Himmelev Skov

From gravel pits to green sanctuary

Himmelev Skov stretches across the gently undulating land north of Roskilde, where gravel was once extracted on an industrial scale. Today the pits have been softened by time and careful planning, reshaped into basins for ponds, small lakes and damp hollows that catch the light and attract birds. The area has been deliberately planted as a new state forest, creating a buffer that helps protect local groundwater and brings wildness back to the edge of the city. The trees here are still relatively young compared with old Danish beech forests, so light reaches the ground and the landscape feels open. You notice wide horizons, scattered copses and shelterbelts rather than dense, dark woodland. This gives the whole area a fresh, airy character, especially on clear days when the sky seems to sit low over the fields and tree lines.

Layers of woodland, meadows and water

One of the pleasures of Himmelev Skov is how quickly the scenery shifts under your feet. Paths lead you through newly planted deciduous stands, across open grassland and into low, marshy areas in just a few minutes of walking. Dry, sunny slopes are allowed to develop as flower-rich grassland, while hollows hold wet meadows and reed-fringed ponds where frogs, dragonflies and ducks thrive. The variety of habitats brings subtle seasonal changes. In spring, fresh leaves glow almost neon-green against the pale trunks and early flowers dot the rides. Summer highlights the contrast between shaded woodland strips and sun-baked open areas. In autumn, the mix of species produces a patchwork of yellow, orange and lingering green, reflected in the still water of the old gravel basins.

Trails for walkers, cyclists and riders

A network of waymarked trails runs through the forest, making it straightforward to explore without a map. Broad gravel tracks suit casual walks, prams and everyday cycling, while narrower paths tempt you to wander off on more meandering loops. The terrain is gently hilly rather than strenuous, offering enough rise and fall to keep things interesting without becoming demanding. Himmelev Skov is also planned with horses in mind. Dedicated riding tracks run along parts of the area, connecting with local equestrian facilities. You may see riders moving quietly along the edge of a meadow or climbing one of the low ridges, a reminder that this green belt is woven into everyday life for nearby residents, not separated from it.

Nature, biodiversity and quiet corners

Although the forest is young, it has been designed to favour biodiversity. A mix of native tree species, undisturbed corners, deadwood left on the ground and uncut thickets around ponds all create niches for insects, birds and small mammals. Over time, as the trees mature and the soil recovers from its industrial past, this mosaic is expected to become richer and more complex. For visitors, this thoughtful approach is most obvious in the atmosphere. Birdsong carries clearly across the open areas, especially at dawn and in the evening. On calm days you can hear the rustle of leaves, the soft splash of water birds and little else. Benches or simple resting spots at viewpoints and beside water invite you to pause, look and listen rather than hurry through.

A local escape on Roskilde’s northern fringe

Himmelev Skov sits right against the residential districts of Himmelev, making it an everyday green escape as much as a destination. Paths often start near housing, schools and sports facilities before slipping into the trees, so the boundary between town and forest feels pleasantly blurred. Families use it for short evening walks, runners for regular training loops and dog owners for daily circuits. Despite this local feel, the forest also appeals to visitors exploring the wider Roskilde area. Combined with historic sites in the city and the landscapes along Roskilde Fjord, it adds a quieter, more reflective dimension to a day’s itinerary. You come here not for grand views or dramatic landmarks, but for the simple rhythm of a Danish forest growing into its own identity.

Changing with the seasons and expanding future

Because much of Himmelev Skov was planted only in recent decades, the area is visibly evolving. Saplings grow into solid stands, new sections are added, and paths are adjusted as the forest spreads across former farmland. Information from local authorities highlights ongoing expansion, underscoring its role in climate adaptation, water protection and creating more accessible nature close to where people live. Each season brings a different experience. Winter reveals the landforms of the old gravel workings in stark detail, while frost and occasional snow give the ponds a muted, monochrome beauty. In contrast, long summer evenings invite unhurried wanderings, when the low sun slants through rows of trees and the air carries the scent of warm grass and damp earth. Over years, returning visitors can watch this young landscape quietly mature.