The Green Clover Leaf Trail in Otterup is a short route along the old beet railway between the station and the manor – and along the old lovers’ path.

Join the route in Otterup

Learn about Otterup’s history and nature on the 2.7 km Green Clover Leaf Trail. The route is easy to follow, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way and enjoy the view.

The Green Clover Leaf Trail in Otterup is also known as the Hand-in-Hand route, because it follows the old so-called lovers’ path in Otterup. This was where couples are said to have walked hand in hand in the old days. Perhaps also to hide a little from their parents and other curious eyes.

The North Funen Railway

The lovers’ path is actually the far more practical old beet railway between the old railway station on Jernbanegade and the manor Nislevgård. That is why you pass the old station along the way. Otterup was a railway town on Nordfyenske Jernbane, which operated from 1882 to 1966. The line ran between Odense, Otterup and Bogense and helped Otterup grow into a much larger town. Many of the houses you pass were built after the railway arrived.

The old Otterup Geværfabrik, which you can see from Jernbanegade, was registered in 1919 under the name Schultz & Larsen. The factory was known around the world for producing rifles of very high quality. Today, Otterup Geværfabrik is a cultural centre.

The beet railway

In the past, the path between Damløkkevej and Nislevvej was a tipper-wagon track, used to transport beets from the manor Nislevgård to the railway station. The 800-metre line between the station and the estate was built in 1896, and it is one of the best-preserved beet railway routes in Denmark.

Nislevgård was originally a farm owned by the Crown, but in 1581 it was bought by Hans Mule, the mayor of Odense, and established as a manor with noble privileges. The current main building, which you can see, was built in 1895. In 1925, the estate was dissolved and divided into smallholdings.

Cosy stops along the way

The route continues along the green areas on Bryggerivej. Here, you can make a small detour when you reach Otterup Andedam. There are benches and tables, so you can enjoy a tasty bite, coffee or cocoa while watching the ducks and swans on the pond.

On the way back towards the finish at Torvet, you pass several interesting shops. At Torvet, there are also tables and benches where you can take a short break.

If you want to bring tasty sandwiches, snacks and drinks for the trip, the grocery shops and cafés in Otterup are close to Torvet.

Facts about the route

Length: 2.7 km
Terrain: Hilly, with a maximum gradient of 5.9%
Facilities: Toilet at Torvet in Otterup, tables and benches in several places
Food and drink: Buy snacks, sandwiches, drinks and tasty deli treats in the shops in Otterup
Parking: Parking is available at Torvet and at Banevænget in Otterup by the old railway station.
Transport: There is a bus route between Otterup and Odense. You can find your journey on rejseplanen.dk. If you want to get to Otterup from somewhere else in North Funen or from a neighbouring municipality, it is possible to book a Flextrafik trip.