Udkigstårn Marielyst

Compact coastal lookout tower and modern landmark in the heart of Marielyst, offering easy, free views over the resort town, dunes and holiday landscape.

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Udkigstårn

Rising above the lively holiday town of Marielyst, the Udkigstårn is a modern steel lookout tower that doubles as the area’s contemporary landmark. This compact observation structure lets you climb a short flight of wooden steps to enjoy elevated views over the central square, low holiday houses and the ribbon of pine trees shielding one of Denmark’s most beloved sandy beaches. It is a simple, free and family-friendly stop that adds a sense of place and orientation to any stroll through Marielyst.

A brief summary to Udkigstårn

Marielyst Strandvej 52, Væggerløse, Marielyst, 4873, DK
Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Bring a light windbreaker outside high summer; the open platform can feel noticeably breezier than ground level, even on warm, sunny days.
Visit in the early morning or towards sunset for softer light and clearer views across Marielyst’s rooftops, dunes and surrounding flat landscape.
Hold young children by the hand on the stairs and platform; the structure is sturdy but the steps are open and can feel steep to smaller visitors.
Combine a quick climb with a visit to nearby cafés or ice-cream stands on and around the main square for an easy, family-friendly outing.

Getting There

Car from Nykøbing Falster

From Nykøbing Falster town centre, driving to Marielyst and the Udkigstårn typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on seasonal traffic. The route follows main local roads across flat countryside and is straightforward. Public parking areas are available around Marielyst’s central square and along Marielyst Strandvej, though spaces can be scarce on peak summer afternoons. Expect standard Danish parking regulations; some zones have time limits or require a parking disc. The drive is free aside from fuel costs, and standard passenger cars manage the route without difficulty year-round.
Bus from Nykøbing Falster

Regional buses run between Nykøbing Falster and Marielyst, with journey times usually around 30–45 minutes depending on the specific line and intermediate stops. Services are more frequent on weekdays and in the main holiday season, and less frequent during evenings and weekends. A one-way adult ticket typically costs in the approximate range of 25–50 DKK, depending on discounts and ticket type. Buses stop within a short walk of the Udkigstårn on Marielyst Strandvej, and vehicles are low-floor, making boarding easier for most passengers, though the final approach to the tower involves walking on paved surfaces.
Bicycle from local holiday houses

Many visitors stay in holiday homes scattered around Marielyst and nearby Bøtø. From these areas, cycling to the Udkigstårn usually takes 5–20 minutes, as distances are short and the terrain is flat. Local roads often have pavements or cycle-friendly shoulders, and traffic is accustomed to cyclists, especially in summer. There is no dedicated bike parking structure at the tower itself, but you can usually lock bicycles to approved stands or railings nearby without charge. This option works well in daylight hours and mild weather; bring lights and reflective gear if returning after dark.

Udkigstårn location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Any Weather
Windy Conditions

Discover more about Udkigstårn

A Coastal Landmark at the Heart of Marielyst

The Udkigstårn stands close to the main square of Marielyst, a purpose-built seaside resort on the south coast of Falster. More than a simple viewing platform, it was created as a modern vartegn – a visual symbol that marks the town and welcomes visitors arriving along Marielyst Strandvej. The tower’s modest height fits the human scale of the resort, rising just enough above the rooftops to give a fresh perspective without dominating the low-lying landscape. From its upper platform you see the structure’s role in tying town, dunes and sea together. Below, cafés, ice-cream stalls and beach shops cluster around the central promenade; beyond them, a band of holiday cottages stretches towards the broad white sand. The tower offers a quick, intuitive overview of how Marielyst is laid out, which makes it especially useful on your first day in the area.

From Historic Seamark to Galvanised Steel Tower

Marielyst has long had some form of visual marker near its centre, echoing the seamarks once used along the Danish coasts to guide ships. An earlier wooden structure served that purpose but had to be removed for safety reasons after just a few years in service. The present Udkigstårn was introduced as a more durable successor, built primarily in galvanised steel with robust wooden steps designed to withstand the salty air and lively summer use. The design nods gently to maritime heritage without imitating a lighthouse. Its open frame lets wind and light pass freely, while the staircase spirals upwards in a practical, compact footprint. The combination of steel and timber creates a contemporary yet familiar look, fitting neatly into a resort where traditional summerhouses sit alongside new architecture and refreshed public spaces.

Views Over Beach Life and Holiday Houses

Climbing the Udkigstårn is a short but rewarding ascent. As you step onto the viewing platform, you can look inland across a patchwork of gardens, playgrounds and holiday rentals that define Marielyst as one of Denmark’s classic family destinations. The grid of streets and cul-de-sacs fades into green, showing just how extensively the resort blends with the surrounding landscape. Turning seaward, the protective line of dunes and pines reveals gaps where paths lead towards the beach. On clear days you can sense – if not fully see – the expanse of the Baltic Sea beyond, marked by the gleam of sun on water and the muffled sound of waves and beachgoers drifting over the dunes. Early or late in the day, low light accentuates the flat Falster landscape, with long shadows lying across the roofs below.

A Quick Stop for All Ages

Part of the Udkigstårn’s charm is its simplicity. There is no ticket booth, no exhibition and no long time commitment. Instead it works as a spontaneous pause: a place to send children up for a look, to meet friends before a meal, or to take a brief break from beach towels and shopping bags. The stairs are relatively short, though still steep enough that very small children need a guiding hand. Because the tower is free and open-air, it fits easily into slow holiday days. You can combine a visit with a stroll to the square, an ice cream around the corner or a walk towards the dunes. The structure’s openness means it feels safe and airy in summer, though wind and rain are more noticeable on less settled days.

Part of a Wider Coastal Experience

Rather than being a standalone destination, the Udkigstårn acts as a focal point within a broader coastal landscape. To the south, bird reserves and forested areas such as Bøtøskoven offer quieter walks among dunes and wetlands, while the famous sandy beach remains the main draw for swimmers and sunseekers. Seen from above, you can appreciate how carefully the resort has grown around these natural assets. For those staying several days, returning to the tower at different times of day brings subtly changing impressions: morning calm with few people on the square, lively afternoons when the holiday town hums with activity, and lingering evenings when the sky glows over the horizon and the sounds of the amusement arcades soften into the background. In this way, the small Udkigstårn becomes a recurring viewpoint on your own evolving sense of Marielyst.