Lodskovvad: Migrating dunes, trails and nature

If you choose Lodskovvad for a holiday, you can spend your days outdoors in many different ways: dune landscapes, trails through a dune plantation, lakes and birdwatching each offer a different focus. When choosing your holiday home, you can consider whether you mainly want to hike, cycle, observe nature or also include bathing beaches in your plans.

Dunes on a large and small scale

Råbjerg Mile is Denmark’s largest migrating dune and one of the largest of its kind in Europe. It covers almost one square kilometre and contains four million cubic metres of sand. Its area and sand volume show two different dimensions of the same landscape: its extent and the mass of its shifting sand. Those interested in dunes will find a striking contrast here with the subtler changes in the landscape of Lodskovvad Mile.

Lodskovvad Mile is among the higher coastal dunes in the northern part of Råbjerg Parish. Open grey dunes alternate with conifer stands, and the vegetation can change over time. Råbjerg Mile also has ecological significance: it has been designated an EU habitat site. At Mile Lakes, south of Råbjerg Mile, you can seasonally observe, among other species, cranes, Eurasian curlews and great crested grebes. Such sightings are not guaranteed.

Nature observations tied to specific dates also offer insight into the area’s habitats without making any claims about current populations. A survey conducted during the 2024 breeding season recorded ten pairs of woodlarks in the Lodskovvad–Råbjerg area. For 2019, a monitoring table recorded four larval nests of the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) on the bridleway near Lodskovvad. Both figures refer to specific survey years.

Trails through Bunken Dune Plantation

Several routes in Bunken Dune Plantation cater to different interests. The Vestkyststien runs through the plantation, follows Råbjergvej from the southwest along its western edge and extends to the southern edge of Råbjerg Mile. The national cycle routes Vestkyststien and Østkystruten also pass through the plantation. Those interested in bridleways will also find the North Vendsyssel Riding Route there. These routes offer different ways to plan active holiday days.

The blue walking route runs through the central part of Bunken Dune Plantation. Check the route page for temporary notices before setting out. Bunken halt on the Skagen railway line is also a good starting point for walks in the plantation; check current train services before travelling. In summer, bus route 99 stops at Bunken Camping and Råbjerg Church. From either stop, you can continue on foot to Råbjerg Mile and Bunken Dune Plantation. As the route operates seasonally, check the current summer timetable before travelling.

Rules, lakes and bathing beaches

Clear rules apply to the paths in Lodskovvad’s communal areas: motor vehicles are not permitted, and dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the communal areas. From 6 a.m. until sunset, the areas may also be used away from the woodchip-covered paths and on the work tracks along the ditches. If you are out with a dog, it is important to distinguish this from Døde Skov: this 44-hectare dog forest is located in Bunken Dune Plantation, is not fenced and welcomes dogs off the lead.

The lakes also differ in how they may be used. Fishing is permitted in Lillesø and Birkesø; where required, you will need a valid fishing licence. Paddesø, by contrast, was created to provide good living conditions for frogs and toads and has never been stocked with fish or ducks. This is a different nature experience from fishing at the other two lakes and may influence your choice of outings.

There are bathing beaches at Bunken and Hulsig that are also suitable for younger children. Behind the dunes are sheltered, shady areas as well as green spaces for playing and ball games. Follow the current bathing safety notices when swimming. This lets you combine trails and nature observations with a beach day as a separate focus when planning your holiday, so that not every day has to look the same.

Keep the seasonal bus service and the applicable usage rules in mind so that your plans suit the activities you have in mind.

Discover more destinations: Strandby, Lyngså, Åsted, Kandestederne, Skiveren, Nielstrup, Nordby, Tolne.

For the broader travel overview: Frederikshavn Municipality.