Skovtårnet – Udsigtstårnet Høje Odde, Rold Skov

Forest lookout above Rebild’s rolling hills

Skovtårnet, also known as Udsigtstårnet Høje Odde, stands on a forested ridge in the Troldeskov area of Rold Skov, within the Rebild National Park landscape. Here, heath‑covered hills, glacial valleys and dense beech and conifer woods fold into each other, and the modest 10‑metre tower rises just high enough to lift you above the canopy. From its upper platform, the view opens dramatically over Stendalen’s green trough, the undulating Rebild Bakker and the scattered farmsteads that dot the surrounding countryside. Despite its relatively low height, the tower’s position on Høje Odde gives it a surprisingly extensive panorama. On days with crisp air and clear skies, you can pick out Top Karens Hus perched on the heights across the valley, a reminder of the area’s long tradition of welcoming walkers and holidaymakers. The sense of space contrasts with the enclosed feeling of the approach through the woods, making the final climb up the steps feel like emerging into a wide northern sky.

A 1970s structure built to move with the wind

Skovtårnet was erected in 1970 by civil engineer Bendt Zinck from Aalborg, using a simple but robust design that reflects Danish pragmatism. The roughly 10‑metre structure rests on pressure‑treated timber piles sunk into a one‑metre‑deep concrete foundation, anchoring it firmly in the hillside. The tower is intentionally engineered to have a little flexibility, so you may notice a gentle sway when the wind brushes through the treetops. This movement is not a flaw but a safety feature that allows the structure to absorb forces during storms. Knowing this makes it easier to relax into the experience: each slight shift underfoot tells you the tower is doing its job. The wooden steps and platforms are open to the air, giving you uninterrupted lines of sight through the framework, while still feeling solid and straightforward to climb for most visitors comfortable with stairs.

Troldeskoven’s twisted trees and walking paths

The tower sits in the Troldeskov, or “Troll Forest,” a pocket of Rold Skov known for its gnarled, wind‑shaped trees and slightly otherworldly atmosphere. Here, trunks bend and twist at unexpected angles, moss climbs low branches, and patches of light break through like spotlights onto the forest floor. It is an evocative setting that fits the folklore‑rich name, and the walk to the tower forms part of the pleasure of a visit. Marked hiking routes in the Rebild area, including a certified white trail, pass close by, linking the tower to a broader network of paths through hills, heath and woodland. The terrain is uneven in places, with roots and occasional steeper stretches, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Because access is only on foot, the soundscape remains mostly natural: wind in the trees, birds calling and the occasional distant voice from another path.

Experiencing the views in different seasons

Each season reshapes the experience at Skovtårnet. In spring, new leaves tint the canopy a fresh, almost translucent green, and the view feels soft and full of promise. Summer brings denser foliage; the contrast between dark pines and bright beech leaves becomes stronger, while the heath on Rebild Bakker glows in the sun. On late summer days the light stretches into the evening, rewarding those who linger with golden tones over the hills. Autumn can be particularly striking, as beech forests shift through yellow, orange and copper, creating layered colours across the valleys. On clear winter days, when frost or a dusting of snow lies on the ground, the landscape sharpens and distant features stand out more clearly against the pale sky. The tower is open year‑round, so repeat visits can reveal a completely different character each time, from misty mornings to crisp, blue‑sky afternoons.

A simple, low‑key stop in a larger nature escape

Part of Skovtårnet’s charm is its simplicity: there is no elaborate visitor complex attached, just the tower, the hill and the surrounding forest. It works best as a highlight within a longer walk through Rebild Bakker and Rold Skov, rather than a standalone outing. The short detour to climb the steps and survey the terrain can help you orient yourself before continuing along one of the many trails. Because there are no facilities directly at the tower, planning for water, snacks and clothing layers makes the visit smoother, especially outside the warmest months. For hikers and photographers, the tower offers a compact but rewarding vantage point; for families, it adds a tangible goal to a forest walk and a fun moment of exposure to height in a controlled, well‑built structure. Above all, it is a quiet reminder of how even a modest tower, carefully sited, can unlock a whole landscape.