Skelsnæs Pavilion in Søholt Storskov
Romantic Golden Age pavilion on a forested peninsula in Maribo Lakes Nature Park, blending manor history, birdlife and tranquil lakeside views.
Tucked deep in Søholt Storskov on the shore of Søndersø, Skelsnæs-pavillionen is a delicate Golden Age lakeside pavilion in Maribo Lakes Nature Park. Reached on foot, by bike or as a stop on the Anemonen tour boat, it sits on the Skelsnæs peninsula amid old-growth forest, manor landscapes and rich birdlife. This is a quiet, atmospheric spot for picnics, photography, contemplative pauses and watching the light shift over one of Denmark’s most island-dotted lake systems.
A brief summary to Skelsnæs-pavillionen
- Søholtvej, Maribo, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring water, snacks and a picnic blanket; there are no services at the pavilion itself, and the grassy lakeside is perfect for an unhurried break.
- Wear sturdy shoes: forest paths can be muddy, especially after rain, and some sections near the lake may be uneven or slippery.
- Pack binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to make the most of the rich birdlife on Søndersø and the surrounding reedbeds.
- Combine the pavilion with a loop on the Søholt Storskov hiking route; turning back at Skelsnæs gives a shorter, family-friendly walk of roughly 4.5 km.
- Check seasonal schedules for the tour boat Anemonen if you wish to include a lakeside landing at Skelsnæs as part of a themed boat trip.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
-
Car from central Maribo
From central Maribo, driving to the Søholt Storskov and Skelsnæs area typically takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect a mix of smaller country roads and estate access roads, which can be narrow and require low speeds. Parking is generally free near marked trailheads by Søholt Storskov or the Pumping Station picnic area, but spaces are limited on busy weekends and summer days, so arriving early provides the best chance of finding a spot.
-
Bicycle from Maribo town
Cycling from Maribo to the forest entrances near Skelsnæs usually takes around 25–40 minutes each way at a relaxed pace. The route uses a combination of local roads and minor lanes typical for Lolland; surfaces are mostly paved but can include short gravel sections near the forest. There is no dedicated bike parking at the pavilion itself, so bring a lock and leave your bicycle at the nearest trailhead or discreetly by the path without blocking access.
-
Walking via Søholt Storskov trails
If you start from a trailhead at Søholt Storskov or the Pumping Station picnic area, reaching Skelsnæs Pavilion on foot generally takes 45–75 minutes each way, depending on your chosen route and pace. Paths are waymarked and mostly easy, but some stretches can be muddy after rain and may include gentle slopes, so sturdy footwear is important. The forest terrain is not fully suitable for all wheelchairs or prams, especially near the lakeshore.
-
Tour boat Anemonen (seasonal)
In the warmer months, the tour boat Anemonen operates themed trips from the jetty below Maribo Cathedral, lasting from about 1 to 3 hours. Some departures include a landing on the Skelsnæs peninsula, allowing a short visit to the pavilion before returning by boat. Tickets are purchased on board, typically in the range of 90–200 DKK per adult depending on tour length, with reduced fares for children. Sailings are weather-dependent and seats can fill up in high season, so checking times and availability in advance is recommended.
