Samsø Labyrinten
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.
Samsø Labyrinten on northern Samsø is an enormous hedge maze laid out in a former Christmas tree plantation, officially recognized as the world’s largest labyrinth. Covering 60,000 m² with 5.5 km of paths and 186 junctions, it blends playful navigation games with a gentle nature experience among conifers and young deciduous trees. Families, groups and curious solo travelers use quiz-based “Pathfinders” to choose from eight different goals, from the central Temple to activity-filled Midgård, turning a simple walk into an engaging outdoor challenge.
A brief summary to Samsø Labyrinten
- Issehoved 1, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- +4524273717
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least two to three hours so you can both reach a main goal such as the Temple and relax at a picnic area without rushing.
- Choose a quiz difficulty that is slightly challenging; if you pick a topic you know too well, you may navigate the maze too easily and shorten the experience.
- Wear sturdy shoes and weather‑appropriate layers; paths are unpaved and can be uneven, and much of the visit is outdoors in changing conditions.
- Bring your own picnic to enjoy at Midgård or the entrance seating; covered tables make it comfortable even if a shower passes over.
- If visiting with mixed ages or reduced mobility, opt for one of the shorter goals and ask staff which routes are most accessible that day.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Ferry and car from Jutland
Take the ferry from Hou on the east coast of Jutland to Sælvig on Samsø; the crossing typically takes about one hour. Standard car fares are usually in the range of 400–700 DKK each way depending on season and size of vehicle, and advance booking is strongly recommended in summer. From Sælvig it is roughly a 25–35 minute drive on island roads to Samsø Labyrinten, with easy access for standard cars and signposted approaches.
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Ferry and car from Zealand
From Zealand, use the seasonal ferry between Kalundborg and Ballen on Samsø, with sailing times of about 90 minutes. Car and driver tickets are commonly in the 500–800 DKK range each way, varying by departure and season. Once in Ballen, expect a 20–30 minute drive on rural roads to reach the labyrinth. Services are less frequent outside peak months, so check departure days and plan around limited sailings.
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Ferry, bus and short walk on Samsø
Arriving as a foot passenger in Sælvig or Ballen, you can connect to the local island bus network, which links the harbours with northern villages in roughly 30–45 minutes of travel time. Bus fares are generally modest, in the region of 20–40 DKK per journey, often payable in cash or by card. Services tend to follow school and daytime patterns and can be sparse in the evening or outside summer, so it is wise to time your visit to fit the timetable and be prepared for a short walk from the nearest bus stop along quiet country lanes.
Samsø Labyrinten location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Samsø Labyrinten
A giant green puzzle in the heart of Samsø
Samsø Labyrinten spreads across six hectares of gently undulating countryside at the northern end of the island, carved out of a former Christmas tree plantation. Today it is a dense, walkable tapestry of normann firs and thousands of deciduous trees, forming living walls that quickly swallow any sense of direction. With 5.5 kilometres of intertwined paths and 186 T-junctions, it has been recognized as the world’s largest labyrinth, an outdoor puzzle on the scale of a small village. Despite its size, the atmosphere remains relaxed and human in scale. The entrance area is compact and welcoming, with clear information, simple facilities and the starting point for your adventure. From here the maze stretches out in all directions, its narrow earthen paths meandering between tall trees that create shifting patterns of light and shadow as the day progresses.From Christmas trees to record‑breaking attraction
The labyrinth was laid out around the year 2000 on land previously used to grow Christmas trees, a practical decision that has become an unusual piece of landscape architecture. Rather than clearing the fields, the designers kept many of the conifers and gradually supplemented them with more than 10,000 broadleaf trees planted along the paths. Over time, this mix has grown into dense green corridors that remain passable but disorienting, especially in high season when foliage is thickest. The site is maintained with a clear environmental focus. No pesticides are used and there is no chemical pest control, allowing grasses, wildflowers and insects to coexist with the maze structure. Even the parking area is grassed, dotted with locally sourced boulders and young trees so that the transition from car to countryside feels seamless rather than paved and urban.Quizzes as your compass
