Gasse Høje Ancient Burial Mounds
South Jutland’s modest but mighty hilltop, where 27 prehistoric burial mounds overlook marshland, farmland and shifting Wadden Sea light in tranquil countryside silence.
Rising to 51 meters above the flat marshlands east of Skærbæk, Gasse Høje is the highest point in the area and home to 27 prominent prehistoric burial mounds. Scattered along the ridge and visible from afar, these grassy tumuli overlook the Ballum marshes and Wadden Sea landscape, blending archaeology, quiet countryside walking routes and far‑reaching views in one atmospheric South Jutland hilltop.
A brief summary to Gasse Høje
- Skærbæk, 6780, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear waterproof or sturdy shoes; paths around the hill and across nearby fields can be muddy and slippery after rain due to the surrounding marshland.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no cafés or shops directly at the site and facilities in the surrounding countryside are limited.
- Check the weather forecast and dress in layers; the exposed hilltop can feel significantly windier and cooler than in sheltered parts of Skærbæk.
- Stay on marked paths and avoid climbing directly on vulnerable mound edges to help protect the ancient structures from erosion.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Skærbæk town centre
From central Skærbæk, Gasse Høje can be reached by local roads in about 5–10 minutes by car. The distance is only a few kilometres, but speeds are low on narrow country lanes. Parking is typically informal along the roadside or at small lay-bys near the trail access, with no parking fee. There is no dedicated car park, so larger vehicles may need to choose a spot carefully without blocking farm access.
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Bicycle from Skærbæk and nearby villages
Cycling from Skærbæk to Gasse Høje takes around 15–25 minutes each way, depending on your pace. The terrain is mostly flat with a gentle climb towards the hill, and you ride on a mix of minor roads and rural lanes with light traffic. There is no bike parking infrastructure at the site, but you can lock your bicycle to a fence or lay it in the grass near the start of the walking paths. This is a free option and well suited to moderately confident cyclists.
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Regional bus plus walk
Regional buses serving Skærbæk connect the town with other parts of South Jutland, including Ribe and Tønder, typically with services at least a few times per day. Standard single tickets on these routes usually cost in the range of 25–60 DKK depending on distance. From Skærbæk, you should allow around 30–40 minutes to continue on foot to Gasse Høje, following minor roads and tracks through farmland. The walk is across exposed countryside and may be less suitable in very wet or windy weather.
Gasse Høje location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Gasse Høje
A hilltop above the marshes
Gasse Høje crowns the otherwise flat landscape a few kilometres east of Skærbæk, reaching about 51 metres and forming the region’s natural lookout point. From the crest the land falls away into wide meadows and reclaimed Ballum marsh, with the Wadden Sea horizon often shimmering in the distance. On clear days the sky feels enormous, and the wind rolling over the grasses reinforces just how exposed this hilltop has always been. Despite its modest height by mountain standards, Gasse Høje stands out strikingly in South Jutland’s low-lying terrain. Approaching across farmland, you see the ridge gradually take shape, a gentle rise whose silhouette is dotted with rounded mounds. The contrast between the elevated dry ground and the surrounding marshes helps explain why people chose this site as a special place thousands of years ago.Prehistoric mounds on a natural ridge
The most distinctive feature of Gasse Høje is the cluster of 27 ancient burial mounds arranged along the hill’s spine. These rounded, grass-covered tumuli were raised in prehistoric times, likely during the Bronze Age, when burying the dead on visible high points was a way of honouring important individuals and marking the landscape. Their grouping around the summit makes the ridge look almost like a procession of green domes. Walking between the mounds, you can trace how they follow the natural contours, with some set right on the highest spots, others slightly below, forming loose alignments. Over centuries they have softened, blending seamlessly with the pasture and heath-like vegetation. The mounds are protected archaeological monuments, so they are left largely undisturbed; there are no reconstructed elements here, just the quiet presence of earthworks that have survived weather, farming and shifting borders.Traces of more recent conflict
