Vigsø: Coast, Bunkers and Cultural Heritage

Vigsø combines a coast with visible traces of World War II and a protected cultural heritage site: Vigsø Båke. The nature of Vigsø Plantage and the marked hiking trails are also relevant when deciding whether the area is right for your trip. Coastal history, landscape and trails each offer a different way to experience Vigsø and provide different starting points for planning your trip.

Coastal History at the Beach

Vigsø Hærkystbatteri belonged to the German Army and was intended to defend Hanstholm against an attack in which an enemy landed in Vigsø Bugt. Construction of the position began in October 1941; the battery was ready to fire on 20 December 1941. Hærkystbatteri included 46 concrete bunkers; 24 of them had walls and roofs two metres thick. This meant that well over half of the bunkers had walls and roofs two metres thick.

Coastal erosion has changed the position of the bunkers since World War II: two-thirds are now entirely on the beach or in the water, where they are visible. The beach is also connected to film history: parts of the film “Olsen-Banden i Jylland” were shot on Vigsø Beach in 1971. Vigsø Båke is protected as Danish cultural heritage.

Landscape and Designations

The stretch of coast near Vigsø is one of the longest undeveloped coastal stretches in Denmark. Vigsø Plantage is also a focus for nature enthusiasts. Most of the plantation is designated as a dark 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 basis for the designation includes 21 habitat types. Large, continuous dune landscapes and calcareous slopes, along with their associated flora and fauna, are particularly important. The entire area of Vigsø Plantage is also designated for free camping; this designation may change. Planning and protected-area designations may change; check the current status if this information is relevant to your visit or accommodation plans.

Hiking and Visiting the Beach

Two marked hiking trails follow different routes: one runs from Hanstholm to Vigsø and back through the area; another goes around Vigsø Plantage. This lets you choose between a route linking Hanstholm and Vigsø with a return journey and a loop around the plantation area.

Near Vigsø, a road provides access to the beach via ravines at Baun and Febbersted. There is a toilet building in the car park by the beach. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check their current status before your visit. Many surfers use Vigsø Beach as a starting point for their sport.

Discover more destinations: Vangså, Snedsted, Frøstrup, Boddum, Krik, Amtoft, Stenbjerg, Ydby

For the overview of the wider area: Thisted Municipality.