Rold Skov

Rold Skov - Rold Forest
Rold Skov - Rold Forest - is the overall largest forest area of Denmark. The forest covers around 80 km² and consists of many small woodlands with their own names - e.g. Hesselholt, Nørreskov, Nørlund Skov, and Rold Vesterskov.

75% of the forest is privately owned. That concerns the whole area west of Hobrovej (road 180), which is owned by Lindenborg Gods and Nørlundfonden. The eastern and south-eastern part of the forest is owned by Lindenborg Gods and Willestrup Gods, respectively. Popular destinations in the eastern part of the forest are Madum Sø (Madum Lake), where you can find fine bathing opportunities, Langmosen and Store Blåkilde.

In privately owned forests all traffic must be by foot or bike, and only on designated paths and roads. Access is permitted from 6 in the morning until dawn, and no closer than 150 meters from residential- and operation buildings.

The remaining 25% of Rold Skov is owned by the Danish government, and this area is administrated by Naturstyrelsen Himmerland. Here, access is permitted everywhere and 24 hours a day. You will find hiking-, biking-, and skiing trails, campfire sites, campgrounds, and much more here. Popular places in the public forest are Rebild Bakker, Ravnkildestien, Bjergeskoven with the famous orchid Fruesko, Lille Blåkilde, Troldeskoven and St. Okssø. You might find many people visiting these attractions, but you do not have to move very deep into the forest, until you experience its deep silence.

The forest is really beautiful – especially due to the hilly landscape and the variable greenery. The greatness and circumstances give the opportunity for many nice adventures in the nature.

Springs and sinkholes
Rold Skov is known for its many springs and sinkholes, which are significant for the area. The springs in the forest are among the water richest in Northern Europe. The springs size is measured on the liters of water, running through the spring pr. second. The most well-known springs in Rold Skov are Store Blåkilde, Lille Blåkilde, Ravnkilde, and Springkilden, but there are many more springs in the area.

Surrounding the springs, a rich wildlife is present due to the constant water supply. The springs have a temperature of 7,5 degrees all year, which has meant that both warm period- and ice age relics have been able to survive. The springs special flora and fauna has led to a protection of the area.

The sinkholes usually emerge by percolating rain water, which - mixed with humic acids - seeps through cracks in the calcium in the ground. The calcium is dissolved, and large cavities beneath the ground are formed - growing larger and larger. At some point, the ceiling over the cavity can no longer hold, and thus the sinkhole is created.

You can see the phenomena many places around Rold Skov - for example by Røverstuen The Robber’s Den and Hestegraven.

Røverstuen
Røverstuen, the Robber’s Den, is one of Rold Skovs large sinkholes. The hole is approximately 12 meters deep and about 35 meters in diameter. It is located in the part of the forest called Hesselholt Skov.

The legend says that back in the days, a gang of robbers were living in the sinkhole. Røverstuen was locas located near the old forest road, Roldvej, which many travelers used, as it was then the main road from Rold til Skørping.

The gang tied small strings with bells across the road. That way, the robbers could always hear the travelers coming, so they could assault and rob them.

The wildlife
Denmark’s largest forest of course contain a versatile wildlife. On its 8000 acres, Rold Skov has just as many different nature- and forest types, that a large part of animals linked with forest, bog, and meadow, can be found here. Going through the forest, with carefulness - preferably at dusk or twilight - you will almost be guaranteed a view of deer, foxes, hares, and many different birds - depending on the season. Regular birds of Rold Skov are great spotted woodpecker, buzzard, night owl, raven, red crossbill, and nuthatch.

Fruesko
Rold Skov is also know for a very special thing - the orchid Fruesko - Lady’s Slippers.

The flowering time is short - only 2 weeks in the beginning of June, and only on the slope by Buderupholm. The reason for this placement is that the calcium is located just beneath the forest ground. Frueskoen is protected and cannot be picked or dug up.

Independence Day in Rebild Bakker
Rebild National Park with formerly used as grazing area for the cattle farmers. In 1912, a group of Danish-Americans bought the area and granted it to the Danish government. They claimed that every year on July 4 should be celebrated the American national day, Independence Day, in the area (under the name of Rebild Party). The first Rebild Party was planned for July 4, 1912, but unfortunately postponed due to the death of King Frederik VIII.

The celebration was moved to August 5 and around 10-15 thousand people showed up to celebrate. With exception of 1913 and the years during the first and second world war, Rebild Party have been celebrated every year since. In the spirit of tradition, the celebration will be held on July 4 2019 as well.