Layered into this prehistoric landscape are traces of a much newer story. On and around the ridge lie remnants of German defensive works from the early 20th century, a reminder that the hill once had strategic value as well as ceremonial significance. Earth banks, concrete fragments and other subtle structures reveal that the vantage point was reused for observation and defence in more turbulent times. This overlap of eras gives Gasse Høje an intriguing dual character. You stand among monuments that predate written history, yet you can also pick out features tied to the border conflicts and fortifications of modern Europe. The hill quietly holds both narratives, without signage overload or heavy interpretation, inviting you to look closely and read the landscape for yourself.Walking routes and open countryside
Today Gasse Høje is best experienced on foot via marked countryside trails that loop through fields, small copses and the ridge itself. Waymarked routes of a few kilometres make it easy to combine time on the hill with stretches through agricultural land, where you pass grazing cattle, drainage ditches and old hedgerows. Underfoot, paths are generally easy but can be muddy after rain, reflecting the marshy surroundings. Because the site sits in open farmland, there is little in the way of built infrastructure. Instead, the experience is about wide views, shifting skies and the feeling of moving through working rural Denmark. Birdsong, wind in the grass and distant farm machinery provide the soundtrack, while the mounds themselves punctuate the walk as natural stopping points to pause, look out and imagine the area long before dykes and drainage channels reshaped the coast.Atmosphere, light and sense of time
The atmosphere at Gasse Høje changes with the light. In the soft glow of a late afternoon, the mounds cast long shadows and the marshland below turns a patchwork of greens and browns. On overcast days the hill can feel stark and almost austere, with the tumuli merging into a single undulating ridge. Breezy conditions are common, but that only heightens the sense of exposure that must have appealed to the people who first built here. For many visitors the real appeal lies in the site’s understated character. There are no reconstructed buildings or grand monuments, just grassy humps and subtle traces waiting to be noticed. Together they create a strong feeling of continuity, from Bronze Age communities honouring their dead, via military engineers using the height for defence, to today’s walkers tracing old routes for pleasure and reflection.A quiet corner of South Jutland heritage
Gasse Høje forms part of the broader cultural landscape of South Jutland, where burial mounds, dykes and old farmsteads dot the countryside. Its position above the Ballum marshes links it visually to the Wadden Sea coast, an area shaped by tides, storm surges and land reclamation. Standing on the ridge, you sense both the vulnerability and resilience of this environment. Although it is relatively easy to reach from nearby towns, the site still feels like a quiet corner, away from main roads and modern development. That seclusion lets you focus on the textures of the place: the rough grass on the mounds, the pattern of drainage channels below, the flight of birds crossing between inland fields and coastal flats. Gasse Høje rewards unhurried exploration, inviting you to slow down, look closely and place yourself within a landscape shaped over millennia.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bunker
17.2 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Kanonenhügel
17.2 km
A modest grassy mound above Havneby harbour where two 17th‑century cannons, wide Wadden Sea views and Rømø’s maritime past quietly meet.
Gamle Redningsstation
17.4 km
Compact red-brick lifeboat station turned firehouse, telling Rømø’s quietly dramatic story of storms, shipwrecks and island resilience along the Wadden Sea.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
19.1 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Kammerslusen Ribe
21.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Sønderstrand Rømø
21.6 km
Experience the boundless freedom of Sønderstrand, Rømø: Europe's widest beach, where wind sports, nature, and unique coastal landscapes converge for an unforgettable escape.
Kammerslusen Clay Excavations
21.7 km
Historic tidal lock and birdwatching haven where Danish engineering meets the wild Wadden Sea.
Gram Clay Pit
23.2 km
Discover Denmark’s ancient marine history by fossil hunting in the Gram Clay Pit—an interactive family attraction and one of Sønderjylland’s top geological sites.
Vidåslusen
23.8 km
Discover Vidåslusen in Højer, Denmark: A historic sluice offering stunning Wadden Sea views, local cuisine, and a gateway to the Tøndermarsken marshlands.
