Marielundskoven
A 1850s forest sanctuary in Kolding's heart, where lakeside walks and woodland trails reveal nature's seasonal beauty.
Marielundskoven is a serene forest and lake area in the heart of Kolding, Denmark, established in the early 1850s. This idyllic natural space features a scenic 1.5 km walking trail around Marielundssøen lake, lush woodland paths suitable for hiking and mountain biking, and a free picnic shelter with benches, tables, toilets, and drinking water. Perfect for leisurely walks, cycling adventures, and seasonal nature observation.
A brief summary to Marielundskoven
- Kolding, 6000, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- The 1.5 km lakeside circuit takes 15–20 minutes; combine it with longer forest trails for a fuller experience. Visit in spring or autumn to witness the most dramatic seasonal transformations.
- The free picnic shelter near Skovløberhuset includes tables, benches, toilets, and drinking water—ideal for packing a lunch and settling in for an extended visit.
- Mountain bikers should explore the 6.5 km technical trail with 180 m elevation gain; it combines challenging sections with flowing passages suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.
- The forest is equally rewarding in poor weather; locals favor it as a year-round destination. Bring appropriate footwear for muddy or wet conditions.
- Early morning visits offer the best chance for wildlife observation and solitude before the forest becomes busier with local visitors.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Bus
Local buses serve Kolding city center with regular connections to the Marielundskoven area. Journey time from central Kolding is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on route and traffic. Bus stops are located near the forest entrance. Fares are typically 24–48 DKK for a single journey within Kolding municipality. Service runs throughout the day with reduced frequency on Sundays and public holidays.
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Bicycle
Cycling is the preferred local method for reaching Marielundskoven. From central Kolding, the journey takes 10–15 minutes via dedicated cycle paths that connect the city center to the forest. Kolding has extensive cycling infrastructure, and bike rentals are available at several locations in the city center (typically 50–100 DKK per day). The forest itself has secure bike parking near the main entrance.
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Car
Driving from central Kolding takes approximately 5–10 minutes. Free parking is available at multiple locations around the forest perimeter, including a main car park near the Skovløberhuset picnic shelter. The forest is well-signposted from major roads in Kolding. Note that some internal forest roads may be narrow or unpaved during winter months.
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Walking
From Kolding city center, walking to Marielundskoven takes 25–35 minutes depending on your starting point and route. The forest is accessible via pedestrian pathways and residential streets. The terrain is relatively flat with good surface conditions throughout most of the approach. Once at the forest, all trails are well-maintained and clearly marked.
Marielundskoven location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Marielundskoven
A Forest Born from 19th-Century Vision
Marielundskoven emerged in the early 1850s as a carefully planned green space within Kolding's urban landscape. The forest was designed to provide residents and visitors with a natural refuge in the midst of city life, and it has successfully maintained that purpose for nearly two centuries. The establishment of this woodland sanctuary reflects the era's growing appreciation for preserving natural spaces within developing towns, making it one of Kolding's most cherished historical assets.The Heart of the Forest: Marielundssøen Lake
At the center of Marielundskoven lies Marielundssøen, a tranquil lake that serves as the focal point of the entire area. The lake is encircled by a well-maintained walking path approximately 1.5 kilometers in length, which typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. The water's edge is lined with magnificent birch trees that transform dramatically with the seasons, creating a dynamic natural spectacle throughout the year. The lake and its surroundings attract both casual strollers and dedicated nature enthusiasts who return regularly to observe the changing landscape.Trails for Every Season and Skill Level
Beyond the lakeside circuit, Marielundskoven offers an extensive network of interconnected trails that cater to various interests and abilities. Walking paths wind through the forest canopy, providing peaceful routes for contemplative strolls in any weather condition. For cyclists and mountain bikers, the forest includes a 6.5-kilometer technical trail with 180 meters of elevation change, combining challenging sections with smooth flow passages that reward riders with both adventure and enjoyment. These diverse trail options ensure the forest remains welcoming whether conditions are sunny or stormy.Facilities and Community Spaces
The forest is thoughtfully equipped with visitor amenities that enhance the experience without compromising its natural character. A free picnic shelter near Skovløberhuset provides tables and benches for those wishing to bring lunch or simply rest during their visit. The shelter area includes access to clean toilets and drinking water, making extended stays comfortable and convenient. These facilities reflect the forest's role as a genuine community gathering place, not merely a passing attraction.A Living Calendar of Natural Change
Marielundskoven's greatest gift may be its ability to reveal nature's rhythms across all seasons. Spring brings the explosion of birch foliage in vibrant greens; summer offers dense shade and cool refuge; autumn paints the forest in warm tones; and winter strips the landscape to its essential structure. Local residents have long used the forest as their personal nature calendar, returning throughout the year to witness these transformations and maintain their connection to the natural world.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kolding St.
