Sønder Lem: Nature, Birdwatching and Cultural History

Landscape at Sønder Lem Vig

Sønder Lem Vig is a former fjord arm and is now a lake surrounded by low-lying land. The Sønder Lem Vig nature area covers 417 hectares and includes the particularly species-rich habitat type of calcareous fens.

Sønder Lem Vig Nature Park covers about 975 hectares and extends from Håsum Enge in the east to Venø Bay in the west. Its flat landscapes formed as the last Ice Age melted. Geddal Strandenge and Sønder Lem Vig are jointly designated as EF Habitat Area No. 32. Reasons for their protection include Atlantic salt meadows, the otter, and naturally eutrophic lakes and ponds.

Birdwatching by the Water

At the eastern end of Sønder Lem Vig, a birdwatching tower offers views of the reed beds and the eastern half of the water. In spring, you can watch the bird migration and the beginning of breeding bird activity from there. The tower is accessible from Sønder Lemvej via Bustrup Plantage. Check local conditions before setting out.

Near Sønder Lem, National Cycle Route 12 passes Geddal Strandenge, a birdwatching destination. Migratory birds are especially visible there in spring and autumn. The seasonal information emphasizes different things: at the tower, the focus is on spring migration and the start of breeding bird activity, while at Geddal Strandenge, autumn is also highlighted as a time to see migratory birds.

Routes and Trails

The Stier ved Hostrup Hovedgård route starts at the car park on Sønder Lemvej and heads towards Sønder Lem Vig. It runs along the bay to the sluice and outlet at Hostrupvej. Red arrows mark the route, which is between 3.3 and 5.5 km long.

Beyond the manor, the route leads to a playground with shelters, a picnic house and a toilet. Before your trip, check local conditions and the current state of the routes and facilities.

A red Kløverstier route leads to a viewpoint overlooking Sønder Lem Vig. The black Kløverstier route follows the disused Vestsallingstien railway line. In the nature park, you can enjoy nature on foot, while running or on cross-country skis.

Cultural History and Special Places

Near Sønder Lem, the black Kløverstier route passes the medieval Lem Kirke. The church is known for its rich collection of Romanesque granite reliefs. Carved stone blocks depict people, animals and mythical creatures.

Near Sønder Lem, Bustrup's current main building was constructed in 1766 using materials from much older buildings. The building thus combines the construction date of the current structure with the older origins of some of its materials.

In the nature park, you can walk along a 300-metre wooden boardwalk through an alder wetland. In the western wetland stands the sculpture group Ellepigerne, featuring three alder maidens; the installation was completed in 2025.

Discover more destinations: Nissum, Vile, Rødding, Ålbæk, Glyngøre, Harre, Lihme, Spøttrup

For the broader travel overview: Skive Municipality.