Stubbe – Nature and Birdwatching at Stubbe Sø

Stubbe and Stubbe Sø

At the heart of Stubbe lies Stubbe Sø: Covering an area of 376 hectares, it is the largest lake in Djursland. The lake is a water-filled dead-ice hole and combines nature observation with an unusual landscape history. In the Stone Age, the dead-ice hole of Stubbe Sø formed the innermost part of a small fjord that stretched inland from the coast south of Jernhatten to what is now Stubbe Sø. If you are looking for a place with a clear focus on nature, this lake provides the most important reference point for your choice.

Birdlife and protected nature

For birdwatching, the bird tower at the southeastern corner of Stubbe Sø is the central vantage point. It offers the best view over the lake and its birdlife. The covered tower has openings on three sides and provides views across most of the lake, the reeds and the trees at the eastern end of the lake.

At Stubbe Sø, you can observe, among others, large flocks of tufted ducks, pochards, goldeneyes, mallards and greylag geese, as well as great crested grebes, coots and cormorants. White-tailed eagles are regularly sighted throughout the year, while ospreys can occasionally be seen during migration periods. Stubbe Sø is designated by the EU as a NATURA 2000 site; its natural environment requires particular attention and special protective measures. This shapes the nature experience as much as the way in which you explore the area.

Trails for short and longer days in nature

The Stubbe Sø Øst hiking trail is 2.4 km long and passes a shelter and a bird tower with views over the lake. In addition, the marked footpath in the Stubbe Sø nature reserve runs through mixed woodland, across open land and down to the meadow and the lakeshore. The protected area also has a wildlife hide with a water basin that may be used by everyone.

For a longer route, the public Gravlevstien hiking trail is available. It is 8 km long and runs from Ebeltoft to Gravlev along the former railway track. Gravlevstien provides access, among other places, to the bird tower at Stubbe Sø. Shortly after Havmølle Å, a side path leads down from Gravlevstien to Stubbe Sø. This allows you to choose between a shorter trail by the lake and a longer route along the former railway track when planning your trip, without viewing the natural attractions in isolation from one another.

Getting oriented on site

The Stubbe Sø nature reserve can be accessed from a car park on Møllebækvej near Gravlev; from there, the entire route to the protected area is signposted. From the car park on Stubbe Søvej, it is approximately 300 metres to the bird tower at Stubbe Sø. East of Stubbe Sø, there are two shelters, each with approximately 5–6 sleeping places, as well as a composting toilet and a fire pit. Shelter 1 can be booked, while Shelter 2 is used on a “first come, first served” basis.

For comparison with other places, you can also consider Knebel Knebel, Mørke Mørke, Fuglslev Fuglslev, Femmøller Femmøller, Skovgårde Skovgårde, Esby Esby, Øerne Øerne and Dejret Dejret.

To the main travel overview: Syddjurs Municipality.