At the eastern end of Sønder Lem Vig, the birdwatching tower offers views over the reed bed and the eastern half of the lake. In spring, you can watch the bird migration and the start of breeding activity from there. Nature watching, marked trails and historic buildings give Sønder Lem different themes to explore.

Wetlands and landscape around Sønder Lem Vig

The Sønder Lem Vig nature area covers 417 hectares and includes the particularly species-rich habitat type of calcareous fens. Sønder Lem Vig Nature Park covers about 975 hectares and stretches from Håsum Enge in the east to Venø Bay in the west. Its flat landscapes formed as the last Ice Age glaciers melted; the park also encompasses cultural history and ancient monuments.

Sønder Lem Vig was once a fjord inlet and is now a lake surrounded by low-lying land. An embankment separates the lake from the Limfjord, and a pump drains it. The joint designation of Sønder Lem Vig and Geddal Strandenge as EF Habitat Area No. 32 also contributes to the landscape’s significance. Reasons for protection include Atlantic salt meadows, the otter, and naturally eutrophic lakes and ponds.

The nature park offers opportunities to enjoy nature on foot, while running and on cross-country skis. Those interested in geological development will find a landscape whose flat forms emerged during the last Ice Age. Its varied natural features range from calcareous fens to the protected habitats included in the joint designation.

Birdwatching in different seasons

In spring, two aspects of birdwatching take centre stage at the birdwatching tower by Sønder Lem Vig: bird migration and the start of breeding activity. The tower can be reached from Sønder Lemvej via Bustrup Plantage. Check local conditions before setting out.

Geddal Strandenge is also suitable for birdwatching in the area. Migratory birds are especially visible there in spring and autumn. The seasonal windows mentioned are therefore different: the birdwatching tower focuses on spring, while Geddal Strandenge is also highlighted for autumn. National cycle route 12 passes Geddal Strandenge; check its route locally before planning your ride.

A 300-metre wooden boardwalk invites you to take a walk, and alders grow in the wetland. The sculpture group Ellepigerne, featuring three alder maidens, was installed in the western wetland of the nature park in 2025. The boardwalk and sculpture group offer different points of interest in the wetland: one is a walking route, the other an artwork connected with the alders.

Trails with views and different themes

The Stier ved Hostrup Hovedgård route starts at the car park on Sønder Lemvej and heads towards Sønder Lem Vig. It runs alongside the lake to the lock and the outlet at Hostrupvej. Red arrows mark the route, which is listed as 3.3 to 5.5 kilometres long. Beyond the manor house, it leads to a playground with shelters, a picnic house and a toilet. Route conditions and facilities may change; check both before your visit.

The two Kløverstier routes offer different experiences. The red route leads to a viewpoint overlooking Sønder Lem Vig. The black route follows the disused Vestsallingstien railway line and passes medieval Lem Kirke near Sønder Lem. This brings a viewpoint and a historic railway line together as distinct trail themes.

Romanesque reliefs and older building history

Lem Kirke is known for its rich collection of Romanesque granite reliefs. Numerous carved stone blocks depict people, animals and mythical creatures. These carvings give the church a distinctive cultural and historical profile; no information about visitor access is provided.

Also in the Sønder Lem area, Bustrup’s present main building was constructed in 1766 using materials from considerably older buildings. Alongside the medieval reliefs of Lem Kirke, this building reveals a different period: here, an 18th-century building made with reused older materials; there, Romanesque stone carving. For trip planning, Sønder Lem therefore offers nature watching and cultural history as separate interests, without needing to combine them into a single route.

Discover more destinations: Engelst, Sundsøre, Rødding, Grønning, Skive, Roslev, Nissum, Lihme

For the broader travel overview: Skive Municipality.