Issehoved – Northern Tip of Samsø
Windswept tip of Samsø where rolling hills meet open Kattegat horizons and the island narrows to a pebble‑fringed point of sea, light and sky.
Issehoved is the windswept northern tip of Samsø, a narrow spit of land where rolling hills tumble into shingle beaches and the Kattegat surrounds you on three sides. Often compared to a miniature version of Skagen’s famous sandbar, this ever‑shifting headland offers big skies, long horizons and far‑reaching views towards Aarhus, Helgenæs and Mols. It is one of the island’s most atmospheric spots for coastal walks, quiet contemplation and watching the light play across sea and cliff.
A brief summary to Issehoved
- Issehoved, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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 sturdy shoes; paths and beaches are uneven, with pebbles, sandy stretches and short, steep slopes down to the water.
- Bring windproof layers even in summer, as the exposed headland can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than inland.
- Plan extra time around sunrise or late afternoon for the most atmospheric light and long views towards Aarhus and Mols.
- If you explore in bird nesting season, keep to marked paths and avoid disturbing birds resting on the beach or in low vegetation.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Nordby
From Nordby village, driving to the Issehoved parking area typically takes 5–10 minutes along local roads. The route is short but narrow in places, with passing bays and occasional cyclists. Parking near the headland is free but limited in peak summer, so arriving earlier in the day helps. From the parking area you continue on foot along unpaved paths over low hills to reach the tip.
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Bicycle from Nordby and northern villages
Cycling from Nordby or nearby northern settlements to Issehoved usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on your starting point and pace. The ride follows quiet country lanes with gentle hills and some exposed stretches where wind can be strong. There is no dedicated bike parking infrastructure, but you can lock your bicycle near the main approach and continue on foot. This option is free and suits most reasonably confident cyclists.
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On foot via Nordby Bakker trails
Hiking from the Nordby Bakker area to Issehoved takes about 1–2 hours each way, depending on the route and how often you stop. Waymarked trails lead through rolling hills and coastal slopes, with uneven ground, occasional sandy sections and low vegetation. The walk is not technically difficult but can feel moderately strenuous for some visitors. Good footwear and weather‑appropriate clothing are important, and there are no services en route.
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Taxi or pre‑booked local transport on Samsø
Taxis or pre‑arranged local transport can bring you from larger villages such as Tranebjerg or Ballen to the Issehoved approach in roughly 20–35 minutes, depending on distance and seasonal traffic. Fares vary with the starting point and time of day, but for typical island journeys expect a range of about 150–350 DKK one way for a standard car. Services should be booked in advance, especially outside the main summer season.
Issehoved 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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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Issehoved
Where Samsø Narrows into the Sea
Issehoved is the northernmost point of Samsø, a slim, tapering headland pushing out into the Kattegat like a miniature version of Denmark’s tip at Skagen. Here the island dwindles to a low tongue of pebbles and sand, flanked by shallow beaches and framed by gently undulating coastal hills. On clear days the horizon is busy: you can pick out Aarhus and the Mols peninsula, Helgenæs with its hilltops, and lighthouses blinking faintly across the water. The sense of exposure is part of the appeal. With open sea on almost all sides, the wind rarely rests, and the light shifts constantly as clouds race over the water. Even on calm summer days there is a salty tang in the air and the soft hiss of waves working at the shore, slowly reshaping the point.Landscapes Shaped by Wind and Waves
Issehoved is a textbook example of a dynamic coastal landscape. The headland was sculpted after the last Ice Age, as meltwater and currents carried sand and gravel along Samsø’s coast, gradually building up this narrow tip. Prevailing winds and waves still move material today; shorelines advance and retreat, and low dunes and beach ridges are subtly different from season to season. Behind the tip, rounded hills and heather‑topped slopes fall towards the sea, part of the Nordby Bakker landscape that gives northern Samsø its distinctive profile. Sheep and cattle sometimes graze here, keeping the vegetation open and adding to the sense of a working, semi‑wild countryside. From higher knolls you gain sweeping views over fields, coastline and the long spine of the island stretching south.Walking the Edge of the Island
