Hanstholm Wildlife Reserve is Denmark’s largest wildlife reserve and is home to Europe’s largest dune heath. This makes the landscape a great introduction to the diversity of Thy: in the western part, centuries of shifting sands have shaped the coast, dunes, dune heaths, lakes and dune plantations. The landscape’s history stretches back much further, too. About 7,000 years ago, much of what is now Thisted Municipality was covered by the Littorina Sea.

Explore the Dune Landscape and Trails

The birdwatching tower in Sårup stands atop an old coastal cliff in the northwestern part of Tved Dune Plantation. It offers a particularly good view over the enclosed inner areas of Hanstholm Wildlife Reserve. Isbjerg is also located within the reserve. At 56 metres above sea level, it is the reserve’s highest point. If you would rather combine the view with a longer hike, you’ll find 49 marked hiking trails in Thy National Park.

Another hiking route starts at the ferry port on Agger Tange, crosses Thy National Park to Hanstholm and continues to Bulbjerg. Seasonal water conditions can affect some sections, so check them before setting out. Agger Tange is also designated as an EU Special Protection Area for birds. Seals can often be spotted from the southern tip—a specific wildlife experience that differs from the view over the dune heath.

Cyclists also have routes to suit different needs. The extensive network of cycling and nature trails supports nature experiences and enables safe commuting by bicycle and on foot. Vestkystruten, which is identical to National Cycle Route 1, starts at Agger Ferry Port and runs north for more than 100 kilometres, past Bulbjerg. For mountain bikers, the route in Vilsbøl Plantation is more compact: the 7-kilometre main route is graded easy; additional loops are 1.9 kilometres and graded intermediate, or 1 kilometre and graded difficult. This lets you compare the published distances and difficulty levels directly.

For horse riding, the marked Rideruten Thy is another option. It is up to 100 kilometres long and runs from the southernmost part of Thy National Park near Lodbjerg to the northernmost part of Thisted Municipality near Bulbjerg. Along Thy’s west coast, Cold Hawaii encompasses 31 registered surf spots, from Agger Tange in the south to just north of Hanstholm. In Klitmøller, surf camps offer lessons and camps where visitors can try surfing. Check the operators’ current offerings before your trip.

Museums and Culture in Thisted Municipality

The seven permanent exhibitions at Thisted Museum explore Thy’s long history. A modern archaeological exhibition covers, among other topics, mining in the Stone Age and Iron Age farmers. It also presents the Kallerup find, a Bronze Age discovery that attracted international attention in 2019. The Hanstholm Bunker Museum focuses on the Second World War, the German fortifications, and the people and weapons associated with the bunkers of the Atlantic Wall. In summer, you can take the old ammunition train through some of the large bunkers; check the operating days before your trip.

Christiansgave has an open-air theatre with seating for 300 people and a lawn for 1,000 seated spectators. Christiansgave also has a fully equipped nature workshop for about 25 people and a playground with carved wooden figures. Museum Thy shares knowledge in a variety of ways: through exhibitions, guided city tours and lectures, as well as a museum education service, articles, books and digital interpretation. Thy National Park Centre offers further guidance in a 300-square-metre visitor space. Its landscape model provides an overview of the national park’s landscape character, trails, towns, experiences and stories.

Getting There and Getting Around

Thisted Municipality can be reached by bus, train and ferry, with corresponding transport connections also available within the municipality. If the nearest bus stop is too far away, you can book Flextur or Plustur. The Thy National Park Centre has public toilets that are open almost around the clock all year. Check the information before setting out.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Agger, Amtoft, Boddum, Doverodde, Hjardemål, Hurup, Krik, Snedsted, Vesløs, Vestervig, Frøstrup, Hundborg, Klitmøller, Nr. Lyngby, Nørre Vorupør, Stenbjerg, Vangså, Helligsø, Skyum, Svankær, Ydby, Vigsø, Øsløs, Hanstholm, Sønder Vorupør, Sjørring, Bedsted Thy, Tved, Kastrup, Morup Mølle, Thisted.

For the main travel overview: North Jutland.