København / Copenhagen 

1) Amager Fælled

2) Furesøen lake, Vaserne &  Farum Lake

3) Gentofte Lake

4) Saltholm

5) Utterslev Mose

6) West & South Amager

7) Ramsødalen

8) Gundsømagle Lake

9) Ølsemagle Revle

 DOF Copenhagen

Amager Fælled

A beautiful winter's morning at Grønjordssøen

Location:
Amager Fælled is situated in the north-west corner of the island of Amager, immediately south of central Copenhagen. It borders onto Ørestads Boulevard in the east, Lossepladsvej to the west, the built-up islands of Brygge/Sundby to the north, and finally Vejlands Allé to the south.

Protection/IBA Status:
The area is not an official IBA, but DOF considers the area important as it is a bird habitat close to Copenhagen.

Important Birds:
Greylag Goose, Kestrel, Nightingale, Fieldfare, Grasshopper Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Penduline Tit.  

Habitat:
"Fælled" is Danish for "common": a large open area where the locals let their cattle graze. Amager Fælled still has the characteristics of a common, and has furthermore areas of scrub, reedbeds, boggy patches, meadows and a lake. 

Aberdeen Angus cattle graze on the meadows south of the lake of Grøndjordssøen as part of the area’s management scheme. This ensures that vegetation is kept short and that the rare red-listed wetland plant Cnidium Dubium, which is only found in very few other places in Denmark, is preserved. There is a battle on at present because a building society has a development plan on the drawing board for just this area. This not only threatens the Cnidium Dubium, but several other rare plant species that grow here.   

Birds and other Wildlife:
Amager Fælled is a mosaic of different biotopes. The east part is overgrown with hawthorn and willow. In May - June an impressive choir of Nightingale and various warblers can be heard. In the willow scrub the rare Penduline Tit has started breeding again, after years of absence.

Grønjordssø, also in the east part of the common, is probably the most important bird area with Red-necked Grebe, Greylag Goose and Reed Warbler. Unfortunately, the reeds and scrub hide most of the view over the lake. In the other wet areas of the common a few Grasshopper Warblers and Lapwings can be spotted.

Moving from east to west across Amager Fælled, the locality's character gradually changes into a more open area with only a few bushes, tall grasses and other plant species belonging to the open land. Not many birds are seen or heard here during spring and summer, but in autumn and winter several species of raptors arrive. Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Buzzard and Kestrel are usually residents here all winter. Large flocks of Fieldfare also visit the common during winter.

Visiting and Access:
It is easy to get to Amager Fælled by the Metro from the centre of Copenhagen. There are two stations along Ørestads Boulevard, both near the lake of Grønjordssø. Furthermore, there are four public paths into Amager Fælled offering access to most of the area, but it is also possible to move away from these paths onto small trails criss-crossing the common.

It is difficult to park anywhere near the common. The only dedicated car parks are on Lossepladsvej and Vejlands Allé - both rather a long way from the lake. No motorized vehicles are permitted on Amager Fælled.  

Amager Fælled is a popular recreational area for locals using it for sun-bathing, jogging, walking the dog etc. There is also a popular barbecue site used by many visitors.

Location:
Vaserne is a boggy woodland area at the north-east corner of the lake of Furesø, north of the Copenhagen suburb of Holte.

Protection/IBA Status:
Vaserne is part of a much larger protected area comprising the two lakes of Furesø and Farum Sø. The whole area is an EU Bird Protection Area and an EU Habitat Area, and has also been appointed an international IBA. 14 ha of Vaserne's total area of 86 ha was acquired in 1999 by the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, who entrusted it to the Danish Ornithological Society’s Bird Protection Fund.

Important Birds (for the whole IBA comprising Vaserne, Furesø and Farum Sø):
Scandinavian Grebe, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Spotted Crake, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Common Tern, Black Tern, Kingfisher, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

 

Vaserne

Habitat:
The word "vase" means a causeway of branches and twigs, built across a bog. The area comprises alder swamp, willow scrub, water-logged peat holes, meadows and deciduous woodland. The area is a mosaic of biotopes offering optimum conditions for a varied flora and fauna.

Birds and other Wildlife:
No less than 150 bird species have been seen in this locality. It is renowned for its many Nightingales, that breed in the willow scrub. At the edge of the meadows the Marsh Warbler can be heard - its song imitating a number of other birds heard in its wintering grounds in Africa.

