A grassland from another era

Between Dianalund and Ruds Vedby, hidden behind Kulebjerg Forest in Sorø Municipality, the landscape suddenly opens up to a sight rarely encountered on Zealand. Kulebjerg Overdrev is one of Denmark's finest and best-preserved grasslands — a piece of untouched land that has never seen a plough, bearing clear marks of the last Ice Age. Large boulders lie scattered across the entire area as silent witnesses to the retreat of the glaciers some 12,000 years ago.

A landscape straight from a Golden Age painting

The roughly eight-hectare grassland resembles scenes from a Danish Golden Age painting. Solitary oak trees with massive, freely spreading canopies dominate the view, interspersed with blackthorn and hawthorn thickets that have withstood generations of grazing. Between the trees, the undulating grassland stretches out with its characteristic mounds — hundreds of grass-covered anthills created by the yellow meadow ant, which thrives here in great numbers. Two small ponds holding water year-round add an extra layer of life and variety to the landscape.

Rare flora and fungal riches

Precisely because the soil has never been turned, Kulebjerg Overdrev harbours an extraordinary richness of species. Lady's bedstraw, harebell, wild thyme and buttercup are among the classic grassland plants found here during summer. But it is during mushroom season from late summer to autumn that the site truly excels. The grassland is renowned among mycologists for its waxcap species, brittlegills, milkcaps and fly agarics — species that require undisturbed soil and long continuity to thrive.

The burial mound Enerishøj

In the middle of the grassland, the burial mound Enerishøj rises beneath an ancient oak tree. The mound dates from the Bronze Age and testifies that people have regarded this landscape as a special place for millennia. The conservation of the grassland dates back to 1925, making it one of the earliest protected natural areas in the municipality. Today the area is grazed by cattle to preserve its open character and rare vegetation.

Access and parking

Kulebjerg Overdrev is located near Skellebjerg, roughly midway between Sorø and Dianalund. Parking is available at Vænget on Sorøvej. From there, follow a path that crosses the railway line between Tølløse and Slagelse. The trail is not clearly marked, but the slightly adventurous approach is part of the charm — the feeling of discovering something hidden and unexpected.

Experiences in the area

Sorø Municipality offers plenty of other nature experiences and cultural-historical treasures within a short distance. Kulebjerg Forest right next to the grassland invites extended walks, and from here it is not far to the town of Sorø with Sorø Academy, Sorø Lake and the beautiful lake landscape around Tystrup-Bavelse. To the west lie Dianalund and Tersløse with good opportunities for quiet walks along streams and forest paths. For even more experiences in the area, visit destinationsjaelland.dk and let yourself be inspired for your next outing in West Zealand.