Samsø between fjord, coastal paths and history

The protected Stavns Fjord encompasses grassy and shrub-covered islands as well as a diverse variety of animal and plant life. The beaches of Samsø range from child-friendly, gently sloping shores to stony sections with good fishing opportunities. Different beach types and landscapes make it easier to decide whether to focus on the coast or nature observation.

Nature and trails

Most of the 480-hectare Nordby Bakker area is protected and encompasses a landscape of grassland, ravines, hills, bushes, small forests and wetlands. The regional cycling route “Kulturringen” has two stages on Samsø. The first Samsø stage of “Kulturringen” is 42 kilometres long in total and leads from Sælvig through northern Samsø to Ballen.

The 91-kilometre Ø-CAMINO SAMSØ is divided into eight stages. It starts and ends in Sælvig, but can also be started and finished at other locations. The Ø-CAMINO SAMSØ is not a signposted hiking route. The different route lengths and stage formats can be used to compare trails by length and route.

The hike around Møgelskår is approximately 2 kilometres long and follows a valley path to the sea before returning over the hills in a small loop. The route around Issehoved is approximately 5 kilometres long and leads over coastal slopes and along narrow paths through bushes and past small farms before returning to the car park. The hike at Asmindør Hage is approximately 3.3 kilometres long, takes about an hour and follows a stony beach during its first section.

Samsø Nature School has six aluminium dinghies that can be used as rowing boats; water-observation equipment allows visitors to explore the plant and animal life in the fjord. It is located directly on Stavns Fjord, a few hundred metres from Langør Harbour, and offers activities for all age groups.

Culture and history

Krudthuset at Vesborg Fyr houses an exhibition about the five medieval ring forts on Samsø. The Vesborg Fyr lighthouse stands on the site of the Valdemar Atterdag castle complex, which was one of Denmark’s largest ring forts in the Middle Ages. Around Vesborg Fyr, information boards on the tower parapet explain the view of the nearby surroundings and the horizon.

The Kanhave Canal is approximately 500 metres long, 11 metres wide and about 1.25 metres deep. It connected Stavns Fjord with the sea west of Samsø.

Samsø Museum presents the cultural history of Samsø through exhibitions and activities. Samsø Museum Farm displays authentic interiors and objects from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Samsø Labyrinten is considered the largest labyrinth in the world, covers 60,000 square metres and has a network of paths measuring 5.5 kilometres.

Nordby is characterised by a beautiful village pond and surrounding half-timbered houses and was named Denmark’s best-preserved village in 1990. Langør Harbour is a natural harbour in the protected Stavns Fjord and has been used since the Viking Age.

Places and getting there

The place references on this page lead to Samsø, Ballen, Brundby, Kolby, Nordby, Ørby and Mårup.

SAMSØLINJEN connects Ballen on Samsø with Kalundborg on Zealand; the crossing takes 80 minutes.

Regional cuisine

The annual Samsø Råvarefestival celebrates local produce and food culture and takes place in mid-June. At the Samsø Råvarefestival, visitors can meet Samsø producers and chefs and take part in tastings, workshops, talks and mini-courses. Samsø Bryghus serves dishes made with the farm’s own vegetables and meat, as well as its own beer and homemade berry juice.

To the higher-level travel overview: Central Jutland.

More about the destination

Useful information for planning your trip:

The island of Samsø.