Vaserne offer good opportunities for spotting passerines and other birds all year round, but a morning or evening trip in May or June can be especially rewarding, when large numbers of different warblers, Wrens, Robins, Nightingales, Pied Flycatchers and tits welcome the visitor. In the reedbeds, the Water Rail can be heard, and out on the lake Great Crested Grebe and Cormorant are seen. With luck, one can spot an Opsrey fishing in the lake in late summer. In October, the berry bushes can be full of flocks of thrushes, for example Blackbird, Fieldfare and Redwing.

Visiting and Access:
From Holte Station there is a 1 km walk to the entrance to Vaserne. Bus No 334 from Holte or Farum Stations runs to Fyrrebakken, where one alights at Vasevej. There is also a small car park here. Vaserne is criss-crossed by an extended system of paths, making it easy to get around. The Bird Protection Fund has, with support from the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation and the Danish Outdoor Council, established an Information and Exhibition Centre in the north-east corner of Vaserne.

There is an observation tower at the end of the Engsti path, and information posters about the Furesø lake and Vaserne at key points along the paths. From the tower there is a fine view over the lake where large flocks of duck and waders are often seen.

Gentofte Lake

An upset Greylag Goose parent in "discussion" with a Mute Swan 06.05.07.
Photo: Kirse Overgård.

Location:
The lake of Gentofte Sø, bordered by the bog of Brobæk Mose, is a unique place. It comprises many varied biotopes, with many rare species of flora and fauna. Situated in a suburb of Copenhagen and next to one of the busiest motorways in all Denmark - the M19 - the site forms an oasis in the rapidly extending metropolis.
 
Protection/IBA Status:
The entire area is preserved under the general Danish nature protection law and has also been appointed an EU Habitat Area. On the other hand, this location does not qualify as an IBA but is considered a so-called “educational site" for what it has to offer the visitor.

Important Birds:
Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Osprey, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Woodcock, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Fieldfare, Reed Warbler, Bearded Tit, Short-toed Tree-creeper.

Habitat:
This site is of extremely high value both from a biological, aesthetic and recreational point of view. Gentofte Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in Denmark. It is a nutrient-rich, chalky lake, with floating plants. The adjacent meadows can boast of 7 species of orchid. There are reed-covered islets in the lake, where the elusive Bittern lurks. 

In former times, the lake and surrounds were exploited commercially: the meadows were grazed by cattle until 1932, reeds were harvested until 1971, and, earlier still, peat was extracted from the bog. Nowadays, however, the area is used only for recreational purposes. 

Birds and other Wildlife:
Breeding birds include Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Moorhen and Water Rail, as well as a great variety of passerines that could be expected in such a locality - including Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting. Bitterns have been heard, but it is not known if they breed here. Buzzard and Sparrowhawk certainly do. Cranes are occasionally seen flying over the lake.

Water Rail

Visiting and Access:
There is no admission to the islets in Gentofte Lake, but otherwise there are no restrictions with regard to access. Boats can be hired, and sailing is permitted from 16th April - 1st December. A system of public pathways guides the visitor around Brobæk Mose, which is otherwise practically inaccessible. 

DOF Copenhagen
 

Saltholm

 
Saltholm 25.03.07. Photo: Andreas Petersen

Location:
The island of Saltholm is situated 4 km out in the Øresund off Copenhagen, between Denmark and Sweden. It can often be seen when flying in on the north landing approach to Copenhagen Airport. Saltholm has been inhabited down through the ages and today is privately owned and managed by a company, the Saltholmlaug, which aquired it from the state in 1873.

Protection/IBA Status:
Saltholm was appointed a Nature Reserve in 1983. The island and the surrounding sea, including the islet of Peberholm, is an EU Bird Protection Area and an EU Habitat Area, and has been appointed an IBA.

Important Birds:
Cormorant, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Avocet, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Short-eared Owl, Red-backed Shrike.

Habitat:
Saltholm is practically untouched, and consists mainly of flat chalk meadowlands and coastal meadow. The island is no more than 3 m above sea level and often gets flooded during storms. Rainwater is retained in many pans, making it a rather wet environment to move about in. In the north and south-west are the only two areas with any trees. Apart from the neighbouring island of Amager, this is the only place in Denmark where wild Blue Iris can be found. They bloom in June.