Skelsnæs-pavillionen location weather suitability
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Clear Skies
-
Any Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Skelsnæs-pavillionen
A lakeside hideaway in the Maribo woodlands
Skelsnæs Pavilion sits almost secretly in Søholt Storskov, on a narrow peninsula projecting into Søndersø, the largest of the Maribo Lakes. The small, elegant building appears at the end of forest paths, framed by tall trees and filtered light. Around it, the shoreline curves gently, with reeds, water lilies and shifting reflections giving the place an almost painterly calm. Although the wider Maribo Lakes Nature Park feels expansive, the immediate atmosphere at Skelsnæs is intimate. The pavilion is modest in scale, but its position right at the edge of the water makes it a natural focal point. Benches, grass and flat rocks nearby invite you to pause, unpack a picnic or simply sit and listen to the soft lap of water against the shore.Golden Age elegance from the Søholt estate
The pavilion belongs to the historic landscape created by the Søholt manor, whose baroque gardens and English-style park extend from the main house down towards the lake. Skelsnæs was envisaged as a romantic destination within this designed landscape: a place where the owners and their guests could stroll, take in views of the lake and enjoy the fashion for picturesque garden architecture. Architecturally, the building reflects the taste of Denmark’s Golden Age, with light proportions, generous windows and a sense of refined leisure. It reads more like an ornament in the landscape than a conventional house. Standing here, it is easy to imagine 19th‑century walks from the manor, ending in tea, conversation and perhaps music while the sun sank over the water.Forest paths, water routes and quiet detours
Today, the pavilion is a highlight on the marked hiking route through Søholt Storskov, a roughly 9.5 km loop that can also be shortened by turning back at Skelsnæs. The forest itself is varied and biodiverse, with old trees, understory clearings and glimpses of both Søndersø and nearby Hejrede Lake along the way. Paths are mostly wide and easy, making this an accessible taste of the nature park. The peninsula is also approached from the water. In season, the tour boat Anemonen sometimes lands at Skelsnæs on special trips, letting passengers step ashore for a short visit to the pavilion before continuing among the islands. Arriving this way underlines how closely the site is tied to the lakescape, with the building acting almost like a small belvedere between forest and open water.Birdlife, seasons and shifting moods
The Maribo Lakes are renowned for their birdlife, including white‑tailed eagles, ospreys, herons, grebes, swans and a host of waterfowl. From around the pavilion, the mix of open views and reedbeds offers good chances to scan the sky and water. Binoculars add a lot, but even without them you may notice soaring silhouettes or the sudden, powerful wingbeats of an eagle crossing the lake. Each season gives Skelsnæs a different character. In spring, fresh foliage and birdsong dominate the soundscape; in high summer the forest canopy is deep green and the water invitingly blue. Autumn brings colour to beech and oak, with misty mornings lending the pavilion a slightly mysterious air. Even on calm winter days, when trees are bare and ice may fringe the lake, the building stands out as a solitary, almost graphic form.A contemplative pause on Lolland’s lake frontier
Despite being part of a well-known nature park, the pavilion itself retains a quietly secluded feeling. It is not a place of grand spectacle so much as of detail: the grain of weathered wood, the way light passes through branches, the echo of footsteps on forest soil. Many visitors use it as a turning point on a walk, a rendezvous spot for families or couples, or simply a place to sit alone with a book. Skelsnæs Pavilion ties together several stories: the cultivated heritage of the Søholt estate, the protected habitats now overseen by conservation foundations, and the continuing life of the Maribo Lakes as a landscape for slow exploration. Whether you come on foot through the forest or step ashore from a boat, it rewards those who linger and let the stillness of lake and trees do its work.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Holiday Lolland - Old farm
12.6 km
Experience the charm of rural Denmark at Holiday Lolland - Old Farm, a serene bed and breakfast near Nysted offering cozy accommodations, local cuisine, and a gateway to Lolland's beauty.
Fuglsang Herregaard - Hotel + Events + Conference
16.0 km
Experience Danish history and culture at Fuglsang Herregaard, a beautifully restored manor offering tranquil stays, gourmet dining, and access to art and nature in Lolland-Falster.
FEMERN BÆLT Fehmarnbelt HOLZPLATFORM
16.7 km
Lang, skulpturel udsigtsrampe i stål og træ med fri panoramaudsigt til Femern Bælt-tunnelen og Lollands åbne kystlandskab – gratis og åben året rundt.
Touristinformation
20.2 km
Explore the charm and rich culture of Nykøbing Falster, a delightful coastal town perfect for your next Danish adventure.
Bjørnebrønden
20.2 km
Granite bear, flowing water and royal history converge in this compact fountain that anchors Nykøbing Falster’s main square and its stories.
Vandtårnet I Nykøbing F
20.3 km
Historic concrete water tower turned art space and viewpoint, offering 147 steps to sweeping panoramas over Nykøbing Falster, Guldborgsund and the flat fields of Falster.
Falster Provsti
20.4 km
Explore the tranquil beauty and historical significance of Falster Provsti, a stunning church in Nykøbing Falster, Denmark.
Ravnsby Bakker
20.4 km
Rolling hills and ancient monuments where glacial history meets contemporary art on Denmark's flattest island.
Mindbjergs
20.5 km
Explore a fusion of Danish and Asian flavors at Mindbjergs, a culinary gem in Nykøbing Falster offering unique dishes in a warm atmosphere.
Diocese of Lolland–Falster
20.9 km
Experience the serene beauty and rich history of the Diocese of Lolland–Falster in Nykøbing Falster, a captivating church and cultural landmark.
