{{Short description|Forested area in Denmark}} {{Infobox forest | name = Hareskoven | native_name = | native_lang = | native_name2 = | native_lang2 = | image = Hareskoven.jpg | image_caption = Hareskoven viewed from Fægyden | image_size = | map = Denmark | map_caption = | map_width = | coordinates = {{coord|55|46|N|12|23|E|display=inline,title}} | county = Furesø, Gladsaxe | region = | country = Denmark | elevation = | area = {{convert|8.08|km2|abbr=on}} | max_area = | date_max_area = | status = | established = | visitation = | visitation_year = | events = | authority = | website = | ecosystem = | classification_WWF = Baltic mixed forests | classification_EPA = | classification_CEC = | disturbance = | forest_cover = | species = | indicator_plants = | lesser_flora = | fauna = }} '''Hareskoven''', or '''Hareskovene''' (plural), is a forested area straddling the boundary between Furesø and Gladsaxe municipalities in the northwestern suburbs of Copenhagen, Denmark. The core parts consists of '''Lille Hareskov''' and '''Store Hareskov''', but Hareskovene also includes the adjacent woodlands of ''Egebjergene'', ''Jonstrups Vang'', and ''Bøndernes Hegn''.
Hareskovene covers an area of only 8-900 hectares, but connects to many other woodlands and nature sites, reaching west to the Øresund, and north to the large Gribskov forest.
==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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://naturstyrelsen.dk/naturoplevelser/naturguider/hareskovene/historie/historie/#Kongelig_jagtskov|language=Danish|publisher=DNaturstyrelsen|accessdate=24 January 2017|title=Historie}}</ref>
==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'' (The Grenadier) 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. In the winter and on migration, considerable numbers of Eurasian Woodcock come to feed in the bogs that usually do not freeze over. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Birding sites in Denmark |url=https://www.dof.dk/en/birding-sites-in-denmark |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=www.dof.dk}}</ref>
==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 Wars known as ''Lejrens Indelukke'' (The Camp's Enclosure) and ''Svenskervolden'' (The Swedish Rampart) 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://naturstyrelsen.dk/publikationer/2014/sep/hareskovene/|title=Hareskovene|language=Danish|publisher=DNaturstyrelsen|accessdate=24 January 2017}}</ref> There are several basic campsites as well.
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons}} * [http://naturstyrelsen.dk/naturoplevelser/naturguider/hareskovene/ Hareskovene]
{{Copenhagen northwestern suburbs}}
Category:Forests of Greater Copenhagen Category:Furesø Municipality Category:Gladsaxe Municipality
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