Østre Foldgårdsø, Højsande & Holtemmen Nature Reserve

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.

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Østre Foldgårdsø

Østre Foldgårdsø lies within the protected Højsande and Holtemmen area in Læsø Klitplantage, on the northern half of Læsø. Here, towering inland dunes up to around 20–24 meters, heathland, scattered birch and oak, and wind-shaped pines create a wild yet gentle landscape shaped by centuries of sand drift. This quiet nature preserve offers peaceful walks, evocative island history, and opportunities to spot coastal birds and varied plant life in a distinctive Danish dune environment.

A brief summary to Østre Foldgårdsø

Læsø Municipality, 9940, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Local tips

Wear sturdy footwear suitable for loose sand and uneven dune paths; some sections can be surprisingly steep and tiring despite modest elevations.
Bring drinking water and a snack, as there are no facilities, shops or cafés within the protected dunes and plantation area.
In warmer months, watch where you step and avoid handling wildlife, as adders are common across Læsø’s heath and dune landscapes.
Check local information on seasonal nature restrictions elsewhere on Læsø, especially near bird reserves, and follow any posted guidance at trailheads.
Allow at least 1–2 hours for an unhurried circular walk through the dunes and plantation so you can fully enjoy the atmosphere and viewpoints.

Getting There

Car from Vesterø Havn on Læsø

From the ferry arrival at Vesterø Havn, reaching the Højsande and Østre Foldgårdsø area by car typically takes 15–25 minutes, using the island’s main roads through the interior. The route follows paved roads almost all the way, with the final approach on narrower forest or gravel access roads leading into Læsø Klitplantage. There are usually small informal parking areas or lay-bys near plantation entrances, but these can be limited in size and may be soft after rain. Driving is free aside from fuel costs, and there are no tolls on local roads. Once parked, expect to continue on foot along forest tracks and sandy paths to reach the dunes, which can be uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs.
Bicycle from Læsø villages

Cycling from central villages such as Byrum or Vesterø to the Højsande area is a realistic and scenic option, generally taking 20–40 minutes each way depending on your starting point and pace. The island has relatively light traffic and a mix of smaller paved roads and gravel stretches leading toward the plantation. Bicycles can be brought on the ferry from the mainland for a modest extra fee, typically in the range of 30–60 DKK each way. Surfaces are mostly flat but wind can be strong, so allow extra time and bring layers. Near the plantation, you may need to leave your bike at the forest edge and continue on foot along sandy tracks that are better walked than ridden.
Walking from nearby plantation access points

If you are already in or close to Læsø Klitplantage, you can reach Østre Foldgårdsø on foot via a network of forest and dune paths. Depending on your exact starting point within the plantation, walking times typically range from 20 minutes to over an hour. Paths are a mix of compacted forest tracks and loose, sometimes steep sandy sections on the dunes, so this option suits visitors comfortable with moderate terrain. There is no charge for access, but the area can feel remote, and waymarking may be sparse in places. Carry a simple map or offline navigation and be prepared for changeable coastal weather, with limited shelter once you are among the dunes.

Østre Foldgårdsø location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Any Weather
Windy Conditions
Cold Weather

Discover more about Østre Foldgårdsø

Sandscapes at the Heart of Læsø

Højsande and the small area around Østre Foldgårdsø sit in the middle of Læsø Klitplantage, the island’s great dune plantation on its northern half. This is one of the oldest parts of the island, where land uplift has raised former seabed into dry heights. Over time, powerful winds sculpted the loose sand into impressive inland dunes, some reaching more than 20 meters above sea level – strikingly high in an otherwise low-lying region. Walking here, you move through a landscape of ridges, hollows and gentle slopes that constantly shift with light and weather. Although it feels remote, the area is carefully protected as part of a wider nature reserve. Paths wind through the plantation and give access on foot to the dunes and heath, while grazing and selective tree management help keep the open character that makes the place so distinctive.

Traces of Sand Drift and Salt History

The wild forms of Højsande are not only a natural phenomenon; they also tell a story of human impact. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Læsø’s intensive sea-salt production demanded vast quantities of firewood. As forests disappeared, people also cut heather and peat for fuel. With little vegetation left to hold the soil, sand drift swept across the island’s north, burying fields, farms and even church sites under moving dunes. Højsande is one of the most tangible reminders of this period, its ridges a permanent record of those storms and shortages. Later, extensive planting of conifers and other trees stabilized the area and created the present-day plantation. Today’s conservation rules prevent building or cultivation, ensuring that the dunes, heath and woodland mosaics remain largely unchanged, even as modest nature management continues.

Heath, Woodland and Coastal Wildlife

The terrain around Østre Foldgårdsø is a patchwork of habitats. Dry ridges carry purple heather, crowberry and patches of reindeer moss, while hollows and wetter spots hold sedges, mosses and occasional bog pools. Stands of Scots pine, birch and oak soften the scene, providing shelter and contrast against open sand. In late summer and early autumn, the area glows with flowering heath and warm colours. Wildlife thrives in this varied setting. Adders are quite common across Læsø and can be encountered here on warm days, basking near paths or slipping into heather. Along the nearby coast and open shore, you may see cormorants drying their wings, eiders bobbing offshore, and waders probing the tideline. Gulls and terns patrol the sky, linking the dune interior with the surrounding Kattegat seascape.

Walking Among the Inland Dunes

For visitors, the appeal of Østre Foldgårdsø and Højsande lies in the simple pleasure of wandering. Narrow sandy tracks and forest paths rise and fall over the dune backs, sometimes opening suddenly onto broad views over treetops and out toward the sea. Underfoot, the ground can be loose and uneven, demanding sturdy footwear and a steady pace, especially on steeper sections of the higher ridges. There are no major built attractions or facilities within the protected core, which keeps the atmosphere quiet and contemplative. The soundscape is dominated by wind in the pines, rustling birch leaves and birdsong. On calm days, you may hear the distant surf from the northern coast; in stronger winds, the dunes themselves seem to hum.

Protected Nature on an Island of Reserves

Østre Foldgårdsø forms part of a network of protected areas across Læsø that include dune systems, heath, wetlands and shallow coastal waters. Much of this broader landscape is designated under European nature protection schemes for its birdlife and rare coastal habitats. Within Højsande and Holtemmen, the focus is on keeping the dune and heathland character, while allowing quiet public access on foot. Signs at plantation edges and information from the municipality explain local rules and seasonal considerations, such as restrictions in sensitive bird areas closer to the shore. Visitors are encouraged to stay on paths where possible, avoid disturbing wildlife and respect grazing animals that help maintain the open terrain.

Planning a Calm Nature Escape

Because the reserve lies in the island’s interior, it pairs well with a wider exploration of Læsø’s beaches, saltworks heritage and small villages. A visit here is not about ticking off a single viewpoint, but about taking an hour or two to slow down, breathe the resin-scented air and sense how wind, sand and human history have shaped this northern island. With no shops or cafés inside the protection area, it is wise to bring water and perhaps a snack, dress for changeable coastal weather, and give yourself time simply to enjoy the quiet rhythms of this unusual Danish dune landscape.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

The Lady From The Sea

30.6 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

32.9 km

A deep-water working harbour where ferries, shipyards and offshore giants share the waterfront, shaping the maritime heart of Frederikshavn.

Frederikshavn St.

33.6 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

33.7 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

33.8 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

33.8 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

34.0 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

34.8 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

39.6 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.

Vinga

49.9 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.

Skagen Havn

52.9 km

A bustling North Sea harbour where fishing fleets, cruise liners and a cosy marina meet under Skagen’s famous northern light.

Enjoy Skagen

53.5 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

53.7 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.

Brøndums Hotel

53.7 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

53.8 km

Denmark's northernmost railway station, where historic yellow architecture meets the gateway to two seas.

Unmissable attractions to see

Horneks Odde

1.7 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.