Hotel Falster
21.3 km
Experience Danish hospitality at Hotel Falster in Nykøbing Falster, offering comfortable accommodations, on-site dining, and easy access to local attractions and the South Sea Islands.
Glentehøj
21.7 km
A 5,000-year-old passage grave offering an immersive journey into Neolithic Scandinavia and ancient burial practices.
Falster City Camping
21.9 km
Discover Falster's charm from Falster City Camping, offering comfortable pitches, modern amenities, and easy access to beaches, nature, and Nykøbing Falster's attractions.
Trebuchet
22.2 km
A full-size medieval trebuchet rising from a modern roundabout, linking everyday traffic in Nykøbing Falster with the siege engines of the Middle Ages.
Zipline Systofte
24.5 km
Discover the thrill of soaring through the trees at Zipline Systofte in Nykøbing Falster - an unforgettable outdoor adventure awaits!
Unmissable attractions to see
Søholt Barokhave
1.2 km
Step into a restored Baroque world of hedged alleys, fountains and orchards beside Søholt Manor on the tranquil shores of the Maribo Lakes near Maribo.
Relic of the Castle Revshale
1.5 km
Subtle earthworks on a tiny lake island where a once-mighty royal fortress fell in 1256, now softened by reeds, birdsong and the quiet waters of Maribo’s nature park.
Maribo Cathedral
4.3 km
Lakeside Gothic cathedral in Maribo, born as a Bridgettine monastery church and now a serene window onto Danish medieval faith, royal drama and monastic heritage.
Naturpark Maribosøerne
4.5 km
Island-dotted lakes, soaring sea eagles and gently rolling manor landscapes meet in this protected nature park on Lolland, inviting slow exploration by trail and water.
Stiftsmuseum Maribo
4.5 km
A compact island museum where a Stone Age girl, medieval church art and rune stones tell 10,000 years of Lolland-Falster stories under one historic roof.
Frilandsmuseet - De gamle Huse
4.7 km
Step 200 years back in time among thatched farmsteads and Denmark’s oldest post mill, set beside the tranquil lakes and birdlife of Maribo Lakes Nature Park.
Lolland
6.2 km
Denmark's rural island sanctuary where safari wildlife, medieval history, and contemporary art converge amid coastal beauty.
Knuthenborg Safaripark
7.5 km
Northern Europe's largest safari park—drive among 1,200+ animals, explore prehistoric wonders, and sleep under the stars.
Naturlig på Korsgaarden
8.1 km
Lakeside glamping on Lolland where campfires, quiet ponds and canvas comfort blend into a slow, hygge-filled escape under big Danish skies.
Krenkerup Estate
8.2 km
Denmark's grandest estate: seven centuries of nobility, architecture, and heritage on 3,700 hectares.
Limpopoland Knuthenborg
8.2 km
High‑energy rides, giant playgrounds and water‑soaked thrills at the vibrant heart of Knuthenborg Safari Park on Lolland.
Lolland-Falster Airport
9.0 km
A friendly general aviation airfield in the fields of Lolland, where local clubs, small aircraft and big skies create a quietly captivating gateway to southern Denmark.
Evolution Museet
9.2 km
World-class real dinosaur fossils and a 300-million-year journey through evolution, set inside Denmark’s Knuthenborg Safaripark on the island of Lolland.
Polakkasernen
10.3 km
Europe's only museum honoring the Polish beet workers who shaped Lolland's agricultural legacy
Lungholm
10.5 km
Historic Lolland manor estate where neoclassical architecture, working farmland and emerging coastal nature reserves meet in a quietly atmospheric countryside setting.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Victoria
4.2 km
Maribo's friendly gathering place for quality café fare and warm hospitality in a spacious, welcoming setting.
Pin Sushi
4.2 km
Compact Japanese restaurant in central Maribo serving approachable sushi, warm wok dishes and takeaway platters in a casual, budget‑friendly setting.
Café Vin og Brød
4.4 km
Neighbourhood bakery, relaxed café and intimate wine cellar in one, Café Vin og Brød is Maribo’s cosy all‑day living room on the town square.
Restaurant China House
4.4 km
Casual Chinese and sushi buffet in central Maribo, offering inexpensive, all‑you‑can‑eat comfort food in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting close to the town’s main sights.
Restaurant Bangs Have
4.5 km
Historic 1911 lake pavilion on Maribo Søerne, serving classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with sweeping views of the water and surrounding woodland.
Godstedlund Bed & Breakfast
4.8 km
Adults-only countryside manor on Lolland combining boutique interiors, serene gardens and quiet Danish village charm in an intimate bed & breakfast setting.
