Vangså: Heathland and the History of the Fishing Settlement

Vangså offers two different starting points for planning a trip: Vangså Hede, with its dunes and birdlife, and the history of the fishing settlement. There are also named walking and cycling routes, as well as a specific landmark on the beach. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these topics can help you choose a destination based on your interests: different details come into focus depending on whether you are interested in nature, local history or routes.

Heathland, dunes and birdlife

Vangså Hede is part of Natura 2000 site No. 25. Its deflation surface contains examples of parabolic dunes; the dune ridges run from west to east. As a birding site, the heath is especially valuable for wood sandpipers, cranes and short-eared owls. Management measures have been carried out along the western side of Vang Sø to restore former open heathland and wetland habitats and create an open landscape with a view of the lake.

For nature enthusiasts, several perspectives come together here: the parabolic dunes describe the landform, the three bird species illustrate the area's importance as a birding site, and the management measures concern the restoration of former habitats. So the focus is not only on the visible dunes, but also on birdlife and landscape management.

The history of the fishing settlement

As early as 1683, there was a settlement of farms and houses in the dunes of Vang Klit. In the early 18th century, this settlement was moved west to present-day Vangså.

The fishing settlement of Vangså was established in the early 18th century, when drifting sand forced local smallholders to seek new places to live. In the 1920s, Vangså reached its greatest extent, with 34 farms and houses. These included a school, a mission house and two grocery stores. In 1924, about 40 fishermen with 34 boats lived in Vangså.

The number 34 refers to different things in these historical accounts: farms and houses indicate the settlement's greatest extent in the 1920s, while boats refer to the fishing industry in 1924. This helps distinguish the size of the settlement from fishing as two separate aspects of local history.

Walking and cycling routes

The Vestkyststien walking trail runs through Vangså Hede. National Cycle Route No. 1 also passes through the heath. Since route information may be revised, it is advisable to check the latest details before setting out. The Vestkystruten runs from the south through Vangså Hede to Vangså.

The Vangså Route is a varied 23.5-kilometre cycling route, with Vangså Klithede at its centre. It passes through the fishing settlement of Vangså and is marked with blue signs bearing the words “Vangså ruten”. For planning, you can sort the information by the point of interest: a walking trail through the heath, the Vestkystruten's route from the south to Vangså, or a cycling route with a stated length and trail markers that passes through the fishing settlement.

Finding your way at the beach

At the beach, where the public road ends, there is a car park for visitors heading to the sea. This provides a specific landmark for planning this part of your visit. Together with the different route details, it can help you decide whether you want to explore Vangså mainly for its heathland, local history, cycling or a visit to the sea.

Discover more destinations: Amtoft, Sjørring, Stenbjerg, Thisted, Hanstholm, Ydby, Doverodde, Vigsø

For the overview of the wider area: Thisted Municipality.