1.3 km
The compact rail and bus hub that delivers you straight into Kolding’s mix of castle-topped history, cobbled streets and fjord-side modern design.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
1.3 km
Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
1.5 km
St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s only Anglican church—an elegant Neo-Gothic landmark in Churchill Park, celebrated for its English architectural charm and tranquil location.
Saint Nicolas Church
1.7 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Borchs Gård
1.7 km
A vividly painted Renaissance townhouse from 1595, Borchs Gård brings Kolding’s mercantile past to life on the edge of lively Akseltorv square.
Saint Michaels Church
2.3 km
A modest 19th-century Catholic red-brick church in central Kolding, offering quiet reflection, intimate architecture and a glimpse of Denmark’s Catholic life.
Fredericia Vold
18.3 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Troldborg Ring
21.8 km
Iron Age refuge fortress on a wooded hilltop, where grassy ramparts, “Devil’s Valley” slopes and wide views over Vejle Ådal bring deep Danish history to life.
Vejle Vindmølle
22.2 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
VisitVejle
23.0 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
The Midgård Well
23.3 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
Tirsbæk Gods
25.3 km
Experience Tirsbæk Gods, an enchanting Renaissance estate on Vejle Fjord offering historic architecture, idyllic gardens, and immersive events in Denmark’s scenic countryside.
Træskohage fyr
25.6 km
An awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral at the heart of Odense, steeped in royal history as Denmark’s only sainted king’s final resting place.
Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum
27.4 km
Discover ancient artefacts and hidden history at Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum in Haderslev—a fascinating window into Denmark's past from the Stone Age to Vikings.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
28.7 km
Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Klimapavillonen
0.7 km
Open-sided picnic pavilion on Kolding’s green edge, where campfires, forest trails and climate-friendly parkland meet just beyond the city streets.
Legeparken
0.9 km
Large, free play park in central Kolding with lake, boats, mooncars and grills – an easygoing green playground for children of all ages and their adults.
Kolding City Park
0.9 km
Family-friendly green oasis in central Kolding, with free seasonal boating, playgrounds and open lawns for easygoing outdoor time between city and castle.
Dansende Blomster og Mindetavlerne
1.1 km
Walk through Kolding's industrial heritage on an open-air art route celebrating the city's forgotten craftspeople and visionaries.
Søpromenaden
1.3 km
A modest lakeside ribbon where central Kolding slows down, Søpromenaden offers a quiet urban waterside walk, everyday greenery, and simple benches by the shore.
Mindesten for Kolding Havns 100 Års Jubilæum
1.3 km
Discover 'Uffe hin Spage,' Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen's iconic bronze statue in Kolding's Byparken, celebrating Danish folklore and artistic heritage.
Slotssøen
1.4 km
A small castle lake with big atmosphere, Slotssøen pairs medieval walls, swans and leafy paths to create Kolding’s most quietly evocative waterside walk.
Skovterrassen
1.4 km
A simple wooden terrace tucked into Kolding’s Marielundskoven, offering a calm forest pause along Troldhedestien for walkers, cyclists, and families.
Springvandet ved slotssøbadet
1.4 km
Et moderne springvand på Slotsøens overflade, hvor vandsøjler, borgsilhuet og byliv mødes i et kort, gratis åndehul midt i Koldings historiske hjerte.
Castle Garden
1.4 km
A tranquil belt of lawns, trees and lake reflections wrapped around Koldinghus, where everyday life and 750 years of castle history share the same green hillside.
St George's Garden
1.4 km
A modest neighbourhood park in Kolding, St George’s Garden offers simple lawns, trees and local life – a quiet pause between the town’s grander green spaces.
Stable Yard
1.4 km
Historic whitewashed stables turned city museum, where royal horses, design heritage and Denmark’s only preserved Gestapo cell share one atmospheric courtyard.
