Worldmap at Klejtrup Lake

Tourist attraction · Central Jutland

Worldmap at Klejtrup Lake

Tourist attraction · Central Jutland

Søren Poulsens Vej 5, 9500 Hobro, Denmark

Highlights

Outdoor atlas built from soil and stone, family fun

Søren Poulsens Vej 5, 9500 Hobro, Denmark Get directions

verdenskortet.dk

@verdenskortet

@atlasobscura

13 Marvelous Maps That Go Way Beyond Paper

"Circumnavigating the globe on foot sounds like a tall order - requiring commitment of years of one’s life, some serious logistics planning, and an unshakeable determination to put one foot in front of the other for as long as it takes. For those keen on the idea but not the long haul, there’s Verdenskortet (Map of the World) in Denmark. At the Verdenskortet attraction, visitors can march across all the world’s countries in a matter of minutes and then have a cup of coffee and a pastry at the adjoining cafe. Amazingly, the outdoor atlas was constructed entirely from soil and stone. Even more amazingly, it’s all the work of one man. Søren Poulsen was born in 1888 on the property and moved to the United States when he was a young man. After 20 years abroad, he moved back to the family farm on the banks of Lake Klejtrub. Following a failed orchard grove venture, he turned his attention in 1944 to the project that would consume him until his death at 81 years old in 1969. Always interested in geography, Poulsen decided to lay out the entire world through shaping a small peninsula on the lake. He did so with the use of a few simple tools (a wheelbarrow, a pushcart, handtools) and a whole lot of ingenuity - some of the stones he single-handedly hauled to the site weigh more than a ton. The finished map measures 45 by 90 meters, and is entirely to scale - each 27 centimeters corresponds to 111 real-world kilometers. It has become a popular family attraction in the Viborg area, as visitors take the opportunity to play minigolf along the shore and paddle rowboats in the miniature Pacific Ocean. It’s certainly a charming site, and an Atlas Obscura if we ever saw one." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/13-marvelous-maps-that-go-beyond-paper

View Postcard for Verdenskortet

Thomas Meaney

Google

Great place. Kids orientated with a petting farm, playground and kids activities. Cafe onsite and a BBQ area. The map is fascinating. Worth seeing

Salman Khan

Google

Klejtrup Lake in Denmark is known for its unique feature - a giant world map carved into the landscape. Fun Facts 1. *Giant world map*: The lake features a massive world map, making it a popular tourist attraction. 2. *Aerial view*: The map is best appreciated from an aerial view, showcasing its intricate design. 3. *Unique landmark*: Klejtrup Lake's world map is a one-of-a-kind landmark, attracting visitors from around the globe. Visiting Klejtrup Lake 1. *Denmark's hidden gem*: Klejtrup Lake is a lesser-known destination in Denmark, offering a unique experience for visitors. 2. *Photography*: The lake's world map is a photographer's paradise, especially during sunrise or sunset. If you're planning to visit, consider exploring other attractions in Denmark, such as the vibrant cities of Copenhagen and Aarhus.

Swaraj Gujar

Google

The World Map at Klejtrup Lake is not a grandiose monument but a whimsical and delightful passion project. Its high rating is a testament to how much people appreciate its originality and family-friendly fun. Go if: You have kids, you enjoy unique, low-key attractions, and you appreciate a clever idea executed with passion. Manage your expectations if: You are looking for a highly detailed, modern museum exhibit or a full day of thrilling activities. It's a perfect stop to stretch your legs on a road trip through Jutland and is sure to leave you with a smile and some great photos.

Satyam Manna

Google

ڈار افنان

Google

🌍 Origins & Construction Creator: Danish farmer Søren Poulsen (1888–1969), who had spent two decades in the U.S. before returning to his childhood home by Klejtrup Lake . Inspiration struck in 1943 when Poulsen discovered a stone resembling the Jutland peninsula while draining meadowlands nearby . Motivated, he embarked on a massive mapping project using local materials. Method: During winters, he transported large stones (some weighing over 2 tonnes) onto the frozen lake using primitive tools like wheelbarrows and carts. Once spring arrived, he situated them on the lakebed and overlaid soil and grass to contour the landmasses . --- Geography & Scale The final map spans 45 × 90 m (~4,000–5,000 m²) with a consistent scale of **27 cm = 1° latitude (111 km)** . Antarctica isn’t included; instead, the Northern Hemisphere appears twice to better portray relative distances and counter spherical distortion . Visual details: Red poles mark the equator, and miniature flags are planted yearly to represent countries . In homage to Poulsen’s American years, U.S. state boundaries are shown using yellow bricks . --- Park & Visitor Experience Located at the lake’s edge, the map serves as the centerpiece of a larger park packed with attractions: Playground, mini-golf, labyrinths, bouncy pillows, pony rides, pony carts, and even petting zoos featuring goats, rabbits, etc. . With picnic areas, a café, full grills, sheltered pavilions, and options for guided tours, it offers something for everyone . It is a family-friendly, interactive geography lesson: visitors can literally walk across continents, from Denmark to Australia or the U.S., in minutes . --- Cultural Impact & Stats Constructed over 25 years (1944–1969), completed just before Poulsen’s death at 81 . Today, it attracts around 40,000 visitors annually, mostly Danish locals and tourists searching for unique attractions . The installation is featured on platforms like Atlas Obscura, Amusing Planet, and Visit Denmark as a quirky, educational, and creative landmark . --- Why It Matters 1. Single-man feat: Built by Poulsen with minimal tools—only stones, soil, and grass. 2. Educational & artistic: Combines craftsmanship with geography, enabling hands-on learning. 3. Time capsule: Flags and borders updated yearly, preserving mid-20th-century global awareness. 4. Tourist gem: Blends nature, culture, and playful interaction—a model for educational tourism. --- In summary, Klejtrup’s Verdenskortet is not just a map—it’s a celebration of one man’s vision, a community centerpiece, and an immersive, outdoor educational experience. Whether you’re tracing routes across continents or enjoying a family picnic, it's a site that merges art, geography, and leisure in a truly memorable way.

Janni Brødbæk

Google

Perfect for family outings. Good facilities for picnics, playground, information boards on the world etc.

indeewari shya

Google

I saw this place in a short video on facebook and now I’m here. I just really want to go there. It’s a great work. That commitment is incredible ❤️❤️

Miruna Mihalache

Google

A good place to go and check out especially if you have a family with small children. Lots of activities, small petting zoo, plus a relatively big map of the world where children can play but also learn the different countries, where they are situated and how their flag looks. They also have a BBQ area, where you can use one of their gas grills and cook your own food. they also have a small restaurant in case you get hungry and need a quick snack