Syddjurs Municipality: Coast, Nature and Culture

With 137 km of coastline, Syddjurs Municipality provides a striking setting for a trip combining landscapes, outdoor activities and culture. In Mols Bjerge National Park, open beaches and hills meet ancient deciduous forests, heathland and dry grasslands. There are also hiking trails, historic sites and museums covering a wide range of subjects.

Explore the landscape: on foot, by bike or on the water

The landscape of the national park was shaped by Ice Age glaciers. Its hills reach up to 137 m in height and provide the setting for numerous hikes and viewpoints. Alongside its biodiversity, the area has a rich cultural heritage: burial mounds, dolmens and a castle ruin are among the historic traces in the landscape.

For a longer hike, the 80 km Mols Bjerge Trail passes through natural and cultural-historical attractions over four days. The 4.5 km Oldtidsstien offers a shorter option: it runs through the northwestern part of Ringelmose Forest and starts and ends at Bregnet Church. Along the trail are a long barrow, six dolmens, several burial mounds, a ford and a sacred spring. At 80 km, the Mols Bjerge Trail is considerably longer than the 4.5 km Oldtidsstien.

The national park also has 35 shorter routes that pass through interesting areas of the landscape and loop back to their starting points, where parking is available. If you prefer to explore the area on two wheels, you will find an extensive network of cycling paths, many gravel tracks through natural areas, and quieter roads along the coasts and through small villages. The approximately 20 km Helgenæs Route follows small, low-traffic asphalt roads through varied terrain, with flat sections and climbs.

The coast also offers opportunities for activities on the water: around Syddjursland, many stretches have calm, sheltered waters that are ideal for kayaking. There are also overnight stops for kayakers along the coast. In summer, the national park offers guided snorkelling tours at designated coastal locations.

History, museums and special places to visit

The ruin of Kalø Castle is accessible via Denmark’s oldest medieval road. Erik Menved had the castle built in 1313. The ruin has a staircase leading to a viewing platform. Oldtidsstien offers a different historical focus: hikers encounter several traces of earlier use along the route, including dolmens, burial mounds, a ford and a sacred spring.

In Syddjurs Municipality, Museum Østjylland is represented by three historic buildings: Farvergården, Det gamle Rådhus and Skatkammer Siam. All three museums offer free admission. Museum Østjylland is also housed in the town hall in Ebeltoft, where exhibitions and activities for adults and children are open year-round. The Fregatten Jylland tells the story of maritime history: it is the world’s longest wooden ship and serves as a museum about its own history, from warship to royal ship. Glas – Museet for glaskunst showcases modern international glass art and has an active glass studio as well as a creative workshop for visitors.

Rosenholm Castle also brings architecture and history together: the Renaissance castle, dating from 1559, and its grounds offer a glimpse into the life of an aristocratic family in historic Denmark. Maltfabrikken, meanwhile, is described as a meeting place and retreat where art and creativity, knowledge and wildness, food, music and community come together.

Visitors wishing to learn more about nature and culture can explore the visitor centre at Øvre Strandkær, which focuses on the plants, animals and geology of the surrounding area. Besøgscentret ved Jagtens Hus is open to everyone interested in outdoor life, hunting and nature; its exhibition covers ecosystems, wildlife and the development of hunting in Denmark. There are hiking trails on the grounds of Molslaboratoriet. Karpenhøj Nature Centre offers experiences for visitors, including a wilderness brunch. At Sletterhage Lighthouse, visitors can climb the tower and view an exhibition.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Knebel, Ugelbølle, Stubbe, Bogens, Fejrup, Strands, Hornslet, Ahl, Stødov, Holme, Elsegårde, Øerne, Vrinners, Thorsager, Skovgårde, Rønde, Lyngsbæk, Kolind, Handrup, Fuglsø, Femmøller, Egsmark Strand, Ebeltoft, Ebdrup, Dråby, Dejret, Boeslum, Begtrup, Esby, Fuglslev, Skødshoved Strand, Følle, Kongsgårde, Ryomgård, Balle, Mørke

To the overview of the region: Central Jutland.