Most visits to Issehoved revolve around simple pleasures: walking, pausing and looking. Short paths lead over the hills and down to the stony beaches, where you can circle the tip and feel the sea change character from one side to the other. The terrain is easy to moderate, with some short, steeper slopes and uneven ground that reward sturdy footwear. Along the way you notice details: polished pebbles underfoot, patterns of seaweed left by the last high tide, or driftwood bleached nearly white. Birdlife can be rewarding, with coastal species cruising the shoreline and, in the right season, migratory flocks using Samsø as a stepping stone. Many visitors linger simply to sit on the stones, listen to the water and watch ferries and cargo ships thread distant routes across the Kattegat.Changing Skies and Island Light
Issehoved comes into its own in expressive weather. On bright days the sea glows in bands of green and blue, and the low hills are lit in soft gold. When clouds build, the landscape turns more dramatic, with shafts of light picking out headlands and distant islands. Sunrise and late‑evening light can be especially atmospheric as skies reflect in the water on both sides of the point. Because the headland is so open, conditions can feel cooler and windier than elsewhere on Samsø, particularly outside summer. Layers, wind protection and a readiness for quick changes make it easier to enjoy the shifting moods of the place, whether you come for a brisk winter walk or a slow July evening by the shore.Part of Samsø’s Nature Story
Issehoved forms a natural full stop at the end of Samsø’s northern landscapes. It links the cultivated interior to a wilder fringe of beach meadows, coastal slopes and open sea that frames much of the island’s character. The area is generally left simple and undeveloped, with basic paths and minimal facilities helping preserve its raw feel. As with many Danish coastal environments, staying on paths where indicated, avoiding disturbance of nesting birds and taking litter away are small but important contributions to keeping this fragile headland intact. In return, Issehoved offers one of Samsø’s purest encounters with wind, light and sea – a reminder of how a small island can feel strikingly expansive at its very edge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mindesten - Morten Madsen
4.1 km
A modest memorial stone set in Samsø’s quiet countryside, offering a brief, reflective pause amid open fields, island sky and centuries of local history.
Oasen Samsø
5.4 km
Discover tranquility and island charm at Oasen Samsø, a unique retreat offering comfortable accommodations, natural beauty, and a rich cultural experience on Denmark's sustainable island.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
7.2 km
Experience fresh, locally sourced seafood with stunning harbor views at Restaurant Mårup Havn, a culinary gem on the scenic island of Samsø, Denmark.
The Kanhave Canal
10.9 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Hotel Vadstrup1771
17.2 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
Olaf Ryes Skanse
17.9 km
A 19th-century Danish military fortification honoring a war hero with commanding views across the Jutland landscape.
Samsø Sogn
18.8 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
Ilsemade Helligkilde
19.0 km
A Bronze Age sacred spring where fresh water flows from an ancient hollow oak, connecting modern visitors to 3,000 years of spiritual tradition.
The small Summer Hotel
21.3 km
Experience authentic Danish seaside charm at The Small Summer Hotel in Ballen, Samsø, offering cozy accommodations and a perfect base for exploring the island's natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Ballen Strandpark - Ferielejligheder og feriehus
21.7 km
Experience coastal bliss at Ballen Strandpark on Samsø: stunning sea views, direct beach access, and charming apartments near Ballen harbor, perfect for a relaxing island getaway.
Mindesten for Egil Fischer
25.7 km
A quiet memorial honoring Denmark's visionary architect and pioneer of planned communities.
Marselisborgmonumentet
26.1 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Mols Bjerge stien
26.1 km
Hike through stunning Ice Age landscapes, discover ancient burial mounds, and experience the tranquility of nature on the certified Mols Bjerge stien near Ebeltoft, Denmark.
mounds from the bronze age
26.2 km
Denmark's largest Neolithic stone burial mound—a 5,500-year-old monument to prehistoric ritual and engineering.
Mindeparken
26.2 km
Aarhus' Mindeparken: Where history, remembrance, and recreation meet in a stunning parkland setting by Marselisborg Palace, offering bay views and tranquil gardens.
Unmissable attractions to see
Samsø Labyrinten
3.4 km
Lose yourself in the world’s largest labyrinth, where quiz questions guide you through 5.5 km of leafy paths, hidden goals, play areas and tranquil island nature.
Ballebjerg
4.2 km
Samsø’s highest hill, crowned by a 1920 watchtower and wrapped in wide Kattegat horizons, offering simple, far-reaching views over fields, sea and islands.
Stay by Stage
4.4 km
Intimate village inn on Samsø with bright rooms, a seasonal Nordic kitchen and a tranquil garden, set along Nordby’s main street close to beach and countryside.
Mårup Havn
7.2 km
Tiny island harbour at the foot of Nordby Bakker, where wooden jetties, big skies and gentle coastal paths capture the quiet rhythm of Samsø’s northwestern shore.
Sletterhage Fyr.
10.8 km
Active lighthouse at the tip of Helgenæs, where ships pass close to shore, glacial cliffs meet the Kattegat, and wide coastal views invite slow walks and quiet watching.
Tyskertårnet
11.1 km
A rugged World War II radar tower on Helgenæs, where concrete fortifications, sweeping sea views and the rolling hills of Mols Bjerge meet on a windswept headland.
