Troldeskoven, Rold Skov’s Twisted Beech Forest
A compact corner of Rold Skov where centuries‑old beech trees twist into troll-like sculptures, blending folklore, forest history and quietly enchanting woodland atmosphere.
Hidden within North Jutland’s vast Rold Skov, Troldeskoven is a small, atmospheric beech woodland where centuries‑old trees have grown into fantastically twisted shapes that resemble trolls and mythical creatures. These gnarled “røllebøge” are among the forest’s oldest beeches, shaped by a unique combination of soil, climate, repeated coppicing and grazing. Paths thread quietly between multi‑stemmed trunks, natural arches and the legendary “eye trees”, creating an intimate, almost fairy‑tale corner of the forest ideal for slow walks, photography and quiet contemplation.
A brief summary to Troldeskoven
- Vælderskoven 11, Skørping, 9520, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-9 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-9 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-9 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-9 pm
- Friday 12 pm-9 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-9 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-9 pm
Local tips
- Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear; paths are easy but can be muddy and uneven, especially after rain, with roots and low branches to navigate.
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for softer light that highlights the twisted trunks and makes photography much more rewarding.
- Combine a short wander in Troldeskoven with a longer marked hike in Rold Skov to appreciate both the quirky beech grove and the surrounding landscapes.
- In autumn and winter, bring an extra layer; the dense canopy and low-lying terrain can feel noticeably cooler than open areas nearby.
- If visiting with children, turn the walk into a game by spotting ‘troll faces’ in the bark or counting how many trunks grow from a single tree.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Aalborg
From central Aalborg, driving to Troldeskoven near Skørping typically takes 35–45 minutes via main roads through North Jutland. The route uses well-maintained highways and local forest roads, suitable for standard cars year-round except in heavy snow. Parking is usually free in designated forest car parks near Rold Skov trailheads; from there, expect a short, signposted walk on forest paths to reach the crooked beech grove.
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Regional train and walk from Skørping
Regional trains run between Aalborg and Skørping several times per hour, with a journey time of about 20–25 minutes. A one-way adult ticket typically costs in the range of 40–70 DKK depending on time and ticket type. From Skørping station you can walk into Rold Skov in roughly 30–45 minutes on mixed pavement and forest tracks. The approach is gently undulating but may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility, especially in wet conditions.
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Bicycle from Skørping or Rebild area
Cycling from Skørping or the Rebild hills area to Troldeskoven usually takes 20–35 minutes each way, using a mix of quiet roads, gravel tracks and forest paths. A standard city or trekking bike is sufficient, though wider tyres are more comfortable on unpaved sections. There is no formal bike parking in the grove itself, so bring a lock and leave the bicycle at a nearby trailhead before continuing on foot. Forest routes can be muddy and slippery after rain, and good front and rear lights are essential outside daylight hours.