Pumped-up well water here is salty, and not drinkable for humans, but cattle can get used to it.
Around 1000 head of cattle graze the vast meadows at present.

South of Saltholm is Peberholm, an articial islet created from material dug up during construction of the bridge and tunnel across the Øresund during the period 1995-2000.

Birds and other Wildlife:
20,000 birds breed on Saltholm, and the island is also famous for its small colony of Grey and Common seals. 

The variety of breeding birds is impressive: Cormorant, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Marsh Harrier, Avocet, Dunlin, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Short-eared Owl.

The island is often passed over by migrating birds on their way to and from Sweden, for example Crane can be seen in large flocks. 

Visiting and Access:
The various preservation orders means that there are certain limitations for access to certain areas at certain times of the year. (See local signs). There is no public transport to Saltholm, so visitors must either sail over privately (it is requested to avoid mooring by the cattle boat on the small jetty at Barakkebro); or conversely, visitors can join the DOF tours to Saltholm arranged every spring and autumn. (See website for details, and book well in advance, as these tours are very popular.) Another possibility is to phone Allan Frederiksen who does private sailing trips on call: (0045) 32 51 81 39  or mobile 20 77 78 01.    

Utterslev Mose

Greylag Goose. Photo: Erik Agertoft

Location:
Utterslev Mose is situated in north-west Copenhagen between the suburbs of Gladsaxe, Søborg, Bispebjerg and Brønshøj.     

Protection/IBA Status:
The area was made a Conservation Area in 2000, and is protected by Denmark's general Nature Protection law. It is not appointed an IBA, but due to its proximity to Copenhagen it is considered a so-called "educational site".

Important Birds:
Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern. 

Habitat:   
The area comprises three lakes, that are interconnected, with small islets, reedbeds, scrub, and some open areas of urban parkland. Utterslev Mose has become an oasis in the middle of the bustling metropolis.

During the 1930s it was more of a city dump, which was put a stop to in 1939, when the Copenhagen city council decided to initiate a reclamation scheme, digging canals, removing reedbeds, scrubland and excess undergrowth, and establishing parkland.

A more recent problem is increasing effluent overflow due to heavier rainfall, which the city's sewage system is unable to cope with. This has led to pollution of the lake and depleted oxygen levels in the water. This pollution has caused several species of birds, especially the Black-necked Grebe, once a common sight around here, from breeding in the lake. A "green" purification system has now been established to try to deal with the problem.

Birds and other Wildlife:   
Breeding birds: Greylag Goose, Marsh Harrier, Black-headed Gull, Sedge Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Reed Warbler and Bearded Tit. In the park area, a variety of warblers, including Nightingale, breed.
Wintering: Goosander, Mute Swan and occasionally Whopper Swan. Many ducks, including Shoveler, Pochard, Goldeneye and Tufted Duck. Passerines such as Waxwing, Bullfinch, Long-tailed Tit.
Spring migration visitors: Little Gull, Black Tern, and White-winged Tern. Migrating Crane can often be observed passing over the area. Raptors are best observed during autumn migration.

Utterslev Mose is a breeding and staging site for many waterfowl. There are large colonies of gulls with approx 1500 pairs (earlier, this site housed Europe’s biggest colony, with 20,000 breeding pairs). Numbers have receded as the water-level has risen and suitable nesting spaces have been flooded. Now, whenever sediment is dug up from the lake, it is being used to create artificial nesting islets for the gulls. 

Greylag Geese also breed here - and have become so friendly that they allow people to hand feed their goslings. Some years the Bittern breeds here, seemingly having lost its elusiveness, as it struts about for everyone to admire. Marsh Harriers breed here occasionally. There are ducks and Goosanders. Many passerines make the reedbeds and scrubland around the lake buzz with life. During cold winters, the part of the lake near Grønnemose Allé never freezes, and here one can get really close to the many ducks and gulls that gather in the open water.

Visiting and Access:
There are many ways of getting to Utterslev Mose, and several bus routes pass by: No 2A bus along Åkandevej, No 5A and 350S bus along Frederikssundsvej, and No 6A bus route terminates at Emdrup Torv where a 500 m stroll along Grønnemose Allé ends at Utterslev Mose.

There are extensive pathways for walking, cycling, and exploring all the way around the area.

Location:
West & South Amager - also known as Kalvebod Fælled - is situated on the island of Amager, adjacent to the south-east corner of central Copenhagen, and to the west of Copenhagen Airport.

Protection/IBA Status:
The area is both a Conservation Area, an EU Bird Protection Area, an EU Habitat Area and an IBA.

Important Birds:
Cormorant, Bittern, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Barnacle Goose, Tufted Duck, Smew, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Spotted Crake, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Dunlin, Ruff, Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Short-eared Owl.

Habitat:
West & South Amager was created artificially during World War II to give work to the Danish unemployed. Dykes were built and the sea reclaimed. After the war, and up until 1984, the area was used as an army shooting range, so visitors should still respect the "Adgang Forbudt" (No Entry) signs in certain areas, where undetonated ammunition may still be lying around.

To avoid West & South Amager being choked with overgrowth, the water-level was raised in 1996. Other large areas were reclaimed and have since been used for cattle grazing. The area is now a mosaic of grazing commons, lakes, ponds, reedbeds, scrubland and marsh. In spite of the motorway cutting through the area, and the new suburb of Ørestad built in connection with the bridge over to Sweden, the area is a welcome breathing place for the population of Copenhagen and - not least - for birds and wildlife. One can always find something of interest throughout the year.    
        
Birds and other Wildlife:   
The area enjoys an extremely rich bird life, both breeding birds and passage birds. The reedbeds offer shelter to breeding Red-necked Grebe, Bittern and Penduline Tit. Several species of wader breed here, including Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Redshank. The area attracts Denmark's largest concentration of Grasshopper Warblers. Two species that are very rare as breeding birds in Denmark - White-winged Tern and Whooper Swan - have both attempted to breed here recently.

Non-breeding visitors have included Bewick’s Swan, Gyr Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, Lesser Grey Shrike, Gull-billed Tern and Little Egret. In winter, the area attracts numbers of Smew.

Visiting and Access:   
There is a Visitor’s Centre 500 m from the entrance gate at Finderupvej, with a permanent exhibition (open weekends and holidays 10.00 - 16.00 h). From Storehøj, close to the center, boardwalks leading out through the reedbeds have recently been established. There are also two hides where the visitor can get really close to the birds without disturbing them.
   
There are bus routes to the area from central Copenhagen: No 36 bus runs to Kongelunden, No 37 bus runs along Vejlands Allé, and the No 34 bus route terminates at Sydvestpynten.

The S-train also serves the area - alight at Friheden Station or Sydhavn Station. (Remember that it is allowed to take bikes on the S-train). 

To reach the area by car, drive east along H.C.Andersens Boulevard out of the city centre, crossing the Langebro bridge onto Amager Boulevard, and take any right turn towards Kalvebod Fælled. One can park at the Bella Center on Vejlands Allé, in Kongelunden, or at one of the entrances along Kongelundsvej.

Exploring the area means either walking long distances or cycling. Bikes can be taken on the S-train, or can be borrowed free of charge at "Tårnby Kommunes cykeludlån" at the entrance at Finderupvej (1st May to end of 3rd week of October: Wednesdays and Fridays from 14.00-17.00 h, Saturdays and Sundays 10.00-18.00 h).

West and South Amager offer 6 sites of special ornithological interest:

1) Klydesø Reserve:
Situated in the south-west corner of the area, Klydesø is its main attraction. It is an outstanding locality for waterfowl and waders, but has restricted public access, except by means of a path leading to a two-storey bird observation tower. From here, one can overview the lake and surrounding meadows. Because of the size of the area, it is recommended to come with a telescope.

It is also possible to walk to the end of Kanalvej, from where Klydesø can be scanned. At the south-east end of the lake is another tower. The rare Gyr Falcon has been observed here in 2001 and White-winged Terns attempted breeding here in 1997. Many ducks and waders breed in the Klydesø reserve, and the area is visited by many rarities. 

2) Storehøj and Villahøj
are raised hillocks offering the keen observer fine aspects for spotting migrating raptors, particularly when favourable winds from the north and north-west aid their migration over Falsterbo in Sweden. In 1998 a pair of Whooper Swan bred in the pond below Villahøj.

3) Birkedammen
was created from sediment dug up in connection with the building of the bridge over the Kalvebod. Here, one can watch Tufted Duck (in winter over 1000), Mallard, Heron, Grebe and many other birds. The reedbeds here teem with Reed Warbler in early summer.

