Spøttrup: Beach, Coastal Paths and Hou Tjørnen

Spøttrup offers visitors several ways to enjoy a stay on the coast: a small, conveniently located bathing beach, paths with different features, and the history of Hou Tjørnen. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether swimming, a walk or the local landscape’s history should shape your stay. The following topics offer practical guidance.

Coast and habitats

Spøttrup Beach is a small, conveniently located bathing beach. An oak grove extends right to the edge of the beach; sea pinks grow in the salt marsh by Spøttrup Beach. The mouth of the small Spøttrup Bæk is also clearly defined and lies between two groynes. Woodland, marsh vegetation and the watercourse each shape a different aspect of the coastal landscape. If you would like to combine a beach visit with an interest in coastal plants, the sea pinks offer a specific feature to look out for.

Paths to the beach and along the coast

The Kyststien coastal path runs from the harbour to Egmont Højskolen. Its surface is firm, and the path is suitable for wheelchair users. From Hov Havn, an 800-metre-long path runs along the beach to the protected area by Spøttrup Beach. The route descriptions highlight different details: the Kyststien is noted for its firm surface and wheelchair accessibility, while the route from Hov Havn is described by its length and destination. This lets you compare the information relevant to your plans.

A path through a small wooded area leads to Spøttrup Beach, where there is a bathing jetty. There is parking opposite Hou Maritime Efterskole, along with a path to the beach. At Kyststien ved Hou, the path crosses Spøttrup Bæk. Taken together, these details offer different points of reference: a coastal path with a firm surface, a beach path with a stated length, and access routes to the bathing area.

Swimming and bathing water

According to the 2023 bathing water profile, measurements show that the mouth of Spøttrup Bæk does not affect the bathing water quality at the beach. All bathing beaches in Odder Municipality have the highest bathing water rating of three stars. The first statement concerns the stream mouth at the beach; the second applies to all bathing beaches in the municipality. Bathing conditions can change, so check the latest information before swimming.

Hou Tjørnen and its history

Hou Tjørnen can be viewed at its location and is probably older than the town founded in 1849. For many years, it stood alone on a hill and served as a navigation mark for people passing along the coast near Hov. A visit to the site therefore connects you with its former role in coastal navigation. Its age is uncertain; its use as a navigation mark is also one of the features handed down in this account of its history.

Hou and the surrounding area

Spøttrup is one of the villages in the Hou and surrounding area region. The region has forests, a beach and a marina, as well as a commercial harbour with ferry connections to Samsø and Tunø. This regional perspective complements Spøttrup’s specific beach and path topics. If you plan to take one of the ferry connections from the commercial harbour in the Hou and surrounding area, check the timetable in advance.

Discover more destinations: Odder, Torup, Rude, Hundslund, Saksild, Hov, Amstrup, Dyngby

For the broader travel overview: Odder Municipality.