Østerskoven

Photo: VisitHaderslev

Haderslev Østerskov

Haderslev Østerskov stretches for around 186 hectares and is located around 3 kilometer north-east of Haderslev. Along with Vesterskov it is the remains of the much larger and partially cohesive mideaval forests stretching from the Little Belt to Christiansfeld and towards the north-east, the so-called Farris Forests. Østerskov is a protected forest (B-Forest) and is thus free from training exercises and orienteering. You can access the forest by car with a parking lot from the north and from Ladegårdshus from the south.

Østerskov is primarily dominated by beech, but at Gruskulevej in the northern part of the forest there is a section of oak trees more than 200 years old. At Østervej further to the south there is a 400 year old oak tree.

Østerskov has a marked trail of about 4,5 kilometers, and by following this trail you will pass most of the sights in the forest. You can see the trail here.

History

Østerskoven stands today as a memorial of the German occupation during the Second World War, as the Germans had a series of ammunition depots around Denmark. They were usually placed in secluded areas, so the damage would be minimal should they explode, and preferably in a forest so that the allies could not see the depots from the air. One depot was larger than all the others in Denmark; the depot in Østerskoven, which could hold no less than 5-6,000 tons of ammunition. During the clean-up in 1945 8-10,000 tons of ammunition was gathered from the forest. At Granvej in the northern part of the forest, there is an indentation in the ground from where, in 1944, around 400 stacked mines exploded.

The forest was fenced with barbed wire and a minefield, and over 200 ammunitionsites were established, including a series of small bunkers. In addition to this there were barracks for the staff of around 250 soldiers as well as small railways to transport the ammunition, both internally in the forest but also all the way to Haderslev station.

Today, Haderslev Østerskov is naturally cleared of explosives and the ammunition depots are removed and demolished. However, you can still see a number of fascinating remnants from the time. Amongst other traces, 3 brick bunkers and one of the railways have been preserved. On a few occasions, old ammunition has been found in the forest, even though all of the ammunition was supposedly removed and cleared.

Hotels nearby of Østerskoven

  • Tyrstrup Kro

    8.89 km

    Tyrstrup Kro is idyllically situated in the middle of fields and woods a few kilometres from the gingerbread town Christiansfeld. It has been here for at least 350 years, but in recent years the old inn has undergone largescale restorations and has become an internationally known restaurant.
    Read more : Tyrstrup Kro
  • Hotel Røde-Kro

    27.37 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
  • Gram Slotskro

    30.39 km

    Gram Slotskro is steeped in history. In the magnificent surroundings, guests cannot fail to feel the passage of time. Uniquely sited next to Gram Castle, the inn is perfect for a relaxing stay with good food cooked using seasonal raw ingredients. Today, the fourth generation of the Schrøder family runs the inn.
    Read more : Gram Slotskro
  • Agerskov Kro

    31.18 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
  • Fjelsted Skov Hotel & Konference

    33.47 km

    Welcome to Fjelsted Skov Hotel and Conference - a unique refuge in the midst of nature. We offer an exclusive experience where tranquility and charm blend with modern comfort surrounded by the breathtaking Fjelsted Skov. The ideal place for both business travelers and holiday guests.

    Read more : Fjelsted Skov Hotel & Konference
  • Hotel Fredericia - SDH Partner Hotel

    34.36 km

    Experience culinary magic at the restaurant Ryes, and combine your stay with the beautiful nature together with a lot of cultural experiences and activities when you stay at Hotel Fredericia.
    Read more : Hotel Fredericia - SDH Partner Hotel
  • Benniksgaard Hotel

    45.73 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
  • Hotel Vejlefjord

    46.21 km

    Due to the beautiful location near the fjord and in the beech forest, Hotel Vejlefjord is often referred to as “The castle in the forest ". The hotel spa and wellness facilities and the thermal baths are unique and compares favorably with the best in Northern Europe. Enjoy the 20 km forest tracks.

    Read more : Hotel Vejlefjord
  • Brobyværk Kro

    46.47 km

    Brobyværk Kro is situated where the road between Odense and Faaborg crosses the stream Odense Aa. The idyllic inn with the river in the backyard has traditions for receiving guests. Naturally it has been modernised, but the spirit and the cosiness still preserve here, and the cuisine has a good reputation.

    Read more : Brobyværk Kro