Store Jyndevad
The nature and wildlife at Store Jyndevad are truly special
You are now standing in front of a major nature restoration project from 2025, which has brought new life to the natural environment at St. Jyndevad. Where an old 2.5-metre-high mill weir had blocked the way for fish in the river for many years, there is now free passage through a new 1.3 km-long bypass channel and a 2.5-hectare nature area.
Fish can once again migrate freely through the river system, while the new rapids and spawning grounds provide good conditions for salmonids and lampreys. At the same time, the restoration has created new opportunities for one of the area's most special species – the rare North Sea houting.
The restoration, with its new bypass channel and nature area, offers a rare opportunity to get close to the specially protected Natura 2000 area bordering the new site.
North Sea houting
Montagu’s harrier. Photo: Aage Matthiesen, Montagu’s Harrier Project
Wildlife in the area
You can experience a rich variety of wildlife here. The following species are particularly characteristic of the area.
The North Sea houting is a very rare, silvery fish found only in the Wadden Sea and the associated rivers of Jutland. It lives in schools and can be recognised by its long, pointed snout, high back, small upturned mouth and a small adipose fin near the rear of its body.
Try listening for the Eurasian bittern. The bittern is a heron with a very deep call that sounds like wind blowing into a bottle. Its characteristic booming call is easiest to hear in spring on calm days, when the sound can travel several kilometres.
The Montagu's harrier is a rare bird of prey in Denmark, with only 15–30 breeding pairs in southern and western Jutland. During the breeding season, the male provides food for the female and the chicks. He passes the prey to the female in mid-air by dropping it from above, allowing her to fly up and catch it.
Look out for the red-backed shrike. It is often seen perched at the top of a bush, waiting for prey, especially insects and small birds. When food is plentiful, it stores surplus prey by impaling it on long thorns.
You are also standing in the historic area around Store Jyndevad Mill
Store Jyndevad is first mentioned in written sources around 1230 as Jotenwath, and in 1238 as Jønewath. At that time, monks from Løgumkloster Abbey built a mill south of the river. In 1357, the millpond was constructed, and in the 17th century a weir was built at the mill.
In 1896, the mill was moved to its present location north of the river and fitted with turbines. St. Jyndevad Mill is a former grain mill that later also generated electricity. The mill is privately owned and is currently inactive.
Store Jyndevad Mill
Some of the colonists lived in earth huts so they could stay close to their plots of land. (Photo: Burkal Sogns Lokalarkiv)
The German colonists
You may know the Danish expression “kartoffeltysker” – “potato German”. The term dates back to 1762, when German colonists came to the area around Lille Jyndevad, Rens and Stade following promises from King Frederik V of land and better living conditions.
They became known as “potato Germans” because the heathland soil made it difficult to grow much other than potatoes. In addition to the harsh farming conditions, the colonists also faced resistance from local people. Very few remained.
The colonies were named after members of the danish royal family at the time: Frederiksgave, Julianeborg, Kristianshaab and Sofiedal. Visit Museum Rens to learn more about the history.