4) Natosøen (or Hejresø/Heron Lake)
This is an excellent locality for ducks, coots and grebe. Geese and swans, including Whooper Swans, also stop off here during migration. Natosø is easy to get to from Kongelunden/ Frieslandvej. Kanalvej skirts the lake itself.

5) Pinseskov
is a rare habitat for eastern Denmark. It is natural self-sown birch wood, interspersed with willow. The Danish Forestry and Nature Agency have also planted oak, ash, and lime trees. Many passerines stage here, and in early summer the night is filled with the song of the Nightingale, with a chorus of accompanying warblers.
   
6) Kalvebodløbet
is a narrow sound between Amager and the mainland, just north of the Sjællandsbro. This is a good spot for ducks, which flock here in thousands in the winter months. The locality is also well known for its sizeable numbers of Smew in winter.

Ramsødalen

Photo: (Roskilde Amt)

Location:
The Ramsødal is part of a valley formed by a subglacial stream created after the last ice age, which stretches from Lejre to the bay of Køge Bugt. The bird site is the part of the valley that runs from the town of Gadstrup and 5 km to the west.

Protection/IBA Status:
The area is protected by the EU Birds Directive and has been nominated an IBA.

Important Birds:
Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Common Tern, Black Tern and Short-eared Owl.

Habitat:
The Ramsødal was drained around 1800 and used for agriculture. In 1995 the Danish Forestry and Nature Agency acquired the area and took over its management, re-establishing the former lakes and ponds, and introducing cattle grazing in the meadows, thereby offering optimal conditions for meadow-breeding birds.

Birds and other Wildlife:
From the observation tower near Ramsømagle it is possible to observe practically all the bird species found in the locality: breeding birds, winter visitors, migratory and staging birds - including the rare Black Tern. Commoner species include Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Snipe, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, swans, Goosander and Pochard.

Visiting and Access:
Follow Route 14 for 5-6 km southwards from Roskilde, turn left towards Kirke Syv and continue to Øster Syv, from where a path leads to an observation tower west of the farm of Ramsø Søgård. In the tower are posters with illustrations and local information.

Further on along Ramsømaglevej is a car park from where a farm track leads down to the valley to a small water-works, from where a path carries on to the tower. There are various blazed trails throughout the entire valley.

Gundsømagle Lake

Location:
Gundsømagle Lake is situated west of Copenhagen, to the east of Roskilde Fjord and the town of Gundsømagle. Hove Å runs through it before emptying into Roskilde Fjord.

Protection/IBA Status:
The lake has been appointed a Nature Reserve. Although it is not an IBA, the birdlife is monitored on a regular basis as the lake is owned by DOFs Bird Protection Fund.

Important Birds:
Great Crested Grebe, Bittern, Tufted Duck, Marsh Harrier, Snipe, Nightingale, Sedge Warbler, Penduline Tit and Rook.

Habitat:
Gundsømagle Lake comprises many different types of wet areas: lake, reedbeds, willow and birch scrub, peat ponds and meadows as well as bog, woodland, fields, and grassy slopes.

The lake was heavily polluted when the Bird Protection Fund acquired it and some of its surroundings in 1984, with a view to restoring it to its former condition and thereby attracting the previously so prolific birdlife and other wildlife. However, despite many struggles involving the authorities, the planned removal of sediment from the lake bottom never materialized. This means that the pollution will probably not disappear until mid-century. Nevertheless, a stop has been put to new agricultural pollution entering the lake. Furthermore, a management plan for the meadowland has been implemented, entailing grazing cattle to keep down growth. 

Birds and other Wildlife:
In spite of the pollution, there are still many good reasons for visiting Gundsømagle Lake, not only for watching birds, but also because of other wildlife and the landscape itself.

The small wood at the car park offers a show of passerines in spring and summer. The numerous nesting boxes attract Great Tit, Blue Tit and Starling. There are also larger boxes for Jackdaw, Tawny Owl, Kestrel and Goldeneye. Wren, Robin, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Nightingale, Chaffinch, Blackbird and Great Spotted Woodpecker are all heard. On the meadows, geese, Pied Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail are seen, as well as Whitethroat, Yellowhammer and Skylark. Often the visitor can watch foraging Greylag Geese with their goslings. Lapwing and Redshank forage here too. There is a lot of activity in the rookery on the opposite side of the meadow.

