Destination Kystlandet

Practical information about Endelave

Plan your visit to Endelave with all the essential information gathered in one place. Here, you will find maps, brochures and answers to frequently asked questions about transport, facilities, attractions and accommodation on Endelave, whether you are visiting for a day trip or a few days.

Tag cyklen med på ferie til Endelave i Det Østjyske Øhav
Photo: Kristoffer Loft

Maps and brochures of Endelave

Endelavefærgen sejler fra havnen i Snaptun
Photo: David Jervidal© Destination Kystlandet

Pick up printed brochures on the ferry

Prefer to have a brochure in hand? On the Endelave ferry, you will find visitor information about the island as well as inspiration for experiences on the mainland.

Frequently asked questions about Endelave

Transport and getting here

How do I get to Endelave?

You sail with the Endelave ferry from the harbour town of Snaptun on the south side of Horsens Fjord.

There are two daily departures in each direction, and the crossing takes about 1 hour.

The trip is a nature experience in itself, where porpoises and seals can be seen, among other things. Therefore, it is a good idea to bring binoculars for the crossing.

Onboard you will find a shop where you can stock up on drinks, bread, sausages, ice cream and sweets.

How long is the ferry crossing to Endelave?

The ferry crossing between Snaptun and Endelave takes approximately 65 minutes. Crossing times may vary slightly depending on the weather conditions.

Where does the ferry to Endelave depart from?

The ferry to Endelave departs from Snaptun Harbour, located approximately 20 kilometres from Horsens on the southern shore of Horsens Fjord. The harbour is easily reached by car, bicycle or public transport. Snaptun is a small harbour with no grocery shop, but there is a café where you can buy drinks and meals.

Can I bring my car to Endelave?

Yes, you can take your car on the ferry to Endelave. However, space for vehicles is limited, so it is recommended that you book well in advance.

Many visitors choose to leave their car on the mainland and explore the island on foot or by bicycle. If you want to experience the peaceful atmosphere of Endelave at its best, we recommend leaving your car in Snaptun. Parking is available at the harbour and on the outskirts of the village along Snaptunvej.

Can I bring my bicycle on the ferry to Endelave?

Yes, you can bring your bicycle on the ferry to Endelave. The island is ideal for exploring on two wheels, making it easy to travel between the harbour, the village, the beaches and the island's natural attractions.

If you would rather not bring your own bicycle, you can hire one at the harbour on Endelave.

When booking your ferry ticket, remember to add your bicycle to the reservation. A small additional charge applies.
 

Should I book my ferry ticket to Endelave in advance?

 We recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, especially during the summer holidays, on public holidays and at weekends, when demand can be high. This is particularly important if you are planning to bring a car.

It is possible to buy a ferry ticket from the ticket machine at Snaptun Harbour shortly before departure, but it would be a shame to make the journey only to find that the ferry is fully booked.

Where can I book tickets for the Endelave Ferry?

You can book tickets for the Endelave ferry on the Endelave Ferry Service website.

The ferry service is operated by Horsens Municipality.

Food and shopping

Where can I eat on Endelave?

Endelave has several cosy places to eat, where you can enjoy everything from a light lunch and coffee with homemade cakes to an evening meal featuring locally sourced ingredients. Opening times vary with the season, so it is a good idea to check current opening hours if you are visiting outside the summer months.

The main dining options are:

  • Kroen Endelave – traditional Danish inn cuisine with a modern twist, open all year round
  • Café Heden – a charming café next to the island's medicinal herb garden
  • Udsigten Endelave – fast food and pizza at the harbour
Are there shopping facilities on Endelave?

Yes. The island's village is home to a local grocery shop. While it is not a large supermarket, you can buy groceries, everyday essentials and drinks for your stay. It is also the place to pick up the island's own Endelave Beers.

Are restaurants and cafés open all year round on Endelave?

Some restaurants and cafés are open throughout the year, while others only operate during the summer season. Opening hours vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year, so we recommend checking each venue's current opening hours before visiting Endelave.

