Skovhaven Torp Plantage
A sheltered woodland garden with fairy-tale sculptures, forest lake, and picnic areas perfect for families.
A sheltered woodland garden nestled behind the dunes of Fanø, Skovhaven offers an idyllic escape with picnic tables, a small forest lake, and marked trails winding through diverse tree species. Originally established in the 1930s by local bookseller Hansen as a private botanical retreat, this peaceful spot features a bonfire area, children's play forest with fairy-tale wooden sculptures, and interpretive signs identifying Austrian pine, mountain pine, and hawthorn among dozens of tree varieties. Perfect for families seeking a tranquil nature experience away from coastal crowds.
A brief summary to Skovhaven Torp Plantage
- Fanø, 6720, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during late spring or early autumn for the most comfortable weather and fewer summer crowds. The woodland provides natural shelter from wind, making it pleasant even on breezy days.
- Bring a picnic and spend several hours exploring the marked trails at a leisurely pace. The small forest lake and bonfire area make this ideal for a full afternoon or evening gathering.
- Cycle to the site via Tolvteskiftevej through the forest rather than driving; bicycle parking is available and the route offers a more immersive woodland experience.
- Allow children time to discover the fairy-tale wooden sculptures scattered throughout Eventyrskoven; the storytelling corner encourages imaginative play and creative engagement.
- Bring binoculars and a field guide to identify the twenty different tree species marked with interpretive signs throughout the woodland.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Drive to Fanø via the causeway from Varde on the Jutland mainland, approximately 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Once on Fanø, follow signs toward Torp Plantage in the central-western part of the island. Parking is available along the roadside near Mågekolonivej and Tolvteskiftevej; spaces are limited, so arrive early during peak season. The site is approximately 10–15 minutes' drive from Fanø's main town of Nordby.
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Bicycle
Cycle from Nordby or other parts of Fanø via the marked cycling routes. Tolvteskiftevej provides a scenic forest route directly to Skovhaven with dedicated bicycle parking at the trailhead. Journey time from Nordby is approximately 20–30 minutes depending on your starting point. Fanø's flat terrain makes cycling accessible for most fitness levels.
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Walking
If staying in nearby accommodation, walking is possible but distances vary. From Nordby, the walk takes approximately 45–60 minutes depending on your exact starting location. The final approach via Mågekolonivej is a quiet concrete road suitable for pedestrians, though there is no dedicated sidewalk.
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Public Transport & Bicycle Combination
Take a bus service to Fanø from Varde or other regional towns, then rent a bicycle locally. This option works well for visitors without a car. Bus services operate regularly but with reduced frequency in winter months; journey time from Varde is approximately 45–60 minutes including the causeway crossing.
Skovhaven Torp Plantage location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Skovhaven Torp Plantage
A Hidden Woodland Sanctuary Behind the Dunes
Skovhaven in Torp Plantage is a small, sheltered woodland garden tucked behind Fanø's western dunes, protected from the prevailing westerly winds. This peaceful retreat offers an ideal setting for picnics, forest walks, and quiet contemplation. The site features picnic tables and benches arranged around a small forest lake, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from the island's busy beaches. A bonfire area provides opportunities for evening gatherings, while marked trails wind through the diverse woodland, offering visitors a chance to explore the natural composition of the forest at their own pace.The Legacy of Hansen's Botanical Vision
Among locals, Skovhaven is affectionately known as Hansen's Plantage, named after the bookseller who established the site in the 1930s. Hansen created an intricate system of lakes and canals with wooden footbridges that has remained largely untouched over the decades. As summer cottages gradually surrounded the woodland, the original infrastructure was carefully preserved, creating a unique blend of human design and natural growth. This historical layer adds character to the site, transforming it from a simple forest into a place where intentional landscape design meets organic woodland development.Forest Interpretation and Tree Diversity
Throughout Skovhaven, interpretive signs identify the numerous tree species present, including Austrian pine, mountain pine, and hawthorn, among approximately twenty different varieties. These markers help visitors understand the ecological composition of the woodland and appreciate the botanical richness of this small area. The mixed forest creates varied habitats and visual interest as visitors move along the trails, with the diversity of species contributing to the garden's overall appeal and educational value.Eventyrskoven: A Fairy-Tale Forest for Children
Within the woodland sits Eventyrskoven, a children's play forest featuring wooden sculptures carved from oak by Lithuanian artist Julius Urbanavicius. The sculptures depict characters from classic fairy tales including The Tinderbox, The Princess and the Pea, and The Little Mermaid, among others. Urbanavicius spent many summer holidays on Fanø with his wife, creating these imaginative works that blend seamlessly into the natural forest setting. A small storytelling corner invites children and parents to begin tales with "Once upon a time" and conclude with "And they lived happily ever after," encouraging creative play and imagination.Access and Practical Considerations
The woodland play area benefits from the absence of vehicular traffic, creating a safe environment for families with children. A narrow concrete road called Mågekolonivej, built by German forces during World War II, terminates at the play forest, but visitors can also cycle through the woodland via Tolvteskiftevej, where bicycle parking is available near the trails. Parking is limited to roadside spaces along the approach routes, which helps preserve the natural character of the site and encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate their surroundings as they arrive.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fano Bed and Boats
2.2 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
Fanø Krogaard
2.5 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fanø Tourist Office
2.6 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
5.1 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Esbjerg Water Tower
5.7 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Dronning Louise
6.0 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Denmark
6.1 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Namaste Esbjerg
6.1 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Vadehavskysten
6.3 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Begravet bunker
8.2 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Hjerting Badehotel
10.4 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Sønderho Church
10.6 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
10.8 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Kammerslusen Ribe
21.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
26.2 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gedenkstein
0.1 km
Experience Fanø's historic waterfowl trapping site amidst serene heathland, offering deep insights into Danish hunting heritage and the ecology of the Wadden Sea.
