Strandlyst Hotel & Restaurant, Samsø
Intimate Nordic island hideaway with design-led rooms, seasonal dining and a tranquil pool garden near Ballen on Samsø’s gentle coastline.
Strandlyst Hotel & Restaurant is an intimate, design-forward hideaway on the Danish island of Samsø, set along Strandvejen near the harbour village of Ballen. Housed in a charming coastal property, it combines a relaxed island mood with refined Nordic style, seasonal gourmet dining and a large outdoor pool framed by lawns and old trees. With just a handful of rooms, a focus on local produce and easy access to beaches and countryside, it feels more like a private seaside villa than a conventional hotel.
A brief summary to Strandlyst - Hotel
- Strandvejen 12, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- +4521272540
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 48 hours
- Luxury
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book well ahead for peak summer and Danish holiday periods, when Samsø and Strandlyst’s limited rooms are in especially high demand.
- Aim for long summer evenings to enjoy the pool, terrace and late sunsets; shoulder seasons are quieter and suit walks and cosy dinners.
- Consider exploring the island by bicycle; Samsø is relatively flat, and Strandlyst’s location near Ballen makes short scenic rides easy.
- Pack layers even in summer, as coastal breezes can be cool at night when dining or relaxing outdoors by the pool and gardens.
- If you have dietary requirements, notify the hotel in advance so the kitchen can adapt its seasonal menus using local ingredients.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Ferry and car from Jutland
From Hou on the Jutland coast, take the car ferry to Sælvig on Samsø, a crossing of around 1 hour. Foot passengers and vehicles are both accepted, with ticket prices typically in the range of 100–300 DKK per adult depending on season and vehicle type. After arrival, driving from Sælvig across the island to Strandvejen near Ballen usually takes 15–25 minutes on straightforward rural roads. Services run several times daily in high season but are less frequent in winter, so advance booking is advisable.
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Ferry and car from Zealand
From Kalundborg on Zealand, take the ferry to Ballen on Samsø, a scenic crossing of roughly 1 hour 30 minutes. Tickets for passengers and vehicles generally range from about 120–350 DKK per adult depending on season and vehicle size. On arrival in Ballen, the drive to Strandvejen 12 is very short and follows simple local roads, usually taking 5–10 minutes. This route is especially convenient when travelling from Copenhagen or other parts of eastern Denmark.
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Public transport via ferry and island bus
If you are travelling without a car, combine regional buses or trains to Hou or Kalundborg with the Samsø ferries, then continue by island bus or taxi. From Sælvig or Ballen, buses typically reach the Ballen area in about 15–30 minutes, with one-way fares often around 20–40 DKK. Services are limited in the evening and outside summer, so check current timetables and allow extra time for transfers. A pre-booked local taxi from the port areas offers a faster but more expensive option.
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Cycling on Samsø
Bringing a bicycle on the ferry is a popular way to explore Samsø once you arrive at Sælvig or Ballen. Bicycle supplements on the ferries are usually modest, often in the range of 20–50 DKK per crossing. From Sælvig, the ride to the Ballen area typically takes 30–50 minutes on mostly gentle, low-traffic roads; from Ballen itself, Strandvejen is reached in a short and easy ride. Terrain is generally flat to slightly rolling, suitable for reasonably confident cyclists in mild weather.
