Lodskovvad between shifting dunes and dune plantation

Råbjerg Mile gives Lodskovvad an exceptional landscape feature: it is Denmark’s largest shifting dune and one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The Mile covers almost one square kilometre and contains four million cubic metres of sand. Anyone planning a trip among moving dunes, woodland and nature observation will find distinctive points of reference here when choosing where to stay.

Dunes, lakes and special nature

Lodskovvad Mile also features a variety of landscapes. It alternates between open grey dunes and conifer plantations and is among the higher coastal dunes in the northern part of RÃ¥bjerg Parish. The Mile Lakes lie south of RÃ¥bjerg Mile. Among other species, cranes, whimbrels and great crested grebes can be observed there.

The lakes differ in their use and character: fishing is permitted in Lillesø and Birkesø. Paddesø, on the other hand, was created to provide good living conditions for frogs and toads; it has never been stocked with fish or ducks. The riding trail near Lodskovvad is associated with the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia), with four larval nests recorded in 2019. A survey in 2024 recorded ten pairs of woodlarks in the Lodskovvad–Råbjerg area. Råbjerg Mile also has EU Site of Community Importance status.

Exploring Bunken Dune Plantation

Several designated routes shape the surroundings for active days. The West Coast Trail runs through Bunken Dune Plantation, follows Råbjergvej from the southwest along the western edge of the plantation and continues to the southern edge of Råbjerg Mile. The national cycle routes Vestkyststien and Østkystruten also run through Bunken Dune Plantation. The North Vendsyssel riding route likewise passes through the plantation.

Those travelling on foot can use the blue hiking route, which runs through the central part of Bunken Dune Plantation. The Bunken Trinbræt halt on the Skagensbanen railway is a good starting point for walks in Bunken Dune Plantation. In addition, the communal areas in Lodskovvad may be used from 6 a.m. until sunset, including outside the woodchip-covered paths and on the service tracks along the ditches.

Rules, beaches and route planning

The following applies to the paths in Lodskovvad’s communal areas: motor vehicles are not permitted there. Dogs must be kept on a leash everywhere in these areas. One special exception is Døde Skov in Bunken Dune Plantation. The 44-hectare dog forest is a place where dogs are welcome off the leash.

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 grassy spaces for playing and ball games. For travel to selected starting points, summer bus route 99 stops at Bunken Camping and RÃ¥bjerg Church; from there, you can continue on foot to RÃ¥bjerg Mile and Bunken Dune Plantation.

For comparing other destinations, you can also consider Nordby, Napstjært, Sæby, Bunken, Tolne, Jerup, Strandby and Dybvad.

Traces of history and local development

Historical and architectural topics are also part of the area’s character. The Aalbæk Bay Barrage Battery, also known as Aalbækbugt Batteri, was a defensive installation with 13 concrete bunkers. A change of use was approved for the disused Lodskovvad School, converting it from a scout hut into a residential building with two housing units.

For the overall travel overview: Frederikshavn Municipality.