Deep Forest Art Land (Skovsnogen)

A forest where contemporary art meets wild nature

Deep Forest Art Land, still affectionately known by its original name Skovsnogen, is a sculpture park woven through a working forest in West Jutland. Instead of white cubes and polished floors, you explore under a canopy of spruce and beech, following winding paths where art appears unexpectedly between the trees. One moment you are walking through quiet woodland, the next you are face to face with a giant creature, a bright structure or a curious hut inviting you inside. Founded in 2010 by artists René Schmidt and Søren Taaning, the project began with a single yellow wooden “forest snake” that gave the place its Danish name. From that playful starting point, it has grown into a large outdoor exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art that feels accessible, tactile and unpretentious.

Playful installations and large-scale sculpture

More than 50 artists have contributed works over the years, creating a constantly evolving mix of permanent and temporary installations. Many pieces are large enough to enter, climb or sit within. You might encounter a crushed car pinned by a boulder, an over-sized insect with geometric wings, a monumental perfume bottle, or cabins styled as pirate radio stations and abstract industrial rooms. The art rewards curiosity: doors slide open to reveal hidden interiors, windows frame fragments of the forest, and viewpoints suddenly appear where the terrain drops away. Because the works are scattered over a wide area, there is no fixed route; you are free to wander, backtrack and choose your own rhythm, discovering both subtle interventions and eye-catching landmarks.

Walking the woodland trails

Visiting Deep Forest Art Land is as much about the landscape as it is about the artworks. Soft forest floors, roots and occasional muddy stretches make sturdy footwear a good idea, especially after rain. Paths wind past small streams and wet hollows, up gentle slopes and through glades where light filters down in shifting patches. You can easily spend several hours following different loops, pausing at artworks that catch your interest and strolling past those that don’t. There is no need for prior knowledge of contemporary art; the forest setting strips away formality, turning the visit into an informal walk where art simply becomes part of the surroundings.

Origins, ethos and community spirit

The founders designed Deep Forest Art Land as an open, democratic exhibition space. There are no turnstiles and no compulsory ticket checks for individual visitors. Instead, a small voluntary contribution box supports maintenance and new commissions, underlining the project’s community-minded character. The approach encourages repeat visits and casual encounters with art from people who might never step into a traditional gallery. Over time, the forest has become a living archive of changing artistic ideas. Some works remain for years and slowly weather with the trees; others are temporary and disappear, leaving only traces in clearings or along the paths. Events and performances occasionally animate the woods further, using sound, movement and light to reshape the atmosphere.

Planning your time among the trees

The site is open daily during daylight hours, typically 10:00–17:00, and can be visited in all seasons. In spring and summer the forest is lush and green, with birdsong and dappled light. Autumn brings rich colours and softer ground, while winter reveals the bare bones of the sculptures against the trunks. Families often find it an easy place to explore with children, and dogs are generally welcome on leads, though you will need to be comfortable with uneven terrain. Facilities are simple and low-key rather than heavily developed. You come here primarily to walk, look, touch and think, stepping in and out of artworks before slipping back into the forest. Whether you treat it as a gentle hike with surprises or a day of art-hunting among the trees, Deep Forest Art Land offers a distinctive blend of creativity and nature that feels both intimate and quietly adventurous.