Skelsnæs Pavilion
A 19th-century forest pavilion overlooking Denmark's most island-dotted lakes and richest birdlife.
A charming Golden Age pavilion nestled in the forest on the Skelsnæs peninsula, overlooking the Maribo Lakes in southeastern Denmark. This 19th-century structure offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by pristine nature, rich birdlife, and historic manor landscapes. Accessible by hiking trail or boat tour, it serves as a focal point for exploring one of Denmark's most ecologically significant lake systems.
A brief summary to Skelsnæs-pavillionen
- Søholtvej, Maribo, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during spring and early summer (April to September) to observe white-tailed eagles and ospreys. The Anemonen tour boat operates May through September, offering guided three-hour lake tours with high probability of eagle sightings.
- Combine your visit with the Søholt Estate's Baroque garden and café, which operates Friday through Sunday. The estate is adjacent to the pavilion and offers refreshments and historical context.
- Bring binoculars and a bird identification guide. The area's international importance for birdlife means patient observation often rewards visitors with sightings of rare species.
- Choose the 4.5-kilometre shorter loop if time is limited, or the full 9.5-kilometre Søholt Storskov trail for a deeper forest experience. Both routes are well-marked and suitable for moderate fitness levels.
- Download the Naturlandet app before visiting for detailed route maps, real-time information, and additional context about flora, fauna, and cultural heritage sites throughout the nature park.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Hiking from Søholt Estate
The Søholt Storskov hiking trail begins near the Søholt Estate parking area. The full route is approximately 9.5 kilometres and takes 2.5 to 3 hours at a moderate pace. The trail passes through forest and reaches the Skelsnæs Pavilion, with an option to continue to the Pumping Station picnic area. A shorter 4.5-kilometre loop returns from the pavilion. The route is well-marked and suitable for most fitness levels. Parking is available at the Pumping Station or near the Søholt Estate.
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Anemonen Tour Boat
The Anemonen tour boat operates from May through September, departing from a dock in the Maribo Lakes area. The three-hour guided tour includes a landing at the Skelsnæs peninsula where the pavilion is located. The boat tour offers excellent opportunities for observing white-tailed eagles and other bird species. Tours depart on scheduled dates; advance booking is recommended. Estimated cost is approximately 200–250 Danish kroner per adult.
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Cycling Route
The Maribo Lakes Nature Park offers multiple cycling routes that pass through or near the Skelsnæs area. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, suitable for recreational cyclists. Routes can be customized using the Naturlandet app, which provides detailed maps and distance information. Cycling typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the pavilion from central Maribo, depending on the chosen route.
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Kayaking or Canoeing
Kayak and canoe rentals are available in the Maribo Lakes area. Paddling to the Skelsnæs peninsula offers a water-level perspective of the lakes and surrounding landscape. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on starting point and paddling speed. This option is weather-dependent and requires basic water safety skills. Rental costs typically range from 150–300 Danish kroner per day.
Skelsnæs-pavillionen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Skelsnæs-pavillionen
A Golden Age Gem in the Forest
The Skelsnæs Pavilion stands as an elegant reminder of Denmark's Golden Age, a period of cultural and architectural flourishing in the 19th century. Positioned on the Skelsnæs peninsula within the Maribo Lakes Nature Park, this refined structure emerges from the surrounding forest like a portal to a more leisurely era. The pavilion's architectural grace reflects the refined tastes of the era, offering visitors a tangible connection to Denmark's heritage while providing a serene vantage point over the interconnected lake system. The pavilion's location was deliberately chosen to showcase the natural beauty of the Maribo Lakes, allowing visitors of that era to experience the landscape in comfort and style. Today, it remains a cherished landmark that bridges history and nature, drawing both cultural enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers to this remote corner of Lolland.Gateway to Denmark's Most Island-Dotted Lakes
The Skelsnæs Pavilion sits at the heart of the Maribo Lakes Nature Park, a protected area encompassing four interconnected freshwater lakes: Søndersø, Hejrede Sø, Røgbølle Sø, and Nørresø. Together, these lakes form one of Denmark's largest freshwater systems, covering approximately 1,140 hectares of water surface. Søndersø, the largest lake, is Denmark's most island-dotted lake, consisting of three basins and creating a landscape of remarkable complexity and beauty. The surrounding terrain tells the story of Denmark's glacial past. The hilly landscape, with elevations reaching above 20 metres, was formed by enormous blocks of ice left by glaciers during the last ice age. As these ice blocks melted, they created the natural depressions that now hold the lakes, resulting in a landscape distinctly different from the flatter regions of Lolland.A Sanctuary for Rare and Magnificent Birdlife
