Højsande and Holtemmen
Protected dune landscape where 24-meter sand dunes, rare plants, and Stone Age cliffs reveal Læsø's wild and ancient character.
A protected 515-hectare nature reserve on Læsø's northern coast featuring dramatic sand dunes reaching 24 meters, rare botanical habitats, and a coastal lagoon. Højsande showcases windswept heathland with parabolic dune systems, while Holtemmen offers one of Denmark's richest plant communities along a Stone Age cliff. Marked walking trails wind through diverse ecosystems from white dunes to wetland mosaics, with views across the Kattegat.
A brief summary to Højsande Holtemmen
- Læsø Municipality, 9940, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit Højsande's highest point (24 meters) for panoramic views across the dunes and Kattegat. The ascent is gentle but the vista is exceptional, especially when trees part to reveal the sea to the north.
- Walk the marked blue route around Holtemmen (5 km) to experience the full botanical richness. Begin from the Holtemmenvej parking area and ascend the Stone Age cliff for unparalleled views into the lagoon.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially in spring and summer. Cranes, snipe, and numerous coastal species breed in the wetlands and heathland areas.
- Explore Horneks Odde at the northeastern point to see the remaining historic lobster huts and, in calm weather, watch for seals resting on offshore rocks.
- Visit in late spring or early summer when wildflowers bloom across the heathland and dunes. The botanical diversity is most visually striking during this period.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Parking Areas
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
Getting There
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Car from Læsø town center
Drive north from Læsø town center toward Storedalsvej and Holtemmenvej. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes depending on starting point. Parking areas are available at the end of Holtemmenvej (primary access for Holtemmen) and near Storedal for Højsande. Roads are paved but narrow; standard vehicles are suitable. No entrance fee required.
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Bicycle from Læsø town center
Cycle north via forest roads and plantation paths toward the northern coast. Journey time is 20–30 minutes depending on route and fitness. The terrain includes both paved and unpaved forest roads; mountain bikes or hybrid bikes are recommended. The plantation offers numerous interconnected cycling routes with varying difficulty. No fee required.
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Walking from nearby accommodations
If staying in northern Læsø, the reserve is accessible on foot via forest paths and marked routes. Walking time from the nearest settlements is 30–60 minutes depending on starting location and chosen route. Terrain is generally accessible but includes sandy and uneven sections; sturdy walking shoes are recommended. The marked blue route around Holtemmen (5 km) is well-maintained.
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Guided tour or naturalist group visit
Local naturalist organizations and Naturstyrelsen (Danish Nature Agency) occasionally organize guided walks and educational visits to the reserve. These typically depart from Skovhytten (the Nature Agency's visitor center near Storedalsvej) or designated parking areas. Advance booking is recommended; contact Naturstyrelsen or local tourism offices for current schedules and pricing.
Højsande Holtemmen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Højsande Holtemmen
A Landscape Shaped by Sand and Time
Højsande and Holtemmen form a protected nature reserve of 515 hectares on Læsø's northern coast, representing one of Denmark's most distinctive and ecologically significant landscapes. The area lies within Læsø Klitplantage, a young man-made forest created in the early 1900s to combat catastrophic sand drift. What began as a utilitarian effort to stabilize dunes has evolved into a landscape of remarkable natural and cultural value, where human intervention and natural processes have created something genuinely extraordinary. The reserve was formally protected in 1961, building on an earlier 1938 protection of Horneks Odde. Today it encompasses multiple interconnected habitats: inland parabolic dunes, coastal lagoons, heathland, wetland mosaics, and recovering forest. The geological foundation is ancient—Læsø itself emerged from the sea only 5,000 years ago during the Neolithic period, and the landscape continues to evolve through natural processes of land uplift and vegetation succession.Højsande: The Dune Heartland
