Lake Filsø

From the Stone Age and up to the year 1848, Filsø was a giant lake located just west of the city of Varde. Spreading over almost 7.000 acres it was the biggest in Jutland and the second biggest in all the country. But only four years later, most of the water had been pumped away to create space for farming and in the years 1940-47 the rest of the lake was drained. In total, almost 3.000 acres of what used to be lake was now being used for farming instead.

In 2010, the Aage V. Jensen Fund for Nature Conservancy purchased the area around Filsø with the intent of restoring the original lake and create a unique piece of nature for both people and animals to enjoy. That dream became a reality two years later and Filsø is now back to being an important rest stop for 234 different bird species, including the rare gull-billed tern, cranes, herons, Eurasian spoonbills and the mighty white-tailed eagle. Several new types of fish is also being released into the lake and nature lovers of all nationalities are now gathering at this enormous paradise for birds. And yes, the popular phenomenon “sort sol” (“black sun”) where huge flocks of starlings gather in the air has now also come to Filsø.

• Filsø played a major role in the Viking Age where it was an inlet to the North Sea.
• The village Henne Kirkeby was once home to a giant viking settlement – containing around 375 small workshops.
• The lake has historically been an important resource to local farmers, hunters and fishermen.
• 222 different bird species have been registered by the lake since 2011.
• A vast net of hiking paths and cycling trails, bird towers and parking spots offers unique opportunities to experience Filsø.

Address

Filsø
Kærgårdvej 12, 6854 Henne