Hareskoven

Hareskoven
Forest
Hareskoven viewed from Fægyden
Country Denmark
Region Capital Region of Denmark
District Urban area of Copenhagen
Municipality Furesø, Gladsaxe
Part of Scandinavia
City Copenhagen (Hareskovny)
Coordinates 55°46′N 12°23′E / 55.767°N 12.383°E / 55.767; 12.383Coordinates: 55°46′N 12°23′E / 55.767°N 12.383°E / 55.767; 12.383
Width 8 km (5 mi), W/E
Area 8.08 km2 (3 sq mi)
Biomes coniferous forest, mixed deciduous forest, meadow, bog
Geology moraine, marsh, wetland
Plants conifer, beech, larch, oak, maple, birch, willow and others
Animals deer, fox, badger, raven, woodpecker, bats
Wikimedia Commons: Store Dyrehave
Royal game reserve

Hareskoven or Hareskovene (plural) is a forested area straddling the boundary between Furesø and Gladsaxe municipalities in the northwestern suburbs of Copenhagen, Denmark. Fægyden, a road between Hareskovby and Værløse, separates Store Hareskov in the west from Lille Hareskov to the west. The forested area has a combined area of c. 808 hectares.

History

The first part of the name (Hare- or Harre-) is derived from the Norse word Hörgr, meaning altar or cult site.

Hareskov was severely damaged during the Swedish Wars in the late 1650s. At the end of the war it was concluded that "the forest will only be able to feed 90 pigs". It was therefore protected for the next few years while it recovered.[1]

Ecology

Harskov consists mainly of beech forest with scattered oak, linden and maple trees. Notable solitaire trees include the three ancient oak trees Skrædderen "The Tailor"), Grenaderen and Djævelen /"The Devil"). The latter used to look like a devil's hand reaching out for the sky. It was partly destroyed in a storm in 1981 but is still alive.

Historic features

Hareskoven contains a total of six dolmens from the Stone Age. The largest one is located close to Sandskredshus at Skovbrynet station.

Two examples of earthworks from the Swedish Ears known as Lejrens Indelukke and Svenskervolden can still be seen in the southern part of the forest.

Activities

Hareskoven forest contains a network of bridle paths for horseback riding as well as a trail for mountain biking.[2]

References

  1. ↑ (in Danish). DNaturstyrelsen http://naturstyrelsen.dk/naturoplevelser/naturguider/hareskovene/historie/historie/#Kongelig_jagtskov. Retrieved 24 January 2017. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ↑ "Hareskovene" (in Danish). DNaturstyrelsen. Retrieved 24 January 2017.


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