Discover Øerne: Øer Stien, lock and nature

Øerne is a destination for anyone who wants to combine varied landscapes with distinctive local histories on a trip. Øer Stien leads through a former area of raw material extraction and shows how this use has left its mark on the landscape. In addition, there is a harbour with unusual lock technology, heathland, small forests and good opportunities to observe bird migration.

Hiking through former extraction areas

Øer Stien runs through a former area of raw material extraction where sand, gravel, ral and stones were extracted from 1935 to 1974. Along the route, old extraction pits are visible as elongated, parallel lakes separated from one another by narrow strips of land. This unusual structure gives the hike a distinctive character: you do not experience a uniform landscape, but move between open stretches of water and narrow landforms.

The other landscapes also make Øer Stien interesting. The route passes through wetlands, birch forest, beach and heathland. Those travelling with different interests can adjust their focus accordingly: nature lovers can pay attention to changing habitats, while hiking enthusiasts can experience the succession of landscapes as a varied backdrop. These areas are also suitable for shaping a trip around more than one individual experience and combining different impressions.

Harbour, lock and maritime local history

Øer Maritime Havn is the only harbour in Denmark that is accessed through a lock. The lock chamber measures 7 × 30 metres and is filled or emptied within a few minutes. This makes the lock one of the distinctive features of the place. Øer Maritime Havn is also a good starting point for walks through a landscape of heath, sandy soil and small forests. This allows an interest in the harbour and outdoor activity to be combined when planning a trip.

Øer Maritime Ferieby adds its own historical dimension. The complex dates from 1988 and was designed by the architectural firm Friis & Moltke. For visitors interested in architecture and the development of holiday resorts, this connection adds a more recent local history to the nature and harbour experiences. On the Gåsehage-etapen, there is also a stopping place at Øreflak ved Øer.

Bird migration and prehistoric traces

The shallow coastal waters near Øer Maritime Ferieby and Slusen are used by seabirds, waders and migratory birds. Øer is considered a good place for observing bird migration. Those who enjoy watching and photographing will therefore find another reason to visit besides hiking. Nature is expressed not only in the lakes, heath and forest, but also in the seasonal movement of the birds.

Another way of engaging with the landscape leads into prehistory. The designation of Svarthøje as a protected area includes, in addition to the previously protected Svarthøje, the remains of five ploughed-over burial mounds. Together, they are regarded as an important prehistoric monument from the Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age. This site connects today’s landscape with a history reaching far back in time and provides a thematic contrast to the harbour and lock.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Øerne, you can first consider which experiences should shape your holiday. The desired mix of activity, nature, architecture and discovery can serve as a guide when choosing accommodation in Øerne.

For more ideas of places to visit, you can also look at Ahl, Boeslum, Ebdrup, Bogens, Fuglslev, Rønde, Vrinners and Strands.

For the overarching travel overview: Syddjurs Municipality.