Landsbyen Våbensted
5.0 km
Homely village restaurant on rural Lolland, serving hearty Danish fare and offering a relaxed pause between Sakskøbing and the open fields.
Restaurant B
5.0 km
Intimate French-inspired bistro in central Maribo, serving hearty European classics, generous portions and relaxed, candlelit dinners on Vesterbrogade.
Oreby Kro
9.1 km
Classic Danish country inn-restaurant on Sakskøbing Fjord, serving seasonal local dishes in cozy historic rooms and on a fjord-facing terrace at Orebygaard.
Det Gamle Pakhus
14.4 km
Historic granary warehouse serving refined seasonal seafood in intimate waterfront elegance.
Restaurant Ö
14.8 km
Intimate harbourfront dining in a cosy fisherman’s house, showcasing seasonal Lolland produce and Baltic flavours in a single thoughtfully crafted set menu.
La Sevillana by Marni
16.0 km
Cozy Spanish-style tapas and hearty plates beside the Rødbyhavn ferry, blending Andalusian warmth with Danish harbour atmosphere on Lolland’s south coast.
Thorlins spisested
16.6 km
Cosy farm-to-table dining and a well-stocked gårdbutik on rural Lolland, where local meats, charcuterie and preserves showcase the flavours of the surrounding fields.
Cocomarie, Bistro & Café
17.4 km
Historic farmhouse bistro serving locally sourced cuisine and craft coffee in Guldborg.
Brasseriet Søllestedgaard
19.1 km
Farm-to-table dining where biodynamic gardens meet craft brewery in rural Denmark.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ledam
4.2 km
Modern women’s shoe and clothing boutique on Maribo’s main street, blending Scandinavian everyday style with small-town Danish charm and convenient central browsing.
Lollands Centret
4.2 km
Maribo's modern shopping destination with diverse retailers, dining, and services in the heart of the cathedral town.
Boline Chokolade
4.2 km
Cosy, owner-run chocolatier in Maribo’s Lollands Centret, specialising in handcrafted pralines, flødeboller and gift-ready chocolate assortments with a Danish twist.
Kop & Kande
4.2 km
Well-stocked Danish homeware and gift shop in Lollands Centret, ideal for kitchen essentials, tableware and presents in the heart of small-town Maribo.
Bog & idé og Legekæden
4.2 km
Denmark's premier bookstore chain blending literature, games, and lifestyle products in a welcoming retail environment.
Legekæden
4.2 km
A compact, colorful toy store in Maribo’s Lollandscentret, offering classic games, creative play and convenient gift shopping for families on Lolland.
Hobbydillen
4.2 km
Small, independent hobby shop in Maribo’s Lollands Centret, specializing in paper craft and cardmaking supplies for everyday creativity and personal handmade projects.
Butik No17
4.2 km
Local clothing and sportswear boutique on Østergade in Maribo, offering practical Scandi-casual style and a relaxed small-town shopping experience.
By Emma
4.2 km
A small, personal fashion boutique in Maribo, offering relaxed Scandinavian style, thoughtful service and a calm break from sightseeing on the island of Lolland.
Casa Bohr
4.2 km
A small, thoughtfully curated gift shop in central Maribo, where Nordic homeware, cozy details and slow-browsing ambience turn souvenir hunting into design discovery.
Broderimagasinet
4.2 km
A cosy yarn and embroidery shop in central Maribo, where colourful skeins, fabrics and patterns offer hands-on inspiration for creative travellers and local makers.
Mothers' Aid Op Shop
4.3 km
Affordable secondhand children's essentials supporting Maribo's family community.
Leonora
4.4 km
A small, relaxed fashion boutique in central Maribo, offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday clothing and accessories in a calm, personal setting.
Modehjørnet
4.5 km
A small-town Maribo clothing boutique offering everyday Scandinavian style, personal service, and a relaxed shopping pause in the heart of Vestergade.
Guldsmed Kelø
4.5 km
A traditional Maribo goldsmith where Danish craftsmanship, timeless design and everyday town life meet in an intimate jewellery boutique on Vestergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
City Rock
4.2 km
Maribo's lively brasserie and arcade bar where locals gather for craft drinks, pub classics, and vintage gaming.
Munk Stuen
4.3 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Maribo, serving classic drinks and local atmosphere just a short stroll from the town’s cathedral and lakeside paths.
