Naturcenter Herstedhøje

About the museum

Naturcenter Herstedhøje is located in the recreational forest Vestskoven at the foot of Herstedhøje. The artificial hill was piled up from 1968 using about three million cubic meters of soil, construction rubble, and concrete remains and reaches 67 meters above sea level; today sheep, among other animals, graze there.

The center was established in 2006 and is run by the state nature agency Naturstyrelsen. Inside, a small nature exhibition shows animals and plants of the forest, including stuffed foxes and hares, and offers suggestions for excursions into the Vestskoven. There is also a school room, a workshop, and a meeting room.

Outside there are three large fire huts, a waterhole for netting, chickens, and barbecue areas. A group of "Skovhjælpere" (forest helpers) looks after the guests, lends equipment free of charge, and runs a small organic café that sells honey from its own beekeeping as well as wool, pelts, and lamb meat from its own Spelsau sheep. Kindergartens, schools, and after-school centers from the partner municipalities use the center for outdoor teaching; private guests and companies are welcome as well.

Highlights

• Small nature exhibition with stuffed animals from the Vestskoven
• Waterhole for exploring small animals and three fire huts
• Organic café with honey and wool from its own animals and hives
• Climb up the 67-meter-high Herstedhøje with far-reaching views
• Free loan of equipment for fire, netting, and whittling

Permanent exhibitions

• Naturudstillingen – Small exhibition with finds and stuffed animals from the Vestskoven, meant to inspire your own discoveries in the forest.

Founded

2006

Operated by

Naturstyrelsen

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission and exhibition free; equipment can be borrowed free of charge during opening hours. Fees only for booked fire huts, the school room, or nature guides.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The nature center and its surroundings are easily accessible for wheelchair users. The accessible restroom to the right of the main entrance is always open. On the first working day of each month, people with walking difficulties may drive to the summit of Herstedhøje by car, bus, or electric mobility scooter between 9:00 and 15:00 (access via Herstedøstervej/Herstedhøje Allé).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children can catch small animals in the waterhole, bake campfire bread at the fire pit, and visit the chickens; nets and other equipment are lent free of charge. Fire huts can be rented for children's birthday parties.

Getting there & parking

Car traffic is generally prohibited in the Vestskoven.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Small organic café run by the Skovhjælpere with coffee, homemade cake, and regional products; sale of honey, wool, yarn, pelts, and lamb meat. Campfire bread dough and firewood on order (at least 1 hour in advance). Barbecue areas and picnics with your own food possible.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 60 guests.

Three fire huts (100 m² each, for one school class or 50–60 people) from DKK 280 per hour (minimum 2 hours, companies DKK 650), school room for 35 people from DKK 1,750 per half day (companies DKK 3,000), plus workshop and meeting room; catering by the Skovhjælpere can be booked. Events must have a connection to nature or outdoor teaching. Fire huts that are not booked may be used by everyone.

Plan your visit