On the lake are Greylag Goose, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe and Coot. In the surrounding reedbeds Moorhen, Water Rail, Reed Bunting and Reed Warbler find shelter. At the western observation tower it is possible to see and hear the Bearded Tit and watch the Marsh Harrier gliding over the reeds. The Cuckoo is commonly seen at this spot.

Autumn and winter is quieter with regard to birds, but during migration quite a few pass through: Swallows settle for the night in the reeds, Osprey fly over, and ducks turn up: Goldeneye, Pochard and, especially, large flocks of Tufted Duck. In winters when the lake is ice-free, up to 6000 Tufted Duck can rest here all day, but leave towards evening to forage for mussels in Roskilde Fjord.

Although few and far between, some rarities have shown up at this locality, notably Hoopoe, Great White Heron, White-tailed Eagle, Bittern, Gadwall, Garganey, Great Reed Warbler and breeding Penduline Tit. Lately some White Storks have been spotted foraging in the meadows.
 
Visiting and Access:
Approx halfway between Roskilde and Ølstykke on Route 6, turn off east and drive through Gundsømagle to the village of Østrup. Opposite the large white farm building of Østrupgård is a sign to the car park on St.Valbyvej.

There is no access into the reserve itself, except into the wood at Østrup and along the paths to the observation towers. From the towers there are excellent views out over the lake, reedbeds and the meadows. An 800 m long track connects the two towers along the south bank. West of the most westerly tower a 300 m long raised boardwalk leads into the reedbeds. It has been built specially to create a feeling of being lost in the reedbeds. There are small benches along the walkway. There are also information posters set up around the site.

Whilst in the area, a visit to the old church at Gundsømagle, with its magnificent 12th century frescoes, can be recommended.

Ølsemagle Revle

View from the observation tower on a November's day. Photo: Kirsten Røjle.

Location:           
Ølsemagle Revle is a long sandbar just off the coast north of Køge (25-30 km south of  Copenhagen).

Protection/IBA Status:
The sandbar is protected by the EU Birds Directive and the EU Habitat Directive. It is not an official IBA, but DOF considers it a bird site of regional importance.

Habitat:
Ølsemagle Revle is a 3 km long sandbar that has been steadily growing over the past 50 years due to tidal currents. There is a sandy beach on the outer side, and a shallow lagoon with reedbeds on the leeward side.

Birds and other Wildlife: 
Ølsemagle Revle is a popular nude bathing beach, but that is not the reason why it attracts so many people with binoculars! It is also a very popular bird-watching site, especially during autumn migration. Occasionally, rarities also turn up.

Apart from common species such as Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Redshank and Golden Plover, large flocks of Knot, Grey Plover, Greenshank, Bar-tailed Godwit and other waders are often observed here. Occasionally species like Kentish Plover and Red-necked Phalarope are seen, and the site is probably the best on Zealand for sighting the Broad-billed Sandpiper.

The lagoon hosts many visiting ducks and herons, and Ospreys are often seen. July-August is the season for spotting Black Terns. This is also possibly the best locality on Zealand for spotting Caspian Terns. Kittiwakes, Little Gulls and Pomarine Skuas are often blown in by south-easterly autumn gales. During winter, small groups of Snow Bunting, Twite, and - with any luck - Lapland Bunting can be seen. Hen Harrier, Rough-Legged Buzzard and Long Eared Owl are regular winter visitors.

Visiting and Access:
Bus No 121 runs between Valby and Køge S-station: this takes about an hour, and stops at Ølsemagle Revle. Bikes can be transported in the S-train to Ølby Station (a trip of 35 minutes from Copenhagen) with a 3-4 km cycle ride afterwards to reach the site.

By car, follow the Køge Bugt Motorway E20/E45/E55 from Copenhagen, turning off at Junction 30. Turn left along Cementvej for 1.1 km, take the first exit at the roundabout, and follow Solrød Strandvej through 5 roundabouts to Jersie Strandvej. Further along this road a signpost indicating "Revlen" can be seen at a set of traffic lights. 

The best place to watch waders is at the northernmost tip of the island - the water is shallower here than at the southern end. On the 2 km walk, one can look out for passerines in the dunes, and ducks and seabirds out at sea. From the car park it is only 500-600 m to the southern end, where there are good views out over the lagoon from a newly erected observation tower.

Access is prohibited to the northern and southern ends of the sandbar from 1st April until 1st July, as many waders and terns are then breeding here.