Thy National Park located in southwestern Jutland, is Denmark’s first national park. It is also the largest spanning from Agger Tange in the south and the Hanstholm lighthouse in the north covering an area of 244 sq. km. Thy National Park was shaped by hundreds of years of sand migration which is evident in its sand heaths, sand plantations, dunes, coastline and lakes. Thy National Park could well be one of Denmark’s “last wilderness”.
The park is best enjoyed by nature lovers who prefer the quiet solitude and peace and quiet of a natural park. Though the park has comfortable inns and campsites for campervans, there is also a patch of primitive campsites for the more adventurous. This is a great place for a Denmark motorhome rental holiday. Note that Danish national parks are not amusement centres or museums. There are Danes who live and work in these national parks and that some of the areas in the parks are owned by private individuals.
The dune heaths at Thy National Park are unique not only in Denmark but globally. The heath land along the coast alternates with dune plantations. To the north of the park is the Hanstholm Game Reserve where you can find two of Denmark’s cleanest and unspoiled lakes, Nors Lake and Vandet Lake. Nors Lake’s beach is child-friendly. Red deer, roe and some of Denmark’s rare birds like the wood sandpiper and golden plover call this area home. There are more than 30 varied species of birds in the area. Otters have found homes along the protected areas of the lakes too.
Isthmus of Agger Tange’s salt meadows on the other hand is the habitat for water birds native to Thy. Agger Tange has been named as an international bird protection sanctuary. The bird tower in Tved Dune plantation is best seen in the months of March and April when it is possible to view dancing cranes. The dunes along the coastline present great beaches for swimming. Isbjerget provides barbecue and bonfire facilities. The area is actually the highest point in the Hanstholm Wildlife Reservation at 56 meters. A fishing platform for disabled is accessible here too.
Thy National Park covers some evidence of remnants from the Bronze Age. The German bunkers along the coast are a reminder of Denmark’s WW II history. The long-ago farmlands have been replaced by dune heaths and dune plantations all due to the harsh wind and sand drift to the land.
The park is not without some attractions. The small fishing villages of Stenbjerg Landingsplads and Nørre Vorupør are still active and offer a view of the fishermen’s daily work. The North Sea Aquarium in Nørre Vorupør has some rare species of North Sea fish caught by these fishermen. Klitmøller and Stenbjerg Landing Place are places to visit for a great view.
The park can be toured by feet, bikes, horses and cars. There are several sign-posted paths for trekkers, cyclists and mountainbikers. You can rent an Icelandic horse should you wish to tour the park by horse. However there are designated areas as to where you can walk, bike, drive or ride. For those who are into surfing, Klitmøller is the place to be.
No matter where you are at the Park, it is possible to “feel” the grandeur of nature.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Kayaking in Denmark
Kayaking is a very popular water sports in Denmark for after all the country is completely surrounded by water. The east coast of Denmark offers more approachable and softer water while the west coast is more imposing and can sometimes be coarse and rough. Denmark’s interior has numerous creeks and fjords too for those who prefer to kayak in waterways and not into the sea.
The best locations to kayak are found in fjords at the eastern coast of Jutland. The islands of Rømø and Fanø of western Jutland also offers great kayaking adventure. Other localities such as the South Funen Island, Limfjorden inlet, the Smålandshavet archipelago, Øresund and Roskilde Fjord and along Copenhagen’s harbour afford excellent opportunity for kayaking. Gudenåen and Susåen areas account for 70% of kayaking activities.
Denmark is truly endowed with the beauty of nature as found in its waterways and seas. It has more than 40 navigable rivers, canals and lakes for kayaking where you can experience an exhilarating experience as you paddle your way in its waterways. More often than not, the areas open for kayaking and canoeing are preserved areas where it is possible to watch at close range Denmark’s wildlife. Kayaking opportunities into the fjords are possible as long as you or your guide is familiar with the current and wind conditions along the shore.
Should you choose kayaking in the open seas around Denmark, there is nothing to worry about big ships et al since it is the “law” of the sea that big water craft s give way to kayaks and canoes. There are day-trip canoe and kayak charters all over Denmark but if you prefer to go on a kayaking package tour there are plenty of exclusive packages available for every type and shape of “kayaker”. If you are touring Denmark in a campervan, it is best to hook-up in a motorhome park that has access to a body of water for ease.
The Fyn Archipelago offers excellent sea kayaking tours. The Round Thurø is a short (15 km) day trip that will take you to see the town and countryside. This is a fairly easy ride unless a strong wind from the east decides to blow.
For a longer trip of 2 days, the Helnæs Bay has a 35 km run. The water here is calm and tranquil as the bay is sheltered from the wind in all directions. This trip is highly recommended for newcomers in kayaking.
For experienced kayakers a 5-6 day kayak tour of the major islands in the South Fyn Archipelago is a great idea. In this trip you will come in close contact with the island communities. You will also be expected to show consideration to the protected areas en route. Canoeing and kayaking are regulated activities in Denmark.
There are seven general rules that you should be observed when transversing the waterways of Denmark. The first one is that you should always assume that you are generally not permitted to go ashore.
use only waterways that are at least at least 0.50m deep and 1.5m wide
Always travel with the current
Keep these rules in mind to enjoy a glitch-free kayaking in Denmark.
The best locations to kayak are found in fjords at the eastern coast of Jutland. The islands of Rømø and Fanø of western Jutland also offers great kayaking adventure. Other localities such as the South Funen Island, Limfjorden inlet, the Smålandshavet archipelago, Øresund and Roskilde Fjord and along Copenhagen’s harbour afford excellent opportunity for kayaking. Gudenåen and Susåen areas account for 70% of kayaking activities.
Denmark is truly endowed with the beauty of nature as found in its waterways and seas. It has more than 40 navigable rivers, canals and lakes for kayaking where you can experience an exhilarating experience as you paddle your way in its waterways. More often than not, the areas open for kayaking and canoeing are preserved areas where it is possible to watch at close range Denmark’s wildlife. Kayaking opportunities into the fjords are possible as long as you or your guide is familiar with the current and wind conditions along the shore.
Should you choose kayaking in the open seas around Denmark, there is nothing to worry about big ships et al since it is the “law” of the sea that big water craft s give way to kayaks and canoes. There are day-trip canoe and kayak charters all over Denmark but if you prefer to go on a kayaking package tour there are plenty of exclusive packages available for every type and shape of “kayaker”. If you are touring Denmark in a campervan, it is best to hook-up in a motorhome park that has access to a body of water for ease.
The Fyn Archipelago offers excellent sea kayaking tours. The Round Thurø is a short (15 km) day trip that will take you to see the town and countryside. This is a fairly easy ride unless a strong wind from the east decides to blow.
For a longer trip of 2 days, the Helnæs Bay has a 35 km run. The water here is calm and tranquil as the bay is sheltered from the wind in all directions. This trip is highly recommended for newcomers in kayaking.
For experienced kayakers a 5-6 day kayak tour of the major islands in the South Fyn Archipelago is a great idea. In this trip you will come in close contact with the island communities. You will also be expected to show consideration to the protected areas en route. Canoeing and kayaking are regulated activities in Denmark.
There are seven general rules that you should be observed when transversing the waterways of Denmark. The first one is that you should always assume that you are generally not permitted to go ashore.
use only waterways that are at least at least 0.50m deep and 1.5m wide
Always travel with the current
- Do not navigate up narrow streams and tributaries
- Never navigate before 8am and after 6pm.
- Never navigate near or into reed beds
- Do not run the prow into riverbanks
Keep these rules in mind to enjoy a glitch-free kayaking in Denmark.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)