What sets Samsø Labyrinten apart from a simple hedge maze is its system of “Stifinder” quiz sheets that double as navigation tools. Before entering, you choose one of more than fifty themes and difficulty levels, tailored for adults, families, children or mixed groups. Each sheet is linked to one of eight goals hidden at different distances from the start, from the central Temple to shorter routes designed for limited time or stamina. At every T‑junction, a question waits for you. Two possible answers correspond to two possible directions, and your choice determines the path you take. Answer correctly and you are guided gradually toward your goal; make a mistake and you may spiral into a loop or dead end, forcing you to think again. This simple mechanic transforms the walk into a shared problem‑solving game, part treasure hunt and part nature trail.Temples, playgrounds and hidden clearings
The maze’s main objective is the Temple, set in the heart of the layout and reached by a round trip of roughly one to one and a half hours, covering between 2.5 and 3 kilometres. Reaching it feels like unlocking the centre of a riddle, with trees briefly opening into a clearing before you plunge back into the green corridors for the return journey. Other goals offer different experiences and lengths, allowing you to match the route to your group’s abilities. Midgård, one of the most popular inner zones, combines the thrill of discovery with play. Here you find a large activity course and roomy picnic tables, a natural gathering point for families who want to pause, unpack a lunch and let children burn off energy in semi‑wild surroundings. Elsewhere in the labyrinth, small open spaces, animal silhouettes and simple installations keep the sense of exploration alive.Nature, wildlife and all‑weather fun
Beyond the game element, the labyrinth works as a gentle nature experience. Over twenty different tree and shrub species create varied textures and colours through the seasons, from fresh spring greens to dense summer shade and autumn tones. Birds thrive in this mosaic of shelter and edges, with around thirty species recorded in the area; with a bit of patience you might spot hares or even a fox crossing a path ahead. The dense planting also makes the maze surprisingly weather‑proof. High trees offer shelter from wind and light rain, and there are covered picnic areas near the entrance for breaks in heavier showers. Simple rain ponchos can be purchased on site and umbrellas are available to borrow, so a grey forecast is no barrier to visiting.Practical comforts and group‑friendly design
Samsø Labyrinten is designed to accommodate everything from small families to large groups. There is seating for around a hundred guests close to the entrance, including covered spaces that work well for gatherings or waiting while others complete their route. The wide, firm paths and gentle gradients give relatively easy access, and many sections are suitable even for users of electric wheelchairs. Group arrangements and team‑oriented activities are a big part of the site’s character, with tailor‑made tasks and flexible route lengths. Yet the core experience remains simple: a few hours on foot in fresh island air, guided only by your answers, your curiosity and the rustling walls of trees that turn a flat field into a living, ever‑changing labyrinth.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mindesten - Morten Madsen
1.7 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
2.1 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
3.9 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
7.9 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Hotel Vadstrup1771
13.9 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
Samsø Sogn
15.6 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
Ilsemade Helligkilde
15.6 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
18.2 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
18.6 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.
Olaf Ryes Skanse
21.2 km
A 19th-century Danish military fortification honoring a war hero with commanding views across the Jutland landscape.
Marselisborgmonumentet
27.7 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Flagpladsen
28.0 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Mols bjerge besøgscenter
28.3 km
Discover the heart of Mols Bjerge National Park at the Visitor Centre: Explore exhibits, plan your adventure, and immerse yourself in Denmark's stunning natural and cultural heritage.
Tivoli Friheden
28.7 km
Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Mindesten for Egil Fischer
29.1 km
A quiet memorial honoring Denmark's visionary architect and pioneer of planned communities.
Unmissable attractions to see
Stay by Stage
1.0 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.
Ballebjerg
1.7 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.
Issehoved
3.4 km
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.