Kroen Endelave is generally open throughout the winter and only closes for a short period around the New Year.

Can I buy lunch or coffee when visiting Endelave on a day trip?

Yes, you can buy lunch, coffee, ice cream and other refreshments at several places on the island. During the peak season, you will find the widest choice, while fewer cafés and restaurants may be open outside the summer holidays. In winter, you can enjoy a meal at Kroen Endelave.

If you are looking for a quick takeaway lunch, Udsigten Endelave at the harbour is a great option.

Accommodation on Endelave

Where can I stay on Endelave?

Endelave offers a range of accommodation options, including holiday homes, bed and breakfasts, campsites and a traditional Danish inn. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend, a family holiday or an active break in nature, you will find accommodation to suit your stay.

Explore the accommodation options on this page.

How many days should I spend on Endelave?

You can certainly visit Endelave on a day trip, but you will not have time to experience everything the island has to offer. If you would like to explore the island's nature, hiking trails, beaches and charming village at a relaxed pace, we recommend staying for one or two nights.

A longer stay also gives you the chance to experience the island after most day visitors have returned to the mainland.

Is there a campsite on Endelave?

Yes, you can go camping on Endelave. Campingpladsen Endelave offers pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as cabins and glamping tents for hire. Located in Endelave village, the campsite is an ideal base for combining your camping holiday with hiking, cycling and relaxing days at the beach.

Can I rent a holiday home on Endelave?

There are around 150 holiday homes on Endelave, but only a small number of them are available for holiday rental. It is possible to rent a holiday home, such as Kærhuset, but you will usually need to book well in advance.

Should I book accommodation on Endelave in advance?

Yes. If you are planning to visit during the summer holidays, on public holidays or at weekends, it is a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance. Endelave is a small island with a limited number of places to stay, and the most popular options are often fully booked quickly.

Nature and beaches

Can you swim on Endelave?

Yes, Endelave has several excellent beaches with clean bathing water and peaceful surroundings. On warm summer days, the beaches are perfect for a refreshing swim, and many offer beautiful views across the Kattegat while you relax by the water.

In addition to the beaches, we also recommend visiting the harbour's attractive sea bathing area, which features a bathing jetty, steps into the water and places to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

Where can I find the best beaches on Endelave?

Endelave's 25-kilometre coastline offers a variety of beaches, from soft sandy shores to more stony stretches. There is always a peaceful spot to be found on the island. Here are some of the best beaches, all with good bathing water quality:

  • Endelave Harbour – west of the harbour
  • Søndermølle – on the south coast, directly south of the village, at the end of Søndermølle Road
  • Lynger Beach – by the Lynger holiday home area on the eastern part of the south coast
  • Øvre – on the east coast, approximately 2 kilometres south of the island's northern tip

You can read more about Endelave's beaches on this page.
 

What birds and wildlife can I see on Endelave?

Endelave is best known for its many wild rabbits, which have become a symbol of the island. In addition, the island provides an important habitat for a wide variety of bird species, butterflies and other wildlife that thrive in its diverse landscapes of salt marshes, woodland, heathland and coastline.

You will often spot white-tailed eagles hunting over the island, while the Flasken Nature Reserve is home to large numbers of wading birds. These can best be observed from the birdwatching tower on Endelave Strandvej, just east of the junction with Kongevejen.

Among the larger mammals found on the island are roe deer and foxes.

Just off the coast of Endelave lie the two sandbanks Møllegrunden and Svanegrund, where large numbers of seals rest and breed.

When is the best time to visit Endelave?

Endelave is worth visiting throughout the year, but most people come between spring and late summer, when the island's nature is at its most beautiful and the widest range of attractions, cafés and restaurants are open.

Spring brings colourful wildflowers and abundant birdlife, summer is ideal for beach days and hiking, while autumn offers peaceful surroundings, beautiful autumn colours and excellent opportunities to experience the island's nature.

Can I bring my dog to Endelave?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Endelave. However, they must be kept on a lead at all times out of consideration for the island's wildlife, its many free-roaming wild rabbits and the local residents.

Dogs travel free of charge on the Endelave Ferry.

Which natural areas should I visit on Endelave?

Endelave offers a diverse landscape of salt marshes, woodland, heathland and coastal scenery. Some of the island's most remarkable natural areas include:

  • Øvre – a protected area in the northern part of Endelave, featuring salt marshes and heather-covered heathland
  • Klinten – dramatic coastal cliffs on the island's south-west coast with panoramic views across the Kattegat
  • Flasken – the island's distinctive headland, with the sea on both sides. This protected nature reserve is home to a large population of wading birds.
  • Troldeskoven – a woodland of twisted pine trees near the Louisenlund manor estate in the south-eastern part of the island, with an almost fairy-tale atmosphere.
Is Endelave a Natura 2000 area?

Yes, large parts of the natural environment around Endelave are protected. The island is home to valuable salt marshes, coastal habitats and important wildlife, providing habitats for a wide range of plants and animals. As a visitor, you are encouraged to stay on marked paths and show consideration for the island's nature.

Endelave forms part of a Natura 2000 protected area that includes Horsens Fjord, Endelave and the waters between them.

The island is also part of Nature Park Svanegrund, Denmark's largest nature park, which encompasses Horsens Fjord, the Kattegat coastline between Juelsminde and Norsminde, and the islands of the East Jutland Archipelago, including Endelave.

Where can I watch the sunset on Endelave?

Endelave offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy a spectacular sunset, and for many visitors it is one of the island's highlights. As the sun sets in the west, the best places to experience it are along the island's west coast, particularly around the headland known as Kloben.

One of the easiest – and most beautiful – places to watch the evening sun is the harbour area, where you can sit undisturbed by the water, often just a short walk from your accommodation.

Are there good opportunities for stargazing on Endelave?

Yes. Endelave is far from the light pollution of the mainland and has large areas with very little artificial lighting. On clear nights, you can enjoy an impressive view of the night sky, with the Milky Way shining brightly overhead.

The island also offers excellent conditions for watching meteor showers and, when conditions are right, the Northern Lights.

Experiences and activities

Hvad er Endelave kendt for?

Endelave er især kendt for sine mange vilde kaniner, vandreruten Kaninoen, den rolige ø-stemning og den særlige natur. Øen byder på varierede landskaber med strandenge, skov, hede og kyststrækninger, som gør den til et populært udflugtsmål for naturelskere, vandrere og cyklister.

Hvor kan jeg opleve kaniner på Endelave?

De vilde kaniner lever over hele Endelave, og du kan støde på dem både i byen og ude i naturen. På Endelave er især de mange diger og levende hegn tilholdssteder for kaninernes kolonier. 

Kaninerne er mest aktive om morgenen og sidst på dagen, hvor de ofte kommer frem for at græsse. Derfor har du bedst chancer for at se dem ved daggry/skumring. 

Hvilke vandreruter findes på Endelave?

Den mest populære vandrerute er Kaninoen, som fører dig hele vejen rundt om øen gennem nogle af Endelaves smukkeste naturområder. Undervejs passerer du blandt andet Klinten, Troldeskoven, Øvre og Flasken, og du oplever både kyst, strandenge, skov og åbne landskaber. Kaninoen er 21 kilometer lang. Kaninoen er 1 af 3 kaninruter på øen. Du kan også gå Mini-Kaninoen på 12 km og rød kaninrute på 3 km. 

Hvad kan man lave på Endelave med børn?