Højsande occupies the eastern portion of the plantation and represents the island's highest and oldest terrain. The area's defining feature is a pair of massive parabolic dune systems—horseshoe-shaped formations with openings facing the prevailing west-southwest winds. These dunes reach up to 24 meters in height, exceptional for such a low-lying island. The highest point offers panoramic views across the landscape; on clear days, the trees part to reveal the Kattegat stretching to the north. The dunes themselves are utilitarian in origin. In the 17th and 18th centuries, intensive salt production—a major Læsø industry—consumed vast quantities of timber for fuel. When the forests were exhausted, locals harvested heather and peat for salt-making, leaving the landscape exposed to devastating wind erosion. Sand dunes advanced inland, burying fields and settlements. Beginning in the 1880s, systematic tree planting began; by the 1930s, the state had established the formal Læsø Klitplantage. A monument dated 1902 commemorates these early reforestation efforts. Today Højsande presents a striking contrast: open heathland with scattered birch and juniper interspersed with maturing plantation forest. Foldgårdssøen, a small lake nestled in the eastern dune's deflation basin, is slowly transforming into peat bog—a visible example of ecological succession unfolding across decades.Holtemmen: A Botanical Jewel
Holtemmen, located at the coastal edge where the stony heathland meets the sea, is recognized as one of Denmark's finest botanical localities. The area is defined by a dramatic Stone Age cliff—the remnant shoreline of the post-glacial sea—that rises 8–10 meters above the lower terrain. Below this escarpment lies a strandvoldslagune, a coastal lagoon that has gradually transformed into a complex mosaic of wetlands. The name Holtemmen possibly derives from "hold tømmen" (hold the reins), referring to the difficulty of controlling horses along the perilous cliff edge in earlier centuries. Today, the area supports an extraordinary diversity of plant communities: white dunes and sparse beach vegetation on the seaward side, rich and poor fens in the interior, small lagoon lakes, and elevated beach ridges. Rare plant species including strand-kvan and marsh milk-vetch thrive here. The wetlands are home to breeding cranes and great snipe, while the broader area supports rich and varied birdlife. A marked blue walking route (5 kilometers) circles the entire lagoon, beginning from the parking area at the end of Holtemmenvej. The trail ascends the ancient cliff, offering unparalleled views down into the lagoon and across the coastal landscape. The route allows visitors to experience the full botanical and ecological richness of the site.Ecological Significance and Plant Communities
The reserve's 515 hectares encompass nearly every plant community found on Læsø: from white dune vegetation and gray dune heathland to heather heath, low-growing heath, and wetland vegetation. Several small lakes and genuine forest biotopes add further diversity. This ecological variety creates an exceptionally rich species list for botanists and naturalists. The area is designated as a Natura 2000 habitat site, reflecting its international conservation importance. A major EU-funded LIFE project has actively restored portions of the original heathland by removing planted and self-seeded trees, recreating the open dune heath landscape that characterized the area before afforestation. This restoration work demonstrates the dynamic management required to maintain the reserve's ecological character.Cultural Layers and Historical Traces
Beneath the modern forest and dunes lie multiple layers of Læsø's past. Stone Age settlements have left traces—flint tools, amber ornaments, and pottery—evidence of Neolithic hunter-fisher communities who exploited the island's rich marine resources. During the Napoleonic Wars (1807–1814), cannon batteries were positioned on the heath between forest and coast. In World War II, German forces constructed a narrow-gauge railway from Vesterø through Højsande and Nordmarken, with plans for a major fortification at Højsande that were never completed; sporadic rail traces remain visible near Holtemmen. At Horneks Odde, the northeastern point of the reserve, three remaining lobster huts stand as relics of a fishing tradition spanning the early 1900s to mid-20th century. Fishermen occupied these simple structures seasonally, launching small boats directly from the beach to fish for lobster using traditional pots. Originally 8–10 huts clustered here, these survivors offer tangible connection to Læsø's maritime heritage.Access and Walking Routes
The reserve is accessible via marked walking and cycling routes throughout the plantation. The blue route around Holtemmen (5 kilometers) is the primary formal trail, but numerous forest roads and paths offer alternatives. Parking is available at designated areas, including the Holtemmenvej parking area. The landscape invites exploration at varying intensities—from casual strolls through forest to more demanding hikes across open dunes. The terrain is generally accessible, though the dune landscape and cliff edges require basic fitness and care.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Lady From The Sea
27.3 km
A towering harbour figurehead where Ibsen’s sea‑bound heroine, medieval Mary and hundreds of children’s symbols merge into one evocative coastal landmark.
Port of Frederikshavn
30.1 km
A deep-water working harbour where ferries, shipyards and offshore giants share the waterfront, shaping the maritime heart of Frederikshavn.
Frederikshavn St.
30.8 km
Compact, coastal rail terminus linking Frederikshavn’s harbor, ferries and town center, and a relaxed stepping stone to beaches, bunkers and northern Jutland landscapes.
