Mols Bjerge National Park
- Kalø

Hiking trails, adventures and dining spots

Kalø

Kalø is a historical gem on the edge of Mols Bjerge National Park. Kalø Castle Ruin is an iconic landmark that bears witness to the area's rich medieval history. The area combines culture, nature, and history in a beautiful landscape close to the water.

The surroundings of Kalø offer stunning nature with open meadows, rolling hills, and forested areas. Hiking trails lead you along the coast, through the forests, and up to viewpoints with panoramic views over Kalø Bay. A perfect place for nature lovers.

Kalø Castle Ruin is one of the area's main attractions, but you can also visit the Hunting Lodge at Kalø Manor and the many ancient relics.

After a day in nature, you can visit one of the cozy cafés or restaurants in the area. Several places serve locally inspired dishes with fresh ingredients from the area, ensuring an authentic culinary experience after your nature walk.

The hiking trails

Below you see the selected hiking trails from the hiking area with mileage.

We have prioritized the trails with our favorite trail in the area as the first.

You get information about each hiking trail by clicking on the pictures.

Recommended sequence of the trails

We recommend walking the hiking trails in the following order (or in reverse) to minimize the distance between them:

  • Kalø Castle Ruins 3 km (1)
  • Hestehave Forest 6 km (4)
  • Oldtidsstien 3.3 km (2)
  • Ringelmose Forest 4.5 km (5)
  • Følle Bay 4.5 km (3)

You can skip trails to match your desired walking distance.

If you plan to walk 10.8 km, you can start at Kalø Castle Ruins, skip Hestehave Forest, then walk the Oldtidssti. After that, skip Ringelmose Forest and finish your hike with Følle Bay.

Be aware:

There is a water outlet right by the trail in Følle Bay, which can be hidden by seaweed.

Experiences and sights

  • Kalø Castle Ruins

    Kalø Castle Ruins proudly stands on the Kalø Peninsula as the remains of a medieval fortress from 1313, built by King Erik Menved. This advanced fortress featured a flanking tower, the first of its kind in Denmark.

    The ruins testify to the castle’s purpose of keeping peasants and noblemen in check. Among its notable prisoners was Gustav Vasa, who was imprisoned here from 1518-19 before becoming king of Sweden.
    Address

  • Kalø Hunting Lodge

    Kalø Hunting Lodge crowns the hill overlooking Kalø Bay. Built in 1898-99 as a hunting and summer residence for Baron Martin Johan von Jenisch, it features alpine architecture designed by Hack Kampmann.

    Inside, the lodge is adorned with Carl Hansen Reistrup's depictions of local nature and Norse mythology. Today, it houses the Secretariat of Mols Bjerge National Park, and from a stone bench at the back, there’s a magnificent view of Ringelmose Forest and Kalø Castle Ruin.
    Address

  • Karlsladen Visitor Centre

    The old Karlslade barn houses a visitor center, offering insights into the area's natural and cultural attractions, with a special focus on ancient times, the Middle Ages, and hunting.

    The exhibitions present these themes with stunning photos and in-depth descriptions. While the adults explore the texts and images, younger visitors can enjoy an engaging fireside story about Gustav Vasa, who was once imprisoned at Kalø Castle.
    Address

Restaurants and cafés

  • Kalø Castle Cafe


    Kalø Castle Café is located at one of Denmark's most beautiful excursion spots.

    Here, you can combine your outing with sandwiches, coffee, or ice cream from the café.
    More info Address

  • Restaurant Bag Søjlen

    Restaurant Bag Søjlen (Behind the Pillar) is a cozy family restaurant, beautifully located in Rønde with views over Aarhus Bay.

    There is a strong emphasis on a warm dining atmosphere, charming decor, good service, and, of course, exquisite food and drink.
    More info Address

  • Skovmøllen

    Skovmøllen is situated in Femmøller, surrounded by scenic nature at the foot of Mols Bjerge National Park, with beautiful views of the forest and lake. There is seating available both in the cozy inn, the conservatory, and outside on the terrace, as well as by the benches by the lake.

    Restaurant Skovmøllen is a small, family-friendly establishment, serving traditional Danish food, freshly made like "mom used to make."
    More info Address

  • Restaurant Mols Bjerge

    In the charmingly renovated restaurant, painted in white and blue tones, you can sit either indoors or outside on the lovely terrace. Here, you almost get the feeling of being in Southern Europe.

    The menu features specialties and everyday dishes from Sicily. With a menu that changes three times a season, there's always something new to try.
    More info Address