Begtrup between Coastal Nature and Burial Mounds

Begtrup is a destination for travelers who do not want to view coastal landscapes and cultural history separately. The documented features range from protected marine nature and a small wildlife reserve to hiking trails, burial mounds, and dolmens. If you are looking for accommodation in Begtrup, you can first decide whether your trip should be shaped primarily by nature, hiking, water activities, or history.

Coastal nature and protected habitats

The Natura 2000 site N51 “Begtrup Vig og kystområder på Helgenæs” is designated to protect specified species and habitat types. More than 200 plant species have been recorded in this area. Begtrup Vig is part of the marine section of the Natura 2000 site N51. This includes the coastal marine environment down to the 10-meter depth contour on the western side of Helgenæs.

A distinct natural feature is Begtrup Røn. The 2-hectare wildlife reserve serves to protect a breeding area for waterbirds and coastal birds. Together with the information about Begtrup Vig and the Natura 2000 site, this creates a clear focus for anyone who wants to take protected coastal and natural areas into account when choosing a destination.

Hiking and kayaking as active options

For longer hikes, the Mols Bjerge Trail provides a concrete scale: The trail is 80 km long and divided into four daily stages. Its length and stage structure help you assess how significant an extended hike should be in your travel plans.

In the coastal area of Syddjurs Municipality, there are overnight camping spots along the coast that enable longer kayaking trips in addition to day trips by kayak. Begtrup Vig has many sea trout. Alongside hiking, kayaking and fishing are therefore also among the activities you can consider when putting together your trip.

Burial mounds and dolmens in Begtrup

The archaeological traces can be followed through several individual monuments. “Langhøj, mv., Begtrup (#2)” is a 24 × 15 m long barrow with a height of 1.60–2 m. The chamber consists of four supporting stones, one of which is missing. The capstone is split into two parts and has toppled over; 15–16 edge stones are partly covered by earth.

“Langhøj, mv., Begtrup (#1)” is a disturbed round or long dolmen of unknown extent, probably at least 20 m in a north–south direction, 8–10 m in an east–west direction, and approximately 0.5–1 m high. The remains of a polygonal chamber are preserved at the northern end. These include three upright supporting stones and a cracked stone that may have served as a capstone.

“Rundhøj, Begtrup (#1)” is a somewhat irregular burial mound measuring 20–22 × 12–13 m and standing 2–2.5 m high. “Rundhøj, Begtrup (#2)” is grass-covered, has stones visible on the surface in places as well as 20–25 mountain pines and 3–4 spruce trees, and lies at the edge of a plantation next to unused land. The different dimensions, states of preservation, and surrounding features give each monument its own character.

Choosing Begtrup as a destination

When looking for accommodation in Begtrup, you can use these focuses as a guide: protected nature in Begtrup Vig, a hike on an 80 km-long trail, kayaking trips in the coastal area of Syddjurs Municipality, or a close look at the burial mounds and dolmens. For comparison with other places, you can also find Boeslum (Boeslum), Fejrup (Fejrup), Balle (Balle), Kolind (Kolind), Thorsager (Thorsager), Holme (Holme), Strands (Strands) and Ebdrup (Ebdrup).

For the broader travel overview: Syddjurs Municipality.