Frederikshavn Church
30.8 km
Frederikshavn’s red-brick landmark church, blending National Romantic architecture, a Michael Ancher altarpiece and war graves into one evocative town centre stop.
Fisketorvet
30.9 km
A modest central square in Frederikshavn where everyday small-town life, summer tourist hosts and a hint of maritime character quietly meet by the harbor.
Cafe' Feen
31.0 km
Aalborg’s beloved Kildeparken blends music, art, and green tranquility, offering a vibrant escape in the city center for relaxation, exploration, and community events.
Frederikshavn Sogn
31.1 km
A grand Romanesque church and living parish at the heart of a North Jutland port town, where seafaring history, sacred art and everyday Danish life meet.
Bunker Ved Palmestranden
32.1 km
Second World War bunkers half-buried in the dunes behind Frederikshavn’s palm-lined city beach, blending coastal history with a relaxed seaside setting.
Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen
36.4 km
A modest roadside stone in rural Vendsyssel, the Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen quietly links a single life story with the open fields and farm roads of Gærum.
Skagen Havn
51.4 km
A bustling North Sea harbour where fishing fleets, cruise liners and a cosy marina meet under Skagen’s famous northern light.
Enjoy Skagen
52.1 km
Esbjerg Museum reveals the city’s story through immersive exhibits on maritime legacy, archaeology, and daily life—offering an interactive journey into Danish west coast history.
Galleri Bo
52.2 km
Explore Denmark's vibrant west coast heritage at Esbjerg Museum, where local history, archaeology, and immersive exhibits bring Esbjerg's dramatic story to life.
Vinga
52.2 km
Experience the tranquil beauty and rich maritime history of Vinga Island, a serene getaway in the Swedish archipelago, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Brøndums Hotel
52.3 km
Discover Esbjerg’s transformation from Viking outpost to modern port through atmospheric exhibits, lifelike street scenes, and powerful wartime stories at Esbjerg Museum.
Skagen Station
52.4 km
Denmark's northernmost railway station, where historic yellow architecture meets the gateway to two seas.
Unmissable attractions to see
Holtemmen
1.1 km
A windswept north-coast mosaic of dunes, bog and botanically rich heathland, where Læsø’s wild nature reveals its most delicate details beside the Kattegat.
Læsø stenen
1.5 km
Discover the rich heritage of Læsø through maritime tales, saltworks history, and iconic seaweed-roofed traditions at the heart of charming Byrum village.
Horneks Odde
2.7 km
Windswept headland on Læsø’s north coast where seaweed-roofed lobster huts, open seascapes and quiet wildlife watching bring the island’s maritime past to life.
Kærene
2.7 km
Denmark's pristine protected wetland where heathland, small lakes, and rare bog plants create an unspoiled natural sanctuary.
Læsø Airfield
3.3 km
Compact island airfield in the heart of Læsø, where short hops, big skies and salty island air turn arrival and departure into part of the holiday.
Østre Foldgårdsø
3.3 km
Wild inland dunes, quiet heathland paths and layered island history meet in this protected corner of Læsø’s dune plantation, far from roads and noise.
Hotel Havnebakken
3.7 km
Laid-back harbour hill hotel on Læsø with sea views, local seafood dining and easy access to Vesterø Havn’s beach, marina and bike-friendly island landscapes.
Læsø Turistbureau
3.8 km
Denmark's sunniest island's welcoming gateway to salt heritage, seaweed roofs, and pristine natural landscapes.
Hotel Strandgaarden - badehotel
4.2 km
Historic seaside hotel on tranquil Læsø, a short stroll from one of the island’s finest beaches, blending 18th-century charm with relaxed modern coastal living.
Hotel Nygaard
5.1 km
Historic island farmhouse turned cosy country hotel, with Nordic cuisine, green gardens and apartment-style rooms in the tranquil heart of Læsø.
Nordmarken
5.4 km
Quiet dunes, broad sandy shore and big Kattegat skies make Nordmarken a sunlit, low-key nature preserve perfect for slow walks, sea air and simple island calm.
Læsø Fiskesø
5.5 km
Calm island fishing in the heart of Læsø – a simple put-and-take lake where trout, big skies and quiet countryside set the pace for an unhurried day outdoors.
Læsø Museum, Museumshuset
5.6 km
Compact but rich in stories, Læsø Museum’s Museumshuset gathers maritime heritage, a spectacular silver treasure and local island life under one welcoming roof.
Thorvald Hansens tårn
5.7 km
Hand‑built in the 1920s by a determined village craftsman, this 17‑metre red brick tower crowns Byrum’s hilltop with far‑reaching views across Læsø and the sea.
Storhavens Gårdbutik
5.9 km
Cosy Læsø farm shop and visitor yard where homemade ice cream, woollen treasures and friendly animals turn a simple stop into a relaxed island experience.
Essential places to dine
Den lille Deli
3.7 km
Harbourfront café on Læsø serving rotisserie chicken, seaside classics and local treats with sunset views over Vesterø Havn and a relaxed island atmosphere.
Restaurant Havnebakken
3.7 km
Harbourfront restaurant on Læsø serving local seafood and Danish comfort dishes in bright blue-and-white interiors with sweeping views over Vesterø Havn.
Carlsens Hotel
3.8 km
Historic harbor hotel where Læsø's maritime traditions meet contemporary Danish hospitality.
Læsøfærgens Bistro
3.8 km
Relaxed ferry‑terminal bistro at Vesterø Havn, serving classic Danish comfort food, breakfast to hot dishes, with long hours and views over Læsø’s busy harbor.
Majids Pizzaria
3.8 km
Harbourfront pizzeria in Vesterø Havn serving hearty pizzas and classic fast food just steps from Læsø’s marina, ferry quay and broad sandy beach.
Grill-Cafeen Læsø v/ Bent Frimodt Andersen
3.8 km
Unfussy harborfront grill in Vesterø Havn serving classic Danish comfort food just steps from the ferry and the beach on the tranquil island of Læsø.
VesterØL
3.8 km
An intimate harbourfront restaurant at Vesterø Havn, pairing creative Nordic cooking and island seafood with expert beer and wine in a cosy coastal setting.
Hummerens Hus Restaurant
3.9 km
Læsø's premier harborfront seafood destination, celebrating island lobster and Nordic culinary tradition.
Cafe Læsø
3.9 km
Harbourfront brasserie in Vesterø Havn serving locally inspired seafood and hearty steaks with relaxed Baltic island charm and views across the marina.
Orangeriet
5.2 km
A light‑filled glasshouse lounge at Østergård Kultur B&B, where Nordic breakfasts, quiet reading corners and intimate gatherings meet Læsø’s open countryside.
Restaurant Bakken
5.6 km
Casual island brasserie in the heart of Byrum, serving hearty, homey café dishes and local flavours to beach‑tired families and relaxed evening diners.
Modvind
8.7 km
Cozy harborfront inn and pizzeria where homemade food, sea views and laid-back island life come together in the heart of Østerby on Læsø.
Røget Læsø Fjæsing
8.7 km
Harborfront seafood and smoked-fish specialties in a modest, maritime eatery at Østerby Havn, bringing Læsø’s daily catch straight from local boats to your plate.
Frøken Madsen's Spisehus
28.4 km
Candlelit nostalgia and classic North Jutland cooking in a homely old-town restaurant by the river in charming Sæby.
Cafe Fru Olsen
30.0 km
Cozy Danish comfort food and homemade pastries in a family-friendly café with genuine hygge.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mormor's Kræmmerhus
3.8 km
Nostalgic ice-cream cafe and cosy gift shop perched above Vesterø Havn, serving classic Danish summer treats with harbour views on tranquil Læsø.
Langhorn Vin
3.9 km
Intimate harbourfront wine shop and bar on Læsø, pouring characterful bottles in a relaxed, maritime setting just steps from the Vesterø ferry and marina.
Lykke Læsø
3.9 km
A calm harbour-side boutique on Læsø blending Nordic fashion, soft knitwear and coastal-inspired home décor into a relaxed island shopping pause.
Vesterø Brugsforening A.m.b.a
3.9 km
Vesterø Brugsforening is Læsø’s welcoming supermarket and community hub, offering local produce and essentials in a lively harbor setting at Vesterø Havn.
Bobbyline
3.9 km
Harborfront clothing and coastal layers in the heart of Vesterø Havn, where relaxed island style meets the everyday life of Læsø’s main port.
OK Tank Vesterø Havn
3.9 km
Essential fuel and provisions hub at Læsø Island's primary harbor gateway.
