Before the major land reclamation following the 1872 storm surge, Ydø was one of ten islands in the southern part of Nakskov Fjord. The landscape of the “Lost Archipelago” offers a way to imagine its history: outside the breeding season, thousands of geese and swans forage on land that was once seabed. When planning your visit, you can choose between a hike towards Albuen, cycling routes along the fjord and historical places to visit.

Exploring on foot and by bike

You can start your hike to Albuen in Ydø, where there is a campsite that serves as a starting point. You can leave your car at the ramp for this hike. The Krumodde Albuen peninsula extends about 7.5 kilometres north from Ydø.

The landscape of the “Lost Archipelago” is best experienced by cycling from Nakskov to Albuen along the top of the dike. The “Along the Fjord” cycling route follows the stretch of dike between Nakskov and Albuen, then returns to Nakskov via smaller country roads. It is described in detail in the Naturlandet app. Regional cycling route 38 runs along the southern part of Nakskov Fjord from Nakskov to Albuen.

The Munkeruten, also known as Digestien, also follows the dike along Nakskov Fjord. Along the way, it passes the former islands of Ydø, Langø and Vejlø. The “Vesta” postal boat operates according to a fixed timetable in June, July and August. Check the timetable before your trip if you plan to take this boat.

Fjord landscape and wildlife

Outside the breeding season, thousands of geese and swans forage in the fields of the “Lost Archipelago”. The small green tree frog croaks near Ydø, while Albuen is home to a large population of natterjack toads. The natural history here ranges from the story of the fields’ landscape to the animals found in the area today.

Nakskov Fjord and the coastal meadows along it are among the most important stopover and breeding areas for waders and waterbirds in eastern Denmark. The fjord is protected under the Natura 2000 rules. These details refer to the fjord and its coastal meadows; they do not automatically describe every individual location along the fjord.

History at Albuen and the mill

Albuen is home to the Lodshuset, dating from 1873, which serves as a nature centre and living museum. In the Middle Ages, Albuen was an important fishing and trading post, first mentioned in 1416. Both details give the visit a historical context, while the Lodshuset also serves a purpose today.

Kappel Stubmølle was built around 1730 and operated until 1935. It is open every Tuesday afternoon in summer, when members of the mill guild are there to tell visitors about the mill. Weather permitting, sails are fitted to its blades and the mill is operated. Opening times are seasonal, and operation is weather-dependent. When planning your visit, you can distinguish between when the mill is open and the conditions under which it is actually operated.

Discover more destinations: Dannemare, Horslunde, Nysted, Nørreballe, Langholm, Langø, Vesterborg Parish, Maribo.

Go to the main travel overview: Lolland.