Koldinghus
1.5 km
A 750‑year‑old royal fortress reborn as an award‑winning museum, where raw brick ruins, modern timber and sweeping tower views tell the story of Denmark in one castle.
The Spanish stairs
1.6 km
A broad, tile-clad staircase with Lin Utzon’s art, the Spanish Stairs link Kolding’s old streets to its castle hill in a gently Mediterranean-feeling urban pause.
Vifdam park
1.6 km
A compact lakeside neighbourhood park in Kolding, where an artificial lake, play areas and quiet paths turn a dense residential quarter into an easy everyday escape.
Essential places to dine
Bamsehuset
0.9 km
Cheerful ice cream kiosk and snack stop in Kolding’s Legeparken, serving classic cones, sweets, sandwiches and drinks in a relaxed, family-focused park setting.
Baker's art
1.0 km
Artful cakes and pastries in a cosy Kolding bakery where Scandinavian design sensibility meets small-batch, weekend-treat indulgence on Fynsvej.
Ristorante Fratelli
1.4 km
Bustling Italian trattoria by Kolding Station, serving wood‑fired pizzas, hearty pasta and Italian wines in a warm, contemporary dining room ideal for evenings out.
PREGO Kolding
1.4 km
Italian-Danish fusion takeout with heart, community focus, and quality ingredients in central Kolding.
Admiralen
1.5 km
Historic harbor restaurant in Kolding serving refined Danish seafood and classic dishes in an elegant, maritime-inspired dining room from 1903.
Bella Italia
1.5 km
Long‑running Italian trattoria in central Kolding, serving generous pizzas and classic pastas in a cozy, lived‑in atmosphere close to the city’s main streets.
Madkælderen Koldinghus
1.5 km
Seasonal Danish cuisine and candlelit cellar ambience beneath the vaulted stone of Koldinghus, where modern gourmet dining meets centuries of royal castle history.
Onkel D's Foodhouse
1.5 km
Casual burger-and-fries comfort food in central Kolding, serving generous portions and Danish-style classics in a relaxed, no-fuss setting ideal for easy evenings.
Cliff food bike
1.5 km
Compact soul-food kitchen born from a roaming food bike, serving bold, comforting flavours in Kolding’s historic centre just steps from Koldinghus castle.
Marinaen
1.6 km
Relaxed Danish waterfront restaurant at Kolding’s yacht harbour, pairing fjord views with well‑cooked fish, steaks and cosy maritime interiors for long, lingering meals.
Restaurant Johansens
1.6 km
Refined Danish smørrebrød and modern Nordic plates in an intimate, candlelit dining room at the heart of Kolding’s historic center.
Taco Og tarteletter Take Away
1.6 km
Unpretentious Kolding takeaway blending Danish tarteletter with Mexican-style tacos, perfect for relaxed evenings, hotel picnics and easy comfort-food cravings.
Vinbaren Kolding
1.6 km
Discover the perfect blend of fine wines and tantalizing tapas at Vinbaren Kolding - your cozy retreat in Denmark.
Atami Sushi Restaurant
1.6 km
All‑you‑can‑eat sushi with tablet ordering and robot service in the heart of Kolding’s Akseltorv, blending modern Japanese flavours with a casual Danish city vibe.
Xin Chào Vietnamese Restaurant
1.6 km
Compact, central and casually modern, Xin Chào brings steaming pho, crisp dumplings and fresh Vietnamese flavours to Kolding’s historic Slotsgade every evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
And Less online shop ›› Buy And Less from the official webshop
1.0 km
Contemporary Danish fashion for modern women, thoughtfully designed and accessibly priced.
Fru Hansen
1.3 km
Private, specialist wig and extension studio in central Kolding, offering discreet consultations, natural‑looking hair solutions and professional spray tan treatments.
Sailor's Ink tattoo Kolding | Din tatovør i Kolding
1.4 km
Modern, art‑driven tattoo studio in central Kolding, blending award‑winning craftsmanship, strict hygiene and a relaxed living‑room vibe for first‑timers and collectors alike.
Lykke's Guld & Sølv
1.5 km
Longstanding Kolding jeweler on Jernbanegade, blending classic Danish craftsmanship, in-house repairs and a wide range of jewelry and watches for everyday and special occasions.
NP Vin - Vin Du Coeur
1.5 km
Curated wines and professional imports in Kolding's premier wine destination.
