Fotograf

Mads Hansen

Sønderskoven Forest, Vejle

The History and Nature of Sønderskoven Forest

Sønderskoven is located to the south of Vejle. The forest has an exciting, varied and hilly terrain with numerous springs and creeks. The forest also offers a huge forest playground built in larch and Douglas pine from the surrounding forest.

The hiking trails are easy to use and if you are travelling on bike you can also use bicycle routes no. 55 and no. 57, which also cross through the woods of Sønderskoven.

The approx. 300-hectare forest includes six smaller separate woodlands. The woods of Vesterskoven, Tordenballe og Vindinggård offer a large variety of trees. Pugedal Skov is a large kettle hole woodland, and a part of this area is a bogs.

The Pedersholm Woods, which previously belonged to the Pedersholm Estate. In the middle ages, the Crown owned the estate and is has probably been serving as the workhouse for Rosborg, the ruin slightly visible as a rise in the river valley of Vejle Ådal. The trenches are visible evidence of the presence of the German troops during the war in 1864.

Mørkedal Forest is situated on the east side of Højen River and is dark and cold during the winter. From a nature point of view, the forest is unique, as it is as clean a mountain stream due to the height of fall from the spring in Højen to the mouth in Vejle River.

Along the river of Højen Å there are many spots with wildflowers such as corydalis, yellow anemone, toothwort, large primroses and the rare scarlet peziza. The area is also home of many birds such as water ouzel, kingfisher and wagtail, which feed on the rich animal life in the streams.

Skovlegepladsen (forest playground)

The forest adventure playground features a zip-line, rope bridge, treetop walkways and an Indian village and Wild West street. There are covered seating facilities and a barbecue and bonfire. You can use the firewood free of charge. Parking is at Søndermarkshallen, Søndermarksvej 119. There is a forest trail leading to the playground from the end of the parking area.

Mountain Biking in Sønderskoven

In Sønderskoven, you’ll find an 8-kilometre mountain bike trail offering challenges for both experienced riders and beginners. The granite surface ensures a stable and safe ride in all weather conditions. Only 400 metres of the trail are shared with pedestrians. You can find more information about the MTB trail here.

Hiking Trails

Sønderskoven blå rute, 3 km
The Blue Route in Sønderskoven starts at Granalléen, where you pass Granhytten on your left – a former guard hut built by the German occupying forces. The trail continues west around the scenic Pugedalen area. This part of the forest is great for spotting wildlife. Along the way, you’ll also pass the dog forest and the popular forest playground. Find a map of the route here.
Sønderskoven grøn rute, 2.4 km
The Green Route follows Mosestien and passes Mølholm Stream, where you can see white butterbur blooming in early spring. Sea trout spawn here every year, bringing life to the stream. A steep staircase near the allotment gardens leads up to a path that continues toward Granhytten and deeper into the forest. Find a map of the route here.
Rød Kløversti, 8.2 km
This scenic route takes you through the beautiful Højen Valley and into Pedersholm Forest, where you pass the striking glacial depressions Store and Lille Helvedshul. Roe deer and foxes live in this hilly terrain. Near the small spruce grove in Pedersholm Forest, you’ll find a large badger sett – a clear sign of the area’s rich wildlife. The route ends at Kongens Kær, a true paradise for bird lovers. Find a map of the route here.
Højen og Mølholm Ådale, 19.3 km
This hiking route takes you through meltwater valleys, ancient slope forests, and open grasslands. You’ll follow babbling streams and encounter the city where river meets fjord. In Vejle Valley, you pass new sustainable housing areas and large wetlands where nature thrives close to urban life. The route is easy to walk, with no steep sections, and mostly follows gravel paths – though in Vejle and Skibet, you’ll walk on pavement and sidewalks. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and in the dog forest in Mølholm Valley, they can run freely. Find more information about the route here.