Kanonstilling
11.1 km
Evocative World War II coastal gun position on a Knebel hilltop, where stark concrete bunkers meet sweeping Kattegat views in Mols Bjerge National Park.
Strand Sletterhage
12.1 km
A long, stone-fringed beach at the tip of Helgenæs, where open horizons, passing ships and wind-brushed skies create a raw, elemental slice of Danish coastline.
Helgenæs
12.4 km
Remote-feeling Danish peninsula where rugged cliffs, lighthouses and farmed hills meet star-filled night skies and some of Djursland’s most atmospheric coastal hikes.
Ellemandsbjerget top
12.9 km
Low in altitude but rich in horizons, Ellemandsbjerget crowns Helgenæs with sweeping sea views, quiet forest paths and hints of Denmark’s coastal history.
Yduns Have ApS
14.3 km
Organic farm, self-serve shop and rustic cabins on Samsø’s quiet east side, where you taste the island’s vegetables right where they’re grown.
Besser Rev
15.0 km
A long, stony spit between fjord and open sea, Besser Rev offers raw Samsø nature, big horizons, seabirds and seals for those willing to walk the shingle.
Samsø Rederi
15.3 km
The green-hearted ferry link between Samsø and Jutland, turning a one-hour crossing into the relaxed first chapter of your island escape.
The Morgan Garage
16.2 km
A tiny village workshop turned Morgan treasure-trove, blending hand-built British sports cars, quirky automobilia and Samsø’s quietly green island backdrop.
Stakladen Besser
16.3 km
A rustic island barn transformed into a light-filled gallery, with weekly changing art and craft exhibitions in the heart of Besser on Samsø.
Essential places to dine
Restauranter I Nordby
4.1 km
Authentic Danish cuisine in a warm, unpretentious setting with generous portions and genuine hospitality.
Ildegal Samsø
4.2 km
Neapolitan-inspired gourmet pizza in the heart of Nordby, where slow-fermented dough, local Samsø ingredients and a glowing oven turn simple evenings into island rituals.
Nordby 13
4.3 km
Intimate Samsø village brasserie serving seasonal French–Danish dishes in a cosy house right on Nordby’s main street.
Nordby Kro I/S
4.4 km
Cosy island inn on Samsø’s Nordby main street, blending seasonal Danish cuisine, homely rooms and a peaceful garden retreat in the heart of village life.
Harvesting, shop and cafe
6.4 km
A cosy Samsø village café blending local produce, art and wine in a relaxed farm-shop setting on Maarup Hovedgade.
Skov Cafeen / Restaurant
6.7 km
Relaxed forest café and restaurant on Samsø serving classic Danish comfort food, coffee and ice cream, a short walk from one of the island’s finest beaches.
Smokehouse Langør
11.3 km
Island smokehouse crafting refined seafood with smoke and fire on Samsø
Samsø Perlen
15.5 km
Casual seaside restaurant and guesthouse by the sands of Sælvig, serving Samsø’s island ingredients with relaxed coastal views and easy access to the ferry.
søster sidevind
16.2 km
Atmospheric lunch café and curiosity shop in Besser’s old grocery, serving artful smørrebrød, local flavours and coffee in a cosy courtyard and vintage-filled interior.
Samsø Madsnedkeri
18.5 km
Inventive island cooking and handmade Samsø specialties served in a converted farm stable at the culinary heart of Tranebjerg.
Restaurant Heaven and Sea
18.7 km
Organic, coastal-inspired Danish cuisine served beside the Kattegat, where bright Nordic flavors meet wide sea views and a relaxed seaside restaurant atmosphere.
Samsø Madhus
18.9 km
Island produce, homely Danish cooking and simple rooms come together at Samsø Madhus, a cosy food house in Tranebjerg at the heart of Samsø.
Flinchs Hotel
18.9 km
Historic 1885 town hotel in Tranebjerg with local-produce restaurant, leafy courtyard and a central base for exploring Samsø’s landscapes and coastline.
Carlo's Corner
18.9 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
Den Gule Parasol
19.0 km
Sunny, laid-back café-restaurant in Tranebjerg serving tapas, sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a relaxed lunch stop amid Samsø’s village life.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Casa Tua ved Kæret
4.2 km
Artisanal ice cream in a tranquil garden—Samsø's most cherished frozen treat destination.
Samsø Smykker
6.2 km
Handcrafted Scandinavian jewelry from Samsø's natural materials, where island resources become wearable art.
Samsø Cykeludlejning/Cycleriet
6.3 km
Explore Denmark’s green island by bike at Samsø Cykeludlejning, where every rental offers a gateway to windmills, orchards, and the unhurried pace of island life.
Smagen Af Øen
14.4 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Samsø at Smagen af Øen in Nordby.