Mårup Havn
3.9 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.
Yduns Have ApS
11.3 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.
Samsø Rederi
12.0 km
The green-hearted ferry link between Samsø and Jutland, turning a one-hour crossing into the relaxed first chapter of your island escape.
Besser Rev
12.5 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.
The Morgan Garage
13.3 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
13.3 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.
Besser Udsigtstårn
13.4 km
A modest island lookout tower on the ruins of an old mill, offering wide Samsø panoramas, quiet rural atmosphere and glimpses of distant Kalundborg on clear days.
Sletterhage Fyr.
13.9 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.
Samsø Egnsarkiv
14.0 km
Samsø's historical archive preserving centuries of island records and family heritage.
Tyskertårnet
14.3 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
14.3 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
15.2 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.
Essential places to dine
Restauranter I Nordby
0.8 km
Authentic Danish cuisine in a warm, unpretentious setting with generous portions and genuine hospitality.
Ildegal Samsø
0.9 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
0.9 km
Intimate Samsø village brasserie serving seasonal French–Danish dishes in a cosy house right on Nordby’s main street.
Nordby Kro I/S
1.0 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
3.1 km
A cosy Samsø village café blending local produce, art and wine in a relaxed farm-shop setting on Maarup Hovedgade.
Skov Cafeen / Restaurant
3.7 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
8.7 km
Island smokehouse crafting refined seafood with smoke and fire on Samsø
Samsø Perlen
12.1 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
13.3 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
15.2 km
Inventive island cooking and handmade Samsø specialties served in a converted farm stable at the culinary heart of Tranebjerg.
Samsø Madhus
15.6 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
15.6 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
15.7 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
Den Gule Parasol
15.7 km
Sunny, laid-back café-restaurant in Tranebjerg serving tapas, sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a relaxed lunch stop amid Samsø’s village life.
Syv Ni 13 på Strandlyst
17.0 km
Seasonal social dining in a Nordic seaside hotel, where Samsø’s vegetables, local seafood and thoughtful pairings shape an intimate island evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Casa Tua ved Kæret
0.8 km
Artisanal ice cream in a tranquil garden—Samsø's most cherished frozen treat destination.
Samsø Smykker
3.0 km
Handcrafted Scandinavian jewelry from Samsø's natural materials, where island resources become wearable art.
Samsø Cykeludlejning/Cycleriet
3.0 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
11.7 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Samsø at Smagen af Øen in Nordby.
Besser Living
13.1 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
14.3 km
Traditional Samsø family farm shop bringing potatoes, seasonal vegetables, fruit and berries straight from surrounding fields to a cosy, countryside storefront.
P II Samsø, kunst - antik - design, Langgade 38, 8305 Samsø
15.6 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
15.6 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
15.6 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
15.7 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
15.7 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
El-Salg Bissø ApS
15.7 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Buur - Items & Clothing - Coffee
15.8 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
15.8 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.
SuperBrugsen
15.9 km
The practical heart of Tranebjerg and Samsø’s go-to supermarket for fresh local produce, Danish staples, and everyday essentials throughout your island stay.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Samsø Bryghus
0.8 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
15.5 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
16.3 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
16.4 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
17.5 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
25.6 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
25.6 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
25.7 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
25.9 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
26.0 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
26.1 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.
Den Skæve Bar
26.1 km
A crooked timber-framed pub in Ebeltoft's old town, where live music and garden charm meet Danish hospitality.
Toldboden
26.1 km
Relaxed harbourside bar in Ebeltoft, blending maritime character, waterfront views and late-opening drinks in a cosy, casual setting by the marina.
Bar Pia
26.4 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in central Ebeltoft, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed glimpse into everyday Danish pub life.
Brewpub på Maltfabrikken
26.5 km
Fresh local beer served beneath the beams of Ebeltoft’s restored red malt factory, where industrial heritage and modern Danish craft brewing meet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
