Hiking in the heights

Hiking in the heights

8305 Samsø

Photo: Sarah Green

vandreture_fotograf_sarah_green_9

Photo: Sarah Green

vandreture_fotograf_sarah_green_5

Photo: Sarah Green

vandreture_fotograf_sarah_green_3

Samsø is the most beautiful hiking island. Especially to the north, the landscape is hilly and dramatic with magnificent views to the sea. Travel blogger Sarah Green has tested the hiking trails and recommends the best of them here.
Text and photos by Sarah Green

The Ballebjerg Path (ca. 5 km)
After driving through the flatter parts in the south and through quaint Nordby, the road suddenly and steeply rises until we are at the top of Ballebjerg - Samsø’s highest point at 64 meters. We ascend even higher up by climbing up the small white tower with a view to the sea and Tunø in the distance.

The hilly landscape in front of us is tempting, so this is of course the path we choose. Down the stairs and all the way down to the beach. With a view of cliffs and the rushing sea, the path extends for a while along the beach and then up the hills again.

We pick large handfuls of sun-ripened blackberries and walk through fields with cows until we reach the most beautiful stretch of the trail - an expansive rolling landscape with golden grass, a kaleidoscope of butterflies and views of the deep blue sea.

The last stretch we walk on trails but still high above the sea, until we are finally back at the Ballebjerg tower again.

Møgelskår (ca. 2 km)
The trip around Møgelskår is so short that it can hardly be called anything other than a walk but what the trip lacks in terms of distance, it makes up for in beauty. From the small car park we walk through a gate and out onto the small path at the bottom of the “skår” [scar or valley] that meanders through the steep hills to either side. I am really excited, because it is an absolutely fantastic experience to be in hilly terrain in Denmark.

Out by the sea we stand on the beach observing how the hills culminate in high cliffs. And then the walk takes you to the top! Although it requires a little effort, we can not help it and the view from up there is nothing short of formidable. We walk along the top of the outer hills and turn inland again in a small loop back to the car park.

Around Issehoved (ca. 5 km)
To the north, Samsø ends in a point almost similar to that of Skagen (the northernmost point of Jutland), and here we find one of Samsø’s most beautiful natural areas.

The path skirting Issehoved starts at the car park and right from the off we have formidable views over the point and the rolling hills. Later, we almost balance on the edge of Samsø’s east coast, high, high up on a steep slope with an almost sheer drop. A view to take your breath away. Then the path winds down from the heights and we walk along narrow paths through bushes and past small farms, until the path finally returns us to the parking lot.

About Sarah Green:

  • Sarah Green works as a photographer, content creator and blogger.
  • Sarah writes about her travels on www.sarahinthegreen.dk and on Instagram @sarahinthegreen

Hotels nearby of Hiking in the heights

  • Bov Kro

    6163.02 km

    Bov Kro was granted a royal privilege as early as 1566. Today the inn is an excellent combination of historical atmosphere and modern comfort, and all rooms have been renovated in 2013. The restaurant of the inn offers both fine traditional and new Nordic gastronomic experiences.
    Read more : Bov Kro
  • Hotel Tønderhus

    6166.91 km

    In the heart of the marshlands, you will find Hotel Tønderhus. The cosy restaurant serves pure pleasure with a cheery smile. Tønder is a natural starting point for fantastic experiences, such as the Sort Sol phenomenon (the gathering of large flocks of starlings in autumn or spring).

    Read more : Hotel Tønderhus
  • Benniksgaard Hotel

    6169.43 km

    Benniksgaard Hotel is beautifully situated on the highest point at Flensborg Fjord, and the nearest neighbour is the golf course. The old family farm has undergone a very tasteful rustic-style renovation. The chefs cook the menu of the evening following the old traditions but adapted to the palates of the present time.
    Read more : Benniksgaard Hotel
  • Abild Kro & Hotel

    6171.99 km

    Stay in scenic surroundings at Abild Kro & Hotel, which is located in the middle of the marsh and close to the German border. Experience the phenomenon Black Sun or the beautiful nature by the Wadden Sea. Look forward to being pampered and getting great service from the staff.

    Read more : Abild Kro & Hotel
  • Hotel 6400

    6175.39 km

    Minimalism can certainly equate to outstanding service and quality. At Hotel 6400 in Sønderborg, there are no superfluous frills, and even the hotel’s name has been reduced to the bare essentials – the city’s postal code.
    Read more : Hotel 6400
  • Hotel Røde-Kro

    6187.72 km

    Hotel Røde-Kro is a family driven business, which is placed centrally near Aabenraa. There is a high focus on creating a good atmosphere, as well the coziness feeling with a strong professional approach. The location opens the opportunities to ramble. There's among other the path Gendarmstien along the coast, and more.
    Read more : Hotel Røde-Kro
  • Agerskov Kro

    6191.6 km

    In the heart of South Jutland lies Agerskov Kro & Hotel. The old buildings have been modernised with respect for the original atmosphere, and the inn has been expanded with large rooms. The innkeeper works in the kitchen alongside his staff of chefs, where they prepare meals to satisfy the most discerning palates.
    Read more : Agerskov Kro
  • Hotel Falster

    6192.27 km

    Hotel Falster in Nykøbing is centrally located in relation to the many attractions of the South Sea Islands and South Zealand. The hotel has the sole aim of creating a hotel that feels like a second home to guests. This applies to both the accommodation and the menu, but more importantly also to the staff.
    Read more : Hotel Falster
  • Det Nye Bandholm Badehotel

    6192.35 km

    Bandholm Badehotel gives you peace for contemplation, presence and beautiful surroundings. Explore the beautiful rooms which are over 300 years old, but newly renovated with an eye for detail as well as tasteful and comfortable decor.
    Read more : Det Nye Bandholm Badehotel