Pillen Maribo
4.5 km
Casual Danish pub in historic Maribo—authentic local atmosphere, extended weekend hours, perfect for evening socializing.
Maribo Mc
6.0 km
Relaxed local bar on the edge of Sakskøbing, serving easygoing drinks and simple bites in a cosy, living-room-style setting on Lolland.
Goose-pub
7.7 km
Casual wine bar in the heart of Sakskøbing's main street, open daily until midnight.
Defectors MC Lolland Falster
11.9 km
Rural biker clubhouse on Lolland-Falster where motorcycles, camaraderie and a simple bar meet far from the usual city nightlife.
Valhall
12.0 km
Casual neighbourhood bar in central Rødby, serving cold beers and simple drinks from late morning to evening in a friendly, small-town Lolland atmosphere.
Kaspers landsted
16.0 km
A cosy 19th‑century villa turned intimate rock and party venue, where Sakskøbing’s locals gather for house‑party vibes, live music and laid‑back nights.
Bodega Slap A
16.2 km
Casual waterfront bar in Rødby's harbor district—a relaxed social hub for drinks and dining.
Bodega Overfarten
16.3 km
Harborfront Danish bodega in Rødby, where locals, ferry workers and travelers share cold beers and warm conversation steps from the working port.
Vinoteque Marittima
19.9 km
Floating wine and coffee bar on Nykøbing Falster’s harbor, blending intimate maritime charm with carefully chosen drinks, small plates and sunset-ready deck seating.
FUND BAR
20.1 km
Waterfront cocktails, Nordic design and a smoke-free, sociable atmosphere on Nykøbing Falster’s marina-facing Slotsbryggen promenade.
Fortuna
20.2 km
Cosy, no-frills Danish bodega in central Nykøbing Falster, where cold beer, warm conversation and unhurried evenings capture the spirit of local nightlife.
Slottet Værtshus
20.2 km
Unpretentious Danish bodega on Slotsgade where locals, regulars and curious visitors share cold beers, billiards games and late‑night jukebox tunes.
Cafe Slotsgården V/Brian Fog Ipsen
20.2 km
Experience Danish hospitality at Cafe Slotsgården, Nykøbing Falster's cozy beer hall with a rustic charm and diverse beer selection.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Første sted
20.2 km
Compact, music-driven nightclub on central Slotsgade, offering an intimate, local slice of Nykøbing Falster’s late-night dancing and drinks scene.
N.Y.K. Event
20.7 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Nykøbing Falster, mixing strong drinks, loud beats and a sociable dance floor that runs into the early morning.
Billy Booze
20.7 km
Compact late-night disco in Nykøbing Falster with inexpensive drinks, loud hits and a casual dance floor vibe from Thursday to Saturday.
Loke MC - Helheim
22.8 km
Rural Danish biker clubhouse with Norse-mythology flair, offering intimate late-night gatherings, loud rock playlists and a no-frills bar far from mainstream nightlife.
CLUB ZANZI
28.7 km
High‑energy waterfront nightclub bringing big‑city beats, flashing lights and late‑night dancing to the heart of coastal Nakskov.
Gedser Lighthouse
33.4 km
Explore Denmark's southernmost lighthouse, offering panoramic Baltic Sea views and rich maritime history.
Step Inn I / S
55.2 km
Step Inn I / S is a centrally located Næstved bar offering a relaxed setting for drinks, socializing, and local nightlife with a distinctly Danish twist.
Bar z
55.2 km
Næstved's welcoming nightclub for Thursday-to-Saturday evening gatherings and social entertainment.
The Old Irish Pub
55.2 km
A vibrant Irish-themed pub in the heart of Næstved, offering live music, sports, draught beer, and a lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Crazy Daisy Næstved
55.2 km
High‑energy weekend nightclub in central Næstved, packing loud beats, flashing lights and a late‑night local crowd into a compact, classic Danish town‑club setting.
The Beach
55.3 km
The Beach is Næstved’s top karaoke bar, renowned for its vibrant ambiance, creative drinks, and a lineup of crowd-pleasing singalong nights in the city center.
Avenue Næstved
55.3 km
Lively nightspot and flexible event hall in central Næstved, mixing dancefloor energy, festive dinners, stand-up comedy and themed parties under one roof.
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
55.3 km
Experience live jazz in the heart of Næstved at Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub, where music and history harmonize.
Langelands Jazzklub
56.9 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Kasket karl
57.8 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly