Hyllested Bjerge

Rolling Hills on the Edge of Stubbe Lake

Hyllested Bjerge sits in the northeastern part of Mols Bjerge National Park, in the rural belt between Ebeltoft, Gravlev and the village of Hyllested. Despite the name, these are modest Danish "mountains": softly undulating hills rising above fields, meadows and patches of woodland. From the higher points you look south towards Stubbe Sø, Djursland’s largest lake, and across a quietly cultivated countryside backed by more distant ridgelines. The terrain here is a textbook example of how ice shaped the peninsula. Glacial deposits left behind a sequence of ridges and old coastal cliffs that now appear as long, graceful slopes rather than dramatic peaks. As you walk, you move between former shoreline ledges, shallow hollows and drier hilltops, each supporting slightly different vegetation and offering new angles on the surrounding national park.

Nature Camp in a Modest Wilderness

Tucked between Gravlev and Hyllested you will find the simple nature camp that carries the Hyllested Bjerge name. It lies north of Stubbe Lake, a short detour from local trails, and is aimed at hikers and cyclists rather than fully serviced campers. Expect a basic clearing among the trees with room for tents, rustic seating and a nearby fire site where small, controlled cooking fires are allowed when conditions permit. Facilities are intentionally sparse to keep the area feeling wild and to encourage low-impact use. Firewood can be gathered from the forest floor, adding to the self-sufficient feel of a night out. Birdsong, rustling leaves and the occasional crackle from a campfire replace urban noise, and on clear evenings the lack of strong artificial light gives surprisingly good views of the night sky for such a low-lying landscape.

Trails Linking Forest, Fields and Lake

Hyllested Bjerge forms part of a wider mesh of paths running through Mols Bjerge National Park. Waymarked routes nearby connect towards Jernhatten on the coast, Bagskoven forest and the level Ebeltoft–Gravlev nature path that follows an old railway line. Short loops allow gentle strolls among the trees, while longer circuits of 10–12 km combine hills, lake views and stretches of quiet country roads. Underfoot, the trails range from soft forest paths threaded with roots to farm tracks between fields. Gradients are modest but can be surprisingly steady on some slopes, especially after rain when clay soils hold moisture. This makes the area appealing both to families looking for manageable walks and to more experienced hikers linking Hyllested Bjerge into multi-day explorations of the national park.

Plants, Wildlife and Seasonal Changes

The mosaic of habitats around Hyllested Bjerge supports a mix of conifer stands, deciduous trees such as beech and oak, and open grassland kept in check by grazing. In spring, fresh greens spread through the woods while skylarks and other farmland birds provide a constant soundtrack over the fields. Summer brings lush undergrowth and good chances of spotting butterflies along sunlit edges and glades. Autumn shifts the palette towards gold and russet as leaves drop to the forest floor, making this one of the most atmospheric times for walking. Wet hollows and damp meadows can turn muddy, but this only underlines the area’s natural character. Throughout the year, you may glimpse roe deer slipping through the trees or hear owls at night if you stay over at the camp.

Quiet Escape Close to Ebeltoft

Part of Hyllested Bjerge’s appeal is how rural it feels despite lying within convenient reach of Ebeltoft and major routes across Djursland. There are no visitor centres, cafés or busy attractions here—just modest hills, scattered farms and the sense of being slightly off the main track. It works well as a contemplative half-day outing, a scenic stop on a wider road trip, or an overnight pause on a longer hike or bike tour. The atmosphere is understated and unhurried. Instead of showpiece viewpoints, you find low stone banks, wind-shaped trees and field edges alive with small details. For travellers who value simple landscapes, fresh air and the chance to sit quietly beside a campfire after a day on the trail, Hyllested Bjerge offers exactly the kind of low-key charm that defines much of Denmark’s countryside.