Troldeskoven location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Troldeskoven
An ancient forest corner with a fairy-tale twist
Troldeskoven lies in the heart of Rold Skov, Denmark’s largest contiguous forest, yet it feels like a self-contained world. Here the otherwise straight, dignified European beeches suddenly writhe, bend and loop into shapes that look more like frozen dancers or slumbering trolls than ordinary trees. The grove is compact, but every few steps reveal another sculptural trunk or natural arch, inviting you to wander slowly rather than stride through. Despite its modest size, this is one of the most distinctive pockets of woodland in northern Jutland. The light filters differently here, broken by layers of crooked branches, and even on bright days the mood is soft and slightly mysterious. Underfoot, a cushion of leaves and moss muffles sound, adding to the impression that you have stepped briefly out of everyday time.The curious life story of the ‘røllebøge’
The trees that give Troldeskoven its character are not young saplings distorted by chance, but some of Rold Skov’s very oldest beeches. Many are direct descendants of the first beeches that colonised this part of Denmark in the Middle Ages, and some are estimated to be more than 300 years old. Their tangled look is partly genetic: northern Jutland beeches have a particular ability to sprout vigorously from stump and root after felling. For centuries, people took advantage of this trait. Instead of clear-felling and replanting, foresters repeatedly cut the same trees and allowed them to reshoot, a practice known as coppicing. Over generations, this created multi-stemmed individuals – the so‑called “røllebøge” – with as many as twenty or thirty trunks radiating from a single root system. Combined with poor, sloping soils and grazing by livestock that nibbled young shoots, the result was trees forced into knots, loops and low, spreading forms that look almost designed.Legends, eye trees and royal anecdotes
Where trees grow strangely, stories tend to follow. In Troldeskoven, superstition once centred on the remarkable “eye trees”, where two or more twisting trunks fuse to form a ring you can see through. Folklore held that a child suffering from rickets – today known as vitamin D deficiency – could be cured by being passed through such a living hoop, symbolically leaving the illness behind in the tree. In the early 1950s this old belief intersected with modern royalty. As children, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe and her sisters were ceremonially passed through an eye tree here, a specimen that became known as the “Prinsessetræet”, or Princess Tree. Whether or not the ritual had any medical effect, it cemented Troldeskoven’s reputation as a place where nature, custom and a touch of magic meet in a uniquely Danish way.Walking among wooden trolls
For visitors today, Troldeskoven is above all a place to move slowly and look closely. Narrow forest paths loop around the grove, and there is no single prescribed circuit; you are free to meander between trunks, duck beneath low branches and circle your favourite trees. It is an easy, low‑level walk suitable for most abilities, though the natural surface can be uneven and muddy after rain. Many people find they spend as much time standing still as walking, tracing the lines of a particular trunk or picking out faces and creatures in the bark. The grove is especially atmospheric in mist, when individual trees loom out of the haze, and on calm days when birdsong and the rustle of leaves are the main sounds. Families often turn the visit into a gentle treasure hunt for the strangest shape or the best “troll tree”, while photographers can easily lose track of time working with curves, textures and filtered light.Seasons, light and the wider Rold Skov
Troldeskoven changes character dramatically with the seasons. In spring, tender green leaves soften the silhouettes but still leave the skeletal forms clearly visible. Summer brings a denser canopy and deep shade, perfect on hot days when the rest of the landscape feels exposed. Autumn adds a rich carpet of copper and gold, emphasising the forest’s sculptural lines, while in winter the bare branches turn the entire grove into a gallery of living calligraphy against pale skies. Although the twisted beeches are the highlight, Troldeskoven is also a natural gateway into the broader landscapes of Rold Skov and nearby heaths and hills. Many marked hiking routes pass close by, allowing you to combine an unhurried exploration of the crooked trees with longer woodland walks or a picnic among more conventional beech stands. Returning to the grove at the end of a day on the trails, those familiar contorted trunks feel almost like old acquaintances greeting you beneath their many-armed crowns.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel BramslevGaard
18.7 km
Experience tranquility and history at Hotel BramslevGaard, nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker by Mariager Fjord, offering gourmet dining, spa retreats, and easy access to Northern Jutland's natural wonders.
Restaurant BramslevGaard
18.7 km
Experience Danish history and gastronomy at BramslevGaard, a charming manor house nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker near Hobro, offering stunning views and French-inspired cuisine.
Mariager Fjord
19.8 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
20.2 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
21.4 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
21.6 km
Experience historic Danish charm and modern comfort at Hotel Postgaarden Mariager, nestled in the heart of the 'City of Roses' with easy access to Mariager Fjord's natural beauty.
Mariager Kirke
21.8 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Mariager Church
21.8 km
A towering former abbey church above Mariager Fjord, where Gothic brickwork, noble tombs and a distinctive Aubertin organ keep centuries of faith and history alive.
Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
21.9 km
Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's premier design museum.
Rosenhaven
22.0 km
Discover Rosenhaven in Mariager, Denmark: a serene city park with over 400 rose species, blending history and beauty for a tranquil escape in the 'City of Roses'.
Alstrup krat
22.0 km
Explore Alstrup Krat near Mariager: Hike through ancient forests, discover Bronze Age burial mounds, and enjoy stunning views of Mariager Fjord. A blend of history and nature awaits.
Munkholmanlægget
22.0 km
Discover Munkholmanlægget in Mariager: A historic park with tranquil nature, a charming lake, and a touch of whimsy, perfect for a peaceful escape and exploration.
Ivan Evigvår trold
22.1 km
Explore Ivan Evigvår Trold, a magical tourist attraction in Mariager, Denmark, where folklore meets artistry in a stunning natural setting.
Fyrkat Viking Museum
22.5 km
Explore the rich Viking heritage at Fyrkat Viking Museum in Hobro, Denmark, featuring interactive exhibits and authentic Viking reconstructions.
Havnø Gods
23.8 km
Discover the serene beauty of Havnø Gods, a historic Danish farm estate offering a tranquil escape into the countryside, complete with scenic trails and a glimpse into traditional agriculture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Skovtårnet
0.3 km
Modest in height but rich in views, Skovtårnet lifts you above Rold Skov’s twisted pines for wide horizons over Rebild’s hills and valleys in every season.
Rold Forest
0.4 km
Denmark’s largest contiguous forest: a rolling mosaic of springs, hills, rare orchids and historic tracks, inviting year‑round walking, cycling and quiet nature immersion.
Rold Storkro
0.5 km
Classic Danish forest inn with pool, mini-golf and panorama dining, set between Rold Skov’s deep woods and the rolling heath hills of Rebild Bakker.
Hvasstræet
0.6 km
A modest memorial tree in the depths of Rold Skov, Hvasstræet quietly honours forester Jens Hvass amid rustling conifers and tranquil North Jutland woodland.
Skillingbro kalkgrav
0.6 km
A quiet chalk quarry at the edge of Rold Skov where ancient seabed fossils, rare wildflowers and forest lore meet in a compact, hands-on slice of deep time.
Urskoven
0.8 km
Ancient beech forest untouched for centuries, where nature evolves freely in Denmark's largest woodland.
Lars Kjærs Hus
0.8 km
Tiny forest cottage, big folk tale: step into the poacher Lars Kjær’s world and his fortune-telling wife’s home in the hills of Rebild Bakker.
Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker
1.1 km
Octagonal fire shelter honoring Danish-American heritage in Rebild's protected hills.
Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center
1.1 km
An atmospheric limestone mine turned sculpture museum, paired with geology and Cold War exhibits in the Rebild hills, where art, stone, and history meet underground.
rebildsmykket.dk
1.1 km
Underground chalk mines, evocative sculpture and modern exhibitions meet scenic valley views at this compact cultural and landscape hub near Rebild Bakker.
Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
1.1 km
A carved Cimbrian bull in the heather-clad hills of Rebild Bakker, Kimbrerstenen links quiet North Jutland scenery with the far-reaching journeys of an ancient tribe.
Rebild National Park
1.2 km
Denmark's historic heathland where glacial hills meet Danish-American heritage and Europe's finest certified hiking trails.
Museum Rebild
1.3 km
Where Danish emigration stories meet transatlantic friendship in historic northern Jutland hills.
RebildPorten
1.3 km
Contemporary welcome center and terrace at the gateway to Rebild Hills and Rold Forest, where maps, stories and local insight prepare you for the landscape ahead.
VINGES VANDRING
1.3 km
Experience Denmark’s most iconic heathland vistas and heritage on the well-marked Kvalitetssti Rebild hiking trail in the legendary Rebild National Park.
Essential places to dine
Westernhuset
1.1 km
Skørping's premier venue for group celebrations and traditional Danish dining
Top Karens Hus
1.2 km
Historic countryside traktørsted at the gateway to Rebild Bakker, serving traditional Danish food, coffee and cake in intimate low‑ceilinged rooms and garden.
Rebildhus
1.3 km
Hearty Danish lunch and countryside charm on the edge of Rebild Bakker’s rolling hills, a relaxed restaurant base for walks, family outings and day trips.
