Hiking route: Almindingen Forest – The Cliff Path

Route description:

The first part of the hike is like the easy red route through Ekkodalen, first along the gravel path and then along the footbridge through the bottom of the valley. Then follow the yellow markings (and the orange ones for Højlyngsstien), and eventually steeply up through the woods until you reach a wide forest road. Wave goodbye to Højlyngsstien, which bends left here – you need to turn right.

Keep an eye on the markings, because after a few hundred metres the route leaves the forest road and enters a rocky and uneven path close to the slope down to Ekkodalen.

The trail is not suitable for prams or people with unsteady legs – the view of the valley a good 30 metres below you is great, especially if you leave the trail and go all the way to the edge (but not TOO far).

Along the way, you’ll pass Dronningestenen (Queen Stone), a flat rock on top of the cliff face, which according to history is named after King Christian IX’swife, Queen Louise.

Several rocks were named in ancient times – for example, Røverspringet (Robber’s Leap) Heksenes Danseplads (Witches Dance Floor) and Djævlebakken (Devil’s Hill). There are no signposts to guide you to them, apart from Jægergrotten: An impressive rock formation created by meltwater over time. It’s at the bottom of the valley, so requires a walk down and back up (marked), but it’s worth the effort.

The path continues up the valley for a few kilometres before turning slightly into the forest and climbing relatively steeply up and down steps, rocks and forest bed.

Follow the yellow markings so you don’t miss the last sharp right turn that leads you back down into Ekkodalen. You join the valley at what appears to be the end of it, so enjoy the view as you cross over and follow the wide gravel path back to the car park at Ekkodalshuset.

Facts:

Duration:

One and a half to two hours
Length:
Approximately 5.5 kilometres (round trip)
Difficulty level:
Relatively difficult. Mainly hilly and uneven terrain along narrow forest paths or rocky ground. In the wet months it can also be muddy
Suitable for prams and wheelchairs:
No
Parking:
At the Echo Valley House (Ekkodalshuset)
Toilets:
At the Ekkodalen car park
Access to water:
The public toilets by the car park
Surface:
Mainly uneven rocky ground and nature trail
Special remarks:
A particularly good hike in winter when there are no leaves on the trees to obscure the view.

Written by Gitte Holtze

Hiker and outdoor freak as well as journalist, lecturer and author of "jeg lever" about Gitte's hike along the Pacific Crest Trail and "Gå langt", a guidebook to long hikes.