Holmegaard Mose (Holmegaard Moor)

Ancient raised bog, Stone Age archaeology and quiet wildlife trails meet in this restored wetland wilderness on Zealand, where peat, glass and nature share the same story.

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Holmegårds Mose

Holmegaard Mose is the largest raised bog on Zealand, a protected wetland just outside Holmegaard and Fensmark. Once heavily cut for peat to fire the nearby glassworks, it has been restored into a rare high bog landscape with sphagnum moss carpets, quiet pools, birch scrub and extensive boardwalks. The area is important for birdlife, unique plant communities and Stone Age archaeology, and offers low-key waymarked trails, a small viewing tower and a distinctly wild, tranquil atmosphere.

A brief summary to Holmegårds Mose

Fensmark Skov 13, Holmegaard, 4684, DK
+4572543000
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 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 waterproof or sturdy hiking shoes; even with boardwalks parts of the bog can be very wet, muddy and slippery after rain.
Arrive early on weekends and holidays, as the small parking area by Fensmark Skov 13 only has space for a handful of cars.
Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for birdwatching and distant wildlife on the open bog and along the forest edges.
Respect the fragile habitat by staying on marked paths and boardwalks; bog surfaces can be dangerous and easily damaged off trail.
Combine your walk with a visit to nearby Holmegaard Værk to connect the bog’s peat history with the region’s glassmaking heritage.

Getting There

Car from Næstved

From central Næstved, driving to Holmegaard Mose takes about 15–20 minutes via local roads through Holmegaard and Fensmark. The route is straightforward and signed toward Holmegaard and Fensmark Skov. Parking at the small lot near Fensmark Skov 13 is free but limited to around 4–5 cars, so arriving early or outside peak weekend hours helps. Roads are paved and suitable for all standard vehicles year-round, though visibility and grip can be reduced in winter conditions.
Bus and short walk from Næstved

Regional buses run between Næstved and the Holmegaard/Fensmark area, typically taking 20–30 minutes depending on the line and time of day. A standard single adult ticket on local buses in this part of Zealand usually costs around 25–40 DKK, with services running more frequently on weekdays than evenings and Sundays. From the nearest bus stop in Fensmark or Holmegaard, expect a walk of roughly 15–25 minutes on local pavements and minor roads to reach one of the access points to the bog edge.
Cycling from Næstved and nearby villages

Cycling from Næstved to Holmegaard Mose typically takes 30–40 minutes each way, mostly on minor country roads and local cycle-friendly routes through Holmegaard and Fensmark. The terrain is gently rolling and suitable for everyday city bikes. There is no dedicated bike parking infrastructure at the bog itself, so cyclists usually secure bicycles to fences or rails near the small parking area, making sure not to block access or paths. This is a free, flexible option in good weather.

Holmegårds Mose location weather suitability

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Windy Conditions
Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Holmegårds Mose

A rare raised bog in the heart of Zealand

Holmegaard Mose stretches across low-lying terrain north of Næstved, forming the largest raised bog on the island of Zealand and one of Denmark’s most distinctive wetland landscapes. Once covering around 500 hectares, the bog complex today consists of several linked areas, including the high bog core, surrounding fens and patches of birch and pine woodland. Underfoot, thick carpets of sphagnum moss hold water like a sponge, creating a floating, gently undulating surface dotted with small pools and heather. The area is protected as part of the European Natura 2000 network, recognised for its rare habitat types such as active raised bog, degraded bog capable of regeneration and alkaline fens. Restoration projects have focused on blocking old drainage ditches and removing trees so water levels could rise again, allowing the bog to recover. As a result, Holmegaard Mose is now one of the best places in eastern Denmark to experience genuine high bog nature up close.