Strandlyst - Hotel location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Strandlyst - Hotel
A coastal retreat on tranquil Samsø
Strandlyst sits on the edge of Samsø, a low-slung coastal property just outside the lively little harbour of Ballen. The building feels immediately welcoming: whitewashed facades, simple lines and big windows that pull in the soft island light. You sense the sea nearby in the salt-tinged air and the cry of gulls, yet the atmosphere is quietly secluded, more country house than busy beach resort. Inside, common spaces are intimate rather than grand. Lounges and corridors are layered with tactile materials, artworks and well-chosen furniture. The scale is small enough that you quickly learn the layout, slipping easily between room, terrace and pool deck. Even when full, Strandlyst keeps an unhurried rhythm that mirrors the slower pace of life on Samsø.Nordic design with an artistic touch
The interiors blend clean Scandinavian lines with warmer, almost gallery-like details. Think wooden floors, pale walls and large contemporary works on display, offset by soft textiles and thoughtful lighting. The effect is stylish but unpretentious, the sort of place where you feel comfortable walking around in bare feet after a swim. Guest rooms follow the same design language: pared-back furniture, quality linens, and a focus on natural light rather than heavy decor. Many have views across the gardens or towards the coast, so the changing skies over the Kattegat become part of the experience. It is a setting that invites you to slow down, read, or simply watch the weather roll past.Poolside calm and garden life
One of Strandlyst’s signatures is its generous outdoor pool, a rarity on small Danish islands. The water shimmers between clipped lawns and mature trees, with loungers spaced out enough to preserve a sense of privacy. On calm summer days you hear little more than the rustle of leaves and the faint hum of conversations drifting from the terrace. Beyond the pool, an informal garden stretches around the hotel, blurring into fields and island landscape. This green buffer gives the property a sheltered, almost cocooned feel, even though Ballen’s harbourfront cafes and beaches lie within easy reach. Cool evenings often draw guests back to the terrace, where blankets, candles and the last light over the water create a quietly romantic mood.Island flavours on the plate
Samsø is famous in Denmark for its produce, from early potatoes to berries and vegetables, and Strandlyst’s restaurant leans into that abundance. Menus change with the seasons, built around local ingredients, seafood from nearby waters and Nordic techniques. Courses are plated with a light hand, more about clarity of flavour than heavy sauces. Meals are typically served in a dining room that looks out towards the grounds, so you stay connected to the landscape that supplied much of what is on your plate. At breakfast, you are likely to encounter homemade breads, island dairy and preserves; by evening, the mood shifts to candlelit intimacy, with multi-course dinners that pair especially well with long summer twilights.Slow days and island explorations
Strandlyst works as both a base and a destination in itself. Some guests spend long stretches drifting between room, restaurant and pool, punctuated only by a short stroll to the shoreline. Others use it as a refined starting point for cycling the island, visiting small villages, farm stands and coastal viewpoints. The hotel’s location along Strandvejen places it close enough to Ballen to enjoy its small-harbour buzz, yet far enough away to retreat to genuine quiet at night. Whether you stay a single night on a broader Jutland journey or settle in for a weekend of unhurried island living, Strandlyst offers a polished but gently understated way to experience Samsø’s landscape and light.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The small Summer Hotel
1.2 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
1.6 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.
Samsø Sogn
3.1 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
Hotel Vadstrup1771
3.9 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
Ilsemade Helligkilde
6.9 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 Kanhave Canal
9.2 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
13.5 km
Experience fresh, locally sourced seafood with stunning harbor views at Restaurant Mårup Havn, a culinary gem on the scenic island of Samsø, Denmark.
Oasen Samsø
15.0 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.
Mindesten - Morten Madsen
17.4 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.
Landmarket Horsedalen
23.9 km
Rare flora and exceptional light in a protected Danish valley.
Befrielsessten i Kallerup
28.2 km
A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.
Danhostel Kalundborg
32.0 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, where culture, dining, and shopping converge in a picturesque square.
Our Lady Church
32.2 km
A medieval masterpiece with five towers symbolizing the Heavenly Jerusalem—architecturally unique and spiritually profound.
The eltest city hall
32.3 km
A modest medieval town hall in Kalundborg’s Højbyen, where centuries of local power, trade and everyday life still echo in cobbled streets and weathered walls.
Kalundborg Slot
32.5 km
An invisible castle at the centre of Kalundborg, where streets, stories and subtle traces reveal the outline of a vanished medieval stronghold.
Unmissable attractions to see
Festivalpladsen
0.6 km
Open-air festival grounds at the edge of forest and fields, where quiet island scenery transforms into a cozy Danish music celebration each summer.
Brundby Stubmølle
2.0 km
One of Denmark’s oldest post mills, Brundby Stubmølle pairs centuries-old milling history with wide Samsø views from a peaceful hill just above the village.
Samsø Island Distillery
2.8 km
Craft spirits infused with island heritage—where juniper, potatoes, and orange ants tell Samsø's story.
