Skov Cafeen, Mårup – forest café by the sea on Samsø
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.
Skov Cafeen is a laid-back café and restaurant tucked into the woods at Mårup on Samsø, serving classic Danish comfort food and simple café dishes made from local island produce. With outdoor tables under the trees, a short walk to one of the island’s finest sandy beaches and play areas for children, it is as much an outing into nature as a meal stop, ideal for families, walkers and cyclists exploring northern Samsø.
A brief summary to Skov Cafeen / Restaurant
- Heden 2, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- +4543440404
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-8 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-8 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-8 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
- Friday 12 pm-8 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-8 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Come for a late lunch and linger into the afternoon to enjoy both a full meal and a quieter hour with coffee or ice cream as the forest cools down.
- Combine your visit with a swim at the nearby beach; pack swimwear and a towel so you can move easily between sea and café without returning to your accommodation.
- If you are cycling around Samsø, plan Skov Cafeen as a midway stop on a northern loop; the hearty plates and drinks are ideal for refuelling before continuing.
- Families should allow extra time for the indoor and outdoor play areas, as children often want to stay longer than a simple meal would suggest.
- On cooler or windy days, choose a table indoors or close to the building; the forest still feels atmospheric while offering more shelter from the elements.
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
Skov Cafeen / Restaurant 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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Any Weather
Discover more about Skov Cafeen / Restaurant
A forest clearing turned island café
Skov Cafeen sits in a small clearing in the woodland near Mårup, on Samsø’s north side, where sandy paths weave between pines and deciduous trees. The low, unpretentious building and terrace blend into the surroundings, so it feels more like stumbling across a friendly forest kiosk than arriving at a formal restaurant. Birds call from the canopy, and in summer the air carries a mix of salt from the nearby sea and the smell of grilled food. Here the pace is deliberately unhurried. Guests drift in from hikes, bike rides or the beach, often in sandals and windbreakers, and settle at wooden tables outside. The atmosphere is informal and social, with families, couples and groups of friends sharing space under the trees. It feels like a classic Danish skovcafé tradition, adapted to Samsø’s relaxed island rhythm.Classic Danish fare with local island ingredients
The kitchen focuses on straightforward Danish dishes rather than elaborate gastronomy. Think grilled chicken with crisp fries, sausages, schnitzel-style plates, open sandwiches and other familiar comfort foods. Portions are hearty, flavours are recognisable, and the emphasis is on honest cooking instead of fine-dining presentation. Samsø’s agricultural landscape is never far from the plate. The island is known for its vegetables and potatoes, and seasonal local produce often finds its way into salads, sides and daily specials. This gives simple dishes a sense of place, whether you order a plate of meat and potatoes or a lighter lunch. Prices are mid-range by Danish holiday-island standards, making it accessible for families and repeat visits during a stay.Coffee, ice cream and a pause in the trees
Beyond full meals, Skov Cafeen doubles as a classic outing café, ideal for a shorter stop. You can drop by for coffee and cake, a cup of tea on a cool day, or cold soft drinks and beer when the sun is high. Ice cream is a staple in the warmer months, popular with beachgoers and children returning from the nearby shoreline. The outdoor seating is the main draw on fine days, with dappled light through the leaves and the sound of the wind in the treetops. On less cooperative days, the indoor space offers shelter and a simple, rustic interior where you can warm up over a hot drink or a substantial plate of food. It works just as well as a mid-ride refuelling point for cyclists as it does a lazy afternoon hangout.Family-friendly corners and island playtime
Skov Cafeen is particularly suited to families. There are play areas both inside and outside, giving children room to burn off energy while adults enjoy a more leisurely meal or drink. The forest setting itself becomes part of the playground, with soft ground underfoot and plenty of space to roam within sight of the café. Facilities include accessible toilets, making it practical for visitors with reduced mobility, prams or young children. The combination of amenities, forgiving menu and casual setting means mixed-age groups can relax without worrying about formality. It is easy to spend longer than planned here, especially if the kids latch onto the play equipment and the adults get comfortable in the shade.Between woodland paths and one of Samsø’s best beaches
One of Skov Cafeen’s great assets is its location between woods and water. From the café it is only a short walk through the trees to a broad sandy beach considered among the island’s best bathing spots. Many visitors pair a swim or a long shoreline walk with a meal, ice cream or coffee before or after. The surrounding area is criss-crossed with walking and cycling routes that make this a natural pause point on a day’s exploration of northern Samsø. You can expect a steady but not overwhelming buzz in the middle of the day and early evening during the summer season, with quieter moments earlier in the day or outside peak holiday weeks. Skov Cafeen functions as both destination and waypoint, anchoring a small pocket of island life in the heart of the forest.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Restaurant Mårup Havn
1.8 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
1.8 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.
