Sølsted Mose Nature Reserve
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.
Sølsted Mose is a restored heath and raised bog north of Tønder in Southern Jutland, renowned for its rare birdlife, wetland plants and wide, open skies. Trails, footbridges and bird hides lead you through peat pools, grazing meadows and sphagnum bog, where cranes, bluethroats and marsh harriers breed. As a protected Natura 2000 site, it offers an immersive, low-key nature experience with big horizons, ever‑changing light and a strong sense of wild Danish marshland.
A brief summary to Sølsted Mose
- Ribe Landevej 133, Tønder, 6270, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear waterproof boots or sturdy hiking shoes; even with boardwalks, paths can be muddy and partially flooded, especially in winter and after rain.
- Bring binoculars or a zoom lens to make the most of the bird hides and long views across reedbeds, particularly during spring and early summer.
- Pack drinking water and snacks, as there are no cafés or shops inside the reserve and only basic facilities at the parking areas.
- In warmer months, carry insect repellent; calm evenings over wet ground can bring plenty of midges and mosquitoes.
- Stay on the marked trails and boardwalks to protect the fragile bog surface and avoid disturbing nesting birds and grazing animals.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car from Tønder
From central Tønder, driving to Sølsted Mose typically takes 10–15 minutes. The route follows main roads north towards Sølsted and offers clear signposting to parking areas near the reserve on Ribe Landevej and Brændevej. Parking at these small lots is free, but spaces are limited on fine weekends, and surfaces are simple gravel or grass. There is no entrance fee to access the bog, but be prepared for narrow rural roads and grazing animals near the entrances.
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Regional bus and short walk
Regional buses between Tønder and Bredebro generally stop in or near Sølsted, with journey times of around 15–25 minutes depending on the service and time of day. A standard single adult fare on local buses in Southern Jutland is usually in the range of 20–40 DKK. From the nearest bus stop, expect a walk of 1–3 km along village and country roads to reach one of the reserve’s parking areas. Services run less frequently in evenings and on weekends, so checking timetables in advance is important.
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Cycling from nearby towns
Cycling from Tønder or Bredebro to Sølsted Mose offers a scenic and low‑impact way to arrive. The largely flat landscape and a mix of minor roads and cycle‑friendly routes mean the ride usually takes 30–45 minutes from either town. There is no cost beyond any bike rental, which in the area commonly starts around 100–150 DKK per day. Expect exposure to wind on open stretches, and note that there are no dedicated bike racks inside the reserve, so bring a lock and leave your bicycle at the parking area before continuing on foot.
Sølsted Mose location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Sølsted Mose
A southern Jutland bog reborn
Sølsted Mose spreads out as a mosaic of peat pools, heath and open bog just north of Tønder, one of the last sizeable heath and raised bogs in this corner of Denmark. Once heavily drained, cultivated and cut for peat through the 1900s, it risked turning into scrub woodland. Large-scale restoration work from the 1990s onwards raised water levels, cleared birch and willow and re‑opened the landscape, bringing the classic high bog character back to life. Today the reserve covers more than 200 hectares of protected Natura 2000 habitat. Parts are owned and managed by a bird protection foundation, which uses grazing cattle and careful water management to keep the vegetation low and the peat wet. The result is a rare glimpse of the kind of windswept, nutrient‑poor bog that once covered great swathes of Jutland, complete with rust‑coloured pools and trembling sphagnum mats underfoot.Birdlife in a sea of reeds and heather
Sølsted Mose is best known for its birdlife. Open, waterlogged areas and reedbeds host species such as snipe, water rail, whinchat and grasshopper warbler, while the bog supports one of Denmark’s densest breeding populations of bluethroat, whose vivid blue throat flashes as it sings from willow clumps. Marsh harriers quarter low over the reeds, and in some years hen harriers and hobby also appear. The reserve’s restoration has helped cranes establish themselves as breeding birds, their loud trumpeting echoing across the bog on still days. In migration periods, ducks, geese and waders drop in to feed in shallow pools and flooded depressions, and summer evenings can be filled with the buzzing, trilling and churring of warblers and rails hidden in dense cover.Rare species in a fragile landscape