Samsø Museum
2.9 km
Distributed cultural museum exploring 16,000 years of Samsø's landscape, heritage, and human connection to nature.
Tidselkorridoren
3.0 km
A winding botanical art corridor celebrating Samsø's wildflowers and native plants.
Dansebjerg
3.0 km
Creative hilltop retreat on Samsø with wide Kattegat views, flexible communal spaces and a calm, homely atmosphere made for groups, workshops and slow island days.
Stakladen Besser
4.0 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.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
4.1 km
High‑speed falcons, soaring eagles and silent owls in a one‑hour open‑air show that brings the ancient art of falconry to life on the island of Samsø.
Besser Udsigtstårn
4.1 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.
The Morgan Garage
4.2 km
A tiny village workshop turned Morgan treasure-trove, blending hand-built British sports cars, quirky automobilia and Samsø’s quietly green island backdrop.
Samsø Egnsarkiv
5.0 km
Samsø's historical archive preserving centuries of island records and family heritage.
Yduns Have ApS
5.8 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 Badehotel Ilse Made
6.4 km
Nordic luxury meets coastal serenity on Samsø's quietest shore, where exceptional food and genuine hospitality define every moment.
Samsø Badehotel
6.4 km
Luxury seaside retreat blending Danish bathhouse tradition with contemporary comfort and celebrated cuisine.
Husmandsstedet Fredensdal
6.4 km
An intimate Samsø smallholder’s farm where thatched roofs, animals and kitchen gardens bring Denmark’s rural past to life in a single charming homestead.
Essential places to dine
Syv Ni 13 på Strandlyst
0.0 km
Seasonal social dining in a Nordic seaside hotel, where Samsø’s vegetables, local seafood and thoughtful pairings shape an intimate island evening.
Den Gamle Butik
1.1 km
Cozy harbor dining with award-winning local beef, island potatoes, and an exceptional wine cellar on Samsø.
Samsø Værftet
1.1 km
Easy-going wharfside restaurant, coffee bar and cocktail hangout on Ballen’s harbourfront, blending seaside leisure, local flavour and Samsø’s laid-back island energy.
Restaurant Dokken
1.1 km
Harbourfront restaurant in Ballen blending Samsø’s maritime shipyard heritage, local Danish classics and lively summer terrace vibes right on the water’s edge.
Ballen Fisk
1.1 km
Relaxed harborfront fish shop and seafood eatery on Samsø, serving fresh catch, smoked specialties and classic Danish fish dishes beside Ballen Harbour.
Pizzeria Maya
1.2 km
Cozy island pizzeria in Ballen serving creative stone‑baked pizzas, pastas and wine in a relaxed, harbor‑side setting on Denmark’s vegetable‑rich Samsø.
Røgeriet
1.2 km
Harbourside smokehouse on Samsø serving freshly smoked fish and Danish seafood classics with local island produce and wide views over Ballen’s lively marina.
I Haven Bistro
1.2 km
Cosy Samsø bistro in Ballen’s holiday heart, serving relaxed, seasonal comfort food a short stroll from the harbour and sandy beaches.
Ballen Badehotel
1.2 km
Classic Danish seaside hotel on Samsø, blending nostalgic bath-hotel charm, local gastronomy and harbor life just steps from the marina and beach.
Restaurant Skipperly I/S
1.3 km
Island harbor dining where local ingredients and Nordic tradition meet genuine warmth and refined technique.
Don Juan Restaurant & Pizzaria
1.3 km
Relaxed Italian comfort food and takeaway favourite in Tranebjerg, serving stone‑baked pizzas, pastas, meat and fish dishes after long Samsø days outdoors.
Molevitten
1.3 km
Lively Samsø hangout in Ballen mixing local-produce dinners, a friendly bar and live music, where islanders and visitors share long evenings by the harbour.
Den Gule Parasol
2.7 km
Sunny, laid-back café-restaurant in Tranebjerg serving tapas, sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a relaxed lunch stop amid Samsø’s village life.