Højer Sluse
23.9 km
Discover the historic Højer Sluse, a gateway to the Wadden Sea National Park, offering insights into coastal defense and the region's unique natural beauty.
Schackenborg Castle
24.3 km
Explore Schackenborg Castle in Southern Jutland: A historic baroque castle with royal connections, offering guided tours, events, and a glimpse into Danish history and architecture.
Tøndermarsken
25.4 km
Experience Denmark’s largest marshland in Tøndermarsken—world-class birdwatching, rich dike culture, and tranquil trails near the Wadden Sea UNESCO site.
Museum Sønderjylland - Drøhses Hus
25.4 km
Experience Tønder's historic merchant tradition and the delicate world of Danish lace at Drøhses Hus, nestled in the heart of southern Jutland's oldest town.
Museum of Southern Jutland - Cultural History of Tønder
25.7 km
Explore Southern Jutland's cultural heritage through exquisite silverware, delicate lace, and iconic Wegner chairs at Tønder's captivating museum, offering a journey through time and craftsmanship.
Northernmost point of Germany
26.9 km
Explore the Northernmost Point of Germany, a breathtaking coastal landmark where the North Sea meets stunning landscapes, rich history, and adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
Marsk Camp A/S
3.9 km
Architect-designed marshland camp with Marsk Tower views, glamping comfort, family-friendly fun and easy access to the dramatic Wadden Sea landscape.
Marsk Tower - Marsk tårnet
4.0 km
A rust-red spiral rising from the Wadden Sea marsh, Marsk Tower pairs bold Danish design with sweeping horizons over one of Europe’s great coastal landscapes.
Udsigtspunkt
6.4 km
A simple marshland viewpoint beside Marsk Tower, opening up enormous skies, Wadden Sea horizons and the quiet drama of the flat Sønderjylland landscape.
Misthusum
6.6 km
Historic marsh mounds in the Wadden Sea landscape, where abandoned Frisian dwelling platforms and wide horizons tell a quiet story of living with the sea.
Under Åben Himmel - Søndernæsgård v/Lea Neuberg
7.1 km
Farm-to-table foraging experiences and wild plant education in Denmark's Wadden Sea region.
Sneglemøllerne Ballum Enge
7.4 km
Historic drainage mills in the open marshes of Ballum Enge, where quiet dikes, wide skies and bird-filled meadows reveal Denmark’s long battle with the sea.
Langdysserne
8.0 km
Neolithic long dolmens on a quiet Jutland marsh, where weathered stones, big skies and the Brede Å valley reveal 5,000 years of landscape and ritual.
Ballum Sluse
8.1 km
Historic sea lock on the Wadden Sea edge, where red-brick engineering, wide marsh views and rich birdlife meet in a quietly dramatic South Jutland landscape.
North Sea Cycle Route
11.7 km
A quiet, wind-swept slice of the world’s longest signed coastal cycle route, where dikes, marshland and big North Sea skies frame gentle riding by the Wadden Sea.
Rømødæmningen
12.1 km
A 9.2 km ribbon of road across the Wadden Sea, Rømødæmningen links Jutland and Rømø with sweeping horizons, rich birdlife and a powerful sense of open sky.
Sølsted Mose
14.6 km
A restored Southern Jutland raised bog of big skies, rare birds and quiet trails, where peat, water and wind shape an intimate yet expansive nature experience.
Turbåden Mandøpigen
14.7 km
Intimate Wadden Sea crossings by Turbåden Mandøpigen, gliding between Rømø, Mandø and the mainland past seals, oysters and vast tidal landscapes.
Rømø shooting area
15.5 km
Vast dunes and heathland at Rømø’s wild northern tip, where military training grounds and protected nature meet under the wide Wadden Sea sky.
Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber
15.6 km
A surreal village fence of towering whale jawbones, Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber turns a Juvre farmhouse garden into a powerful reminder of Rømø’s whaling past.
Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården
15.6 km
A modest Rømø farmhouse fence built from towering whale jawbones, preserving the island’s dramatic whaling past in a single, striking roadside stop.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Marsk
3.9 km
Relaxed Nordic dining at the heart of Marsk Camp, where local South Jutland flavors meet wide marshland skies and a breezy terrace overlooking the Wadden Sea landscape.
Café Retro Brøns Kro
6.0 km
Retro-themed Danish inn and café celebrating 1970s nostalgia with fresh local cuisine and vintage charm.
Hviding Pizzeria og Restaurant
13.3 km
Roadside pizzeria and grill in Hviding serving generous pizzas and simple comfort food to locals and travellers between Ribe, Esbjerg and the southern border.
hotdogmanden
14.4 km
A classic Danish roadside grill on Højmosevej in Ribe, serving no-frills hot dogs and hearty snacks to locals and road-trippers on the move.
Restaurant und Cafe
16.8 km
Relaxed on‑site café at Ribe VikingeCenter, pairing simple Scandinavian comfort food with a front‑row seat on Denmark’s most atmospheric Viking open‑air museum.
Otto & Ani's Fisk
17.1 km
Fresh-caught seafood by the harbor where fishing boats unload their daily catch.
Havnekiosken Rømø
17.1 km
Authentic harbour kiosk serving grilled burgers and fresh fish with Wadden Sea views.
HAVNEBY KRO RESTAURANT
17.3 km
Hearty Danish inn fare and island hospitality at a traditional kro by the harbor in Havneby, gateway to Rømø’s wide beaches and the Wadden Sea.
Frankel 5
17.4 km
Cosy seaside café-restaurant on Rømø serving fresh fish and Danish comfort dishes with wide Wadden Sea views and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Hansens pølser
17.4 km
Casual harbor-side hot dog stand on Rømø serving classic Danish sausages and ice cream to beach-goers, cyclists and locals in laid-back Havneby.
Ristorante Europa Rømø
17.4 km
Casual Italian pizzas and hearty plates in the harbour town of Havneby, a relaxed refuelling stop between Rømø’s wild beaches and the Wadden Sea.
Rømø Pandekagehus
17.5 km
Casual island café in Havneby serving generous sweet and savoury pancakes, ideal for a relaxed break between Rømø’s vast beaches and harbour walks.
Restaurant Diget
18.0 km
Panoramic golf-course views, generous brunches and flexible gourmet dining inside Enjoy Resorts Rømø, with terrace seating and on-site leisure activities next door.
MEGA GRILL
18.1 km
Straightforward Danish grill bar in Havneby, serving hearty fast food and takeaway for hungry beachgoers exploring the windswept island of Rømø.
Pizza Express
18.7 km
Casual pizzeria on Ribe's main square serving traditional Italian pizzas in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Skærbæk Antik & Design
2.2 km
A cozy blend of antiques and everyday design on Skærbæk’s main street, offering vintage finds, homeware and small gifts with a distinctly Danish small-town charm.
Tutti Market
6.0 km
Compact neighborhood grocery in Skærbæk, ideal for stocking up on everyday staples, picnic supplies, and holiday-home essentials along the Wadden Sea coast.
Den-Gamle-Gaard
8.3 km
A characterful farmhouse antique store near Skærbæk, brimming with Danish teak, vintage furniture and curios that turn browsing into a relaxed rural treasure hunt.
Rejsby Antique & Furniture
10.3 km
Medieval to modern treasures in a rural Danish village antique haven.
Elisabeth
14.3 km
A cozy Fanø clothing boutique offering understated Scandinavian style, curated island-ready outfits, and a calm coastal atmosphere in an intimate setting.
Ravns Pyntegrønt v/Anna Marie Ravn
14.6 km
Authentic Danish decorative greenery and seasonal botanicals in rural Ribe.
Cafe Hattesgaard
16.4 km
Atmospheric café-meets-antique emporium set in a historic farmhouse on Rømø, known for legendary cakes, local hospitality, and one-of-a-kind vintage finds.
