Hvass Træet

The Hvass Tree

The Hvass Tree stands in Troldeskoven in Rold Skov and is named after the well-known forest supervisor Jens Hvass, also known as “the King of Rold”. He served as state forest supervisor in Rold Skov from 1940 to 1972 and was early in his efforts to make the forest more accessible to visitors.

We can thank Jens Hvass, among other things, for Den Jyske Skovhave – also known as Hundeskoven – which opened to the public in 1970. Here, different tree species were collected and planted, allowing visitors to experience the diversity of the forest up close.

Jens Hvass is described as a powerful, rugged and cheerful man with a deep love for Rold Skov. It is said that he enjoyed teasing people from Funen, Zealand – and especially Copenhagen – with the words: “They certainly didn’t have a tree like that where they came from!”

The Hvass Tree is one of the most distinctive trees in Troldeskoven. It is known as the forest’s most twisted and gnarled tree and fits perfectly into the troll-like atmosphere of the area, with its crooked trunks, unusual shapes and old stories. The tree is therefore not only a natural feature, but also a small tribute to Jens Hvass and his special importance to Rold Skov.