Like a breakwater the almost 3 km long island Enehøje lies at the edge of the Langeland Strait (Langelandsbæltet) and protects the other, smaller islands in the fjord against high waves.
The name is fitting as the island’s highest point rears 16 metres over the sea surface and, for that matter, most of the flat West Lolland. In fact it is 17-18 km to areas of higher elevations.
The island is owned by the State so there is public access to most of it. However the buildings and the areas close to these are privately owned and the north point is closed for access during the bird breeding season 15/3 – 15/7. Apart from these areas, it is possible to enjoy life on a ’deserted’ island.
Enehøje covers an incredibly varied nature. On the lee side of the island there are dense reed thickets with bays and coves. On the west side is a steep slope which is created when the winter storms rages from the north-west. The material that is broken off forms a small spit at the southern end. The central part of the island is dominated by gentle hills with open sea marsh meadows interspersed by hedges. There is also a small wood on the highest area. The northern end is low with small lakes and coastal lagoons.
Enehøje is also known as Peter Freuchen’s island, as the famous Greenland explorer lived on the island from 1926-40. There are many entertaining stories about his life on Enehøje. As a legacy of Peter Freuchen’s stay on the island, his summerhouse made of whale jawbones can be seen on the island’s highest point.
A tour of the high island always offers good visual experiences, since many places offer a spectacular view of Nakskov Fjord and the Langeland Strait.
Enehøje’s higher elevation soils are very sandy, which is quite unusual for west Lolland. Therefore several plant species that otherwise are rare for the region can be seen here. The 3 small gray-blue and hairy Cudweed species are quite unusual. There are very many small cudweeds, but the more branched common cudweed and the coarse 30 cm high field cudweed can also be seen on the island. The island's characteristic plant is flatweed. This plant, which is related to the dandelion, can colour large areas yellow. The first half of June is best for observing this.
Most of the northern tip is closed to walkers during the period 15/3 - 15/7. This area of coastal lakes is expected to become the Eldorado of the island’s birds, with many different nesting species. There have been foxes on the island for some years, but they should now be eradicated, so the results are eagerly anticipated.There is a fine view of the lakes from the bird look-out tower, but please move quietly soas not to disturb the birds.
The Nature Agency has placed tables and benches here and there on Enehøje. Most are by the jetty, where there is some information posted about the island, sheltered by a small roof. There are primitive toilet facilities at the black barn, where drinking water is also available. A shelter and barbecue area has been erected in the middle of the island so it is possible to stay overnight on a ’deserted’ island. This must be booked through the Nature Agency, Storstrøm. See link to the right.
It is possible to see Enehøje while underway with the Post boat. If agreed with the skipper, it is possible to stay for a couple of hours. Another alternative is to join one of the tours arranged by the nature guide, or to book a special trip to Enehøje.