Gundtoft KOLDING CITY
1.6 km
Elegant women's fashion in Kolding's design-forward city centre, featuring curated Danish and international brands.
Michella´s Frugt og Grønt v/Mahmoud Aldherej
1.6 km
Compact, colourful greengrocer in central Kolding, perfect for fresh fruit, vegetables and picnic supplies between explorations of the city’s historic streets.
Store No 1b ApS
1.6 km
Boutique fashion in the heart of Kolding's charming pedestrian shopping district.
Femina Tønder ApS
1.6 km
A central Kolding women’s clothing shop offering practical, Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion in a compact, easy-to-browse high-street space.
Janne K Kolding
1.7 km
Contemporary fashion boutique offering seasonal clothing and accessories in central Kolding.
Bog & idé Kolding City
1.7 km
Central Kolding’s one-stop book and gift shop, combining Danish reads, games, stationery, hobby items and handy photo services in a bright, well-organised space.
Red Barnet genbrugsbutik
1.7 km
Compact, community-driven second-hand shop in central Kolding where bargain hunting, sustainability and support for Save the Children come together under one roof.
Rituals
1.7 km
A softly lit Rituals boutique on Østergade in Kolding, where serene design, layered scents and thoughtful gift sets turn everyday routines into small indulgent rituals.
Kims Kiosk Skateshop - Koldings skatebutik
1.7 km
Core skate shop and community hub in central Kolding, blending boards, shoes and streetwear with the laid-back energy of a classic Danish kiosk.
HARRESØ
1.7 km
An intimate Kolding concept store where Scandinavian minimalism meets international menswear, blending gallery-like interiors with a sharply curated selection of designer brands.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jazz 6000
1.2 km
Intimate jazz stronghold in Kolding, presenting adventurous live concerts and collaborations that bring Danish jazz up close in a relaxed club atmosphere.
Jernbanecaféen
1.5 km
Straightforward, central Kolding bar by the station, serving inexpensive drinks in a relaxed, lived‑in setting from midday until the early hours.
8eren
1.5 km
Kolding's premier cocktail bar and pool hall—where drinks, games, and good company meet.
Rabalder Bar Kolding
1.5 km
Small, loud and laid-back, Rabalder Bar Kolding delivers sing-along hits, cheeky drink deals and late-night energy in a compact, central Kolding setting.
Knuds Garage
1.5 km
Garage‑themed neighborhood bar in central Kolding with affordable drinks, board games, foosball and a cozy courtyard that turns evenings into easygoing social nights.
The Old Irish pub
1.6 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
The Cavern
1.6 km
A cozy, low-lit lounge tucked inside Den Engelske Pub, offering intimate drinks, warm conversation and a calm escape from Kolding’s lively weekend nightlife.
Vegas Bet & Beer
1.6 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
1.6 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
Domhuset Sportsbar
1.7 km
Straightforward Kolding sports bar with darts, big screens and cold beers in a relaxed pub setting on central Låsbygade.
Kontoret Øl og Vinstue
1.7 km
Atmospheric Kolding bar in a historic townhouse, pouring beer and wine in warmly lit, wood‑paneled rooms that feel like the city’s convivial living room.
Daddys's Pub
2.0 km
Cosy neighborhood pub on Tvedvej in Kolding, serving cold beers, bar‑side conversation and a generous dose of everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Papegøjen
2.1 km
A no-frills corner bodega in central Kolding where cold beer, card games and easy conversation keep the classic Danish pub culture very much alive.
Drop-inn ( 75 50 34 92 )
2.1 km
Unpretentious Kolding bodega in a former girls’ school, serving cold beer, nostalgic “mormor” music and everyday hygge in a cosy red-brick corner bar.
Centerpubben v/Henriette Lykke Skjøtt
2.4 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in Kolding offering inexpensive drinks, local faces and a slice of everyday Danish hygge from midday to late evening.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Pitstop
1.4 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.
Mørks Kælder
1.6 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
1.7 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Koldingtivet Engen
2.0 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.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
7.6 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
Fishi
15.4 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.
AHA Livestage
18.3 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
NOX Network Ltd.
20.2 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
22.5 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
temabar APS 23-05
23.2 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
40.7 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
PDD
45.1 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
45.3 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.
Oskar hossman
45.7 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
Sölibat Natklub
46.0 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Nature Escape
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly