several basic facilities. The marked routes offer a different focus from a dedicated stop at one of the described rest areas.
The old gravel pit, Den Gamle Grusgrav, in Hvidbjerg also has a shelter, a toilet, a fire pit, tables and benches, as well as a horse hitching rail. It can be reached on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. This makes a practical difference when choosing an activity: marked walking and riding routes are mentioned in the plantation, while the gravel pit can also be reached by bicycle.
Church and Archaeological Traces
North of the town of Hvidbjerg stands the freestanding Hvidbjerg Church, overlooking the surrounding fields in the southern part of the Salling peninsula. Its architecture combines a Romanesque chancel and nave with a Late Gothic tower. The style descriptions therefore refer to different parts of the church: the chancel and nave are Romanesque, while the tower is Late Gothic. This gives the church its own cultural significance alongside the area’s nature and trails.
The burial mounds also offer distinct archaeological points of interest. Lille Mosehøj lies in the southern part of Hvidbjerg Plantation and belongs to the Single Grave culture of the Stone Age. Tyskerhøjene lie to the west, in the vicinity of the plantation, in the small private Bønding Plantation. There are two burial mounds, one on each side of the path. Lille Mosehøj is notable for its cultural classification, while the number of mounds and their position relative to each other define the description of Tyskerhøjene.
When planning your visit, you can treat nature watching, trails and cultural history as separate interests. Those interested in birds and landscapes will find two different natural attractions in the plantation and the lake; those who prefer architectural and archaeological history can focus on the church and the burial mounds.
Discover more destinations: Skive, Spøttrup, Højslev, Nissum, Lundø, Rønbjerg, Glyngøre, Grynderup
For the broader travel overview: Skive Municipality.