Carlo's Corner
2.7 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
rumogrooms.dk - Hotel og Madhus Rumogrooms
2.7 km
Bright Nordic rooms and a seasonal madhus in a quiet Samsø village, blending minimalist design, local flavours and island calm in an intimate hotel setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
1.2 km
Cozy island thrift store on Samsø where secondhand finds, local volunteers and a quiet sense of purpose turn everyday shopping into low-key, sustainable giving.
Svane
1.2 km
A calm, Scandinavian-style multibrand boutique in Ballen, where curated fashion and cozy homewares meet Samsø’s laid-back harbour atmosphere.
MoltkeDesign
2.4 km
Design-forward village boutique and intimate three-room B&B in Brundby, blending Scandinavian style, local art and relaxed Samsø island living under one roof.
DanChurchSocial Op Shop
2.5 km
Cosy Samsø charity op shop where island life, reuse and social responsibility meet in a volunteer-run treasure trove of second-hand finds.
Hobbyboden Scrapworld – Din onlline hobby butik indenfor scrapbooking, kort og mixed media
2.5 km
A cozy island outlet of a major Danish scrapbooking webshop, packed with papers, stamps and mixed-media supplies for creative travelers on Samsø.
Huge Market on the island
2.6 km
A cavernous Samsø flea and antique market where vintage furniture, island curios and second-hand treasures gather under one relaxed, rummage-friendly roof.
Eskehus Samsø
2.6 km
Island design boutique and gallery on Samsø, blending BY BJORKSTRAND fashion, sustainable interiors, ceramics and botanical art in a charming village house.
Buur - Items & Clothing - Coffee
2.7 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.
SuperBrugsen
2.7 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.
Ny Form Samsø
2.7 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.
Langemarksgård
2.7 km
Traditional Samsø family farm shop bringing potatoes, seasonal vegetables, fruit and berries straight from surrounding fields to a cosy, countryside storefront.
Imerco
2.8 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
Tøjhuset
2.8 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.
El-Salg Bissø ApS
2.8 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Samsø Grej
2.9 km
Compact island hunting and fishing shop in Tranebjerg, ideal for gearing up and getting local advice before exploring Samsø’s coasts and countryside.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
rullen
0.6 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.
Garagen
0.8 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.
Vinkapellet Samsø
2.2 km
Cosy island wine bar in Brundby specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, where intimate surroundings and slow Samsø evenings invite lingering conversations.
Ræven
3.0 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.
Samsø Bryghus
16.2 km
Organic farm brewery and countryside café on Samsø, serving house beers and field‑fresh dishes in a relaxed courtyard of converted farm buildings.
Kalundborg Jazzclub
32.4 km
Intimate volunteer-run blues and jazz club in central Kalundborg, keeping a 1960s live music legacy alive with close-up concerts and warm community spirit.
Cafe Lillebælt
32.6 km
Cozy Kalundborg café-bar blending everyday Danish hygge, simple comfort food and drinks, and a neighborhood atmosphere a short stroll from the harbor.
Kontoret
32.6 km
Kalundborg's inclusive waterfront bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks, food, and genuine social connection.
King's Pub
32.6 km
Traditional small-town pub on Kalundborg’s main street, serving straightforward drinks, local character and unpretentious evening atmosphere.
Slotskældergården
32.9 km
Unpretentious Danish bar on Kalundborg’s main street, offering cold beer, warm light and a glimpse of everyday local life along Kordilgade.
Shooters
33.0 km
Kalundborg’s lively bar and disco club serving up music, drinks, and authentic small-town Danish nightlife on weekends.
Next Door Pool Bar
33.0 km
Casual pool and sports bar on Kalundborg’s Kordilgade, mixing easygoing drinks, live games on screen and friendly competition around the pool tables.
Umage Ølbar
40.9 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
40.9 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.
Sir Henry Bodega
41.1 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Juviklubben
32.7 km
Intimate Kalundborg live music hub and youth club, where generations meet for close-up concerts, casual bar nights and a laid-back, community-driven vibe.
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
34.5 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
Luksusmassage Århus
44.7 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Lounge 8000
45.0 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
GBAR
45.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
45.1 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
45.2 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
Bar Smil Aarhus
45.4 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.
Bernhardt Natklub
45.4 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
45.5 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
45.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly