Næstved - Mogenstrup "The Troll Route", 12 km

When you walk the Trolderuten, you tread in the footsteps of one of the most significant tales about Næstved and our trolls. Moreover, you walk in a completely unique green area created by the Ice Age. There is a fantastic view with the highest point 55 meters above sea level. The ridge has a width of up to 600 meters and a length of about 10 kilometers.

In popular belief, it was the Fladså troll that created Mogenstrup Ås. The troll wanted to cover Næstved with sand because the church bells were too noisy. Unfortunately for the troll, a hole appeared in the bag of sand, and the sand sprinkled out during his journey towards Næstved, thereby forming the ridge.

An alternative and less mythical explanation for the origin of the ridge is that it was formed during the last Ice Age, about 17,000 years ago, when glaciers covered the whole of Zealand. As the ice melted, a meltwater channel was formed beneath the ice near Næstved. When the glacier retreated about 13,000 years ago, the channel was filled with sand and gravel deposits. When the ice had completely melted away, about 11,000 years ago, the channel remained as a huge elongated hill – also called a ridge.

The ridge, due to its size and its connection with the surrounding Ice Age landscape, has national significance. Five parts of the ridge are therefore protected: "Vandtårnsbakken," "Fruens plantage," "Fladså bakker," "Mogenstrup Kirkeskov," and "Mogenstrup Ås."

Mogenstrup Ås is part of a larger tunnel valley system in South Zealand, which stretches all the way from Præstø Fjord over Bårse and Mogenstrup to Næstved. The course of the ridge into the town of Næstved creates not only valuable nutrient-poor natural areas and deciduous forests but also an important green refuge for the city's inhabitants.

The route is marked all the way and primarily follows gravel paths and dirt trails, but there are also short sections with asphalt.