Troldeskoven - Denmark's oldest pine forest

Troldeskoven is part of the western part of Tisvilde Hegn, which stretches from Tisvildeleje along the coast to Asserbo Plantage. The oldest pine trees date from the last years of the 18th century, and it is believed that the strange shapes are due to a combination of the wind and attacks by pine worm larvae.

One of Tisvilde Hegn's biggest attractions

Troldeskoven was protected over 100 years ago and is today one of Tisvilde Hegn's biggest attractions. Troldeskoven is located behind the vast beach between Tisvilde and Liseleje. It is exciting to go on an experience among the many imaginatively shaped trees, and it is not difficult to imagine why this part of the forest bears the name Troldeskoven.

Larvae attacked the pines.

There are many imaginative stories about how and why the trees look the way they do. Still, like most things in this world, there is a rational explanation: The troll forest is a unique example of the impact of several circumstances on each other. At one point in the 19th century, the pine trees were attacked by the caterpillar of the pine cone, which feeds on hollowing out needles, shoots and buds on the trees.

Distorted shapes

The new shoots and branches, therefore, become soft and pliable. The strong winds from the Kattegat have probably shaped the young branches and shoots while they were pliable, after which the trees were twisted into the twisted shapes we see today. The lean soil has probably harmed the health of the trees so the pest infestations have been extra vital and to a greater extent than recurring infestations.

New self-sown trees are removed to preserve the Troll Forest so that the old pine trees can live as long as possible.

Part of the National Park Royal North Zealand

Troldeskoven and Tisvilde Hegn are part of the National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland. The national park covers 263 km2 and is the second largest in Denmark with lakes, forests, bogs, dunes, salt marshes, and UNESCO World Heritage with Kronborg Castle and the Parforce Hunting Landscape in Hillerød.

You can see it in the area around Troldeskoven.

• Harehøjene - Three burial mounds with a beautiful view
• Enebærdalen and Bangs Stone - Hilly and open nature area
• Torup - the missing village - The village that disappeared in the late 16th century
• Asserbo Castle Ruin - The moat and the ancient ruins of the monastery from the 12th century can still be seen
• Helenekilde - According to legend, Helene washed ashore, and a spring sprang up on the beach

See the Danish Nature Agency's pdf map of Troldeskoven and Tisvilde Hegn

6 Tips to avoid ticks on your nature outing

Cycling and nature campsite in Tisvilde Hegn

Both Troldeskoven and Tisvilde Hegn are their favourite areas to cycle in. The large area, good paths and the fun-shaped trees make the trip an experience. You can ride both a mountain bike and a regular bicycle in the forest. If the journey is long, it is possible to rest or spend the night at the nature campsite.

Bicycle routes in Tisvilde Hegn

• MTB route in Tisvilde Hegn
• Nature camp site in Tisvilde Hegn

How to get to Troldeskoven

• By public transport: Take the local train from Hillerød station towards Tisvildeleje. Get off at the terminus; then the forest is about ten minutes walk away.
• By car: There are several parking spaces to choose from at Tisvilde Hegn and two places you can drive by car into the forest.
• To get to Troldeskoven, you can park at Asserbo Slotsriun, at Tisvildeleje Strand, or Stængehus beach.
• Everywhere you have to walk the last stretch through the forest yourself.
• See the Danish Nature Agency's leaflet on Tisvilde Hegn. Here you will find a signature explanation with, among other things, parking and forest paths that you may drive on.