Endelave er et oplagt udflugtsmål for familier med sit rolige og trygge miljø. Børn kan prøve legepladsen ved havnen eller bade ved havnens badeanlæg. De kan også tage på skattejagt, hvor de svarer på spørgsmål på deres vej og får en guldmedalje som bevis. Det er også helt oplagt at gå på udflugt efter øens nuttede, vilde kaniner. På øens strande kan der bygges sandslotte, og så er der bare god tid til at I kan være sammen. Øens rolige tempo og overskuelige størrelse gør det nemt at opleve meget sammen. Endelave er ikke sådan en ø, hvor der er store attraktioner for børn. Her opleves det store i det små - i det fri - i naturen. 

I sommerperioden arrangeres der gratis, aktive events for familiens yngste. I konceptet 'Aktiv Ø' kan man opleve alt fra rundbold til bueskydning, krea-workshops for børn og fodbold. 

Er der seværdigheder i Endelave By?

Ja, der er nogle få oplevelser i Endelave By. Først og fremmest vil vi anbefale et besøg hos Lægeurtehaven Endelave. I besøgshaven kan du blive klogere på lægeurternes historie og gå opdagelse blandt krydderurter og spiselige planter som lever vildt på Endelave. 

Du kan også kigge ind hos Endelave Museum og lære om øens historie. Du kan også besøge øens lille kirke eller bestille en ridetur eller trækketur hos Turridning Endelave
Ved havnen kan du dyste med familien i minigolf, og hvis du har børn med, kan I tage på skattejagt rundt i byen. 

Practical information

Er der offentlig transport på Endelave?

Nej, der kører ikke busser på Endelave. Der er dog mulighed for at bestille en taxa. Der er ligeledes mulighed for at bestille en traktortur rundt på øen

Det er også muligt at få bilen med på færgen, men hvis fysikken er til det, anbefaler vi at leje en cykel på havnen. 

Kan man leje cykler på Endelave?

Ja! På havnen hos Udsigten Endelave samt i byen på Kongevejen er der mulighed for at leje cykler på dagsbasis. 

Cykeludlejningen kommer du forbi ganske kort efter du er stået af færgen, og du kan derfor afhente/aflevere cyklen i den forbindelse. 

Er Endelave velegnet til en dagsudflugt?

Færgesejladsen fra Snaptun tager en time. Du kan tage en morgenfærge fra fastlandet og tage tilbage sidst på eftermiddagen. Derfor kan det godt lade sig gøre at besøge øen på en dagstur. 

Det afhænger dog af dine planer. Hvis du eksempelvis vil gå rundt om Endelave på Kaninoen og også have tid til at nyde et måltid mad og udforske byen i ro og mag, bliver du presset på tid. 

Derfor kan du overveje en overnatning på øen, hvilket vil give dig tid til at opleve øen i det tempo som Endelave bør opleves i - øtempo. 

Hvor er der offentlige toiletter på Endelave?

Endelave Havn: Helårsåbent og handicapvenligt toilet med mulighed for bad.
Lægeurtehaven: Offentligt toilet tilgængeligt i haven.
Endelave Skole: Offentlige toiletter ved skolen. Om vinteren er det ene åbent, men de lukkes ved hård frost.
Madpakkehuset: Toilet ved madpakkehuset (åbent fra påske til og med uge 42). Placeret midt på øen, hvor Kongevejen møder Lynger.
Kirken: Handicapvenligt toilet ved kirken.

Er Endelave tilgængelig for handicappede og kørestolsbrugere?

Endelavefærgen er tilgængelig for kørestolsbrugere i form af ramper på begge havne (Snaptun og Endelave) og elevator til dækket. Der er derfor adgang til øen. 

På selve øen er der asfaltveje på havnen og i Endelave By. Der er ikke fortove, men kun meget begrænset trafik. Udenfor byen er der grusveje, og naturen og strande er generelt ikke tilgængeliggjort. 

Er der mobildækning og internet på Endelave?

Ja, der er generelt god mobildækning på det meste af Endelave, og flere overnatningssteder og spisesteder tilbyder Wi-Fi til deres gæster.

Er der elladestandere på Endelave?

Ja, på Endelave Havn er der ladestandere fra Norlys og Spirii.