Gnawing waves and hundred-year-old trees tell tales here in Boserup Skov. We are about 3 kilometers from Roskilde. Boserup Skov is more than just a forest. It is a protected area next to Kattinge Vig. It is also part of the Skjoldungernes Land National Park.
Boserup Skov covers 224 hectares. A marked hiking route stretches for about 5 kilometers. There is even a mountain bike trail for those seeking adventure. Most of the forest has deciduous trees. In 2018, a nature package led to designating 111 hectares as untouched deciduous forest. Also 84 hectares became other biodiversity forest.
Boserup Skov is one of Denmark’s 20 most visited forests. The Nature Agency of West Zealand manages it.
But wait there’s more. Midt i Boserup Skov, you will find Boserupgård Naturcenter. It is a nature center. Roskilde Municipality runs it. Besides public events and school services, the center includes a tractor site. There is even a forest helper scheme.
Have you heard of the Midgårdsormen? It is a 300-meter-long balance path. It is made of tree trunks and natural materials. It winds through Boserup Skov from Kattinge Vig parking lot down to the bay. Anyone can play jorden er giftig all the way down to the water. There are challenges for everyone.
In 1980, Boserup Skov was protected. In 2021, it became untouched forest without production. The forest reaches the coast with clay slopes. You can see Ringøen from here. There are salt marshes and several shelters with grill areas.
Boserup Skov is home to over 70 rare fungi. There are many deer and rich birdlife. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers and ravens. You might even spot a white-tailed eagle. The forest floor is full of spring flowers like anemones. You may see lærkesporer in different colors. Also look for stenfrø, skælrod and gyvelkvæler.
Some of Boserup Skov is pollarded forest. Here the trees are cut down. Then they sprout again. This gives light to the forest floor. The open spots are great for butterflies. Look for white admirals and kejserkåber. You might also see snakes sunbathing.
Boserup Stævningslaug helps maintain the pollarded forest.
There are many paths through Boserup Skov. Both the Fjord Trail and the Skjoldunge Trail pass through it. You can access Kongemarken from Langengen in Svogerslev without a car. Also you can use Margrethehåbsvej in Roskilde, Langeskov from Sct Hans or Sortesti. Bus stops are located by the parking lots on Boserupvej.
Remember the beautiful yellow building framed by the forest? That is Boserup Sanatorium. It is now a private school. Further west lies Kattinge Værk. It serves as a kindergarten and a camp school.
Boserup Skov offers something for everyone. It is known for its flora. You might be lucky to find the delicious Morel mushroom in spring. There is a primitive overnight stay area with a bonfire site at the bottom of Hørvig. Skevig offers good swimming.
So take a deep breath. Let the stories of Boserup Skov sink in. This forest has history and nature. It offers recreation all in one place.