Camønoen: Denmark's friendliest trail, 175 km on Møn

Møn is one of the most beautiful corners of Denmark, and Camønoen is the best way to experience it on foot. The route runs around 175 kilometres through the islands of Møn, Bogø and Nyord in the south east of Denmark, divided into 12 stages, and the name is a charming play on the words Camino and Møn. It was established in 2016 and is marketed today as Denmark’s friendliest walking route, and there is a good reason for that.

Along the way you walk through fields and forests, along the coast and past the great star of Møn, the chalk cliffs of Møns Klint with their white faces and turquoise water. Here I share what the route is, how it is divided up, and how to get the most out of the trip.

What is Camønoen?

Camønoen is a Danish walking route that ties Møn, Bogø and Nyord together into one continuous journey. It was created in 2016 as a collaboration between the local municipality, local enthusiasts and tourism partners, and it has embraced the spirit of the Camino ever since. The idea is the same as on the classic pilgrim routes. You walk at your own pace, switch off from everyday life and let the landscape and the quiet do the rest.

What I love most about Camønoen is the variety. On a single trip you pass the dramatic cliffs, quiet forest paths, open fields and cosy coastal towns. The area has plenty of soul, and the route brings it all together.

How long is Camønoen, and where does it go?

Camønoen is around 175 kilometres long and officially divided into 12 stages that wind through Møn, Bogø and Nyord. The stages are very different, both in length and landscape, and that is part of the charm. Some days you walk along the coast, others through forest or past the cliffs.

Many start in Stege, the island’s main town, where you can also get information about the route and a walking passport. Because the route is divided into stages, you can walk it in one go over about a week or take it in pieces, weekend by weekend.

Møns Klint and the most beautiful stops

The undisputed highlight of Camønoen is Møns Klint. The white chalk cliffs drop steeply towards a turquoise sea, and the view is among the most beautiful you can experience in Denmark. Take your time here, and remember that the stairs down to the beach and back up give your legs something to work with.

Other stops I always enjoy along the way:

• Stege with its old town centre and harbour life
• Nyord with its protected village and rich birdlife
• Bogø with the windmill and the quiet coastal roads
• The old churches that lie like pearls along the route

Is Camønoen hard to walk?

The terrain is varied but friendly. You walk through fields, forest and along the coast, and the most noticeable climbs are around Møns Klint, where the stairs and slopes can be felt in your legs. There are no mountains, and for most people with ordinary fitness the route is very manageable when you divide it into stages.

The route is well signposted, and with a map or an app few people get lost. After rain the forest paths can be muddy, so a good pair of hiking boots is a sound investment.

Accommodation along Camønoen

On Møn, Bogø and Nyord there are good options for staying overnight, however you want to walk the route. You can choose between bed and breakfasts, inns, campsites, hostels and shelters. Camønoen also has a network of small overnight spots and lean-tos aimed at walkers, so you can plan your stages around where you want to sleep.

A Danish Camino that lives up to its name

For me, Camønoen is one of the best places to experience the Danish pilgrim spirit. It is long enough to feel like a real walk, beautiful enough to make an impression and friendly enough to deserve its reputation. You can go at your own pace and spend the days unwinding in an area that brims with soul.

If you want to see Camønoen in the context of the country’s wider pilgrim network, I have gathered all the routes in my overview of Danish Camino routes. If you are ready for a longer walk, take a look at Hærvejen through Jutland or Gendarmstien along the Danish-German border.

Camønoen is a trip I warmly recommend. Lace up your boots, set course for Møn, and let the island show you why so many people fall for it.