Munkebjergskoven Forest, Vejle

Nature and History of the Area

Along the southern side of Vejle Fjord, the steep slopes of Munkebjerg Forest stretch out. The very hilly walk along the forest paths is rewarded with lush vegetation and beautiful viewpoints. On clear days, you can see Ejer Bavnehøj to the north.

Munkebjerg Forest is typically where Denmark’s first beech trees begin to bud. The forest is home to the ancient yew tree, once used for making bows and tools. On the steep clay slopes facing the sea, holly and wood millet grow.

The hazel dormouse is only found in a few forest areas in Jutland, and Munkebjerg Forest is one of them. The idyllic forest lake was dammed in 1885, and carp and water lilies were introduced.

Part of the forest is home to Vejle Golf Club’s courses, creating artificial green clearings. Munkebjerg Forest is also popular among mountain bikers.

Munkebjerg has a long history as an excursion destination. Schweizerpavillonen (The Swiss Pavilion) was the first refreshment place built at Munkebjerg in 1878 by farmer Ole Nielsen. In 1880, the Munkebjerg Badehotel followed nearby. He named the place Munkebjerg after the adjacent Munkeskov, which was named after the nobleman Hans Munk of Hvilsbjerggård. Soon, locals from Vejle, artists, and tourists from around the world began flocking to the area.

On Whit Sunday, May 16, 1880, the first steamship from I/S Vejle Steamship Company sailed to Munkebjerg with passengers and docked at the newly constructed landing bridge. A stop and waiting room were also built at Munkebjerg Railway Station. The last time the stop was used was on July 7, 1967.

Since 1855, visitors could use the 218-step Munkebjerg Staircase if they didn’t want to walk the scenic forest roads. In 1933, Fritz Poulsen, the leaseholder of the Munkebjerg Bath Hotel, brought the famous rolling staircase to Munkebjerg. The 200-foot-long staircase had been showcased at the North Jutland Exhibition in Aalborg, where it attracted great attention. Today, it has been replaced by a regular wooden staircase.

What Can You Experience in the Area?

• View from Munkebjerg Hotel
  The 4-star Munkebjerg Hotel is located in the forest. From the hotel terrace, you can enjoy the magnificent nature.

• Munkebjerg Staircase
  Climb the 218-step staircase up to Munkebjerg Hotel.

• Vejle Golf Club
  In the forest, you’ll find Denmark’s most beautiful golf course, forming green clearings in the woods.

• Cycling in Munkebjerg Forest
  The forest is popular among both mountain bikers and road cyclists. Mountain bikers enjoy the hilly terrain, while road cyclists tackle the steep hill from Ibæk Strandvej up to the Munkebjerg Hotel.

Trails in the Area

There are many great hiking routes in Munkebjerg Forest and along the southern side of Vejle Fjord:

• Munkebjerg Forest, Red Route
  3.8 km round trip, passing Ibækken. In summer, you might spot orchids. Find the route here.

• Munkebjerg Forest, Green Route
  1.4 km round trip over the golf courses. Find the route here.

• Munkebjerg Forest, Blue Route
  2.5 km round trip starting at the hotel terrace and descending the long staircase. Find the route here.

Trails around Andkær Vig

• Holtser Hage, Red Route
  1.6 km round trip along the coast and into the forest. Find the route here.

• Sellerup Beach, Yellow Route
  1.6 km round trip around the summer house area. Find the route here.

• Vigen Forest, Red Route
  1.9 km round trip. Find the route here.

Trails around Brejning

• Brejning Head and Skansebanken
  5 km round trip along the coast, across fields, and through forest. Find the route here.

• Brejning, Trindhøj
  1 km round trip through fields and forest, passing a medieval fortification. Find the route here.

Download Hiking Brochure

Download the hiking brochure for the area by following this link.