Klokkerholm-Hammer Bakker

Selected experiences on the route

Klokkerholm Mill Lake
Klokkerholm Mill Lake is the largest lake in Vendsyssel, covering about 10 hectares. The lake is surrounded by a scenic protected area, offering a rich variety of birds, and swans are often spotted in the lake. Around the lake, there is a well-maintained nature trail of approximately 2.5 kilometers, inviting for a walking tour suitable for both adults and children, which will take about an hour.

The lake likely originated as a glacial lake, and for centuries, a mill was situated at the western end of the lake, powered by water from the mill pond. The mill pond was drained in 1914. After 65 years of being drained, Klokkerholm Mill Lake was reestablished in 1979 to the great delight of the local community.

Located outside the town of Klokkerholm, the lake is surrounded by numerous burial mounds and Hellevad Church. Nearby, you can explore the Burial Mound Trail, which takes you past 11 different burial mounds. South of Klokkerholm, Stentinget Byrhøj offers exciting stories from the later Iron Age and Viking Age.

At the Mill Lake, there is a shelter site with a fire pit, toilet, and running water available, so you can stay overnight and explore the area further. Fishing is allowed in the western part of the lake under special regulations.

Allerupvej 1, 9320 Hjallerup

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Hammer Hills
Hammer Hills consists of a beautiful mix of forested hills and large heath areas, where 400 hectares are protected, and 1400 hectares are privately owned. The area is circular, almost shaped like an island, and features a rocky and sandy soil, which allows for heathlands and dense coniferous forests.

Over the years, Hammer Hills has witnessed human activity. Until 1688, it served as a meeting place for local lords and the district judge, as well as a stage for trials and executions, where the executioner swung his axe over the condemned or led the witch to the stake. Scattered throughout the hills are 62 burial mounds and national ancient monuments, testifying to the area's historical significance. Twin Mounds and Stone Mound have been designated as national ancient monuments.

You will find that the wildlife in Hammer Hills is rich and varied with forest birds, including rare species such as the goshawk, honey buzzard, and nightjar. The large heath area is also known for a rich fauna of butterflies and a wealth of mammals, such as deer, fox, badger, and hedgehog. From May to October, you can pick lingonberries and blueberries on the heaths, but you might have to share with the sheep that have been released as part of the nature conservation efforts. If you prefer not to share with the heath's sheep, you can head to the forest areas, which offer edible mushrooms, especially boletes.

In the scenic Hammer Hills, cozy primitive campsites await with large and spacious shelters, where you can sleep out in nature in all kinds of weather. Here you can challenge your cooking skills over an open fire and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Storemosevej 70, 9310 Vodskov

See the museum in Hammer Bakker on the map