Beyond birds, Sølsted Mose shelters a suite of specialists that depend on wet, acidic, nutrient‑poor conditions. Rare bog orchids have one of their very few Danish sites here, growing alongside sundews, cotton grass and other classic peatland plants. The reserve is also the only confirmed Danish locality for the tiny fish dyndsmerling (a type of loach), which survives in the dark, oxygen‑poor waters of old peat cuttings. This combination of rare plants, specialised insects and threatened peatland habitat is why the bog carries high conservation value at a European scale. Projects have focused on blocking old ditches, reducing nutrient inputs and allowing wetland processes to run more naturally, so that peat can slowly accumulate again and the raised bog can continue to develop.Boardwalks, viewpoints and quiet paths
For visitors, Sølsted Mose offers a surprisingly accessible way into a demanding landscape. Waymarked trails form a loop of several kilometres around the bog, mixing firm tracks with stretches that can be muddy or waterlogged, especially in winter. Boardwalks carry you safely over the wettest ground, leading out into the heart of the bog where land feels reduced to water, sky and low vegetation. Two bird hides and simple viewing platforms provide sheltered vantage points where you can sit and scan the reedbeds and open pools. Information boards near the main access points explain the bog’s formation, restoration and key species. There are no elaborate facilities or catering on site; the focus is firmly on low‑impact nature experience, so bringing your own water, snacks and suitable footwear is important.Experiencing the moods of the bog
Sølsted Mose offers a very different character with each season and time of day. Spring and early summer bring song, displaying waders and rich dawn choruses rising out of the mist. High summer can be alive with insects and the scent of heather on warm, still evenings. In autumn, migrating birds pass overhead and the colours shift to deep rusts and browns, while winter often transforms the bog into a stark, open plane of frozen pools and low light. Throughout the year, the reserve feels spacious and elemental. The flat terrain and big skies make weather a constant companion; wind can sweep unimpeded across the bog, while sudden shafts of sunlight can pick out distant reedbeds and flocks of birds in dramatic light. It is a place for unhurried walking, lingering in hides and letting the patterns of cloud, reed and birds define the experience.Conservation story in the borderlands
Set in the broader marsh and heath landscape of Southern Jutland, close to the German border, Sølsted Mose also tells a story about changing relationships with nature. Where once the bog was seen mainly as a source of peat and grazing, it is now valued as a living carbon store, a refuge for threatened species and a quiet counterpoint to intensively farmed surroundings. Restoration investments over recent decades have transformed a drying, overgrown bog into an active raised bog system again. Walking here, it is easy to sense the scale of that transformation: old peat cuttings filled with dark water, former drains now blocked, and cattle grazing in ways designed to benefit the ecosystem. For visitors interested in ecology and landscape change, Sølsted Mose offers a tangible, walk‑through example of how damaged peatlands can be brought back towards a wilder, wetter future.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kanonenhügel
18.2 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
20.5 km
Compact red-brick lifeboat station turned firehouse, telling Rømø’s quietly dramatic story of storms, shipwrecks and island resilience along the Wadden Sea.
Bunker
23.3 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Rømø-Sylt Linie GmbH & Co. KG
25.1 km
Experience the stunning Rømø-Sylt Ferry journey, connecting two beautiful islands with breathtaking views of the North Sea.
Morsum-Kliff
29.1 km
Explore the breathtaking cliffs and diverse wildlife at Morsum-Kliff, a hidden gem on Sylt Island, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Frisia Historica
32.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife and cultural richness of Frisia Historica in Stedesand, where music and community come together.
Ribe Cathedral
33.4 km
Ancient towers above Viking marshes: Denmark’s oldest cathedral blending Romanesque stone, Gothic height and bold modern mosaics in the heart of Ribe.
Jacob A. Riis Museum
33.4 km
Discover St. Alban's Church, Copenhagen's English Gothic Revival masterpiece nestled near the historic Kastellet and Gefion Fountain.
Stormflodssøjlen
33.6 km
A slender oak column on Ribe’s riverfront, Stormflodssøjlen turns historic storm surges into visible rings, telling a powerful story of sea, danger and resilience.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
33.7 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.
