Hiking etiqette

Leave no trace behind

If we are to enjoy nature in the future, we have to leave no trace behind when walking through the wonderful forests, hills, meadows, beaches and the rest of the natural world.

• Respect your surroundings – don’t disturp birds or animals
• Throw your trash in the garbage or take it with you
• Don’t harm your surroundings when making a fire and leave no trace of the fire
• Respect the rules about lighting fires – i.e. where you can and cannot light a fire and if you can collect firewood
• Only spend the night in established camp sites, and if making a new site make sure not to harm the surrounding nature

Rules on public and private ground

Generally, you are free to go anytime and anywhere on foot, when you are on public ground. You can go outside the paths, tracks and roads 24 hours a day. However, there can be limited access in hunting season. You can set up camp in several forests (this means that for the most part it is not allowed). You can find the forests here and read more camping in nature.

On private ground you can only walk on existent paths, tracks, trails, and roads from 6 am until sunset, and you have to respect the places’ current signs.

Read the current rules here – you can also read about the rules for collecting plants.

Rules on the Archipelago Trail

• The entire trail is open to walkers from 06.00 until sunset
• Dogs must be kept on a leash
• The trail is for walking only; this means that cycling, horse riding, etc. are not permitted
• The route crosses private property. Show consideration for the owners, respect their property and refrain from littering. You are not allowed to stop anywhere within 150 metres of the nearest residence.
• You are only allowed to pitch tents on official campsites or camps, or in other places with the express permission of the owner.
• Parts of the trail may be closed during the hunting season, but in such cases, information about an alternative route will be displayed.
• The provisions of the Danish Nature Conservation Act concerning behaviour in the countryside must be observed at all times
• Show consideration for other hikers you meet on your walk.

Signposting on the Archipelago Trail

The Archipelago Trail is signposted with blue pictograms showing a little white rambler figure and the word ‘Øhavsstien’. You cannot see from one sign to the next, as the pictogram signs have only been set up in places where the trail changes direction, or where you may have doubts about which way to go. As a general rule, it is very simple to follow the trail. However, it is a good idea to use a map to keep track of your progress. This means that you will always know where you are if you have any doubts about which direction to follow.