Camøno Trail

The 175-kilometer long-distance hike starts on Møn, the largest of the three islands, in the ancient trading town of Stege. A walk through the old center shows a blend of contemporary and historical architecture. The Møn Museum marks the starting point of the Camøno Trail. Here, you can sleep in a barn if you bring a sleeping mat and bag for the wooden beds. The trail is well-marked, leading towards Nyord. The route is solitary, with only the occasional angler spotted trying their luck on the bridges.

Nyord, a tiny 5 square kilometer island, is 80 percent uninhabitable marshland, regularly flooded by the Baltic Sea. Climb up the tower for panoramic views of the marshes, home to hundreds of bird species including the greenshank, avocet, lapwing, and redshank, with the potential sighting of larger predators like the sea eagle, osprey, and peregrine falcon. The inhabited portion hosts the first shelter, Hyldevang. These shelters, wooden open cottages that can sleep about four people, are freely accessible to hikers and cyclists, often equipped with a fire pit and sometimes wood for an evening fire. After settling in the shelter, a small hike to the harbor, the unique church, and through Nyord reveals picturesque old farms. Clear nights from September to March may offer views of the Milky Way in one of Europe’s darkest spots.

The journey continues along the coastline back to Møn. This is likely the first time on the trek that you’ll see tourists, likely enjoying a dip on a warm day. Moving inland, the white Elmelunde Kirke, a church that was once a high point in the landscape for trading ships on the Baltic Sea, stands out in the landscape with its smooth white buildings and red roofs. A B&B near the church provides accommodation, offering magical sunset views.

The path then leads to Møns Klint, the famous white cliffs recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The kilometer-long coastline with its limestone and chalk formations presents a tropical illusion, with a unique ecosystem flourishing in the fertile soil, best viewed in early summer. Wooden staircases take you down from beech forests to the beaches, offering a spectacular view of the cliffs and a chance to discover 70-million-year-old fossils.

The trek proceeds to Bogø, the most challenging part of the trail because of the soft sand. Following the coastline to the next shelter near Slotshaven just before Bogø, you can finish the trail with a fireside meal as the sun sets over the sea.

Bogø, once owned by the Danish royal family, is linked by a bridge to the mainland, with bus services crossing to the harbor. Here, you can find one of Denmark’s oldest wooden ferries and a culinary gem in the harbor, where Christian, originally from Italy, bakes exceptional bread and pizzas. The Danish ‘kanelsnegle’ and evening pizzas are a delight, which you can enjoy with a view of the departing ferry.

The final stages return to Stege, ending this circuit and the 175-kilometer long-distance trail in Denmark. A campsite near the coastline provides the last night’s stay, with views of the Queen Alexandrine Bridge linking Møn to Zealand, Denmark’s largest island. This is a great long-distance trail for beginners or hikers who seek a lot of quiet on the trail.

The best time to hike the Camøno Trail is from May through October. These periods are recommended due to the mild weather conditions, which make the hiking experience more enjoyable. Spring offers the chance to see the landscape come to life, with more greenery and blooming flowers, while fall provides a beautiful backdrop of golden-red hues in the forests.

The Camøno Trail is an easy trail perfect for beginning long-distance hikers. Don’t forget to pack essentials like your camping gear, rainwear, layers, socks and underwear, a headlamp, multi-tools, and navigation stuff like a GPX on your mobile or a map of the Camøno Trail. Seasonal considerations should guide your choice of additional gear, such as sunscreen and insect repellent in the summer or thermal clothing and a warmer sleeping bag in cooler months. Always bring enough food and water with you while you start your hike.