The Kanhave Canal
4.2 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Mindesten - Morten Madsen
4.4 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.
Hotel Vadstrup1771
10.4 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
Samsø Sogn
12.1 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
Ilsemade Helligkilde
12.6 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
14.6 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
15.0 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
24.7 km
A 19th-century Danish military fortification honoring a war hero with commanding views across the Jutland landscape.
Marselisborgmonumentet
31.0 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Mindeparken
31.1 km
Aarhus' Mindeparken: Where history, remembrance, and recreation meet in a stunning parkland setting by Marselisborg Palace, offering bay views and tranquil gardens.
Marselisborg Castle
31.1 km
Marselisborg Castle is the Danish royal family’s summer residence, surrounded by public gardens and parkland near central Aarhus, blending history, heritage, and tranquility.
Flagpladsen
31.3 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Mols bjerge besøgscenter
31.6 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Stay by Stage
2.8 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.
Samsø Labyrinten
3.7 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
4.4 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
6.7 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.
Yduns Have ApS
7.6 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
8.8 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
9.0 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.
The Morgan Garage
9.6 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
9.7 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
9.8 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.
Samsø Egnsarkiv
10.7 km
Samsø's historical archive preserving centuries of island records and family heritage.
Samsø Museum
12.1 km
Distributed cultural museum exploring 16,000 years of Samsø's landscape, heritage, and human connection to nature.
Samsø Island Distillery
12.2 km
Craft spirits infused with island heritage—where juniper, potatoes, and orange ants tell Samsø's story.
Samsø Badehotel Ilse Made
12.6 km
Nordic luxury meets coastal serenity on Samsø's quietest shore, where exceptional food and genuine hospitality define every moment.
Samsø Badehotel
12.6 km
Luxury seaside retreat blending Danish bathhouse tradition with contemporary comfort and celebrated cuisine.
Essential places to dine
Skov Cafeen / Restaurant
0.0 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.
Harvesting, shop and cafe
0.8 km
A cosy Samsø village café blending local produce, art and wine in a relaxed farm-shop setting on Maarup Hovedgade.
Nordby Kro I/S
2.8 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.
Restauranter I Nordby
2.9 km
Authentic Danish cuisine in a warm, unpretentious setting with generous portions and genuine hospitality.
Nordby 13
2.9 km
Intimate Samsø village brasserie serving seasonal French–Danish dishes in a cosy house right on Nordby’s main street.
Ildegal Samsø
3.0 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.
Smokehouse Langør
5.3 km
Island smokehouse crafting refined seafood with smoke and fire on Samsø
Samsø Perlen
9.0 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
9.6 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
11.8 km
Inventive island cooking and handmade Samsø specialties served in a converted farm stable at the culinary heart of Tranebjerg.
Samsø Madhus
12.1 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
12.2 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
12.2 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
Den Gule Parasol
12.2 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
13.4 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
Samsø Smykker
0.8 km
Handcrafted Scandinavian jewelry from Samsø's natural materials, where island resources become wearable art.
Samsø Cykeludlejning/Cycleriet
0.9 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.
Casa Tua ved Kæret
3.0 km
Artisanal ice cream in a tranquil garden—Samsø's most cherished frozen treat destination.
Smagen Af Øen
8.1 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Samsø at Smagen af Øen in Nordby.
Besser Living
9.5 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
10.7 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
12.1 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.
Samsø Grej
12.1 km
Compact island hunting and fishing shop in Tranebjerg, ideal for gearing up and getting local advice before exploring Samsø’s coasts and countryside.
Store island oen.dk
12.1 km
Island-style knitwear, woollen plaids and practical outdoor clothing in a cosy Samsø village shop that blends Danish craftsmanship with everyday Nordic living.
Tøjhuset
12.2 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
12.2 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
El-Salg Bissø ApS
12.2 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Buur - Items & Clothing - Coffee
12.3 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
12.3 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
12.4 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
2.9 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
12.0 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.
Garagen
12.6 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
12.8 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
14.0 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
28.5 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
28.5 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
28.8 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
28.9 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.
Den Skæve Bar
28.9 km
A crooked timber-framed pub in Ebeltoft's old town, where live music and garden charm meet Danish hospitality.
Klub K
29.0 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
29.0 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
29.3 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in central Ebeltoft, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed glimpse into everyday Danish pub life.
Mejeriets Bar
29.3 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.
Brewpub på Maltfabrikken
29.4 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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
