Østre Foldgårdsø, Højsande & Holtemmen Nature Reserve

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.