Exploring the Natural Wonders of Mols Bjerge National Park

First Impressions of Mols Bjerge

After a smooth flight from Helsinki to Copenhagen and a scenic drive, my friends and I have finally arrived in Mols Bjerge National Park. The anticipation has been building for months, and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in the natural beauty and rich history of this Danish treasure. Today was all about taking in the landscape and stepping back in time at Kalø Castle.

Our adventure began with a hearty breakfast at MolsCafeen. It was a cozy little spot, and the atmosphere was just what we needed to fuel up for the day. I opted for a traditional Danish pastry and a strong cup of coffee. The pastry was flaky and sweet, the coffee robust – a perfect start. MolsCafeen had a charming, local feel, and I enjoyed soaking in the ambiance before we set off to explore.


Discover MolsCafeen: A delightful restaurant and bed & breakfast nestled in Ebeltoft's beautiful landscapes offering local cuisine and stunning views.

With our appetites satisfied, we ventured into the heart of Mols Bjerge. The rolling hills and verdant landscapes immediately captivated me. It's easy to see why this area is a national park; the scenery is simply stunning. The park covers a vast area of forests, moors and open grasslands, shaped by the ice age, with lakes and coastal areas. The air was fresh and clean, carrying the scent of wildflowers and damp earth. I could feel the stress of city life melting away with each step.

We decided to take a leisurely hike through some of the trails, and the park offered trails for all skill levels. As we walked, we admired the views and the diverse flora and fauna. The landscape was dotted with grazing cows and sheep, adding to the idyllic charm. I remembered reading that the Mols Bjerge Trail is an 80-kilometer hiking route, divided into four stages, and is certified as one of the best in Europe. We only sampled a small portion today, but I'm already eager to explore more of it tomorrow.

Our next stop was Kalø Castle, a medieval ruin with a fascinating history. As we approached, I was struck by the sight of the castle standing proudly on a small island, connected to the mainland by a 500-meter-long causeway. Walking along this cobbled path felt like stepping back in time. I later learned that this causeway is Denmark's oldest medieval road.


Discover the enchanting ruins of Kalø Castle, where history meets breathtaking natural beauty in Denmark's picturesque Mols Bjerge National Park.

Reaching the castle, I couldn't help but imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago. Built in 1313 by King Erik Menved, Kalø Castle was intended to control the rebellious Jutlanders. It has also served as a prison; one of its most famous inmates was Gustav Vasa, the future King of Sweden, who was held captive here in the early 16th century before escaping. The castle ruins exude an aura of mystery and power, and it’s easy to envision the battles and intrigues that unfolded within its walls.

Exploring the ruins, I was impressed by the architecture and the strategic location. The castle offered panoramic views of the surrounding bay, and I could see how it would have been nearly impregnable in its prime. Although much of the castle was torn down in the 17th century to provide materials for Charlottenborg Palace in Copenhagen, what remains is still impressive. The area around the ruin is ideal for hiking, where you can enjoy the varied landscape and rich wildlife.

Sometimes, the most profound journeys are those that transport us not just to new places, but to different eras.

After immersing ourselves in history, we drove to Stenbækhus for lunch. This catering service and eatery came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. We enjoyed a selection of traditional Danish smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches with various toppings. Each sandwich was a work of art, and the flavors were incredible. I especially enjoyed the one with pickled herring and dill. It was a delightful culinary experience that gave us a true taste of Denmark.


Discover authentic Danish cuisine at Stenbækhus with smørrebrød and tapas amidst the stunning landscapes of Mols.

In the afternoon, we explored more of Mols Bjerge, driving along winding roads and stopping at scenic overlooks. The national park is home to diverse wildlife, and we kept our eyes peeled for rare birds and other creatures. Although we didn't spot any of the park's elusive adders (Denmark's only venomous snake!), we did see several deer grazing in a meadow. I read about guided scooter tours in Mols Bjerge, but maybe that will be for another time.

Before dinner, we made a quick stop at Mols Super, LetKøb to pick up some essentials. It was a small, local shop, and I enjoyed browsing the selection of Danish snacks and treats. I grabbed a bag of licorice, a favorite of mine, to enjoy later in the evening.


Explore local flavors at Mols Super, Ebeltoft's top supermarket offering fresh produce and traditional Danish delicacies.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Restaurant Mols Bjerge for dinner. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. We started with a selection of appetizers, including local cheeses and cured meats. For my main course, I chose the roasted duck with potatoes and red cabbage, a classic Danish dish. The duck was tender and flavorful, and the sides were cooked to perfection. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Mols Bjerge.


Savor authentic Italian flavors amidst stunning landscapes at Restaurant Mols Bjerge – your culinary escape in Knebel.

Looking back on today, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement. Mols Bjerge National Park has already exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. The combination of natural beauty, rich history, and delicious food has made for an unforgettable experience. I'm also grateful for the company of my friends, who have made this adventure even more special. As I sit here writing this blog post, I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's itinerary, which includes visits to Dragsmur and Poskær Stenhus. Until then, goodnight from Mols Bjerge!

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Dragsmur and Poskær Stenhus. I’ve heard wonderful things about both, and I'm eager to delve deeper into the history and natural beauty of this region. We also plan to visit Restaurant Moment for lunch and Molskroen for dinner, and perhaps visit Ebeltoft Gårdbryggeri, a local brewery.

This trip is a wonderful escape, and I already feel rejuvenated by the fresh air and stunning scenery. I'm so glad that I decided to come here with my friends, and I know that the memories we make will last a lifetime. I think Markus and Aino would love it here, too. Maybe we can plan a family trip next time!