A large part of the Danish nature is state-owned, this goes for forests as well as nature areas and they are as a rule open 24 hours a day. You can walk or cycle on the designated paths and roads, but you are also welcome to explore and examine nature off the paths. Many places have fire or barbeque places with tables and benches for everybody to use.

You recognize the State forests and nature areas by the red-painted wooden posts situated by the access roads with signs informing you about what you may and may not do in that particular area.

Privately owned forests and nature areas are only open from 6 am to sunset, so please be aware of the local signposting when you take off. Here, you are welcome to walk or cycle on the designated paths and roads.

The Danish Forest and Nature Agency's nature trail folders provide a wealth of information and descriptions of the state-owned areas. All folders are free and available from the tourist offices, in small boxes by the entrances to the state-owned areas or from the website www.skovognatur.dk. There are also trail folders for a number of privately-owned forests and nature areas. They are published by the Danish Forest Association and they are available from the Internet or the tourist offices.

At Friluftskortet there are overview of hiking routes and nature trail folders, primitive shelters, beaches, sights and much more.

A great way to experience nature is by joining a ranger who in an informative and exciting way tells you about the things and areas you pass on the way. Ask at the local tourist office which tours are available in the area or visit the Danish Forest and Nature Agency's website. 

As a general rule, the dog must be kept on a lead when you bring it out in nature, however, the State forests have some so-called dog woods where you can take it off lead. Dogs are also welcome at the beaches but they must be kept on a lead from 1st of April till 30th of September. There is a list of dog woods on the wensite www.skovognatur.dk, furthermore, you will find national and local folders at the tourist offices.

All over Denmark there are nature playgrounds – however, most often in forests where the "toys" typically consists of tree trunks, the forest floor and some source of water. Often, there is also a bonfire where you can roast sausages and other foods.

Depending on the time of year, nature is overflowing with berries, mushrooms, nuts and cones. You are welcome to gather some of everything – also moss and sprigs as long as you do it with care and leave something for those who visiting after you. A rule of thumb is not to gather more than what could fit in a carrier bag.

The animal and plant life is rich and diverse and you can among other things meet deer, foxes, hares, frogs and reptiles. But remember that all wild mammals and birds in general are protected. Also many plants are protected to prevent them from extinction and therefore they can not be removed from the areas where they grow. Get an overview of protected animals and plants at the Danish Forest and Nature Agency's website.

It is always entertaining to study bird life both in nature as such and in particular in the bird sanctuaries spread all over the country, so remember to bring your binoculars. Read about the options and get a list of bird sanctuaries from the Danish Ornithological Society.

One of the country's most fascinating nature experiences is the phenomenon Black Sun. It emerges at the marshlands around Tønder in the south western part of Jutland during spring and autumn when up to a million starlings gather in migratory groups and create fantastic formations before settling for the night. The phenomenon can be experienced alone or with a tour guide. 

Beautiful experiences await when you row or paddle in the streams or on the lakes. Among other places the streams Mølleåen and Susåen on Zealand, the Gudenåen and Uggerby Streams in Jutland are popular among the canoeists. You can rent canoes on an hourly or daily basis, the price is typically DKK 75-85 per hour and DKK 200-360 per day. - Search for rental places.

The kayak – especially the stable sea kayak – is perfect for kayaking along the coast and there are plenty of rental places. The Danish Forest and Nature Agency has compiled some tour suggestions and descriptions of several routes on the sea for kayakers etc. - Search for rental places.

If you want to sleep in nature, this is possible from primitive sites which are available all over the country. Maybe there is a shelter that provides cover, otherwise, you will have to stay under the open sky or bring your own tent. It you belong to the group of so-called quiet forest hikers you can pitch your tent on the forest floor. At Friluftskortet, provided by the Danish Forest and Nature Agency, there is a list of free accommodation spots.

- The Danish Forest and Nature Agency: www.skovognatur.dk  
- The Nature Network: www.naturnet.dk  
- Friluftskortet: www.friluftskortet.dk