Fodsporet – Slagelse to Skælskør (via Dalmose)

An old railway became West Zealand's longest nature trail

When the last train ran between Slagelse and Skælskør in the 1970s, no one imagined that the disused railway line would one day become one of the most popular hiking destinations in West Zealand. Today, Fodsporet is a paved nature trail stretching all the way from Slagelse station to Skælskør harbour — via Dalmose. The route follows the old railway bed, and you can feel it: the inclines are minimal, the surface is smooth, and you can walk at your own pace without worrying about uneven terrain.

From city buzz to rural calm

Fodsporet begins at Slagelse station, and within just a few hundred metres, the city noise fades away. The trail winds past allotment gardens and residential areas before opening up to the flat West Zealand farmland. From here, it is fields, hedgerows and scattered farms as far as the eye can see. In spring, rapeseed fields bloom yellow on both sides of the path, and in autumn the harvested fields form a mosaic of brown and golden-green hues.

Dalmose — a natural stopping point

Roughly halfway along, you reach the small town of Dalmose, which still bears traces of its railway past. Here you can take a break, stretch your legs on a bench by the old station building, or pick up supplies in town. Dalmose divides the route into two natural stages, making it ideal to spread the walk over two days — or to choose just one half if you prefer a shorter hike.

The flat landscape has its own beauty

Many people associate hiking with hills and valleys, but Fodsporet offers something different. Here it is all about the long views across the landscape, the wide sky, and the feeling of moving through a living agricultural landscape. Along the trail you pass small ponds, old willow trees and stone walls that bear witness to centuries of farming history. The flat terrain and paved surface make the route accessible to everyone — pushchairs and wheelchairs can also use long stretches of the trail.

Skælskør awaits at the end

As you approach Skælskør, the landscape changes. Buildings become more frequent, and soon the characteristic houses of the old market town appear. Skælskør is one of Zealand's most charming small towns, with its well-preserved town centre, colourful houses along the Nor, and an active harbour. It is the perfect reward after a long day of walking: an ice cream at the harbour, a cup of coffee at one of the local cafés, or simply a quiet moment on a bench overlooking Skælskør Nor.

Practical and flexible

At 49 kilometres, Fodsporet is one of the longest continuous trails in West Zealand, but you certainly do not have to walk it all at once. Most people choose a section, and there are several access points along the way. You can park at Slagelse, Dalmose or Skælskør and plan your walk according to your energy levels. The route is suitable all year round, but spring and late summer offer the most beautiful surroundings.

Things to do nearby

West Zealand around Fodsporet is rich in experiences. Near Skælskør you can visit Borreby Castle and take a walk in Skælskør Lystskov. Slagelse offers the Viking fortress Trelleborg and a lively town centre with cafés and shops. Sorø, with its famous Academy Garden and lakes, is just a short drive away. The coastline along the south invites an extra excursion along Lagunestien or a ferry trip to the islands of Agersø and Omø. Discover even more experiences in the area at destinationsjaelland.dk.