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.

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Sølsted Mose

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
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.

Getting There

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.
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.
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

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures
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.

Museum of Southern Jutland - Cultural History of Tønder

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

Restaurant Marsk

14.8 km

Savor Nordic-inspired cuisine with panoramic views of the Wadden Sea at Restaurant Marsk in Skærbæk.

Otto & Ani's Fisk

18.1 km

Harbourfront seafood restaurant and fishmonger blending North Sea tradition and local atmosphere, renowned for fresh Danish delicacies and scenic marina views in Havneby.

Havnekiosken Rømø

18.1 km

Iconic harbour-side eatery in Rømø serving fresh seafood, Danish grill classics, and local specialties with harbour views in laid-back island style.

Frankel 5

18.2 km

Experience modern European cuisine with local flavors at Frankel 5 in Rømø - A culinary gem that delights every palate.

HAVNEBY KRO RESTAURANT

18.3 km

Discover the flavors of Denmark at Havneby Kro Restaurant - where fresh seafood meets warm hospitality in Rømø.

Ristorante Europa Rømø

18.4 km

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Europa Rømø - where delicious pizzas meet Danish charm.

Rømø Pandekagehus

18.5 km

Experience the unique flavors of Denmark at Rømø Pandekagehus - home of delicious pancakes in a cozy setting.

Restaurant Diget

18.8 km

Experience Rømø’s top fine dining, casual buffet, and unique leisure offerings under one roof, all set within the relaxed island atmosphere of Havneby.

MEGA GRILL

19.1 km

Popular Danish grill restaurant in Havneby, Rømø, serving classic burgers, fries, and sausages in a laid-back, family-friendly setting near the island’s main attractions.

Café Retro Brøns Kro

19.4 km

Discover Café Retro Brøns Kro in Skærbæk: A delightful blend of traditional Danish cuisine and vibrant atmosphere awaits.

Café Fru Dax

25.0 km

Indulge in Denmark’s most legendary ice cream at Café Fru Dax, Rømø’s colorful beachside café, blending retro charm, creative treats, and local hospitality.

Café Hr. Dax

25.0 km

A lively, family-friendly café at the edge of Rømø’s famed sandy beaches, serving classic Danish fare, local specialties, and sweet treats in coastal comfort.

Roland Imbiss

25.0 km

Experience delicious takeout delights at Roland Imbiss in Rømø - where local flavors meet beachside charm!

Rømø Pizza & Pasta Restaurant

25.0 km

Discover delicious Italian cuisine at Rømø Pizza & Pasta Restaurant - a culinary delight on Denmark's stunning Rømø Island.

KlitHus Mandø

32.9 km

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

Cafeteria Lakolk

25.0 km

Cafeteria Lakolk offers hearty Danish classics and seaside hospitality at the gateway to Rømø’s windswept Lakolk Beach, blending nostalgia with local flavor.

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.

Klubben 1811

33.3 km

Experience true Danish hospitality and community spirit at Klubben 1811, Ribe’s lively and historic local bar in the heart of Denmark’s oldest town.

Strygejernet

33.3 km

Experience the authentic pulse of Ribe at Strygejernet, a cherished local bar in Denmark’s oldest town, offering lively nights, live music, and friendly faces.

Stenbohus

33.4 km

Experience the historic charm and vibrant atmosphere of Stenbohus, Ribe's beloved tavern offering live music and local brews.

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

Fox and Hounds in Aabenraa blends classic British pub ambiance with Danish hospitality, featuring hearty food, craft beers, live music, and a friendly local vibe.

Cafe Nanas Stue

42.1 km

Charming, historic café in the heart of Fanø, serving regional Danish dishes, homemade cakes, and signature hygge in a classic thatched-roof setting.

Den Gamle Kro

50.2 km

Historic 18th-century inn in Gråsten, serving traditional Danish cuisine with royal palace views and timeless Southern Jutland hospitality.

Kabyssen

52.1 km

Kabyssen is Fanø’s cherished gathering spot, blending maritime nostalgia, friendly locals, and affordable drinks in a cozy setting at the heart of Nordby.

VadeMad

53.2 km

VadeMad is a lively Nordby eatery blending Fanø’s maritime heritage with seasonal Nordic cuisine beside the island’s iconic brewery.

Hjørnekroen

53.7 km

Quintessential Danish inn experience in the heart of Nordby on Fanø, offering warm hospitality, hearty local fare, and a rich sense of island tradition.

Dokken City Beach

53.9 km

Experience Esbjerg's harbor transformed into a vibrant beach retreat with cocktails, games, and cultural events.

SoHo - Bar & Cocktails

54.0 km

Stylish cocktails, welcoming atmosphere, and a touch of urban buzz await in Esbjerg’s lively center at SoHo Bar & Cocktails, a top choice for classic and creative drinks.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Sølsted Mose Nature Reserve

A brief summary to Sølsted Mose

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Tønder

Regional bus and short walk

Cycling from nearby towns

Sølsted Mose location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Sølsted Mose

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Sølsted Mose

A southern Jutland bog reborn

Birdlife in a sea of reeds and heather

Rare species in a fragile landscape

Boardwalks, viewpoints and quiet paths

Experiencing the moods of the bog

Conservation story in the borderlands

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kanonenhügel

Gamle Redningsstation

Bunker

Rømø-Sylt Linie GmbH & Co. KG

Morsum-Kliff

Frisia Historica

Ribe Cathedral

Jacob A. Riis Museum

Stormflodssøjlen

Queen Dagmar of Bohemia

Riberhus Slotsbanke

Gram Clay Pit

Galgebakken

Kammerslusen Ribe

Kammerslusen Clay Excavations

Unmissable attractions to see

Trøjborg Castle Ruins

Langdysserne

Schackenborg Castle

Slotsgaden Møgeltønder

Tøndermarsken

Museum Sønderjylland - Drøhses Hus

Museum of Southern Jutland - Cultural History of Tønder

Højer Sluse

North Sea Cycle Route

Vidåslusen

Sneglemøllerne Ballum Enge

Ballum Sluse

Gasse Høje

Misthusum

Marsk Camp A/S

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Marsk

Otto & Ani's Fisk

Havnekiosken Rømø

Frankel 5

HAVNEBY KRO RESTAURANT

Ristorante Europa Rømø

Rømø Pandekagehus

Restaurant Diget

MEGA GRILL

Café Retro Brøns Kro

Café Fru Dax

Café Hr. Dax

Roland Imbiss

Rømø Pizza & Pasta Restaurant

KlitHus Mandø

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Skærbæk Antik & Design

Dagmar Garbe

Havneby Shopping

Skansen - Café & Kaffebar

WestWind Outlet

Stenhuset Rømø

WESTWIND Rømø

Coop Dagli'Brugsen Rømø

Ny Form Havneby

Rømø Cykler & Legetøj

Tutti Market