Vigsø: Coast, Dunes and Bunker History

Vigsø combines coastline, bunker history and vast dune landscapes. Numerous bunkers from the Second World War lie on the beach, while marked trails lead through coastal and plantation landscapes. This means you can choose a focus for planning your holiday: the coast and history, cycling or hiking tours, or natural areas. These different interests can help guide your search for a holiday apartment in Vigsø.

Bunker History on the Beach

The Vigsø Hærkystbatteri belonged to the German army and was intended to defend Hanstholm against an attack in which an enemy force would land in Vigsø Bugt. Construction of the position began in October 1941; the battery was ready to fire on 20 December of the same year. The complex included 46 concrete bunkers. For 24 of them, the walls and ceilings were two metres thick.

Since the Second World War, coastal erosion has changed the position of the bunkers: today, two-thirds of the Hærkystbatteri bunkers are fully visible on the beach or in the water. The many bunkers on the beach and in the sea thus shape the appearance of the coast. Parts of the film “Olsen-Banden i Jylland” were shot on Vigsø beach in 1971. The Vigsø Båke is also part of the area’s cultural history: it is protected as Danish cultural heritage.

Dunes, Plantation and Natural Areas

In Vigsø Plantage, trails and designated areas take centre stage. A marked hiking route runs around the plantation. The entire area is designated for free camping. Most of the plantation is designated as a dark-sky and quiet area under the municipal plan; a strip through its western part belongs to Natura 2000 site no. 24, “Hanstholm Reservatet, Hanstholm Knude, Nors Sø and Vandet Sø”.

The designation is based on 21 habitat types. The extensive, continuous dune landscapes and calcareous slopes, with their flora and fauna, are particularly important. Vigsø Plantage offers a different perspective on the area than the beach with its bunkers: here, habitats and landscape features take centre stage. Planning and protected-area boundaries and designations may change.

Experience the Beach and Trails Actively

Many surfers use Vigsø beach as a base for their sport. Road access to the beach is available through ravines at Baun and Febbersted. There is a toilet building at the beach car park; if you plan to use it, check the facility’s current status before your visit.

There are two different marked hiking routes: one leads from Hanstholm to Vigsø and back through the area, while the other runs around Vigsø Plantage. This lets you choose between a route starting in Hanstholm and a loop through the plantation, without assuming a walking time or distance.

The Vestkyststien Agger-Bulbjerg adds a cycling route: it is part of National Cycle Route 1 and runs along beaches and through dunes, heathland and low-lying areas. A lifeboat logo marks the route. It can be used year-round, and there are car parks along the entire route. As facilities may change, check parking availability in advance if you depend on it.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Holiday

When looking for a holiday apartment in Vigsø, it helps to consider what you want your holiday days to centre on. Bunker history and the beach go hand in hand with surfing here; marked routes offer other options, whether a hike to Vigsø and back, a loop around the plantation or a section of Cycle Route 1. Those particularly interested in nature will find a focus of their own in the dune landscapes, calcareous slopes and designated areas.

Discover more destinations: Thisted, Boddum, Sjørring, Vangså, Vesløs, Nørre Vorupør, Doverodde, Stenbjerg.

For the overview of the wider area: Thisted Municipality.