Worldmap at Klejtrup Lake — Attraction in Viborg Municipality

🌍 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

Single-man feat: Built by Poulsen with minimal tools—only stones, soil, and grass.

Educational & artistic: Combines craftsmanship with geography, enabling hands-on learning.

Time capsule: Flags and borders updated yearly, preserving mid-20th-century global awareness.

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...

Klejtrup Lake in Denmark is known for its unique feature - a giant world map carved into the landscape.

Fun Facts Giant world map: The lake features a massive world map, making it a popular tourist attraction. Aerial view: The map is best appreciated from an aerial view, showcasing its intricate design. Unique landmark: Klejtrup Lake's world map is a one-of-a-kind landmark, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Visiting Klejtrup Lake Denmark's hidden gem: Klejtrup Lake is a lesser-known destination in Denmark, offering a unique experience for visitors. 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...

Klejtrup Lake in Denmark is known for its unique feature - a giant world map carved into the landscape.

Fun Facts Giant world map: The lake features a massive world map, making it a popular tourist attraction. Aerial view: The map is best appreciated from an aerial view, showcasing its intricate design. Unique landmark: Klejtrup Lake's world map is a one-of-a-kind landmark, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Visiting Klejtrup Lake Denmark's hidden gem: Klejtrup Lake is a lesser-known destination in Denmark, offering a unique experience for visitors. 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...