Kulebjerg Overdrev – Grassland Common

An untouched piece of nature in the heart of Zealand

Kulebjerg Overdrev is one of the rare places on Zealand where the land has never been ploughed. The grassland lies between Sorø and Ringsted, and its undisturbed soil harbours a species richness that has vanished from most of the Danish agricultural landscape. Wild herbs and grasses that have been rooted in the same earth since the Ice Age grow here, and between the tussocks, field stones protrude — left behind by the glaciers more than ten thousand years ago.

Ice Age landscape with rare flora

The undulating terrain at Kulebjerg was shaped by the glaciers of the last Ice Age, and the large stones scattered through the grass are so-called erratics, carried here from Scandinavia. Because the grassland has never been cultivated, a wide range of plant species thrive here that have otherwise been pushed out by intensive farming. In spring, cowslips and globeflowers bloom, and throughout summer one can find several species of orchids and wild legumes. It is a landscape that rewards the attentive visitor — consider bringing a flora guide in your rucksack.

Birds and insects in the open country

The varied plant life attracts a wealth of insects, and butterfly enthusiasts can encounter species here that are rare in the rest of Denmark. Songbirds such as whitethroats and yellowhammers breed in scrub and hedgerows along the edges of the grassland, and over the open areas one may, with a bit of luck, spot a common buzzard circling in the thermals. The birdlife is at its most active in the early morning hours and the late afternoon.

Quiet walks in rolling terrain

Kulebjerg Overdrev is not a place with laid-out trails and information boards. That is precisely its charm. Here you walk freely through the rolling landscape, and the only sounds are the wind in the grass and the song of the birds. The terrain is moderately hilly with a few hilltops from which you can look out across the surrounding farmland and make out the town of Sorø in the distance. Bring sturdy footwear — the uneven tussocks and large stones require a bit of attention underfoot.

Location and access

The grassland is located in Sorø Municipality, approximately ten minutes’ drive north of Sorø town. There is no dedicated car park, but you can pull over along the road nearby. The area is publicly accessible with no entry restrictions. Dogs must be kept on a lead to protect the sensitive plant life and ground-nesting birds. Kulebjerg Overdrev makes an excellent short excursion if you are already visiting Sorø or driving along the route between Sorø and Ringsted.

Experiences nearby

Sorø Municipality offers many other nature experiences within a short distance. Suserup Skov with its ancient, untouched oak trees lies just a short drive to the south, and the large lakes Tystrup Sø and Bavelse Sø invite canoe and kayak excursions. In Sorø town itself, you can visit Sorø Academy and take a walk along Sorø Sø. For even more experiences in the area, visit destinationsjaelland.dk and let yourself be inspired for your next visit to West Zealand.