Ny Form Havneby
17.3 km
Harbour‑side sports and outdoor store on Rømø, perfect for last‑minute layers, beachwear and practical gear tailored to the island’s wind, sand and sea.
Skansen - Café & Kaffebar
17.3 km
Charming waterfront café and ice cream bar in Havneby, Rømø, offering artisanal ice cream, quality coffee, and a relaxed seaside setting steps from the ferry port.
Stenhuset Rømø
17.3 km
Cosy island shop in Havneby blending Nordic wool, handmade Danish soaps and coastal home décor into a warm, hygge‑filled stop on windswept Rømø.
Havneby Shopping
17.3 km
Compact island shopping hub in Havneby, combining groceries, gear and casual browsing between beach days and Wadden Sea adventures on Rømø.
Dagmar Garbe
17.3 km
Small, harbour-side clothing boutique on Rømø offering practical Nordic-inspired garments and friendly, personal service in the heart of Havneby.
Coop Dagli'Brugsen Rømø
17.3 km
Rømø’s central supermarket hub in Havneby, supplying islanders and visitors with fresh food, daily essentials, and holiday necessities from early morning to evening.
WestWind Outlet
17.3 km
Practical harbor-side outlet on Rømø, stocking discounted surf, outdoor and family clothing built for the windswept Danish west coast.
Rømø Cykler & Legetøj
17.4 km
Bikes, toys, and kites for exploring Rømø's windswept island landscape.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
2.1 km
Cozy local bodega in Skærbæk serving cold beer, simple drinks, and laid-back Danish bar culture in a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood setting.
Mødestedet
2.2 km
Cozy wine bar on Skærbæk’s main street, where locals and visitors share unhurried glasses of wine, simple snacks and relaxed conversation from day to evening.
Teddy’s Corner
18.2 km
Unpretentious local bar in Toftlund offering simple drinks, small‑town hygge and an easygoing glimpse into everyday South Jutland nightlife.
Termansens
18.7 km
Intimate jazz and live music in a centuries-old townhouse, where Ribe’s historic charm meets cozy, small-scale culture house vibes after dark.
Klubben 1811
18.7 km
Casual, spacious bar in Ribe’s old town, mixing sports, pool and cold beer in a bright, easygoing setting just steps from the city’s medieval streets.
Strygejernet
18.7 km
Intimate corner pub in Ribe’s old town, pairing rustic coziness, smoke-free comfort and friendly bar life with simple drinks, games and unhurried evenings.
Stenbohus
18.7 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Café Valdemar
18.9 km
A compact late‑night bar and disco in the heart of historic Ribe, blending casual drinks, chart‑driven beats and a friendly weekend crowd on Sct Nicolaj Gade.
Vin For Dig Ribe
19.0 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
TimeOut Bar
25.4 km
Unpretentious bodega-style beer hall in central Tønder, pouring simple drinks and late-night conversation for locals and curious travelers alike.
Grosmann's
26.6 km
Small-town Danish hygge in a tiny cocktail bar on Kirkegade, where classic drinks, warm lighting and everyday village life meet in laid-back South Jutland style.
Kabyssen
39.4 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Dowdi Pub Bar
40.4 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Dokken City Beach
40.4 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Pappi's pub
40.5 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Al Capone
25.4 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
25.4 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Fanø Blokart
37.1 km
Experience high-speed land sailing on the scenic sands of Fanø, where wind, adventure, and stunning North Sea landscapes converge at Fanø Blokart.
Rotes Kliff
37.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Club Fanø Rindby
39.4 km
Vital hub for kite sports, fatbiking, and Nordic coastal adventure on Fanø, pairing local expertise with welcoming spirit in the island’s scenic Rindby beach area.
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
40.6 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
40.8 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Bilka-søen
44.7 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Fishi
46.2 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Koldingtivet Engen
55.8 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
56.1 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
56.2 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
56.4 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Jazz 6000
56.6 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Dance All Over
62.2 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Nature Escape
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
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
- 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
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
