Filsø
This beautiful lake is situated in West Denmark, close to Henne. Filsø offers amazing nature, a rich wildlife as well as exciting stories about the past of the lake.
Birds (Nymindegab / Filsø / Værnengene)
Photo: Michael Barrett Boesen
On this route, you’ll experience both the forces of nature—which once closed the former outlet of Ringkøbing Fjord into the North Sea—and the power of human intervention, which drained a vast area of land before restoring it as the unique natural and bird habitat of Filsø. The tour ends at Værnengene – a spectacular bird reserve.
Photo: Michael Barrett Boesen
Photo: Thomas Høyrup Christensen
Route Overview
The tour begins at the parking lot next to Nymindegab Kro, heading into the natural area known as Æ Gaf - the former outlet where Ringkøbing Fjord once flowed into the North Sea.
The first 15 km of the route take you exclusively through dunes, dune plantations, and heathland.
In Henne, you have the option of a 6 km roundtrip detour to Henne Strand, where you’ll find a range of great places to eat.
Next stop is Filsø, which in just a few years has been re-established as one of Denmark’s largest lakes. For generations, the lakebed was drained and used for agriculture. In 2012, the Aage V. Jensen Nature Foundation bought the land and allowed the water to return - resulting in record numbers of birds resting in and around the lake throughout the autumn.
Geese, ducks, waders, white-tailed eagles, and ospreys are among the many species you may see or hear. If you're lucky, you might even spot an otter.
Take a walk out onto the Filsø Ellipse, and consider a short detour south of the dam to the Petersholm Bird Tower before continuing across the dam over the lake.
The route continues north through Blåbjerg Dune Plantation.
After Filsø, you can stop for refreshments at Aktiv Naturferie, Houstrup Camping, or Tipperne Camping, located 1 km north of Nymindegab.
The final part of the route leads you to Værnengene - a beautiful and protected bird reserve. Protected since 1974 and now designated as an EU bird protection area, over 160 bird species are observed here each year. Værnengene is a vast and open landscape with rich biodiversity and thriving birdlife. On your way to the Værn Sande Bird Tower, you can also stop at Nordladen, which features an exhibition about this unique area, the birdlife, and the history of the local hunting cabins.
Continue all the way to the bird tower to enjoy the view, then return the same way and finish your ride back in Nymindegab.
End your day with a refreshing drink or a delicious meal at one of Nymindegab’s restaurants or cafés.
Enjoy the ride!
Route Highlights
Route Information
Distance & Surface
Approx. 57 km, with an optional extension to 63 km.
Approx. 34.5 km asphalt and 23 km gravelDifficulty
Easy routeTerrain
Flat terrain shaped by the West Jutland landscape
Signage
The route is not signposted
Season
The route can be cycled year-round, weather permittingParking
Vesterhavsvej, Nymindegab – next to Nymindegab Kro
Get the route on your phone
- Download the app “Ride With GPS” (free) if you want to view the route on your phone, or download the GPX file and use it with your preferred navigation tool—e.g., bike computer or smartwatch.
- Open the link below after installing the app
