Sorø Sønderskov – Primitive Camping

Primitive camping in Sorø Sønderskov — a private nature retreat south of Sorø

Between Sorø and Næstved, where the moraine landscape unfolds in gentle hills and deep forest sections, Sorø Sønderskov lies as a quiet sanctuary for those seeking a night under the open sky. Here, on St. Ladegårdsvej at the edge of the old forest, a private landowner has opened their grounds to primitive overnight guests — and the result is one of Central Zealand's most charming and informal nature stays.

The Sønderskov is one of those forests that rarely appears in guidebooks, and that is precisely what makes it special. While the Academy Garden and Sorø Lake draw most visitors northward, the forest south of town offers an entirely different atmosphere. Here, the silence is more complete, and the sound of woodpeckers and titmice fills the air more than human voices. The beech trees stand close together, and in spring, anemones cover the forest floor in a white carpet that stretches as far as the eye can see.

A personal welcome in Central Zealand

What makes Sorø Sønderskov special is the personal dimension. As a private camping spot, there is a warmth and care that you rarely find at municipal nature sites. The place has an intimate scale that makes it ideal for couples or small groups who want to experience nature without disturbances. You pitch your tent surrounded by old deciduous forest and fall asleep to the sounds of the woods — no traffic noise, no neighbours, nothing but the rustling of the canopy above.

The location on St. Ladegårdsvej places the overnight site in a landscape shaped by ice age deposits. The terrain undulates gently, and from the highest points in the forest you can make out the contours of the open farmland to the south and east. It is a landscape that invites long walks without a fixed destination — along forest paths and field tracks where you encounter deer at dusk and hares on the open fields.

Sorø — a town of depth and history

Sorø sits at the heart of Zealand and has a history stretching back to the Middle Ages. Sorø Abbey Church, Sorø Academy, and the beautiful Academy Garden by Sorø Lake are just some of the cultural gems you can visit within easy reach of the Sønderskov. The town itself has a calm, provincial charm with small cafés, local shops, and a rich community life. For those who combine a night in the forest with a day in town, there is plenty to experience.

To the west lie the Tystrup-Bavelse Lakes, one of Zealand's largest connected lake systems and a paradise for canoeists and birdwatchers. The River Suså winds through the landscape, connecting the lakes in a scenic course that can be explored over several days. To the north, the Flinterup area and Kongskilde Outdoor Centre open up further hiking and cycling routes across the hilly terrain.

For those who appreciate simplicity

Primitive camping is about stripping away the layers and returning to the basics. In Sorø Sønderskov, that is exactly what you get — no noise, no distractions, just forest and sky. It is a form of overnight stay that appeals to those who find peace in lighting a fire, cooking over open flame, and letting the evening slip quietly by as darkness settles between the tree trunks.

Sorø Municipality and the surrounding Central Zealand offer a wealth of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers. Whether you are passing through along the Jyderupstien trail, exploring the many lakes and streams of the area, or simply need a single night away from everyday life, the Sønderskov makes an excellent starting point. For more experiences in the area, visit destinationsjaelland.dk and let yourself be inspired by the region's many possibilities.