Skarrild: Nature, Canals and Local History

Skarrild combines the river landscape of the Skjern Å with an impressive history of canals, memorial sites and nature-based experiences. The Skjern Å flows directly through the town; along its banks, there are opportunities for walking and cycling. This makes it possible to enjoy a varied stay: you can combine exercise by the water with cultural discoveries and a trip to the fishing lake.

Waterways and Jutland Heath

Dalgas Canal is particularly characteristic; it is also called Skjern Å Canal and locally “Kassen”. The canal runs across Skarrild and tells the story of how the Jutland heath was used and shaped by people. It was inaugurated in 1872 and is almost 20 kilometres long. Those interested in landscape history and technical structures will also find the aqueducts near Dalgas Canal in the vicinity of Skarrild. The aqueduct carries the canal across the Lustrup Bæk, was built in 1950 and lies east of Skarrild.

Another trace of the region’s history of use is the tar kilns at Hesselvig Plantation. In the vicinity of Skarrild, these tar kilns were used from around 1910 until shortly after the Second World War to produce wood tar. They are considered the only surviving tar kilns in Denmark. Such destinations add a historical dimension to an outing alongside the experience of nature, without requiring you to limit yourself to a purely museum-based visit.

Memorial Sites and Museums

Skarrild Cemetery is home to Flyvergraven, the burial site of seven Allied airmen. They were buried in 1944 after the Lancaster ME650 was shot down. A memorial ceremony is held every year on 5 May at Flyvergraven by Skarrild Church. Another memorial site is the Skarrild-Karstoft Museum og Lokalarkiv. Its memorial room commemorates the shooting down of an English bomber on the night of 27 August 1944.

The Museum og Lokalarkiv is housed in Kirkely at Hovedgaden; Kirkely was built in 1844/45. If you are interested in visiting, the institution welcomes individuals, families, associations and school classes. The Skarrild Købmandsmuseum offers insights into local commercial history and everyday life in a traditional grocer’s shop. Together with Flyvergraven, it creates a cultural focal point that connects historical events, everyday history and regional remembrance.

Fishing Lake, Spring and Small Discoveries

Højkilde Fishing Lake near Skarrild offers put-and-take fishing in natural surroundings and is suitable for family outings. Children can learn to fish there. The lake is known for its abundance of species; with a little luck, you may be able to spot kingfishers in the surrounding area. For families, this place can provide a quieter counterpoint to longer explorations along the canal or riverbanks.

Helligkilden, a historic spring, also awaits discovery. It lies west of Højkilde Farm and has long been associated with healing and ecclesiastical protection. Access is via Højkilde’s garden from the car park at the fishing lake. Møllesøen can be reached via the path immediately west of Skarrild vicarage, Skovvænget 19. One hiking route is called “Skarrild, Dalgas Canal, Skjern Å, Skarrildhus – 10 December”.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Skarrild, you can use the focus of your desired holiday as a guide. For days filled with activity, the banks of the Skjern Å, along with the opportunities for walking and cycling, are ideal. Those who want to combine culture and history can include Dalgas Canal, the aqueducts, the tar kilns, the museums and Flyvergraven in their travel plans. For a family day out, Højkilde Fishing Lake, where children can be introduced to fishing, is another option.

Visitor information also includes the privately operated Skarrild shelter site, which is located directly on the Skjern Å in Skarrild. There are four shelters, two of which can be booked; a tent can also be pitched alongside the shelters. This simple form of accommodation differs from looking for a holiday apartment, but it may be of interest when planning a nature-focused stay. This allows you to choose your accommodation according to whether you are primarily looking for river landscapes, local history, family experiences or a combination of these.

Compare More Destinations

If you would like to compare Skarrild with other destinations, you can also view Vildbjerg, Skærbæk, Kølkær, Herning, Troldhede, Sørvad, Kibæk and Ørnhøj.

For the higher-level travel overview: Herning Municipality.