Map of the route
Below you can download a pdf with an A4 map of the route.
Route description
At first glance, Svartingedalen doesn’t look like much. But that changes the moment you descend the steps at the end of the car park at Åhalsegård into this small rift valley.
Once down there, you suddenly find yourself in a narrow valley flanked by high cliffs on both sides. A small stream runs along the bottom and a natural forest spreads out around you – trees and bushes that are allowed to grow and fall freely and untouched.
Follow the path through the “jungle”, occasionally crossing the stream. The path is a nature trail, i.e. without any manmade coating of any kind, and you should be prepared for a slippery surface, especially during rainy months. However, Svartingedalen is very verdant, so rubber boots or shoes that can withstand wet conditions are a good idea during the rest of the year too.
After just under 500 metres, the path bends right and climbs relatively steeply through the woods to Jættebold or Jættebujlen: A rock the size of a fridge, which according to an ancient legend was thrown by a Swedish giant to hit the Klemens Kirke (Klemens Church).
From here it is just under 2 km through the rest of the Svartingedalen valley to the Simblegårdsvej road and then back along the same road. Enjoy the rich birdlife along the way, the unique ivy that grows in the valley, and in spring, the layer of anemones covering the forest bed.