Besser Living
15.8 km
A cozy yarn and craft hideaway in rural Samsø, where colorful skeins, friendly advice and island calm turn a simple shop visit into a creative pause.
Langemarksgård
17.4 km
Traditional Samsø family farm shop bringing potatoes, seasonal vegetables, fruit and berries straight from surrounding fields to a cosy, countryside storefront.
Nordic Bar Group
18.8 km
Denmark's trusted supplier of professional bar equipment and sustainable glassware to European hospitality.
P II Samsø, kunst - antik - design, Langgade 38, 8305 Samsø
18.8 km
Eclectic art, antiques and Danish design in a cosy summer shop on Samsø, where decades of collecting meet the easygoing rhythm of island village life.
Store island oen.dk
18.9 km
Island-style knitwear, woollen plaids and practical outdoor clothing in a cosy Samsø village shop that blends Danish craftsmanship with everyday Nordic living.
Samsø Grej
18.9 km
Compact island hunting and fishing shop in Tranebjerg, ideal for gearing up and getting local advice before exploring Samsø’s coasts and countryside.
Tøjhuset
18.9 km
Cosy Samsø clothing boutique offering friendly, personal service and a practical yet stylish mix of clothes, shoes and accessories in Tranebjerg’s main street.
Imerco
18.9 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
El-Salg Bissø ApS
18.9 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Buur - Items & Clothing - Coffee
19.0 km
A cosy Samsø hybrid of Scandinavian fashion, design objects and aromatic coffee, Buur turns a simple village storefront into an inviting island living room.
Ny Form Samsø
19.1 km
Sporty, island-ready clothing and gear for all ages, keeping you comfortable in Samsø’s breezy coastal weather from village streets to windswept beaches.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Samsø Bryghus
4.1 km
Organic farm brewery and countryside café on Samsø, serving house beers and field‑fresh dishes in a relaxed courtyard of converted farm buildings.
Ræven
18.8 km
Rural Samsø bar and eatery with relaxed island vibes, simple hearty fare, and late-week pub energy in a low-key farmhouse-style setting.
Garagen
19.3 km
Laid-back island bar in the woods of Strandskoven, blending rustic charm, simple drinks and live music with the easy coastal rhythm of Samsø.
rullen
19.5 km
Casual festival bar in the heart of Samsø Festival, where cold drinks, sea air and relaxed island vibes create a warm pause between concerts.
Vinkapellet Samsø
20.7 km
Cosy island wine bar in Brundby specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, where intimate surroundings and slow Samsø evenings invite lingering conversations.
Umage Ølbar
22.3 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
22.3 km
Former oyster and bubbles bar on Ebeltoft’s old fishing harbour, where luxury shellfish, sparkling wine and maritime history came together in a relaxed coastal setting.
Mejeriets Bar
22.6 km
Cozy neighbourhood bar and eatery by the harbour in Knebel, offering simple food, evening drinks and a relaxed local atmosphere after days out on Djursland.
Sir Henry Bodega
22.6 km
Unpretentious Danish bar in Ebeltoft’s cobbled old town, pouring local beers and classic drinks in a cozy, lived-in setting from morning till late.
Ebeltoft Strandbar
22.7 km
Laid-back beachfront bar on Ebeltoft Bay, serving simple seaside food, cold drinks and big-sky sunsets just steps from the sand on Strandvejen.
Klub K
22.8 km
Small-town harbor bar turned late-night disco, Klub K keeps Ebeltoft dancing on weekend nights with simple drinks, big beats and an easygoing local vibe.
Toldboden
22.8 km
Relaxed harbourside bar in Ebeltoft, blending maritime character, waterfront views and late-opening drinks in a cosy, casual setting by the marina.
Den Skæve Bar
22.8 km
A crooked timber-framed pub in Ebeltoft's old town, where live music and garden charm meet Danish hospitality.
Bar Pia
23.1 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in central Ebeltoft, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed glimpse into everyday Danish pub life.
Brewpub på Maltfabrikken
23.2 km
Fresh local beer served beneath the beams of Ebeltoft’s restored red malt factory, where industrial heritage and modern Danish craft brewing meet.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
26.0 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
Lounge 8000
27.5 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
GBAR
27.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
27.7 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
27.7 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
Bernhardt Natklub
27.9 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
27.9 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Bar Smil Aarhus
27.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife at Bar Smil Aarhus, a must-visit night club and bar offering an unforgettable experience in Denmark's cultural hub.
Luksusmassage Århus
27.9 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
SLM Aarhus
28.0 km
Experience the vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife at SLM Aarhus, a welcoming gay bar that celebrates diversity and community in the heart of the city.
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
28.0 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
28.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Pet Friendly
