Ydø: Dyke Routes and Island History

Ydø combines dyke landscapes, cycling and island history. When planning a stay, you can choose what to focus on: exploring the area by bike, walking to Albuen or learning about the history of land reclamation. A walk to Albuen can begin in Ydø, where there is a campsite that serves as a starting point. Options range from a specific day hike to longer stretches along the fjord.

Dyke Routes and Former Islands

Before the major land reclamation following the storm surge of 1872, Ydø was one of ten islands in the southern Nakskow Fjord. You can bear this history in mind as you look at the landscape today. The Munkeruten, also called Digestien, runs along the dyke beside Nakskow Fjord and passes the former islands of Ydø, Langø and Vejlø.

For cyclists, two routes take different paths: Regional Cycle Route 38 runs along the southern part of the fjord from Nakskov to Albuen; “Langs fjorden” follows the dyke between Nakskov and Albuen, then returns to Nakskov via smaller country roads. The “Langs fjorden” route is described in detail in the Naturlandet app. The best way to experience the landscape of the “Forsvundne Ørige” is by cycling from Nakskov to Albuen along the top of the dyke.

Walking and History on Albuen

For a walk to Albuen, you can leave your car at the ramp; you can also begin the walk in Ydø. In the Middle Ages, Albuen was an important fishing and trading site, first mentioned in 1416. The Lodshuset on Albuen dates from 1873 and serves as a nature centre and living museum. An excursion therefore takes in both the landscape and the history of how people have used it.

Nature by the Fjord

There are also different ways to observe nature. Albuen is home to a large population of natterjack toads; near Ydø, the little green tree frog can be heard croaking. Outside the breeding season, thousands of geese and swans forage in the fields of the “Forsvundne Ørige”, which were once seabed. Nakskow Fjord and the coastal meadows along it are among the most important resting and breeding areas for waders and waterbirds in eastern Denmark. Nakskow Fjord is protected under Natura 2000.

Kappel Post Mill in the Wider Area

Kappel Post Mill is part of the wider area. It was built around 1730 and remained in operation until 1935. In summer, the mill is open every Tuesday afternoon, when members of the mill guild are present and tell visitors about it. If the weather permits, sails are fitted to the mill’s vanes and it is operated. For planning purposes, it is important to note the distinction: the mill is open only on Tuesday afternoons in summer, while its operation depends on the weather.

Discover more destinations: Fejø, Sletnæs, Torrig, Gloslunde, Askø By, Kramnitse, Sakskøbing, Dannemare

For the main travel overview: Lolland.