Skarresø Shelter Site, Jyderup

Shelter site by Skarresø – a night close to the water

Skarresø near Jyderup is a large, shallow lake in north-west Zealand, and the shelter site on Slagelsevej gives outdoor people a base right by the shore. The lake is surrounded by woodland and open ground, and it is the shift between the treeline and the open view across the water that gives the place its character.

A quiet corner of Holbæk Municipality

The site lies in the south-western part of Holbæk Municipality. Jyderup is the nearest town, with grocery shops, a filling station and a station on the Nordvestbanen railway, so supplies are never far away. From the shelter site it is a short walk to the lakeshore and the paths along the water.

Landscape and nature at Skarresø

Skarresø covers around 192 hectares and is a shallow lake – just under three metres deep on average, and about four metres at its deepest. Three small islands lie in the western end, the largest of them Magleholm. White-tailed eagles have nested on Magleholm since 2005, having settled at the lake a couple of years earlier. To protect the nesting birds, parts of the woodland around the lake may be closed at times – follow the signs on site.

The landscape around the lake is gently rolling moraine from the ice age, and the forest paths offer varied walking without demanding alpine fitness. This is country for slow days with binoculars and a flask rather than for brisk through-hikes.

Fishing in Skarresø

Part of the lake is designated a municipal fishing lake, where you may fish free of charge with a rod from the bank. Species in the lake include roach, perch, pike-perch, bream and pike.

Atmosphere and experience

The shelter site suits walkers, nature lovers and couples looking for a night away from the noise. It is not a site with playgrounds and ball courts – here the quiet is the main attraction. In the evening, as darkness settles over the lake, you can sit by the fire and listen to the forest behind the site.

Nearby experiences

Naturrum Skarresø stands by the lake, and Jyderup makes a good starting point for trips into the surrounding landscape. To the east lies Holbæk with its harbour front and museums, and to the north the Lammefjord, with farm shops and fresh produce in season.

Find more to do in north-west Zealand and the rest of the region at destinationsjaelland.dk.