Riberhus Slotsbanke
33.7 km
Explore the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Gram Clay Pit
34.1 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.
Galgebakken
34.6 km
Denmark's haunting reminder of the witch hunts that claimed eleven lives in Ribe between 1572 and 1652.
Kammerslusen Ribe
35.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Kammerslusen Clay Excavations
36.1 km
Historic tidal lock and birdwatching haven where Danish engineering meets the wild Wadden Sea.
Unmissable attractions to see
Trøjborg Castle Ruins
5.0 km
Evocative moated ruins of a former Renaissance manor, Trøjborg offers quiet marshland scenery, layered borderland history and plenty of room for imagination.
Langdysserne
7.4 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.
Schackenborg Castle
9.9 km
Explore Schackenborg Castle: A Baroque masterpiece in Møgeltønder, rich in Danish royal history and architectural splendor.
Slotsgaden Møgeltønder
10.0 km
A cobbled castle street of linden trees and thatched cottages, linking church and royal estate in one of Denmark’s most atmospheric village walks.
Tøndermarsken
10.8 km
Endless sky, weaving dikes and swirling starlings: Tøndermarsken is Denmark’s great marshland, where water, wildlife and centuries of borderland culture meet.
Museum Sønderjylland - Drøhses Hus
10.8 km
Historic baroque townhouse turned lace museum, where intimate interiors and a patterned garden reveal centuries of Tønder’s craft and architectural heritage.
Museum of Southern Jutland - Cultural History of Tønder
11.1 km
Craftsmanship, lace and silver in a historic borderland town museum, crowned by a former water tower with sweeping views over Tønder and the surrounding marshes.
Højer Sluse
12.5 km
Historic sea lock on the Højer marshes, where dikes, tides and wide Wadden Sea skies reveal Denmark’s enduring struggle and partnership with the sea.
North Sea Cycle Route
13.2 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.
Vidåslusen
13.2 km
Experience the natural beauty and historical significance of Vidåslusen, a serene Danish tourist attraction perfect for nature lovers and history buffs.
Sneglemøllerne Ballum Enge
14.1 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.
Ballum Sluse
14.5 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.
Gasse Høje
14.6 km
South Jutland’s modest but mighty hilltop, where 27 prehistoric burial mounds overlook marshland, farmland and shifting Wadden Sea light in tranquil countryside silence.
Misthusum
14.7 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.
Marsk Camp A/S
14.8 km
Architect-designed marshland camp with Marsk Tower views, glamping comfort, family-friendly fun and easy access to the dramatic Wadden Sea landscape.
Essential places to dine
Café Glass
11.0 km
A cosy living-room-style café and wine bar in Tønder, serving carefully prepared comfort food and organic wines in an intimate, homely setting.
Restaurant Marsk
14.8 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.
Otto & Ani's Fisk
18.1 km
Fresh-caught seafood by the harbor where fishing boats unload their daily catch.
Havnekiosken Rømø
18.1 km
Authentic harbour kiosk serving grilled burgers and fresh fish with Wadden Sea views.
Frankel 5
18.2 km
Cosy seaside café-restaurant on Rømø serving fresh fish and Danish comfort dishes with wide Wadden Sea views and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
HAVNEBY KRO RESTAURANT
18.3 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.
Hansens pølser
18.3 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
18.4 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
18.5 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
18.8 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
19.1 km
Straightforward Danish grill bar in Havneby, serving hearty fast food and takeaway for hungry beachgoers exploring the windswept island of Rømø.
Café Retro Brøns Kro
19.4 km
Retro-themed Danish inn and café celebrating 1970s nostalgia with fresh local cuisine and vintage charm.
Asia kitchen(Sushi , Wok, Buffet)
24.9 km
Casual sushi, wok and buffet dining at Lakolk Butikscenter, pairing Asian comfort food with the windswept dunes and wide beaches of Rømø’s North Sea coast.
Café Fru Dax
25.0 km
Lively beachside café at Lakolk on Rømø, famed for towering soft ice, generous café dishes and an easygoing seaside atmosphere steps from the wide sandy shore.