From peat cutting to nature restoration

For more than a century, Holmegaard Mose was intensively exploited for peat, which was cut, dried and used as fuel for local heating and, most famously, for the Holmegaard glassworks. Long straight peat cuttings and small canals still shape parts of the landscape, silent reminders of a time when the bog was a working industrial resource. Rail tracks once carried peat out of the mire; today only subtle traces remain, hidden under vegetation. In recent decades, the focus has shifted from extraction to conservation. Large-scale restoration has re-wetted about 70 hectares of bog, slowing tree encroachment and encouraging sphagnum to recolonise. To make the recovering nature more accessible, simple infrastructure such as a low viewing tower, waymarked paths and information points has been added at selected edges of the bog. The result is a landscape where cultural history and raw nature sit side by side, with human traces gradually being reclaimed by moss and water.

Stone Age hunters and the world’s oldest bows

Long before peat cutters and glassworkers, Holmegaard Mose was home to Stone Age hunter-gatherers who camped along the waterlogged margins some 9,000 years ago. Waterlogged conditions in the bog preserved organic materials that would normally decay, including wooden artefacts. Among the most remarkable finds are a series of elm bows from the Mesolithic period, considered among the oldest and best-preserved bows in Europe. These so‑called Holmegaard bows, now held in national collections, offer a rare glimpse into early hunting technology, with their broad, flat limbs and carefully shaped profiles still clearly visible. Other archaeological discoveries include bone tools, flint implements and remains of camp sites, revealing how people once exploited the rich wetlands for game, fish and plants. Walking here today, it is easy to imagine the shoreline shifting over millennia as the bog slowly grew, enveloping traces of human life within its accumulating peat.

Walking the trails and watching wildlife

Visitors usually experience Holmegaard Mose via modest trails leading in from the surrounding farmland and forest. Boardwalks and narrow paths guide you across wetter sections, while drier ridges and old peat tracks provide easier footing. The walking is generally easy and mostly flat, though surfaces can be muddy or slippery after rain, and some stretches feel pleasantly remote once you leave the edge of the trees behind. The bog supports a mosaic of habitats, from open sphagnum lawns and cotton grass tufts to fringe birch scrub and richer fen areas where orchids and other specialised plants thrive. Birdlife is another highlight, with chances to spot breeding waders, reed-dwelling species and raptors hunting over the open bog. Insects, including dragonflies and butterflies, are abundant in summer, and with patience you may hear the calls of cranes or glimpse deer moving quietly at the forest margins.

Atmosphere, seasons and practical notes

The mood at Holmegaard Mose changes markedly with the seasons. On clear summer days the bog can feel bright and expansive, with wide skies reflected in dark pools and the hum of insects all around. In autumn, colours deepen as birch leaves turn gold against the muted greens and browns of the moss. Winter brings frost and thin ice that accentuates the subtle relief of the hummocks, while misty days lend the landscape an almost otherworldly character. Facilities at the site are intentionally limited to preserve the sense of wildness. There is a small parking area near Fensmark Skov that fills quickly, a few information boards and simple picnic-style seating at some access points. Paths are largely unpaved, so sturdy footwear is essential, and sticking to marked routes protects both the fragile bog surface and your own safety. Many visitors combine a walk here with time at the nearby Holmegaard Værk museum, linking the restored landscape to the glassworks history it once fuelled.

Why Holmegaard Mose matters today

Beyond its quiet beauty, Holmegaard Mose plays a significant role in contemporary conservation. Raised bogs are among Europe’s most threatened habitats, and their peat layers store large amounts of carbon accumulated over thousands of years. By re‑wetting and protecting the area, managers are not only safeguarding rare plants and animals but also helping to keep this carbon locked away, turning the bog into a natural climate ally. For travelers, Holmegaard Mose offers a chance to experience this rare habitat without travelling to more remote parts of the country. It is a place for unhurried walks, careful observation and a sense of stepping sideways in time, from Stone Age hunters through industrial peat cutting to modern restoration. The combination of natural richness, deep time and light-touch visitor infrastructure makes it a quietly memorable stop in southern Zealand.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Næstved Station

6.4 km

Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.