Dagli'Brugsen
3.9 km
Harbour-front supermarket on Læsø, combining fresh bread, groceries, fuel and island essentials just steps from the ferry, marina and broad sandy beach.
XL-BYG Læsø Tømmerhandel A/S
3.9 km
Læsø's premier building materials and timber supplier serving island construction and renovation needs.
Læsø Økologi
4.0 km
Small island farm shop in Vesterø Mejeriby, showcasing organic produce and local flavours that capture the quiet, culinary character of Læsø.
Læsø Mølle
4.0 km
Small but essential organic store in Vesterø Mejeriby, offering island staples and local flavours for cottage kitchens, picnics and everyday Læsø life.
Læsø Håndarbejde v/Marianne Ishøy
4.1 km
A cosy island craft shop where Læsø’s wool traditions meet handcrafted jewelry, gemstones and personal stories in the heart of Vesterø Havn.
Læsø Tang
4.8 km
Intimate Læsø farm shop and seaweed kitchen where Nordic coastal tradition, vegetarian cooking, and sustainable island produce meet in every jar and plate.
Tofteladen I/S
4.8 km
Intimate island culture boutique on Læsø, blending handcrafted design with seaweed delicacies from the surrounding sea in a cosy farm shop setting.
Spinderiets Butik
5.0 km
Intimate island yarn shop and knitwear boutique, showcasing more than a century of Læsø wool tradition in the heart of Byrum’s quietly charming main street.
Læsø Antik & Retro
5.2 km
Discover Læsø Antik & Retro, where vintage treasures, homemade treats, family fun, and the heartwarming spirit of Danish island life come together in one unique venue.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bergs Kartofler
3.9 km
Tiny harborfront stand bar on Læsø’s Vesterø Havn, serving simple drinks, sea views and a slice of everyday island harbor life in an easygoing setting.
Læsø Mejeri
5.6 km
Unpretentious island creamery and bar in Byrum, where Læsø’s local milk, cheeses and everyday life come together in a relaxed, village setting.
John Bull
30.7 km
English-style harbor pub blending maritime character with classic pub hospitality in Frederikshavn's waterfront district.
Freddy´s Bar
30.8 km
Cozy harbourfront bar in Frederikshavn with live music, a generous beer selection, and laid-back Danish pub vibes just steps from the ferry terminal.
JOY´S PUB
30.8 km
Cozy harborfront neighborhood bar in Frederikshavn with affordable drinks, local atmosphere and occasional live music on late-opening weekend nights.
Two Step Up v / Brian Jensen
30.9 km
Frederikshavn's legendary late-night bar where locals and travelers unite over live music and Danish drinks until dawn.
Frederikshavner Kroen
30.9 km
No‑frills Danish pub in central Frederikshavn, pouring cheap beer, late‑night drinks and plenty of local atmosphere in a compact, well‑worn bar room.
Flying Hirsch
30.9 km
High-energy after-ski bar in central Frederikshavn, serving playful drinks, loud music and alpine party vibes late into the night.
Lygten I/S
30.9 km
Old-school Danish "brown" beer hall in central Frederikshavn, serving inexpensive drinks, thick pub atmosphere and local colour from early morning to late night.
Peder Wessel v/Lisbeth Wagner
30.9 km
Traditional, inexpensive neighbourhood bar on central Søndergade, offering no-frills drinks, cosy maritime character and an easygoing slice of Frederikshavn nightlife.
Bangsbo Brewing Company
30.9 km
Intimate nanobrewery crafting rotating small-batch Danish beers in a welcoming taproom.
Café Pitstop Frederikshavn
30.9 km
Relaxed café-bar hybrid on Skippergade blending sports, karaoke and pub vibes in a down-to-earth local hangout in Frederikshavn.
Sportsbaren Frederikshavn
31.0 km
Lively central Frederikshavn sports bar with wall-to-wall matches, cold beers, betting, slot machines and pool in a relaxed, down-to-earth Danish pub atmosphere.
Munken v/Aase Pedersen
31.0 km
Traditional Danish bar in the heart of Frederikshavn, offering straightforward drinks, long opening hours and a cosy glimpse into local everyday pub life.
Ship Inn ApS
31.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Frederikshavn, serving inexpensive drinks and harbor-town vibes in a compact, maritime-flavored setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Nature Escape
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Eco-Friendly
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Nature Enthusiasts
