Skjern Meadows and River – Skjern, Borris

The route begins in the heart of Skjern at the train station and quickly heads out of town toward the Skjern River and its meadows. On the way, you’ll pass King Hans’ Bridge - Denmark’s longest wooden suspension bridge. It’s named after King Hans, who tragically died of pneumonia after falling into the water a cold winter day at this very spot. A memorial stone stands beside the bridge in his honor.

The route then continues west along the river. 
Skjern River is Denmark’s most water-rich river, flowing 94 km from Tinnet Krat near Give to Ringkøbing Fjord, where it forms the country’s only river delta. The river is also home to one of Northern Europe’s largest nature restoration projects. In 1999, Skjern River was redirected to its original meandering course after being straightened and channelized in the 1960s for agricultural purposes.

The surrounding Skjern Meadows cover around 2,200 hectares of wetlands and grasslands, teeming with birdlife, including sea eagles, spoonbills, kingfishers, great egrets, and more.

Pump Station North is the largest of the six pumping stations built during the river regulation project in the 1960s. Today, the station houses informative displays, public toilets, and a viewpoint. Nearby, you can visit Provstgaard’s Hunting Lodge, built in 1922 by two brothers who lived off the land by hunting and selling fish, otters, and the famous “Stauning geese.”

From Pump Station North, you can take a 4 km detour (including a 1 km walk) to a birdwatching tower offering panoramic views over the delta and Ringkøbing Fjord.

Otherwise, the route continues across the river via two cable ferries that you operate yourself. These take you to and from Kalvholm, the largest island in the delta, before continuing on toward Lønborg.

On the route to Lønborg, you can visit the Skjern Meadows Nature Exhibition, focusing on life in the river valley—especially the birdlife in the delta’s meadows. Don’t miss the bird hide at Lønborggård or a rest stop at Lønborg Banke behind the church, with its beautiful views across the meadows and river.

The next part of the tour heads to the town of Tarm, where you can explore the Experimental Garden. Wander through flowerbeds, discover small ponds, and try to spot all seven art birds, inspired by the local birdlife and illustrated by artist Ulla Haussø.

From here, the route follows the river toward Borris. On the return stretch to Skjern, be sure to stop at Laksens Hus (“House of the Salmon”) and Skjern Å Nature Centre, where you can learn the incredible story of the rediscovered and once-believed extinct Skjern River Salmon.

From Laksens Hus, the route returns to Skjern via the Green Corridor and passes the Water Gardens along Kirkeåen stream.

To wrap up the day, treat yourself to a refreshing drink or a delicious meal at one of Skjern’s many cafés or restaurants.

Enjoy the ride! 

Open the map here

1. 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.
    
2. Open the link below after installing the app
    

DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE HERE