Café Hr. Dax
25.0 km
Casual seaside café-restaurant in Lakolk Butikscenter, serving hearty comfort food and sweet treats just behind Rømø’s vast, windswept Lakolk Beach.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Skærbæk Antik & Design
14.8 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.
Dagmar Garbe
18.2 km
Small, harbour-side clothing boutique on Rømø offering practical Nordic-inspired garments and friendly, personal service in the heart of Havneby.
Havneby Shopping
18.3 km
Compact island shopping hub in Havneby, combining groceries, gear and casual browsing between beach days and Wadden Sea adventures on Rømø.
Skansen - Café & Kaffebar
18.3 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.
WestWind Outlet
18.3 km
Practical harbor-side outlet on Rømø, stocking discounted surf, outdoor and family clothing built for the windswept Danish west coast.
Stenhuset Rømø
18.3 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.
WESTWIND Rømø
18.4 km
Surf, wind and coastal style under one roof on breezy Rømø, your practical hub for wetsuits, boardsport gear and laid-back North Sea clothing.
Coop Dagli'Brugsen Rømø
18.4 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.
Ny Form Havneby
18.4 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.
Rømø Cykler & Legetøj
18.4 km
Bikes, toys, and kites for exploring Rømø's windswept island landscape.
Tutti Market
19.3 km
Compact neighborhood grocery in Skærbæk, ideal for stocking up on everyday staples, picnic supplies, and holiday-home essentials along the Wadden Sea coast.
Rømø Bageriet
19.6 km
Island bakery treasured for handcrafted rye breads and a welcoming café garden.
Rømø Manufaktur ApS
19.7 km
A North Sea island fabric haven where shelves of textiles, yarn and notions turn Rømø’s coastal light and colors into tangible, take-home creative projects.
Den Gamle Købmandsgård
19.7 km
A homely island supermarket in historic farm buildings, blending fresh groceries, bakery treats, ice‑cream and garden minigolf into one easy Rømø stop.
Elisabeth
19.7 km
A cozy Fanø clothing boutique offering understated Scandinavian style, curated island-ready outfits, and a calm coastal atmosphere in an intimate setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
TimeOut Bar
10.8 km
Unpretentious bodega-style beer hall in central Tønder, pouring simple drinks and late-night conversation for locals and curious travelers alike.
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
14.7 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
14.8 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
23.9 km
Unpretentious local bar in Toftlund offering simple drinks, small‑town hygge and an easygoing glimpse into everyday South Jutland nightlife.
Gerrit's
29.3 km
Discover Gerrit's in Achtrup: a cozy bar where locals and tourists come together over refreshing drinks and warm hospitality.
VersenkBar
31.5 km
Experience the charm of Stedesand at VersenkBar, where great drinks and friendly atmosphere meet for an unforgettable evening.
Termansens
33.3 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
33.3 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
33.3 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
33.4 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Café Valdemar
33.5 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
33.6 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Clubhaus MF Native Trail
34.1 km
Experience the charm of Clubhaus MF Native Trail, a delightful bar in Enge-Sande offering local drinks and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Fox and Hounds
37.5 km
Candlelit Scottish-style basement pub in central Aabenraa, pairing serious beer and whisky choice with hearty gastropub comfort and an easygoing evening vibe.
Grosmann's
41.2 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Al Capone
10.8 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
10.9 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Rotes Kliff
32.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Fanø Blokart
49.6 km
Experience high-speed land sailing on the scenic sands of Fanø, where wind, adventure, and stunning North Sea landscapes converge at Fanø Blokart.
Club Fanø Rindby
52.1 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.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
53.0 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
54.1 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.
Dance All Over
56.5 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Fishi
57.5 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.
Bilka-søen
58.5 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Kaizen ApS
62.5 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Old Danish Pub
62.6 km
Central Sønderborg institution blending classic Danish pub ambiance, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere—perfect for experiencing Southern Denmark’s warmth and social life.
Koldingtivet Engen
65.1 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
65.3 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
65.4 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Nature Escape
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
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
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
- Remote
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly