Oehlenschläger’s Beech, Stengade Forest

A storied beech on Langeland’s Baltic shore, where coastal light, quiet forest and a beloved national anthem come together beneath one sweeping crown.

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Oehlenschlägers Bøg

Just east of Tranekær in Stengade Forest, Oehlenschläger’s Beech is a magnificent coastal beech tree standing only a few metres from the Baltic shore. Tradition holds that Denmark’s national anthem “Der er et yndigt land” was inspired – and perhaps written – beneath its branches. Today the tree anchors a small grassy clearing with broad sea views, a nearby bathing beach and tranquil woodland paths, offering a quiet blend of cultural history, coastal scenery and classic Danish beech forest.

A brief summary to Oehlenschlägers Bøg

Tranekær, 5953, DK
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Bring a light blanket or sit pad so you can comfortably linger in the clearing under the beech while enjoying the view across the Langeland Belt.
Wear sturdy shoes; access involves natural forest paths and a short, uneven slope down towards the beach, which can be slippery when wet.
Have the text of the Danish national anthem on your phone or in a guidebook and read the opening lines while looking out over the sea for extra context.
Respect the tree’s roots and trunk: avoid climbing and do not sit or stand on raised roots so the beech can remain healthy for years to come.

Getting There

Car from Rudkøbing (Langeland’s main town)

From Rudkøbing, driving to the Stengade Forest area near Oehlenschläger’s Beech typically takes 20–30 minutes, following the main north–south road on Langeland and local roads towards Tranekær and the coast. Access is via small country lanes and forest parking areas, so speeds are lower towards the end. There is usually free parking near forest entrances, but spaces are limited in summer afternoons and during good beach weather.
Bicycle on Langeland’s north–south routes

Langeland is well suited to cycling, and riding from Rudkøbing to the Stengade Forest area commonly takes 45–70 minutes, depending on fitness and wind. You follow lightly trafficked rural roads and signposted cycle routes towards Tranekær, then continue to the forest. The terrain is gently rolling rather than flat, and surfaces are mostly paved with some short gravel stretches. Bike rental in Rudkøbing generally ranges around 100–150 DKK per day for a standard bicycle.
Bus and short walk via the Tranekær area

Regional buses run along Langeland between Rudkøbing and the northern villages, with journey times of roughly 20–30 minutes to stops near Tranekær. Services are less frequent in the evenings and on weekends, so checking the timetable in advance is important. From the nearest stop, you should expect an additional walk of 20–30 minutes on quiet country and forest roads to reach Stengade Forest and the beech tree. Standard single bus tickets on the island are usually in the range of 25–40 DKK, depending on distance and ticket type.

Oehlenschlägers Bøg location weather suitability

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Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Oehlenschlägers Bøg

A Legendary Beech on the Baltic Shore

Oehlenschläger’s Beech stands at the edge of Stengade Forest, its roots gripping the slope just above the stony beach and the gently lapping Baltic Sea. Only a short distance from the waterline, the tree’s broad crown leans seaward, framing sweeping views over the Langeland Belt. The combination of deep-green foliage, pale shoreline and wide horizon creates one of the island’s most evocative coastal scenes. The tree itself is an impressive, timeworn beech with a thick trunk and sinuously spreading branches. Its position in a natural clearing makes it feel almost like a living monument. Sunlight filters through the canopy, dappling the grass and the exposed roots. In calm weather you hear only the soft wash of waves and the rustle of leaves; on windier days the beech creaks and the crown sways above you, giving a tangible sense of the elements that have shaped this shoreline for centuries.

Where the National Anthem Took Shape

The beech is bound to one of Denmark’s most familiar lines: “There is a lovely land, it stands with broad beeches, near the salty eastern shore.” Tradition says that poet Adam Gottlob Oehlenschläger wrote the national anthem here, seated beneath this very tree in Stengade Forest. Whether the entire song was composed on this spot will never be proven, but the setting mirrors the words so closely that the connection feels natural. Oehlenschläger visited Langeland in the early 1800s and later published poems inspired by his stay. The island’s forests, coastal light and quiet villages fed into the imagery he used when he penned the anthem a few years later. Standing under the beech, looking out over the “salty eastern shore”, it is easy to imagine how this landscape imprinted itself on his imagination and became shorthand for a beloved national countryside.

Forest, Clearing and Coastal Light

The tree occupies a small, grassy opening known locally by foresters as a traditional gathering place. Behind it, dense beech woodland stretches inland, with narrow paths leading through ferns, mossy trunks and filtered light. Ahead, the ground drops towards the beach, where rounded stones, patches of sand and seaweed line the water’s edge. The interplay of deep shade in the forest and bright reflection from the sea gives the area a changing character throughout the day. In summer, the canopy is lush and full, offering cool shade and a natural picnic spot. Spring brings fresh, almost luminous green leaves and birdsong from the surrounding forest. Autumn tints the foliage golden and copper, while winter reveals the beech’s sculptural branches against a silvery sky. Whatever the season, the clearing feels sheltered yet open, with the sea always present as a backdrop.

A Quiet Stop on Langeland’s North Coast

Oehlenschläger’s Beech is an unassuming but atmospheric stop on the north-eastern side of Langeland, not far from the historic village and castle at Tranekær. Many visitors combine a pause under the beech with a swim from the nearby beach or a longer walk through Stengade Forest and along the coastline. The area’s gently undulating terrain and forest paths make it an easy outing for most walkers. Near the tree, simple amenities such as informal seating and access to the shore support unhurried visits rather than extended stays. The emphasis is on landscape and story: a single tree, a line of poetry and a piece of coast that together encapsulate how strongly nature and national identity intertwine on Langeland.

Caring for a Living Symbol

Because of its age, exposure and cultural significance, the beech is treated as a living heritage object. Walking on its roots or climbing into the branches is discouraged to protect the fragile root system and avoid damage to the bark. Subtle signs and local information highlight the tree’s history and explain why a respectful distance matters if it is to remain healthy for future generations. Spending time here is less about ticking off a major sight and more about lingering quietly: reading the opening lines of the anthem, listening to the water, perhaps imagining the young poet shaping his verses in this very clearing. The combination of modest scale and large symbolic weight is what gives Oehlenschläger’s Beech its particular atmosphere – intimate, reflective and unmistakably Danish.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Tranekær Castle

4.2 km

A red-plastered island fortress turned noble family home, Tranekær Castle crowns a hat-shaped hill on Langeland, blending medieval power, romance and working estate life.

Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"

16.8 km

A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.

Saint Nicolai's Church

18.8 km

Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.

Monument for Danske Sømænd

24.4 km

A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.

Damestenen

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Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.

Ærø Turist & Erhverv

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Ærøfærgerne

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Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.

Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps

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Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.

Andelen Guesthouse

29.5 km

Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.

På Torvet

29.5 km

Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.

Danish Island Weddings

29.6 km

Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.

Hotel Ærøhus

29.6 km

Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.

Sankt Alberts church

30.8 km

Historic parish church in the heart of Ærøskøbing, reflecting centuries of maritime tradition and local community in a tranquil island setting.

Rise Kirke

31.5 km

A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.

Ærø

32.1 km

Experience the serene charm of Ærø, Denmark's enchanting island, with its picturesque towns, rich maritime heritage, and stunning natural beauty, perfect for all travelers.

Unmissable attractions to see

Tobaksladen

1.4 km

A tiny former village shop in Tranekær, Tobaksladen preserves the feel of a historic tobacconist and general store on the Danish island of Langeland.

Leuchtturm

3.4 km

Explore Hulbjerg Passage Grave, a remarkable Stone Age burial mound with walk-in chamber, panoramic island views, and a powerful sense of Denmark’s prehistoric past.

Medicine gardens in Tranekær

3.9 km

Northern Europe’s largest medicinal plant garden, where themed circles, an arboretum and playful kids’ areas turn botanical medicine into a vivid, hands-on landscape.

Tickon

4.0 km

Where monumental art dissolves into nature—a 83-hectare gallery of impermanence and beauty.

Souvenirmuseet Souvenariet

4.3 km

A whimsical museum celebrating the art of souvenir collecting in a historic Danish castle town.

Tranekær Slotsmølle

5.3 km

Historic hilltop windmill above Tranekær Castle, combining traditional milling heritage with a small seasonal museum and cosy café overlooking rural Langeland.

Simmerbølle Church

6.3 km

A small medieval church on Langeland, where fieldstone walls, an east-end tower and quirky frescoes – including a playful Danish coat of arms – invite quiet exploration.

Langelands Museum

9.3 km

Compact island museum in Rudkøbing tracing Langeland’s story from Stone Age barrows to world wars, GDR plastics and everyday life on a Baltic outpost.

Lindelse Mølle

12.9 km

Historic hilltop windmill and former mill farm on Langeland, blending rural views, traditional architecture and emerging community life in a compact village setting.

Beautiful Beach

13.0 km

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Frederiksdal Kirsebærvin

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Lindelse Kirke

13.6 km

Experience Hulbjerg Passage Grave on Langeland, a Neolithic burial monument where prehistoric engineering and ancient stories come together amid stunning natural views.

Valdemars Slot

14.4 km

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Naturdestination Skovsgaard

14.8 km

Organic estate, wild-grazing herds and slow island living come together at this Langeland nature destination of trails, learning spaces and cosy stays.

Elvira Madigan og Sixten Sparre

14.8 km

A modest forest memorial in Nørreskoven on Tåsinge, where a quiet clearing and simple stone mark the dramatic 1889 fate of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.

Essential places to dine

Spodsbjerg Kutterfisk

3.5 km

Harbor-side fish shop and casual café on Langeland serving fresh, local seafood, smoked specialties and easy take-away to enjoy on the terrace or by the sea.

Færgegårdens Mad og Is Cafe

3.9 km

Laid-back seaside grill, ice-cream bar and mini-golf course between beach and campsite in Spodsbjerg, serving classic Danish barbecue, local sausages and sweet treats.

Tranekær Slotskro

3.9 km

Historic Danish inn beside a castle, serving African and Nordic cuisine with genuine warmth.

Restaurant Generalen - Pichardts

4.2 km

Elegant seasonal Danish cuisine in a historic castle setting on Langeland's charming island.

Skrøbelev Gods

7.9 km

A 17th‑century manor on Langeland, where candlelit dining, period‑style suites and tranquil island landscapes create an indulgent country‑house escape.

Cafe 10’eren

9.3 km

Casual hall-side café in Rudkøbing serving hearty Danish comfort food, cold beers and easy takeaway, right at the centre of everyday life in Langelandshallen.

Ristorante & Pizzeria "Viking Pizza"

9.4 km

Casual Italian-style pizzeria in the heart of Rudkøbing, serving hearty pizzas and easy comfort food that suits families, couples and hungry island explorers alike.

Restaurant hotel Rudkøbing skudehavn

9.4 km

Waterfront Danish dining with 25 years of culinary tradition overlooking Rudkøbing harbor.

Grand House Burger

9.5 km

Cozy, crowd-pleasing burgers, pizzas and comfort dishes in a relaxed café on Rudkøbing’s main pedestrian street, with indoor tables, street seating and a sheltered courtyard.

Thummelumsen

9.6 km

Cozy, colorful café-restaurant on Rudkøbing’s main street, serving generous Danish-style comfort food and relaxed island atmosphere from lunch through early evening.

Langelands Pizza & Kebab House

9.6 km

Casual island pizza-and-kebab joint on Rudkøbing’s main street, serving generous, budget-friendly comfort food and easy takeaway after a day exploring Langeland.

GAARDHAVEN

9.6 km

Courtyard tapas and wine in the heart of Rudkøbing, where a hidden garden, shared plates and candlelight turn evenings on Langeland into long, relaxed gatherings.

Efes Café & Restaurant

9.6 km

Cosy family‑run café‑restaurant in Rudkøbing’s old town, serving Turkish, Italian and Danish comfort food with a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere all year round.

Korea kaffebar

9.7 km

Cosy specialty coffee bar by Rudkøbing’s main square, serving light-roast brews, local baked goods and relaxed island atmosphere indoors and out.

Ø-Cafeen

9.8 km

Casual harbourfront grill and café in Rudkøbing, serving hearty plates and classic Danish comfort food just steps from the boats and sea air of Langeland.

Intimate goldsmith’s atelier and art-filled gallery in Rudkøbing, where handcrafted jewellery and local creativity capture the quiet spirit of Langeland.

Family-run South Funen microbrewery in a compact Svendborg tasting room, serving small-batch beers and organic lemonades with a relaxed, local feel.

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Oehlenschläger’s Beech, Stengade Forest

A brief summary to Oehlenschlägers Bøg

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Rudkøbing (Langeland’s main town)

Bicycle on Langeland’s north–south routes

Bus and short walk via the Tranekær area

Oehlenschlägers Bøg location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Oehlenschlägers Bøg

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Discover more about Oehlenschlägers Bøg

A Legendary Beech on the Baltic Shore

Where the National Anthem Took Shape

Forest, Clearing and Coastal Light

A Quiet Stop on Langeland’s North Coast

Caring for a Living Symbol

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Tranekær Castle

Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"

Saint Nicolai's Church

Monument for Danske Sømænd

Damestenen

Ærø Turist & Erhverv

Ærøfærgerne

Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps

Andelen Guesthouse

På Torvet

Danish Island Weddings

Hotel Ærøhus

Sankt Alberts church

Rise Kirke

Ærø

Unmissable attractions to see

Tobaksladen

Leuchtturm

Medicine gardens in Tranekær

Tickon

Souvenirmuseet Souvenariet

Tranekær Slotsmølle

Simmerbølle Church

Langelands Museum

Lindelse Mølle

Beautiful Beach

Frederiksdal Kirsebærvin

Lindelse Kirke

Valdemars Slot

Naturdestination Skovsgaard

Elvira Madigan og Sixten Sparre

Essential places to dine

Spodsbjerg Kutterfisk

Færgegårdens Mad og Is Cafe

Tranekær Slotskro

Restaurant Generalen - Pichardts

Skrøbelev Gods

Cafe 10’eren

Ristorante & Pizzeria "Viking Pizza"

Restaurant hotel Rudkøbing skudehavn

Grand House Burger

Thummelumsen

Langelands Pizza & Kebab House

GAARDHAVEN

Efes Café & Restaurant

Korea kaffebar

Ø-Cafeen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

ANGELCENTRUM LANGELAND

Butik

XL tøj - Tøj til store mænd - Shop online og fysisk

Dansk

Pigekammeret v/Birgitte Nygaard Jensen

Littlevillagepeople.dk

Ostehuset Rudkøbing

Skind og Uld Rudkøbing

Gine Rudkøbing ApS

Tøjmanden Langeland

Books & Paper Rudkøbing

Butik Knag I/S