Fanø Vesterland Festival
0.6 km
Step into the historic world of duck decoy trapping at Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje, where Fanø’s coastal landscape and folk ingenuity come vividly to life.
Club Fanø
0.9 km
Island adventure hub offering seal safaris, beach sports, and coastal experiences on Denmark's famous Fanø.
Club Fanø Rindby
0.9 km
Fanø's premier hub for kite sports, beach adventures, and Nordic coastal experiences with expert instruction and welcoming spirit.
Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934
1.0 km
Set off across wild tidal flats from Fanø’s tranquil south end to witness unforgettable seal colonies and the windswept beauty of the Wadden Sea coastline.
Danland Fanø
1.1 km
Unfussy seaside holiday apartments with pools and dunes-on-the-doorstep access to Fanø’s wide North Sea beach and Wadden Sea landscapes.
The Beach on Fanø
1.1 km
A vast, wind‑shaped ribbon of sand where you can drive on the shore, chase kites across tidal flats, and feel the full, wide‑open spirit of Denmark’s North Sea coast.
Hotel Fanø Bad
1.1 km
Unpretentious beachside base on Fanø’s dune fringe, where simple rooms, sea air and vast North Sea sands set the tone for slow, outdoorsy island days.
Fanø Bryghus
1.3 km
Denmark's westernmost craft brewery, where sea-inspired beers and vibrant community meet.
Fanoe Bad Beach
1.4 km
A sweeping North Sea beach on Fanø where ever-widening sands, steady winds and simple seaside comforts meet the wild energy of the Wadden Sea.
Rindby beach
1.5 km
Vast North Sea sands, drive-on beach freedom, and kite-filled skies make Rindby Beach Fanø’s classic, family-friendly shoreline on Denmark’s wild west coast.
Rindby Strand
1.7 km
Wide, drive-on sands, kite-filled skies and classic Danish dune scenery make Rindby Strand Fanø’s easygoing North Sea playground for long, windblown beach days.
Fanø Museum
2.1 km
Step into an 18th-century skipper’s home in Nordby and discover how Fanø’s seafaring families lived, worked and kept island traditions alive by the North Sea.
Bunkers on Fanø
2.2 km
Concrete relics of the Atlantic Wall scattered across Fanø’s dunes and beaches, where stark wartime bunkers meet wide North Sea horizons.
Fanø Lokalhistorisk Forening
2.2 km
Small but rich local archive where Fanø’s seafaring past, village life and family stories are preserved in photos, papers and quiet, absorbing detail.
Essential places to dine
Axel's Kitchen
0.8 km
Authentic Italian pizzeria with indoor playground, celebrating local Fanø ingredients and family moments.
Kellers Badehotel
0.9 km
Historic beachfront hotel on Fanø combining coastal Danish charm, gourmet dining, and immersive island hospitality with sweeping North Sea views and a storied heritage.
Pelargoniehuset
1.0 km
Relaxed seaside restaurant on Fanø’s west coast, serving simple Danish comfort food and cakes just steps from dunes, golf course and the island’s broad North Sea beach.
LIGHTHOUSE BURGERS
1.0 km
Gourmet-minded burger bar on Fanø, serving organic local beef, house-made buns and sauces, and a relaxed island atmosphere just a stroll from Nordby’s heart.
Stoppestedet I/S
1.2 km
Casual, family-friendly fast food on holiday island Fanø, serving hearty portions of fish, chips and burgers a short hop from the wide North Sea beach.
Restaurant Dino
1.2 km
Casual island restaurant in Fanø Bad serving pizzas, Bosnian specialities and Danish comfort food just steps from the North Sea dunes.
VadeMad
1.3 km
Casual food‑truck dining paired with island‑brewed craft beer, set in the laid‑back courtyard of Fanø Bryghus just a short stroll from the Wadden Sea.
Rudbecks Fanø
1.9 km
Cosy family-run café, deli and wine bar on Fanø’s main street, celebrating local organic produce, Fanø salmon and cheeses in a warm, relaxed village setting.
Tacobørsen
2.0 km
Colorful Mexican-inspired street food on Fanø’s main street, perfect for easy takeout, casual meals and beach picnics between dunes, harbor walks and village strolls.
Restaurant Aroma - Fanø øko Øl
2.0 km
Cosy island restaurant and organic microbrewery in a historic skipper’s villa at the heart of Nordby, pairing house‑brewed Fanø beers with relaxed European plates.
Fanø Pizza
2.1 km
Straightforward Danish-style pizza and takeaway favorites in Nordby, offering an easy, kid-friendly dinner option after a day exploring windswept Fanø.
Haven Fanø
2.1 km
Cosy 1849 island house turned boutique hotel, café and garden retreat, serving organic breakfasts and Fanø’s own flavours in the heart of Nordby.
Pandekagehuset Fanø
2.1 km
Cosy island creperie in Nordby serving generous sweet and savoury pancakes with a hygge-filled courtyard and relaxed Fanø village atmosphere.
Den Lille Cafe
2.3 km
A snug, inexpensive cafe on Fanø’s main street where simple Danish cooking, warm lighting and local conversation create an easygoing island living-room feel.
Konsulen nordby
2.4 km
Intimate, candlelit dining on Nordby’s historic main street, where simple Scandinavian comfort meets the relaxed rhythm of island life on Fanø.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SPAR
0.9 km
Fanø's reliable supermarket steps from the beach, serving locals and visitors daily.
Rindby Supermarked A/S
1.0 km
Spacious island supermarket in Rindby, combining early-morning bakery aromas, full-range groceries and relaxed holiday extras near Fanø’s west coast dunes.
Victoria's Palace
1.1 km
A cosy Nordic-style interiors and gift shop in the heart of Fanø Bad, where coastal charm and Scandinavian design meet just moments from the wide North Sea beach.
Fanø Lys
1.1 km
Candlelit hygge, local delicacies and island design come together at this cozy Fanø shop just behind the dunes of the North Sea.
Mission Afrika Genbrug
1.3 km
Cosy Nordby thrift shop where island finds, friendly volunteers and second-hand treasures help fund Mission Afrika’s community projects far beyond Fanø.
Fanø Lægeurtehave
1.4 km
Traditional herb shop preserving natural wellness practices on Denmark's peaceful Fanø Island.
Kunstladen
1.6 km
A colourful Fanø island boutique where Scandinavian design, clothing, gifts and craft supplies fill a bright, welcoming space just behind the dunes of Rindby.
Fanø Angus & Merino
1.7 km
Small Fanø farm shop turning island pastures into premium Angus beef and soft Merino yarn, offering an authentic taste – and texture – of Wadden Sea life.
SuperBrugsen
1.8 km
Fanø’s central supermarket hub, blending everyday Danish island life with convenient shopping for self-catering holidays and beachbound visitors in Nordby.
Fanø Brugsforening
1.8 km
Fanø’s friendly SuperBrugsen co-op in Nordby, keeping islanders and visitors stocked with fresh food, Danish staples and everyday essentials near the harbour.
Kulturfabrikken, frkToft
1.9 km
Playful island ceramics with vintage prints, crooked edges and plenty of humor, crafted and displayed in a characterful studio-shop on Fanø’s main street.
Westwind
1.9 km
Coastal clothing hub on Nordby’s main street, equipping you with practical sports and leisure wear for Fanø’s ever‑changing North Sea weather.
Christel Seyfarth Butik
2.0 km
A vivid studio-store on Fanø where bold fair-isle inspired knitwear, quality yarns and island traditions come together in a richly coloured creative universe.
SALT
2.0 km
A small-but-stylish fashion and lifestyle shop in Nordby’s former bank building, SALT blends island charm with Scandinavian design on Fanø’s main street.
Rikke Sandford
2.2 km
Intimate Fanø boutique for Scandinavian children’s clothing, offering carefully curated outfits, shoes and accessories for girls in a cosy, owner-run setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kabyssen
0.9 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Hjørnekroen
2.5 km
Cosy corner bar in Nordby where Fanø’s island life, live music nights and classic Danish bodega charm come together over draught beer and easy conversation.
Dokken City Beach
5.2 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Havkatten
5.7 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
5.8 km
A no-frills Danish bodega in central Esbjerg, where wood-panelled warmth, affordable drinks, and local camaraderie capture the city’s everyday pub culture.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
6.0 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
6.0 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
HomeRun Esbjerg
6.0 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
Pappi's pub
6.0 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Dowdi Pub Bar
6.0 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Corners Pub
6.0 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
James Bond Esbjerg
6.0 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
Kasket Karl
6.0 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Industrien
6.1 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Vinbaren
6.1 km
Intimate, dimly lit and disarmingly casual, Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s brown-bar style wine hangout for late-night chats, cheap pours and the occasional close-up concert.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
6.0 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
Romo Golf Links
40.0 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
44.9 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
47.9 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
50.0 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Rotes Kliff
53.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Fishi
55.0 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
63.3 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
63.3 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
Koldingtivet Engen
68.7 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
69.2 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
69.4 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
69.6 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Jazz 6000
69.8 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Boldts Bar
72.9 km
Boldts Bar in Haderslev is the region’s top venue for live music, cocktails, and buzzing nightlife, merging Danish conviviality with vibrant contemporary energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Scenic
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Car-Free Access
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly