The Heath Route
Out here on the heath – between shifting sands and afforestation – lie hidden gems of magnificent nature, ancient stories and strong spirits. Welcome to a day filled with great stories, plenty of nature and delicious local food. Start with a visit to Museet Mark. Stretch your legs and enjoy the countryside at Grene Sande and Gyttegård Plantage – and finish your trip at Filskov Church, Town and Inn.
The History of the Heath
Humans have left a clear mark on the vast majority of Denmark’s natural landscape. The Ice Age shaped the flat landscape west of Billund, where vast plains were slowly covered by forest. But then the farmers arrived, burnt down the forests and cultivated the land. Unfortunately, the sandy soils were so nutrient-poor that the fields were exhausted within a few years. After that, the heather took over. In other words, the heath is a cultural landscape.
In the 18th century, heathland covered more than half of Central and Western Jutland. This prompted Frederick V to invite around 1,000 farmers from Germany to the region in 1758 to cultivate the heathland. Without much success. But in 1864, Denmark lost both Schleswig and Holstein and saw a significant decline in its population. This accelerated the cultivation of the heathland. And with the Hedeselskabet and Enrico Dalgas at the helm, we got to grips with the heathland. Among other things, by combating sand drift with afforestation and windbreaks.
By around 1950, the heathland had almost disappeared – only 2% remained. The Heathland Society celebrated their victory with a poem:
We have a tyrant from the west,
it is the storm,
it is the wind.
We found but one remedy against it:
Plant!
C. F. Jensen, Hedeselskabet
Mark Museum – Man and Nature
At Mark Museum, the exhibition ‘Man and Nature’ takes you on a journey through time and the landscape. Here you can discover how nature has shaped our lives and culture, and how we humans, throughout history, have both adapted to and left our distinct mark on the natural world around us. From the cultivation of the heath to industrialisation, the museum tells the story of the area as a reflection of Denmark’s development.
When you visit the museum, you can join a guided tour that will open your eyes to the battle against sand drift and humanity’s impact on the landscape.
For 400 years, farmers worked the land in Morsbøl. At times, it was a struggle for survival when the harvest failed or disease struck.
Visit Grene Sande and Gyttegård Plantage, where you can explore both the heathland and the plantations that helped eradicate the stubborn plants.
Discover a reversed Dalgas – where the heathland is reclaiming its territory
Gyttegård Plantation is one of the so-called ‘Copenhagen plantations’, established in the late 19th century as part of the Hedeselskabet’s campaign against the heathland. Here, chairman Enrico Dalgas and a number of large-scale farmers spearheaded the afforestation drive – both to secure hunting grounds and to demonstrate their power through impressive country villas. Today, you can see the listed villa Ny Gyttegård, designed by the famous architect Martin Borch, which is situated right next to the golf club.
Today, Gyttegård Plantage is undergoing an exciting transformation. The Danish Nature Agency is removing trees and nutrients to restore the heathland, allowing nature to repair itself – for example in ‘The Burnt Forest’, where the trees felled by a fire in 2011 are being left to decompose, providing a habitat for insects, fungi and plants.
Follow the paths and enjoy the view from Ørnsbjerg, the beautiful wetlands and discover the old cobbled sunken road between Billund and Hejnsvig – still visible beneath the grass and leaves.
Grene Sande – The heathland’s biggest sandbox
The area was once characterised by drifting sand, which could bury entire villages. At Grene Sande, you can feel the raw forces of nature in the open dunes and heathland. Here, the damp marshlands have stopped the drifting sand, which has formed the large, U-shaped dune – a giant sandpit approximately 400 metres long and 100 metres wide.
Find your way to your Small Wonders in Billund
You can also read more about the experiences in Filskov just below the map.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Filskov Kro
Nestled between woodland and heathland lies Filskov Kro – a modern inn that honours its history dating back to 1853. Here, the kitchen prepares all dishes from scratch using quality ingredients and plenty of care. The menu features classic Danish dishes and little surprises showcasing the best flavours of the seasons. The inn also offers cosy accommodation.
It is a good idea to book a table in advance.
Filskov Church – New life with ancient roots
The Filskov area is steeped in history – dating back as far as 4000 BC, when burial mounds bear witness to the fact that people once lived here. In the 1800s, both the town and faith in the future grew. That is why the residents wanted their own church. When an old, derelict church from the Middle Ages turned up, the wish went from being an idea to a clear demand from the people. And in 1877, Filskov Church was consecrated.
Filskov today – The independent village
Following the local authority reorganisation in 1970 and the closure of the railway in 1971, things went from bad to worse for Filskov. But the residents stood together and today they run everything themselves, from the sports club and school to the grocery shop and care home. Filskov is a vibrant village created through a joint initiative – where the residents own and look after everything. Take a ‘Tour of Filskov’ – you’ll find the leaflet at the grocery shop, by the church or at the inn – and discover the history of the Self-Governing Town.
Take it easy. Slow down. Say goodbye to the hustle and bustle. Head west. To charming villages. Time-honoured inns. Plantations. Galleries. Open countryside. Here you’ll find plenty of hidden gems. We’ve picked out a few for you here. They’re all well worth a visit.
Taste the history. Savour the moment. Head west and discover more about Danish food culture. Learn the story of the people who cultivated the heathland and came to love the potato. Savour Denmark’s national dish. And tuck into some delicious open sandwiches or traditional Danish pub fare.
Experience the art. Enjoy the countryside. Start at the church and finish at the inn. And discover fine art and plenty of countryside in between. Here, art evolves in close harmony, from the canvas to being displayed out in the open air on the heath.
Good places to stay near Billund
Holiday apartments
Holiday houses
Bed & Breakfast
Eat well at The Heath
Find more dining experiences
You can explore the area’s restaurants and cafés here
More accommodation options
There is a wide range of accommodation options in Destination Trekantområdet – The heart of Jutland. You’ll find everything from luxury hotels, cosy bed & breakfasts and modern holiday homes to nature experiences in unique shelters and at campsites close to water and woodland.