Visit Sydsjælland & Møn

6.6 km

Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads

8.7 km

Medieval market town square where Danish history, culture, and modern commerce converge in southern Zealand.

Genforeningssten i Næstelsø

9.1 km

Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.

Genforeningssten i Saltø Skov

10.0 km

A granite memorial stone marking Denmark's 1920 reunification with South Jutland, standing at a forest crossroads near Næstved.

Vallø Slotskro

29.2 km

Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.

Mindesten for Hans Tausen

29.7 km

A modest granite stone in a quiet Slagelse green, marking the birthplace of Denmark’s Lutheran Reformation story at the former Antvorskov monastery.

Gammeltorv

30.7 km

Copenhagen's 12th-century heart: Renaissance fountain, Neoclassical facades, and Strøget buzz in one timeless square.

Befrielsessten i Køge

30.7 km

A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.

Comwell Køge Strand

30.8 km

Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.

VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau

30.8 km

An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.

Vandtrappen

30.9 km

A small yet compelling ceramic water sculpture in Slagelse’s Rosengården, where stepped cascades and quiet sound turn an everyday square into a contemplative urban pause.

Rytterstatue af Christian IX

30.9 km

Bronze king on horseback surveys Slagelse from Schweizerpladsen—a citizen-honored tribute to Christian IX's enduring reign, sculpted with poised majesty.

Slagelse Museum

30.9 km

Explore the artistic legacy of Bertel Thorvaldsen at Copenhagen's iconic Neoclassical museum.

Køge Torv

30.9 km

Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.

Unmissable attractions to see

Holmegaard Værk

1.2 km

A living glassworks museum where towering walls of Holmegaard glass, Nordic ceramics treasures and a working hotshop keep two centuries of Danish design glowing.

Genforeningssten i Herlufsholm

4.8 km

Borgnakke Skov: A serene Næstved woodland blending ancient oak trees, rich biodiversity, and tranquil walking trails—an essential outdoor escape in southern Zealand.

Herlufsholm broerne

4.9 km

Små historiske broer, stille Suså-vand og grønt ådalslandskab gør Herlufsholm broerne til et roligt, lokalt åndehul i udkanten af Næstved.

BonBon-Land

5.1 km

Cheeky candy characters, looping coasters and green picnic lawns combine at BonBon-Land, Denmark’s quirky countryside theme park for all ages.

Ladby Kirkeruin

5.3 km

Quiet medieval church ruins on a low hill outside Næstved, where low stone walls, old graves and wide rural views evoke centuries of village life and worship.

Herlufsholm Park

5.5 km

Riverside tranquility along the Suså, where Danish heritage meets natural woodland.

Councilman Garden / Herlufsholm Forest

5.8 km

Protected Danish woodland sanctuary with riverside trails and 460 years of educational heritage.

Medicinsk-historisk Museum

6.1 km

A small 1817 hospital turned medical time capsule, showcasing instruments, stories and healing plants that trace the evolution of healthcare in Næstved and beyond.

Vægmaleri

6.2 km

Experience Danish heritage and contemporary art amid tranquil parkland at Rønnebæksholm, Næstved’s historic manor turned vibrant cultural hub.

Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter

6.3 km

Historic cavalry barracks turned vibrant cultural village with concert halls, theatre, galleries and a family‑friendly atmosphere in the heart of Næstved.

Befrielsessten i Næstved

6.4 km

A modest granite liberation stone in Næstved’s former cavalry barracks, framed by cannons and culture, quietly honouring Denmark’s freedom in 1945.

Rådmandshaven

6.4 km

Tranquil riverside meadows and woodland paths just behind Næstved’s town buildings, offering easy walks, open lawns and calm Suså River views steps from the centre.

Næstved Museum

6.4 km

Compact town museum in historic Næstved, tracing South Zealand’s journey from archaeological finds and medieval streets to Holmegaard glass and modern everyday life.

Slægtsten

6.5 km

Næstved’s former barracks transformed into a dynamic cultural center, hosting concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and community events in historic surroundings.

Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen

6.5 km

Historic military barracks turned bustling cultural center, Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter is Næstved’s hub for arts, music, theater, and creative events all year round.

Authentic pizzas and grilled favorites in casual Næstved comfort.

A compact Næstved antique shop where Danish porcelain, glass and vintage homeware bring everyday design history to life on a quietly curated high-street shelf.

Cosy craft beer bar in central Næstved, pairing a rotating selection of Danish and international brews with intimate, hygge‑rich surroundings.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Avenue Næstved

6.4 km

Lively nightspot and flexible event hall in central Næstved, mixing dancefloor energy, festive dinners, stand-up comedy and themed parties under one roof.

Crazy Daisy Næstved

6.5 km

High‑energy weekend nightclub in central Næstved, packing loud beats, flashing lights and a late‑night local crowd into a compact, classic Danish town‑club setting.

Swingergaarden

26.0 km

Discreet countryside swingers club near Slagelse, offering themed adult nights, intimate play spaces and a rules-based, consent-focused environment for open-minded guests.

Bloom Nightclub

31.0 km

Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.

The Flame

31.0 km

Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.

LUSIO

31.0 km

Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.

Tropicana DC

40.8 km

Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.

Klubhuset

40.8 km

Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.

Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead

42.1 km

Dynamic live music venue in Roskilde, specializing in jazz and contemporary genres, with an intimate setting and vibrant community engagement throughout the year.

Danseriet

43.0 km

Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.

Dansebar Roskilde

43.3 km

Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.

Garbos Roskilde

43.3 km

Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.

Loke MC - Helheim

43.3 km

Rural Danish biker clubhouse with Norse-mythology flair, offering intimate late-night gatherings, loud rock playlists and a no-frills bar far from mainstream nightlife.

Club El Diablo

52.9 km

Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.

Pier To Heaven

56.4 km

Experience maritime charm and exquisite drinks at Pier To Heaven in Klintholm Havn.

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Holmegaard Mose (Holmegaard Moor)

A brief summary to Holmegårds Mose

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Næstved

Bus and short walk from Næstved

Cycling from Næstved and nearby villages

Holmegårds Mose location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Holmegårds Mose

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Holmegårds Mose

A rare raised bog in the heart of Zealand

From peat cutting to nature restoration

Stone Age hunters and the world’s oldest bows

Walking the trails and watching wildlife

Atmosphere, seasons and practical notes

Why Holmegaard Mose matters today

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Næstved Station

Visit Sydsjælland & Møn

Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads

Genforeningssten i Næstelsø

Genforeningssten i Saltø Skov

Vallø Slotskro

Mindesten for Hans Tausen

Gammeltorv

Befrielsessten i Køge

Comwell Køge Strand

VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau

Vandtrappen

Rytterstatue af Christian IX

Slagelse Museum

Køge Torv

Unmissable attractions to see

Holmegaard Værk

Genforeningssten i Herlufsholm

Herlufsholm broerne

BonBon-Land

Ladby Kirkeruin

Herlufsholm Park

Councilman Garden / Herlufsholm Forest

Medicinsk-historisk Museum

Vægmaleri

Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter

Befrielsessten i Næstved

Rådmandshaven

Næstved Museum

Slægtsten

Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Gulerodshuset

Bone's Næstved

Tokyo Running Sushi Storcenter

Madtemplet Skovens Restaurant

Restaurant The Grill Næstved

The Italian

Foodlovers

GuGu Quest

Tatami Sushi

Ristorante Italia

Il Ponte

Café & Bar - Fenomeno (Næstved)

Broadway Burgers

MA TEO Madbar Næstved

Pizza Special

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Dansk

Dissing

H&M

Matinique Næstved

Shop Næstved

Næstved Storcenter

INTERSPORT Seiffert Næstved

Arabisk Butik

Johs. Clausen Næstved

Kræmmerhus ApS

Butik ØLUND