Hjelm

Hjelm brings together a cycling route, nearby nature and traces of history. When planning your trip, the distance to shops in Guldborg and the seasonal access restriction on the nearby island of Hjelm Ø are also relevant. These different topics can help you plan your stay according to your interests, without confusing the cycling route, natural area and local history.

Location and orientation

Hjelm is on coastal section S5.07, which runs across Lolland from Guldborg to Vantore. From Hjelm, it is 4 km to shops in Guldborg. If you are planning errands, you can take this distance into account; individual shops may change. The coastal section also includes Natura 2000 site No. 173 Smålandsfarvandet north of Lolland, Guldborgsund, Bøtø Nor and Hyllekrog-Rødsand.

Cycling around Hjelm

The 35 km “Fuglenes fristeder” cycling route runs from Majbølle via Hjelm and the Guldborgsundtunnellen to Majbølle Nor Nature Reserve. Blue signs mark the way; the “fugletårnet” serves as a landmark. If you want to follow the route, these details give you both its length and the named points along the way.

The route description applies to the route as a whole: it follows quiet country roads, several of which have cycle paths. It also goes around the Guldborgsundtunnellen, with views of the motorway and Guldborgsund along the way. These details describe the tour as a whole.

Another scenic cycling route is “Sundruten”. It is just over 46 km long and runs between Nykøbing Falster, Guldborg and Sundby. The total length is a clear difference when comparing the two routes: 35 km for “Fuglenes fristeder” compared with just over 46 km for “Sundruten”. The places named also give an idea of the waypoints on each route.

Nature and seasonal restriction

Nearby Hjelm Ø is an uninhabited island of about 2.5 ha in Guldborgsund. Its vegetation is sparse, and it is also an important bird site. During the breeding season, from 15 March to 15 July, staying on or near Hjelm Ø is prohibited. Keep these dates in mind if nature observation is part of your travel plans.

The place name Hjelm is also connected to the landscape: one interpretation traces it to terrain that was perceived as resembling a helmet. The original, somewhat square peninsula extended directly into Guldborgsund in front of the village of Hjelm; the landform has since changed. Majbølle Nor was reclaimed in 1923–25.

Harbour and bathing spot

At Hjelm Bådelaug, you can swim from a jetty with a ladder. There is no parking in the immediate vicinity of the Bådelaug. At Hjelm Havn, you will find a small harbour with a beach, as well as a shelter and tent site with water and toilets. Check the facilities again before your trip. You can refill fresh water at Hjelm Havn along the way; follow the local signs.

Historical traces in Hjelm

The place name is recorded in the form Hielm in 1330. Earlier institutions also offer insight into local history: a school was established in Hjelm in 1911, and the parish library was established in 1944. Its 3,400 volumes were distributed between the schools in Hjelm and Soesmarke. These dates illustrate different aspects of the former community life, without implying that these are visitor facilities today.

Discover more destinations: Sildestrup, Gedesby, Hesnæs, Gedser, Øster-Ulslev, Næs, Guldborg, Eskilstrup.

For the broader travel overview: Guldborgsund Municipality.