Bb Rold
1.3 km
A homely little café and B&B-style retreat in a quiet Skørping street, offering simple comforts and easy access to the forests and hills of Rold Skov.
Røverstuen
1.4 km
Woodland restaurant at Rebild’s edge, where Danish comfort cooking, rustic interiors and forest legends combine into a relaxed, story-rich meal stop in Skørping.
Mosskovpavillonen
4.0 km
Historic forest pavilion serving French-Danish cuisine beside a pristine lake in North Jutland's natural heart.
Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin
4.0 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and kebab house in central Skørping, serving generous Danish-style pizzas, kebabs and grill favorites at moderate prices all week.
Restaurant Hul19
6.0 km
Laid-back Scandinavian clubhouse dining with sweeping views over Rold Skov Golfklub’s closing hole and the forested landscape beyond in Skørping.
Ice Sushi
7.1 km
Straightforward sushi takeaway on Hobrovej in Støvring, serving practical sharing boxes and casual eat-in options for easy weeknight dinners and road-trip stops.
Bella Italia Støvring
7.4 km
Cozy pizza and steakhouse on Støvring’s main street, serving generous Italian-inspired comfort food and easygoing Danish hospitality for locals and road‑trippers alike.
MesterBageren Støvring
7.5 km
Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.
MADUMSØHUS ISBAR
8.0 km
Homely countryside ice cream stop by Madum Lake, where classic Danish soft ice meets quiet Jutland landscapes and relaxed summer-evening vibes.
Burger King
9.2 km
Flame-grilled burgers and quick meals in rural Jutland's convenient fast-food hub.
Motorvejsgrillen
9.3 km
Old-school Danish roadside grill off the Nørager motorway, serving hearty burgers, fries and classic fast food to drivers, locals and truckers all week.
Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen
10.5 km
Rural North Jutland kitchen turning classic Danish farm recipes into hearty daily meals and generous buffets for locals, pensioners and countryside celebrations.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Vinhandel La BourGogne
0.5 km
Discover Vinhandel La BourGogne in Skørping: A curated selection of fine wines and expert guidance await wine enthusiasts.
Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus
1.3 km
A cosy vintage barn near Rebild Bakker packed with Danish design, retro furniture and quirky treasures for slow, sustainable treasure hunting in Skørping.
Rebild Bakker (Rebildvej / Rebild)
1.5 km
Heather-clad hills, glacial gorges, and cross-Atlantic heritage unite in Rebild Bakker, Denmark’s iconic national park and cultural meeting ground.
Holy Moses Wineshop
3.3 km
Characterful neighbourhood wine shop in Skørping, pouring American bottles, local vintages and sustainable delights from morning to evening every day.
Lenas Blomster
3.9 km
Friendly neighbourhood florist and gift boutique in the heart of Skørping, blending seasonal blooms, curated presents and local small-town charm.
Bogby 9520
4.0 km
Volunteer‑run book town in Skørping, where thousands of second‑hand volumes and a cosy, local atmosphere turn browsing into a slow‑travel highlight.
REMA 1000
4.0 km
No‑frills Danish discount supermarket in Skørping, ideal for stocking up on groceries, snacks and everyday essentials before exploring Rebild Bakker and Rold Skov.
Maggies Gemakker
4.0 km
A cosy Skørping fashion boutique offering timeless, mix-and-match women’s clothing and personal styling advice focused on longevity rather than fast trends.
FKN Genbrug / DCA Op Shop
4.0 km
Cozy volunteer-run charity thrift shop in central Skørping, where slow treasure-hunting, reuse and global solidarity all meet on one compact shop floor.
Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug
4.0 km
Small-town Danish charity shop where second-hand fashion, homeware and local community spirit come together to support global humanitarian work.
Garndamen
4.1 km
Intimate yarn shop in the heart of Skørping, brimming with colourful fibres, patterns and friendly expertise for knitters and crocheters of every level.
Meny
4.1 km
Modern Danish supermarket in Skørping Centret with fresh counters, local specialties and a strong wine selection – a practical one‑stop shop for travelers.