The Maribo Lakes area is internationally recognized for its exceptional birdlife, making the Skelsnæs Pavilion an ideal observation point for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts. The region supports Denmark's largest population of white-tailed eagles, impressive raptors that can be observed year-round. Between April and September, ospreys join the resident eagles, adding another layer of avian diversity to the landscape. Beyond these majestic birds of prey, the area hosts an unusually rich variety of species including greylag geese, common pochards, and all four Danish species of grebe. The unique combination of open water, reed beds, woodlands, and meadows creates ideal habitats for numerous species, making every visit a potential opportunity for memorable wildlife encounters.Exploring the Søholt Estate and Historic Landscape
The Skelsnæs Pavilion serves as a gateway to the broader cultural and historical narrative of the Maribo Lakes region. Nearby stands the Søholt Estate, a Renaissance Revival manor house dating to 1804, which anchors the landscape with centuries of aristocratic heritage. The estate's Baroque garden, open to the public, represents another layer of historical significance and aesthetic refinement. The forest surrounding the pavilion, known as Søholt Storskov, was acquired by the Aage V. Jensen Nature Foundation in 2019, ensuring its protection and sustainable management. This forest area exhibits high biodiversity, with many rare plant and animal species thriving in its protected environment. The integration of cultural heritage sites, historic estates, and pristine natural areas creates a landscape where human history and nature coexist in remarkable harmony.Access and Visitor Experience
The pavilion is accessible via multiple routes, making it adaptable to different preferences and abilities. The popular Søholt Storskov hiking trail, approximately 9.5 kilometres in length, winds through the forest and passes the pavilion, offering a full immersion in the landscape. For those preferring a shorter walk, a 4.5-kilometre route turns around at the pavilion. The Anemonen tour boat, operating from May to September, provides an alternative approach, landing on the Skelsnæs peninsula and offering a three-hour guided experience of the lakes with opportunities to observe white-tailed eagles and other bird species. The pavilion's location within the Søholt Storskov forest ensures a sense of remoteness and tranquility, despite its accessibility. The surrounding woodland provides shelter and shade, while the proximity to water and open vistas creates a balanced natural environment that appeals to visitors seeking both solitude and connection with nature.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Ravnsby Bakker
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Mindbjergs
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Diocese of Lolland–Falster
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Hotel Falster
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Unmissable attractions to see
Søholt Barokhave
1.2 km
Step into a restored Baroque world of hedged alleys, fountains and orchards beside Søholt Manor on the tranquil shores of the Maribo Lakes near Maribo.
Relic of the Castle Revshale
1.5 km
Subtle earthworks on a tiny lake island where a once-mighty royal fortress fell in 1256, now softened by reeds, birdsong and the quiet waters of Maribo’s nature park.
Maribo Cathedral
4.3 km
Lakeside Gothic cathedral in Maribo, born as a Bridgettine monastery church and now a serene window onto Danish medieval faith, royal drama and monastic heritage.
Naturpark Maribosøerne
4.5 km
Island-dotted lakes, soaring sea eagles and gently rolling manor landscapes meet in this protected nature park on Lolland, inviting slow exploration by trail and water.
Stiftsmuseum Maribo
4.5 km
A compact island museum where a Stone Age girl, medieval church art and rune stones tell 10,000 years of Lolland-Falster stories under one historic roof.
Frilandsmuseet - De gamle Huse
4.7 km
Step 200 years back in time among thatched farmsteads and Denmark’s oldest post mill, set beside the tranquil lakes and birdlife of Maribo Lakes Nature Park.
Lolland
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Denmark's rural island sanctuary where safari wildlife, medieval history, and contemporary art converge amid coastal beauty.
Knuthenborg Safaripark
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Naturlig på Korsgaarden
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Krenkerup Estate
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Denmark's grandest estate: seven centuries of nobility, architecture, and heritage on 3,700 hectares.
Limpopoland Knuthenborg
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Lolland-Falster Airport
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A friendly general aviation airfield in the fields of Lolland, where local clubs, small aircraft and big skies create a quietly captivating gateway to southern Denmark.
Evolution Museet
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Polakkasernen
10.3 km
Europe's only museum honoring the Polish beet workers who shaped Lolland's agricultural legacy
Lungholm
10.5 km
Historic Lolland manor estate where neoclassical architecture, working farmland and emerging coastal nature reserves meet in a quietly atmospheric countryside setting.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Victoria
4.2 km
Maribo's friendly gathering place for quality café fare and warm hospitality in a spacious, welcoming setting.
Pin Sushi
4.2 km
Compact Japanese restaurant in central Maribo serving approachable sushi, warm wok dishes and takeaway platters in a casual, budget‑friendly setting.
Café Vin og Brød
4.4 km
Neighbourhood bakery, relaxed café and intimate wine cellar in one, Café Vin og Brød is Maribo’s cosy all‑day living room on the town square.
Restaurant China House
4.4 km
Casual Chinese and sushi buffet in central Maribo, offering inexpensive, all‑you‑can‑eat comfort food in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting close to the town’s main sights.
Restaurant Bangs Have
4.5 km
Historic 1911 lake pavilion on Maribo Søerne, serving classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with sweeping views of the water and surrounding woodland.
Godstedlund Bed & Breakfast
4.8 km
Adults-only countryside manor on Lolland combining boutique interiors, serene gardens and quiet Danish village charm in an intimate bed & breakfast setting.
Landsbyen Våbensted
5.0 km
Homely village restaurant on rural Lolland, serving hearty Danish fare and offering a relaxed pause between Sakskøbing and the open fields.
Restaurant B
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Intimate French-inspired bistro in central Maribo, serving hearty European classics, generous portions and relaxed, candlelit dinners on Vesterbrogade.
Oreby Kro
9.1 km
Classic Danish country inn-restaurant on Sakskøbing Fjord, serving seasonal local dishes in cozy historic rooms and on a fjord-facing terrace at Orebygaard.
Det Gamle Pakhus
14.4 km
Historic granary warehouse serving refined seasonal seafood in intimate waterfront elegance.
Restaurant Ö
14.8 km
Intimate harbourfront dining in a cosy fisherman’s house, showcasing seasonal Lolland produce and Baltic flavours in a single thoughtfully crafted set menu.
La Sevillana by Marni
16.0 km
Cozy Spanish-style tapas and hearty plates beside the Rødbyhavn ferry, blending Andalusian warmth with Danish harbour atmosphere on Lolland’s south coast.
Thorlins spisested
16.6 km
Cosy farm-to-table dining and a well-stocked gårdbutik on rural Lolland, where local meats, charcuterie and preserves showcase the flavours of the surrounding fields.
Cocomarie, Bistro & Café
17.4 km
Historic farmhouse bistro serving locally sourced cuisine and craft coffee in Guldborg.
Brasseriet Søllestedgaard
19.1 km
Farm-to-table dining where biodynamic gardens meet craft brewery in rural Denmark.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ledam
4.2 km
Modern women’s shoe and clothing boutique on Maribo’s main street, blending Scandinavian everyday style with small-town Danish charm and convenient central browsing.
Lollands Centret
4.2 km
Maribo's modern shopping destination with diverse retailers, dining, and services in the heart of the cathedral town.
Boline Chokolade
4.2 km
Cosy, owner-run chocolatier in Maribo’s Lollands Centret, specialising in handcrafted pralines, flødeboller and gift-ready chocolate assortments with a Danish twist.
Kop & Kande
4.2 km
Well-stocked Danish homeware and gift shop in Lollands Centret, ideal for kitchen essentials, tableware and presents in the heart of small-town Maribo.
Bog & idé og Legekæden
4.2 km
Denmark's premier bookstore chain blending literature, games, and lifestyle products in a welcoming retail environment.
Legekæden
4.2 km
A compact, colorful toy store in Maribo’s Lollandscentret, offering classic games, creative play and convenient gift shopping for families on Lolland.
Hobbydillen
4.2 km
Small, independent hobby shop in Maribo’s Lollands Centret, specializing in paper craft and cardmaking supplies for everyday creativity and personal handmade projects.
Butik No17
4.2 km
Local clothing and sportswear boutique on Østergade in Maribo, offering practical Scandi-casual style and a relaxed small-town shopping experience.
By Emma
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Casa Bohr
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Broderimagasinet
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Mothers' Aid Op Shop
4.3 km
Affordable secondhand children's essentials supporting Maribo's family community.
Leonora
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A small, relaxed fashion boutique in central Maribo, offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday clothing and accessories in a calm, personal setting.
Modehjørnet
4.5 km
A small-town Maribo clothing boutique offering everyday Scandinavian style, personal service, and a relaxed shopping pause in the heart of Vestergade.
Guldsmed Kelø
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A traditional Maribo goldsmith where Danish craftsmanship, timeless design and everyday town life meet in an intimate jewellery boutique on Vestergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
City Rock
4.2 km
Maribo's lively brasserie and arcade bar where locals gather for craft drinks, pub classics, and vintage gaming.
Munk Stuen
4.3 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Maribo, serving classic drinks and local atmosphere just a short stroll from the town’s cathedral and lakeside paths.
Pillen Maribo
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Maribo Mc
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Relaxed local bar on the edge of Sakskøbing, serving easygoing drinks and simple bites in a cosy, living-room-style setting on Lolland.
Goose-pub
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Casual wine bar in the heart of Sakskøbing's main street, open daily until midnight.
Defectors MC Lolland Falster
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Rural biker clubhouse on Lolland-Falster where motorcycles, camaraderie and a simple bar meet far from the usual city nightlife.
Valhall
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Casual neighbourhood bar in central Rødby, serving cold beers and simple drinks from late morning to evening in a friendly, small-town Lolland atmosphere.
Kaspers landsted
16.0 km
A cosy 19th‑century villa turned intimate rock and party venue, where Sakskøbing’s locals gather for house‑party vibes, live music and laid‑back nights.
Bodega Slap A
16.2 km
Casual waterfront bar in Rødby's harbor district—a relaxed social hub for drinks and dining.
Bodega Overfarten
16.3 km
Harborfront Danish bodega in Rødby, where locals, ferry workers and travelers share cold beers and warm conversation steps from the working port.
Vinoteque Marittima
19.9 km
Floating wine and coffee bar on Nykøbing Falster’s harbor, blending intimate maritime charm with carefully chosen drinks, small plates and sunset-ready deck seating.
FUND BAR
20.1 km
Waterfront cocktails, Nordic design and a smoke-free, sociable atmosphere on Nykøbing Falster’s marina-facing Slotsbryggen promenade.
Fortuna
20.2 km
Cosy, no-frills Danish bodega in central Nykøbing Falster, where cold beer, warm conversation and unhurried evenings capture the spirit of local nightlife.
Slottet Værtshus
20.2 km
Unpretentious Danish bodega on Slotsgade where locals, regulars and curious visitors share cold beers, billiards games and late‑night jukebox tunes.
Cafe Slotsgården V/Brian Fog Ipsen
20.2 km
Experience Danish hospitality at Cafe Slotsgården, Nykøbing Falster's cozy beer hall with a rustic charm and diverse beer selection.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Første sted
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Compact, music-driven nightclub on central Slotsgade, offering an intimate, local slice of Nykøbing Falster’s late-night dancing and drinks scene.
N.Y.K. Event
20.7 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Nykøbing Falster, mixing strong drinks, loud beats and a sociable dance floor that runs into the early morning.
Billy Booze
20.7 km
Compact late-night disco in Nykøbing Falster with inexpensive drinks, loud hits and a casual dance floor vibe from Thursday to Saturday.
Loke MC - Helheim
22.8 km
Rural Danish biker clubhouse with Norse-mythology flair, offering intimate late-night gatherings, loud rock playlists and a no-frills bar far from mainstream nightlife.
CLUB ZANZI
28.7 km
High‑energy waterfront nightclub bringing big‑city beats, flashing lights and late‑night dancing to the heart of coastal Nakskov.
Gedser Lighthouse
33.4 km
Explore Denmark's southernmost lighthouse, offering panoramic Baltic Sea views and rich maritime history.
Step Inn I / S
55.2 km
Step Inn I / S is a centrally located Næstved bar offering a relaxed setting for drinks, socializing, and local nightlife with a distinctly Danish twist.
Bar z
55.2 km
Næstved's welcoming nightclub for Thursday-to-Saturday evening gatherings and social entertainment.
The Old Irish Pub
55.2 km
A vibrant Irish-themed pub in the heart of Næstved, offering live music, sports, draught beer, and a lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Crazy Daisy Næstved
55.2 km
High‑energy weekend nightclub in central Næstved, packing loud beats, flashing lights and a late‑night local crowd into a compact, classic Danish town‑club setting.
The Beach
55.3 km
The Beach is Næstved’s top karaoke bar, renowned for its vibrant ambiance, creative drinks, and a lineup of crowd-pleasing singalong nights in the city center.
Avenue Næstved
55.3 km
Lively nightspot and flexible event hall in central Næstved, mixing dancefloor energy, festive dinners, stand-up comedy and themed parties under one roof.
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
55.3 km
Experience live jazz in the heart of Næstved at Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub, where music and history harmonize.
Langelands Jazzklub
56.9 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Kasket karl
57.8 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Nature Escape
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- 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
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Couple Friendly