The woods by Sønderhav

The two forests, Kelstrup Forest Reserve and Hønsnap Forest, together with the Rønshoved forests, Gårdbæk Forest, Waldeck Forest, and several privately owned woodland areas, form the larger forest complex known as Sønderhav Forests.

Sønderhav Forests cover an area of approximately 250 hectares. The Danish state owns about three-quarters of the forest, and the area is managed as part of the Kelstrup forest section, which in turn belongs to the Gråsten State Forest District.

The forests you see today are only remnants of the vast woodlands that once covered the entire region in prehistoric times. Archaeological excavations show that the area has been inhabited since the Stone Age. The many burial mounds and dolmens found between Kruså and Rønshoved indicate significant human activity. While settlements from the Stone and Bronze Ages have left no visible traces within the forest itself, remains of Iron Age settlements have been discovered.

Geology:

Geologically, the area is particularly fascinating. Felstrup Plantation and areas to the east feature several north–south running terminal moraines from the last Ice Age. One of these runs through the western part of Kelstrup Forest Reserve and continues south along the western edge of Hønsnap Forest. In the western parts of the forest, the tops of these moraines appear as flat plateaus about 40 metres above sea level. From here, the landscape slopes steeply down towards the Flensburg Fjord. The terrain is far from even, with deep ravines and large natural depressions cutting through the landscape.

Large amounts of water flow through Sønderhav Forests. The watershed runs close to Main Road 8 between Sønderborg and Kruså. This means that surface water and drainage from fields west of the forests must pass through the woodland to reach the fjord. Within the forest, streams carry these waters through deep ravines before flowing into Flensburg Fjord. In the past, water was dammed to supply fish ponds where streams passed through the larger depressions.

One of the most notable streams is Skelbæk. It is among the cleanest watercourses in Southern Jutland, and along its banks—and along several other streams in the area—you will find natural springs and wetland areas, some with true freshwater sources.

Wildlife:

The varied forest landscape, with its long and winding edges, supports a rich diversity of wildlife. Along stream banks, you may spot burrows of foxes, badgers, and even shelducks side by side.

Plant life:

The fertile moraine hills, combined with varied soil conditions and diverse forest growth, provide habitats for many plant species, including several rare and protected ones.