Deep Forest Art Land (Skovsnogen)

A forest where contemporary art hides between the trees

Deep Forest Art Land, or Skovsnogen, unfolds in a stretch of West Jutland woodland that doubles as an outdoor gallery. Instead of white walls and spotlights, you walk on soft forest paths with a canopy of beech and conifer overhead while artworks emerge from the undergrowth. The project was founded in 2010 by artists René Schmidt and Søren Taaning, who wanted to move art out of traditional institutions and into everyday landscapes. Their idea turned a privately owned forest into a place where nature and sculpture grow side by side. The name comes from the first major piece installed here: a giant yellow “forest snake” that winds through the trees, its hollow body designed for visitors to crawl inside. From that starting point, the site has evolved into an ever-expanding collection of permanent and temporary works. New pieces arrive, others are reimagined or removed, so the forest is never quite the same from one year to the next.

Installations that invite you to climb, listen and play

Many works in Deep Forest Art Land are deliberately interactive. You might encounter a hut that feels like a hidden radio station, a tall timber structure you can ascend, or a surreal shelter that frames fragments of the forest like a stage set. Elsewhere you find a crushed car pinned by a huge boulder, a fantastical insect sculpture with sharp geometric lines, or a glowing-coloured object that stands in stark contrast to the earthy greens and browns around it. Rather than being fenced off, most pieces are meant to be explored close up. Doors open, ladders beckon, and platforms offer new vantage points over the woodland. Sound, texture and light are all part of the experience: the echo of your footsteps in a wooden chamber, the feel of rough bark against painted steel, the shifting shadows of branches across a concrete wall. The route is not strictly linear, so detours often lead to smaller, more intimate works tucked further from the main trails.

Art path, nature walk and family outing in one

As much as it is an exhibition space, Deep Forest Art Land is also a place for simple, unhurried walking. Clear paths loop through mixed forest and past a small stream, with artworks spaced at intervals so quiet stretches of nature alternate with bursts of visual surprise. The ground can be uneven, with roots, mud and the occasional boggy patch after rain, so sturdy footwear is helpful, but the atmosphere remains low-key and relaxed. The park suits a wide range of visitors: families treating the artworks like a treasure hunt, couples wandering at their own pace, or solo travellers lingering at a favourite piece. Dogs are generally welcome on leash, making it an easy outing if you are travelling with a pet. Because the terrain is natural and occasionally rough, only some sections are practical for wheelchairs or strollers, but there are shorter circuits closer to the entrance that avoid the most challenging patches.

Seasonal moods in a Danish woodland gallery

The setting changes character with the weather and seasons. On bright days, strong sunlight carves bold shadows across sculptures and cabins, while in misty or overcast conditions the forest feels quieter and more introspective. In spring and summer, dense foliage and birdsong frame the art in lush green; in autumn, fallen leaves add colour and texture; and in winter, bare branches and frost turn the works into stark silhouettes against the sky. The park is open daily during daytime hours, and admission for private visitors is by voluntary contribution rather than ticketed entry, supporting maintenance and new commissions. There is no on-site café, so many people bring snacks or a picnic and use simple seating spots or logs as informal rest areas. Events, performances and occasional guided walks add another layer, transforming the forest into a stage when artists and performers activate specific works.

Practical details for a slow, curious visit

Deep Forest Art Land sits in the countryside south of Herning and near the Skjern Å river system, surrounded by fields, plantations and small villages. The entrance area includes basic information boards about the site, maps of the main routes and guidance on respecting both artworks and nature. You are encouraged to stay on paths where possible, avoid climbing on fragile pieces and follow leave-no-trace principles. Plan at least two to three hours if you want to see a good portion of the installations without rushing, and longer if you enjoy photography or sketching. Mobile reception is generally available but can fluctuate between the denser stands of trees, making it a place where offline wandering still feels natural. Whether you come for the contemporary art, the forest atmosphere or simply the pleasure of getting a little lost among unexpected objects, the experience is as much about the journey between works as it is about each sculpture itself.