Nordmarken

2.4 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

2.4 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 stenen

2.6 km

Discover the rich heritage of Læsø through maritime tales, saltworks history, and iconic seaweed-roofed traditions at the heart of charming Byrum village.

Højsande Holtemmen

3.3 km

Protected dune landscape where 24-meter sand dunes, rare plants, and Stone Age cliffs reveal Læsø's wild and ancient character.

Læsø Airfield

3.7 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.

Holtemmen

4.3 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.

Kærene

4.6 km

Denmark's pristine protected wetland where heathland, small lakes, and rare bog plants create an unspoiled natural sanctuary.

Læsø Museum, Hedvigs Hus

5.1 km

A lovingly preserved seaweed-roofed farmhouse where Læsø’s rural past, drained fields and simple island interiors tell the story of life shaped by sea and soil.

Hotel Nygaard

5.2 km

Historic island farmhouse turned cosy country hotel, with Nordic cuisine, green gardens and apartment-style rooms in the tranquil heart of Læsø.

Læsø Marina Park

5.2 km

Relaxed island holiday park just behind Østerby Havn’s marina, blending simple cabins, harbour life and easy access to Læsø’s beaches and coastal landscapes.

Rhododendronstien

5.6 km

A thousand blooming rhododendrons paint Læsø's most enchanting walking trail in vibrant seasonal splendor.

Læsø Museum, Museumshuset

6.0 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

6.1 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

6.8 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.

Candlelit nostalgia and classic North Jutland cooking in a homely old-town restaurant by the river in charming Sæby.

Cafe Fru Olsen

33.1 km

Cozy Danish comfort food and homemade pastries in a family-friendly café with genuine hygge.

Small-batch island skincare in a rural farm setting, where natural ingredients, gentle fragrances and local stories turn everyday self-care into a Læsø-made souvenir.

Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Frederikshavn, serving inexpensive drinks and harbor-town vibes in a compact, maritime-flavored setting.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Østre Foldgårdsø, Højsande & Holtemmen Nature Reserve

A brief summary to Østre Foldgårdsø

Local tips

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

Getting There

Car from Vesterø Havn on Læsø

Bicycle from Læsø villages

Walking from nearby plantation access points

Østre Foldgårdsø location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Østre Foldgårdsø

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Østre Foldgårdsø

Sandscapes at the Heart of Læsø

Traces of Sand Drift and Salt History

Heath, Woodland and Coastal Wildlife

Walking Among the Inland Dunes

Protected Nature on an Island of Reserves

Planning a Calm Nature Escape

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

The Lady From The Sea

Port of Frederikshavn

Frederikshavn St.

Frederikshavn Church

Fisketorvet

Cafe' Feen

Frederikshavn Sogn

Bunker Ved Palmestranden

Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen

Vinga

Skagen Havn

Enjoy Skagen

Galleri Bo

Brøndums Hotel

Skagen Station

Unmissable attractions to see

Horneks Odde

Nordmarken

Læsø Fiskesø

Læsø stenen

Højsande Holtemmen

Læsø Airfield

Holtemmen

Kærene

Læsø Museum, Hedvigs Hus

Hotel Nygaard

Læsø Marina Park

Rhododendronstien

Læsø Museum, Museumshuset

Thorvald Hansens tårn

Storhavens Gårdbutik

Essential places to dine

Orangeriet

Modvind

Røget Læsø Fjæsing

Restaurant Bakken

Den lille Deli

Restaurant Havnebakken

Carlsens Hotel

Majids Pizzaria

Grill-Cafeen Læsø v/ Bent Frimodt Andersen

Hummerens Hus Restaurant

Læsøfærgens Bistro

VesterØL

Cafe Læsø

Frøken Madsen's Spisehus

Cafe Fru Olsen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Læsø Tang

Tofteladen I/S

HUSET PALSGAARD

Min Købmand Læsø

ThorsenFisk

SuperBrugsen

Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug

Spinderiets Butik

Læsø Uldstue ApS

Læsøshoppen

Læsø Slagteren