Begtrup – Nature and megalithic tombs

When choosing a hotel in Begtrup, nature and cultural history can offer two distinct areas of interest. The natural landscape includes the N51 Natura 2000 site, the marine environment of Begtrup Vig and the Begtrup Røn wildlife reserve. There are also megalithic tombs with different forms and surviving structural features. You can therefore plan your trip according to whether protected areas or archaeological monuments are of particular interest to you.

Nature between Begtrup Vig and Helgenæs

The N51 Natura 2000 site, “Begtrup Vig og kystområder på Helgenæs,” is designated to protect specified species and habitat types. The Syddjurs Municipality management plan for 2022–2027 names more than 200 plant species recorded in the area. This makes both habitat protection and plant diversity concrete nature-related topics in Begtrup.

Begtrup Vig is part of the marine section of N51. This includes coastal marine environments down to the 10-metre depth contour on the western side of Helgenæs. Begtrup Vig refers to the associated marine area; the depth contour is another, more precise reference point for its extent.

Begtrup Røn is a 2-hectare wildlife reserve intended to protect a breeding area for waterbirds and coastal birds. This distinguishes two aspects of nature conservation: N51 is designated to protect specified species and habitat types, while Begtrup Røn focuses on protecting the breeding area.

Archaeological monuments and their forms

The long barrow “Langhøj, mv., Begtrup (#2)” measures 24 × 15 m and is 1.60–2 m high. Its chamber consists of four supporting stones, one of which is missing. The capstone is split in two and has fallen over; 15–16 kerbstones are partly covered by earth. Its dimensions and surviving structural features give the long barrow a distinctive profile: as well as its size, the layout of its chamber, capstone and kerbstones can be made out.

“Langhøj, mv., Begtrup (#1)” is a disturbed round or long dolmen of unknown extent. It is thought to measure at least 20 m north to south, 8–10 m east to west and about 0.5–1 m in height. Remains of a polygonal chamber survive at the northern end, including three upright supporting stones. A cracked stone may have served as a capstone. The possible function of this stone therefore remains uncertain, as does the dolmen’s exact extent.

“Rundhøj, Begtrup (#1)” is somewhat irregular in shape and measures 20–22 × 12–13 m, with a height of 2–2.5 m. “Rundhøj, Begtrup (#2)” differs in its described vegetation and surroundings: the burial mound is grass-covered, has stones visible above ground in places, and features 20–25 mountain pines and 3–4 spruces. It lies at the edge of a plantation beside unused land. These features distinguish the two similarly named burial mounds.

Discover more destinations: Kongsgårde, Strands, Ahl, Dråby, Rønde, Dejret, Følle, Ebeltoft

For the broader travel overview: Syddjurs Municipality.