Troldeskoven, Rold Skov’s Twisted Beech Forest
A small, magical pocket of Rold Skov where centuries‑old, twisted beech “troll trees” turn an ordinary forest walk into a quietly enchanting woodland adventure.
Hidden within the vast Rold Skov near Skørping, Troldeskoven is a small but magical beech grove where gnarled, multi‑stemmed “troll trees” twist in every direction. These ancient beeches, some over 300 years old, are descendants of the first beeches to reach North Jutland and were shaped by centuries of coppicing and grazing. The result is an almost storybook woodland that feels made for slow walks, imaginative play and atmospheric photos in every season.
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 shoes with good grip; roots, leaves and occasionally damp soil make the short paths through Troldeskoven uneven and sometimes slippery.
- Plan extra time for photos and play if you visit with children; the twisted trunks, natural arches and low branches invite imaginative exploration.
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for softer light and a more atmospheric feel, especially in autumn when the forest colours are at their richest.
- Combine Troldeskoven with a longer walk in Rold Skov or Rebild Bakker to make a half‑day nature outing with varied scenery and viewpoints.
- Bring water and snacks; facilities inside the forest are limited and you are unlikely to find cafés directly by the grove itself.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
From Skørping and the surrounding Rebild area, Troldeskoven in Rold Skov is most commonly reached by car via local forest access roads, with the drive typically taking 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point and route. Several small parking areas serve the wider forest; surfaces are usually gravel, and spaces can be limited on sunny weekends and holidays. Access is free, but check local signage for any time restrictions or closures related to forestry work, and be prepared for narrow roads where larger vehicles may need extra care.
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Train + Walk
Skørping station lies on the regional rail line between Aalborg and Aarhus, with regular services throughout the day and journey times of about 20–30 minutes from Aalborg and around 1 hour 15 minutes from Aarhus. Standard adult one‑way tickets on this stretch typically cost in the range of 60–140 DKK depending on distance and ticket type. From Skørping, you can set out on foot into Rold Skov, allowing 45–90 minutes of walking on forest paths to reach the Troldeskoven area. Paths are unpaved with roots and mild gradients, making this option best for reasonably fit walkers with sturdy footwear.
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Bicycle
Cycling from Skørping or Rebild into Rold Skov is a popular way to reach Troldeskoven, with travel times usually between 20 and 40 minutes each way depending on your route and pace. Quiet country lanes lead to forest gravel roads and broader tracks; mountain or trekking bikes are more comfortable than thin‑tyred road bikes on the rougher sections. There is no specific bike parking inside the grove, so you will need to lock your bicycle to a suitable post or leave it just off the main track, taking care not to block access or damage vegetation.
Troldeskoven location weather suitability
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Any 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
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Troldeskoven
An Enchanted Corner of Rold Skov
Troldeskoven sits in the heart of Rold Skov, Denmark’s largest contiguous forest, yet feels like an intimate, self‑contained world. The moment you leave the broader woodland and step among these twisted trunks, the atmosphere shifts: branches loop and bend overhead, trunks tilt and spiral, and the light filters through the canopy in irregular patches. It is a compact area, but the density of characterful trees makes every few metres feel different. Paths thread casually through the grove rather than marching straight, adding to the sense that you are wandering into a fairy tale. The forest floor is typically soft with leaf litter, moss and roots, so you tread quietly, with the muffled sounds of the larger forest in the background. Even on breezy days, Troldeskoven itself can feel sheltered and cocooned.The Story Behind the “Troll Trees”
The famous crooked beeches of Troldeskoven owe their strange forms to both biology and history. The trees belong to an old North Jutland beech lineage that readily sends up new shoots from stump and root after cutting. Over centuries, foresters repeatedly harvested wood here, encouraging many shoots to grow together from a single root system. The resulting “røllebøge” often have 20 or more trunks belonging to the same individual tree. Grazing animals once roamed this part of Rold Skov, continually nibbling young shoots and leaves. Combined with the poor, sandy soil and exposure, this kept many trunks short and contorted, forcing them to twist, fork and lean to reach light. The outcome is a living gallery of natural sculpture, where each tree tells a different story in its knots, scars and sweeping arcs.Legends, Royal Anecdotes and Forest Folklore
Like any place where trees seem to move of their own accord, Troldeskoven has attracted myths. Locals long spoke of twisted beeches as homes for trolls and forest spirits, especially on misty autumn mornings when the silhouettes appear almost human. Among the most distinctive features are the so‑called “eye trees”, where trunks have grown together to form rounded openings in the wood. Tradition held that crawling through such an opening could protect children from rickets and other ailments linked to lack of sunlight. In the early 1950s, Denmark’s royal family famously visited the forest, and the young princesses were ceremonially passed through one such tree. Ever since, that particular beech has been affectionately known as “the Princess Tree”, adding a touch of modern folklore to the grove’s older legends.Walking, Wandering and Simply Looking
Most visitors experience Troldeskoven at walking pace. Short waymarked routes in Rold Skov can be combined to include a loop through the grove, but once you are among the troll trees, the best approach is to slow right down. It is an ideal place for families: children can weave between trunks, invent forest creatures and peer through natural arches, while adults enjoy the play of lines, curves and shadows. Photographers will find countless compositions, from close‑up bark textures to wide shots of tangled branches. In spring and summer, the canopy glows green and fresh; in autumn, copper and gold leaves heighten the otherworldly forms; and even in winter, the bare skeletons of the beeches make the twisting shapes more pronounced. Benches are sparse, so you often perch on a root or fallen trunk if you want to linger.Seasons, Surroundings and Tower Views
Troldeskoven is part of a larger mosaic of heath, hills and dense forest that characterises the Rold Skov and Rebild Bakker landscape. Nearby paths lead out to more open terrain and to a modest wooden lookout tower, where you can climb for a broader view over the treetops. From above, the grove itself disappears beneath the canopy, underlining how tucked away this peculiar corner of the forest really is. There is no entrance fee or turnstile; Troldeskoven remains a simple, open piece of Danish woodland, accessible during daylight hours throughout the year. Its charm lies not in big facilities or attractions, but in the quiet surprise of finding such imaginative shapes in living trees. For many travellers in North Jutland, it becomes a gentle highlight of a broader day spent exploring Rold Skov’s varied trails and clear forest air.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
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
