Wild Rabbit on Endelave

The rabbit island of Endelave in the East Jutland Archipelago

Photo: Destination Kystlandet

In the Kattegat south of Horsens Fjord is Endelave. Here you can encounter wild rabbits, go on a seaweed safari and follow the beautiful hiking route “Kanino”. And much more! We guide you to the best experiences and places you just HAVE to see on the island.

On Endelave you get plenty of beautiful countryside. Here you will find an enormous wealth of plants, animals and natural forms, unique experiences and tidal flats in a mini format.

Here is also the troll forest, a “Skagen headland”, a seal colony, and not least, loads of wild rabbits that give the island its nickname the “Rabbit Island”.

Take the ferry from Snaptun on the south side of Horsens Fjord (about 17 km. from Horsens and 15 km. from Juelsminde). The ferry takes an hour, and along the way you can enjoy the view of Møllegrunden with the many seals and you might be lucky to spot porpoises and birds.

The wild rabbits

Seeing a small young wild rabbit bouncing merrily around is not an unusual sight on the island. Endelave is often referred to as the “Rabbit Island”. Since the late 1920s, the island has had a population of wild rabbits.

The rabbits are light brown. You can tell the difference between a hare and a rabbit, as the rabbit is smaller and has shorter ears. The hare also has black ear tips and much longer hind legs. The breeding season begins in February. During the 10 months of the year they breed, they can have between three to four litters with two to eight rabbits in each.

From 100 to 15,000 rabbits

The population varies greatly from year to year from a few 100 and up to about 15,000 rabbits. If the population becomes too large, it often regulates itself through diseases.

Endelave is also a popular destination for hunters. You are allowed to shoot the rabbits from September 1 to February 1. Annually, approx. 5-6,000 rabbits are killed on the island.

Good to know