Staksrode Skov
Staksrode Skov offers some quite unique nature and cultural experiences, bound together by fine, marked hiking trails.
One of the first things you will see when you arrive at the parking lot at Stenhøj Strand is the many trees that have fallen out of the forest and which are now at the water's edge. This is due to some special clay conditions in the subsoil that cause it to absorb water and form terrace-shaped plateaus.
The special soil conditions also mean that you can experience rare orchids.
On the beach you can find fossils and spot guinea pigs in the Kattegat, while there are also options for overnight stays in shelters.
Read more about it all below…
Hiking trails in Staksrode Forest
In Staksrode Skov there are three hiking routes - yellow, red and blue - as it appears from the Danish Nature Agency's map:
The yellow hiking route is highlighted by the Danish Nature Agency as one of the 100 most exciting and beautiful routes in Denmark.
You start and end at Stenhøj Strand, where you can experience the unique sight of trees falling into the water, while along the route you cross a small bridge to the medieval castle Stagsevold, and can enjoy the view from Ålegårdsbjerg. We have written a bit about the different highlights along the way:
Stenhøj Strand
Steenhøj Strand is really beautiful. Enjoy the view of the forest that spills over the beach, and the view of Funen, Æbelø and Trælde Næs.
Medieval castle Stagsevold
Along the route and well gemt among the deciduous and coniferous trees of the forest is Stagsevold, a small castle from the Middle Ages. The castle has two meter thick walls and internal dimensions of approx. 7 x 9 meters.
An old legend tells of a robber king who refused to surrender to the bailiff, and who therefore met his final in a burning inferno, of collapsed rafters and robbed treasures.
Rumor has it that the last thing heard behind the castle walls was the roaring king's roaring voice, which shouted fiery curses over arsonists and their descendants, in addition to promises to guard the place for all time to come. Especially one particular night each year, one should stay away from the ruin. Legend has it that the robber king that special night, reaches out from beyond and grabs anyone who may be within the foundation of the castle ruins. Creepy, right?
During excavations of the castle ruins, weapons, tools, clay jugs and animal bones as well as a single coin from Erik Menved's time (1286-1319) have been found.
The yellow route that leads you past Stagsevold medieval castle etc. is 3 km long
There is a public car park at the end of Stenhøjsvej, from where all the walking routes start.
There are fine, passable conditions for wheelchair users on the forest paths. However, the yellow walking route and the beaches are not wheelchair accessible.
More tips for South Jutland?
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