Thy National Park is Denmark's first national park, offering expansive coastal dunes, heathlands, and forests along the North Sea. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its unique landscapes, varied wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Established in 2008, Thy National Park spans along Denmark's northwest coast, covering a diverse range of habitats including shifting sand dunes, heathlands, wet meadows, lakes, and mixed forests. The park stretches over 244 square kilometers, presenting one of the largest and most naturally preserved dune areas in Northwestern Europe. The North Sea winds shape the landscape, creating dynamic dunes and deep coastal lagoons that serve as crucial habitats for breeding birds, rare plants, and diverse insects. Within the park, visitors can explore traditional Danish rural culture as well as remnants of Cold War military installations, underlining the area’s historical significance. Outdoor activities are abundant, with extensive trails for hiking and cycling weaving through the forest and dunes, plus opportunities for windsurfing, fishing, and birdwatching along the coastline. Notable landmarks include the dune-covered Budolfi Cliff, the Borremose peat bog, and the Husby Klitplantage forest. The park's wilderness atmosphere provides a refuge for wildlife such as European otters, red deer, and numerous migratory birds. Thy’s visitor appeal lies in its blend of serene natural settings and rugged coastline, making it a prime destination for those seeking peaceful outdoor adventure within easy reach of urban Denmark.
The drifting sand dunes along the North Sea coast
Rare heathland ecosystems with unique plant species
Historic Cold War bunkers accessible via hiking trails
Birdwatching opportunities at the Borremose peat bog
A massive migrating coastal dune, one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe, moving up to 15 meters per year.
A peat bog with rich biodiversity and several walking paths that allow visitors to safely explore the fragile ecosystem.
A large forest planted to stabilize the drifting dunes, offering shaded trails and a contrasting landscape to the open coast.