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.