Visit The Forest Tower, Denmark
The Forest Tower (Danish: Skovtårnet) is a spiral-shaped tower spiralling above acres of beautiful woodland at Gisselfeld Kloster’s protected forest.
Operated by Camp Adventure, the tower is located as its’ name suggests, deep in a native beech and oak forest. Alongside the route up the tower, visitors can also choose to complete a highropes trail at their Climbing Park, with wobbling walkways and ziplines perched high amongst the tree trunks.
My own visit only took in the Forest Tower and visitor centre, so I’ll cover this in the article, plus some handy advice for first time visitors to this amazing site. I hope you enjoy the article and please let me know any comments or questions down below.
The hourglass shaped tower blends perfectly into the surrounding trunks of the forest. Reaching 135 metres about sea level, it offers spectacular 360 degree views of Sjealland, even as far as the Øresund bridge to Sweden and The Turning Torso in Malmo.
Photo: Author's own
Walking to the Forest Tower
The circular, wooden boardwalk is a one-way system, gently sloping to and from the tower. Operated by Camp Adventure, visitors are first shown a short film in the Visitor Centre about the construction of the tower from the breaking of soil in 2018 to the final grand opening with various Danish bigwigs in attendance. I definitely recommend the film to get the context of the construction and hear the architect’s perspective on designing the construction. Designed by EFFEKT, the structure’s weathered steel means it will last a long time with little upkeep necessary, whilst also blending into the orangey-browns of the leaves, treetrunks and branches that surround it.
The walk itself is flat and easy, with a raised boardwalk leading you on a one-way system around 2km winding between the trees. This was particularly beautiful in the autumn when we visited, with a special halloween activity for kids to spot information boards on local wildlife like badger, fox, deer, owl and rabbit.
When should you visit the Forest Tower?
We visited in the autumn, which gave beautiful views of the orangey-red treetops as we ascended the tower. Any time of year will be beautiful, but maybe be mindful of school holidays if you want to avoid busier crowds at Camp Adventure.
In terms of when you should visit on the day, I would recommend getting there as early as possible to avoids the crowds and get some peace and quiet for your walk. We came just before lunch and the visitor centre was pretty busy with families and groups of children who had been at the high ropes course.
Getting to the top of the Forest Tower
Once you get to the tower, you’ll be greeted by the interlaced metal beams of the tower, which stretch up past the treetrunks surrounding you. After the boardwalk leads you around the tower you’ll reach the gentle, winding ramp which makes for a calm and accessible ascent. As you’ll see in the images below, once you reach the top there is a 360 panoramic circle that leads around the top of the tower.
What to Wear for Your Visit to the Forest Tower
Sturdy boots aren’t necessary; comfortable shoes are perfect for the gradual walk up.
It can get breezy at the top, even on calm days, so consider bringing a light long-sleeved top if it’s hot. Sunscreen is also recommended. Outside of summer, plan for cooler temperatures with warm clothing and a hat.
Accessibility for the Forest Tower
The Forest Tower is designed to be fully accessible with no steps. Those in push-assist wheelchairs can reach the top with assistance, while electric wheelchair users can ascend unaided. The boardwalk has gentle inclines, with a slightly steeper section on the return route. At the base of the tower, tables and benches offer a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view.
My own video showing the amazing spiralling design of the Forest Tower.
How Tall Is The Forest Tower?
The Forest Tower is located on a ridge 95 metres above sea level. It’s 45 metres high, making the total height 135 metres above sea level.
Whilst The Forest Tower may not be the tallest in Sjaelland, it’s the highest tower above sea level.
The continuous spiral walkway leading to the top is 650 metres long. Distance markers line the route up to the top of the tower.
Getting to the Forest Tower
By private vehicle
To get to Camp Adventure by car from Copenhagen, take the E20 and then the E47 towards Rønnede.
Leave the E47 at exit 37 and follow the signs for Ny Næstvedvej / Route 54 to Skovtårnsvej.
How To Get To The Forest Tower Using Public Transport
The easiest way to get to The Forest Tower by public transport from Copenhagen is to take a direct regional train to Næstved Station.
From Næstved Station take the bus heading towards Faxe Ladeplads and get off at Vester Egede (Ny Næstvedvej).
The Camp Adventure entrance is 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from the Vester Egede bus stop, and the total journey takes just over 2 hours.
Want to see more of Scandinavia?
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Forest Tower and found it useful. Please leave any comments or questions below!
While you are exploring Denmark and wider Scandinavia, please check out my guides to:
The best Bakeries and Best swimming Spots in Copenhagen
The best Danish pastries (In my opinion!).
Travelling via the Inlandsbanan railway in Sweden
Leave a comment below if you’ve enjoyed the article and please let me know about your trip!