Kirkens Korshær Genbrug
4.1 km
Small-town Danish thrift shop where every second-hand bargain helps fund social work and offers a glimpse into everyday community life in Skørping.
Rold Forest Bike Shop
4.2 km
Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.
Louise Nørgaard
4.2 km
A cosy holistic beauty clinic and natural lifestyle boutique in small-town Skørping, blending personalised treatments, clean products and a calm, slow-paced atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Skørping Bodega
3.9 km
Down-to-earth local bodega in central Skørping, serving cold beers, simple drinks and small-town atmosphere from midday until late on weekends.
Happy Friday
6.2 km
Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.
City Bar Støvring
7.2 km
Unpretentious local bar in Støvring’s City Centret, offering simple drinks, friendly chat and a down-to-earth glimpse of everyday Danish small-town life.
Støvring Mc
7.4 km
Laid‑back neighborhood bar in small‑town Støvring, with a subtle motorbike vibe, simple drinks and a down‑to‑earth atmosphere on Viborgvej.
Loke's Ølstue
8.0 km
Suldrup’s no-frills bodega bar, where cold beer, local stories and small-town Danish pub culture come together in a cozy, lived-in corner on Aarestrupvej.
Carsten fenger
11.3 km
A low-key rural bar near Skørping where locals gather, travelers are welcomed, and simple drinks fuel long conversations in a relaxed countryside setting.
Rottehullet / Bodega
11.4 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Center Pubben ApS
14.3 km
Cozy neighborhood pub in Terndrup Center, pouring cold beer, simple drinks and warm small-town atmosphere in a no-nonsense Danish bar setting.
Skotten
19.5 km
Aalborg's casual neighborhood bar for relaxed socializing and unwinding with friends
Vognhjulet Pub
20.7 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Club 85@Nibe Festival
20.8 km
Small-town bar turned festival hotspot, Club 85 is where Nibe’s intimate music nights spill over into easygoing drinks, local charm and late-night singalongs.
Torvebaren
20.9 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.
Madam Blå's Vandhul
21.0 km
A cozy, day‑time neighborhood bar-café in Hobro where locals linger over coffee, beer and small talk in an easygoing, homely atmosphere.
Jazz Hobro
21.1 km
Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.
Bræddehytten Bar & Pub
21.1 km
Unpretentious local bar on Hobro’s main street, pouring cold beer and warm hygge in a classic Danish pub setting with friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Buddy Holly
20.9 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Mjølner
21.6 km
Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.
Mariager Fjord Golf
22.9 km
Mariager Fjord Golf blends a challenging 18-hole course with spectacular fjord views, laid-back Danish charm, and a welcoming clubhouse overlooking North Jutland’s scenic waters.
Night Cirque
25.3 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Aalborg, where pulsing beats, bold lighting and a stylish crowd keep the dance floor alive late into the night.
LouLou Aalborg
25.6 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
25.6 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
25.6 km
Intimate nightclub and shisha lounge in the heart of Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing DJ-driven dancing, drinks and hookah corners late into the night.
Club Wolf
25.6 km
Compact, late-night nightclub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, blending chart hits, strong weekend energy and a tightly packed dance floor in the city’s bar street hub.
C Night Club
25.7 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Hugos Garage
25.7 km
Experience Aalborg's iconic party vibe at Hugos Garage, a lively bodega-style bar and dance club on Jomfru Ane Gade featuring live music and classic Danish hospitality.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
25.7 km
Adult‑only dance bar in central Aalborg, mixing 80s, 90s, 00s and current hits with cocktails and late‑night energy in an intimate courtyard setting.
Rocken
25.7 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
Casino Aalborg
25.7 km
Compact, adult-only casino in the heart of Aalborg, pairing classic table games and slots with a relaxed Nordic nightlife atmosphere inside a city-center hotel.
Randers Rave
40.2 km
Compact, bass-heavy nightclub in Randers NØ, where an unassuming façade hides a late-night dance floor fueled by rave-inspired lights, DJs and high energy.
Jazzens Venner
41.2 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
