This hikes all the way south, to where Denmark ends, begins in the summer house area, which welcomes us with its charming little houses and well-kept gardens. Every bungalow here calls out prosperity, on almost every plot a busy robot shears the English-style lawn.
On a winding road
The road winds through picturesque summer houses, each with its own holiday story. The air becomes fresher, the landscape wilder as we approach the Bøtø forest, a natural spectacle where wild horses and cattle roam freely, transforming the land into a lively, open forest area. Here, on the edge of the forest, a quiet beach beckons, the sand of which whispers secrets of the sea.
The path takes us further south, past idyllic landscapes, until we reach the Bøtø forest. Here, at the entrance to the forest, a beautiful beach awaits us, inviting us to linger. We decide to explore the forest on foot, where wild horses and cattle tend the area and transform it into an open forest. A fascinating sight.
Gedesby and the naval station
The path leads us further to Gedser Odde, where we reach the halfway point of our tour. Here, at the southern tip of Scandinavia, stands the lighthouse "Gedser Fyr", which is no longer in use. It overlooks the reefs that extend far out into the water, and from the top there is certainly a fantastic view of the landscapes of Lolland and Falster. Even the German coast is said to be visible from here. But the tower is not open to the public.
Instead, the former naval station, which is now an information center, is. Here there is a toilet and water, which the few hikers among the many bus tourists can use to get themselves some. In the inner courtyard stands the South Stone (Sydstenen), which marks Denmark's southernmost point, although in reality it is a few meters further south.
Four tons of history
This four-ton stone is about a billion years old. Gedser Odde, an inconspicuous promontory on the coast, is Denmark's real southernmost point, a rugged beauty that is constantly disappearing. Wind and water erode a piece of the coastline every year, and several buildings have already disappeared. But the naval station is resisting the unstoppable advance of the sea.
On the cliffs, which are nowhere near as high as those at Mon, the power of nature is palpable; every year the coastline retreats and is swallowed up by the waves of the Baltic Sea. Further out, you can see the remains of concrete buildings that once stood on top of the beach to guard Denmark's coast. Today the bunkers are resting places for birds and the final boss for the waves and wind, which are constantly grinding them down.
See the German Coast
Gedser Odde is not just a geographical point; it is an experience. When you stand on this cliff, you are on the edge of Scandinavia and looking out over Central Europe. The sea stretches endlessly around you. The Gedser Fyr lighthouse, although not open to visitors, stands tall, guiding ships and offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and even the distant German coast.
The South Stone, or Sydstenen, marks this southernmost point, a billion-year-old relic now housed in a renovated atrium, symbolizing the enduring nature of this land. This granite boulder was transported to Southern Falster during the last ice age and deposited near Skelby.
From there, the stone was brought here to this spot as a sign of this outstanding point in Denmark. The exact coordinates of the southernmost point are marked on the outside of the building and in a floor slab by the stone. Nearby, the disused naval station, once a Cold War observation post, now serves as an educational center and reveals layers of geological, natural and cultural history.
On to Gedser and bird watching
Our tour takes us further towards Gedser. Bird lovers are in for a treat here, as the Gedser Bird Observatory offers the opportunity to observe numerous migratory birds. In Gedser itself we find everything the heart desires: a grocery store, restaurants, accommodation and sights. The natural area is particularly impressive, delighting us with its diversity.
This hike to Gedser Odde is more than an excursion; it is an immersion in the rich diversity of Danish nature and history, where every step reveals a new story, every gust of wind carries a whisper of the past and every view promises a moment of awe. Here, on the edge of Denmark, you are not just a visitor; They are part of a timeless tale in which the land meets the sea in a dance as old as time itself.
The way back is entertaining.
From Gedser we follow the old main road through small villages to Marrebæk. The landscape is picturesque, everything exudes peace and seclusion. A few farmers are out and about on their tractors, eider ducks and birds of prey such as buzzards and red kites soar in the sky. Depending on the time of year, up to 130,000 eider ducks can be seen here, on the main bird migration route between northern Scandinavia and southern Europe!
Conclusion
A visit to Gedser Odde is an unforgettable experience. The raw beauty of nature, the rich bird life and the exciting history make this place a special travel destination. If you want to experience the untamed power of nature and immerse yourself in history at the same time, this is the place for you.
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