Geopark Odsherred

What Geopark Odsherred does

Fonden Geopark Odsherred is the non-profit foundation (erhvervsdrivende fond, CVR 36986719) that operates Denmark's first UNESCO Global Geopark, covering all of Odsherred Municipality in northwest Zealand. Admitted to the European Geoparks Network in 2014 and to the UNESCO Global Geoparks program in 2015, the organization develops, coordinates, and markets a geo-education and geotourism platform built around the area's glacial landscape (the Odsherred Arches — Vejrhøjbuen, Vigbuen, Højbybuen), its 21 signposted geo-sites, 300+ km of hiking routes, and 160 km of coastline. Its core technology infrastructure includes a time-travel AR mobile app (iOS) with 3D reconstructions of the Vejrhøj landscape across four time periods, multilingual (Danish/English/German) podcasts hosted on SoundCloud, QR-code-activated audio guides at physical sites, and a GPS-referenced digital mapping layer.

The foundation's portfolio of products and experiences comprises flagship visitor sites (Besøgsmarken at Lammefjord, opened 2017; Solvognens Fundsted at Trundholm Mose, opened 2020), outdoor infrastructure (Højderygstien hiking trail under development, the 380 km Istidsrute cycling route, Geopark Bjerg Grand Prix), educational programs (Geokids clay-mask project reaching ~4,000 schoolchildren, 2014-2018), publications (MOTA gastronomic book series, Seksten på Trappen), and the GEOFOOD Nordic co-branding program with Magma, Reykjanes, and Rokua UNESCO geoparks. Its business model is hybrid non-profit: it monetizes visitors through low per-unit fees (50 kr adult, 25 kr child at Besøgsmarken; 50 kr per shelter night; 299 kr per book; 245 kr per embroidery kit) and distributes products via a partner retail network of museums, farm shops, Feriepartner Odsherred, and VisitOdsherred. The majority of capital expenditure and program funding comes from project-based grants — Nordea-fonden, LAG (EU Agricultural Fund for Rural Development), Knud Højgaards Fond, and Statens Kunstfonds huskunstnerordning — and from municipal co-development with Odsherred Kommune. Governance is via a 9-member board chaired by Michael Kristiansen, with vice-chair Hanne Pigonska (Mayor of Odsherred Municipality), and a secretariat led by director Morten Egeskov.

Name

Geopark Odsherred

Legal name

Fonden Geopark Odsherred

Website

https://geoparkodsherred.dk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fonden Geopark Odsherred operates Denmark's first UNESCO Global Geopark across Odsherred Municipality, delivering geotourism, geo-education, and cultural heritage experiences through visitor sites, an AR time-travel app, multilingual podcasts, hiking routes, and the GEOFOOD Nordic partnership program for domestic and international visitors, schools, and local producers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Geotourism and Cultural Heritage Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Historical Sites (71212)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Geotourism & Geology/Volcano/National Monument Tours (THAAAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Guided Tours & Interpretive Services (Ranger-Led, Naturalist, Cultural Interpretation) (THAAAGAB), Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized) (THAAAGAF), National Park & Protected Area Tours (THAJAIAA), UNESCO & Protected Landmark Sites (THAJACAI)

Keywords

• Geotourism services
• UNESCO Global Geopark
• Geological heritage tourism
• Outdoor education programs
• Cultural heritage interpretation

Headquarters

HQ city

Nykøbing Sjælland

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Visitor Site Revenue: Direct revenue from visitor activities at Besøgsmarken (Lammefjord) including guided tours (50 kr adults, 25 kr children), self-harvest experiences, and event bookings. Shelter camping fees of 50 kr per shelter. Ticket sales for Geopark Bjerg Grand Prix cycling events.
2. Publication Sales: Sale of published books and bookazines produced by the geopark foundation. Gastronomic books (MOTA series, Bind I and II) sold at 299 kr per volume. Children's book 'Seksten på Trappen' sold at 99 kr. 'Bronzealderen uden Filter' and other guides. Bookazines distributed through kulturinstitutioner and spisesteder.
3. Souvenir and Kit Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including embroidery kits featuring six Geopark-themed motifs at 245 kr per kit. Kits sold through Feriepartner Odsherred, Odsherreds Kunstmuseum, Malergårdens museumsbutik, Odsherred Museum, Heidi Schnabel in Rørvig, Dorthe1 in Asnæs, and Tibigarn in Nykøbing Sj.
4. GEOFOOD Program Revenue: Co-branding and development of local food products and culinary experiences in partnership with Nordic geoparks. Revenue through increased tourism and product sales at partner gårdbutikker, supermarkeder, and restaurants (Dragsholm Slot, MOTA).
5. Project and Event Sponsorship: Funding and sponsorship from LAG (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development), Nordea-fonden, Knud Højgaards Fond, and Statens Kunstfonds huskunstnerordning for specific projects including Solvognens Fundsted (3.1 mio kr from Nordea-fonden), Besøgsmarken, shelter construction, and Geokids art education program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Fonden Geopark Odsherred operates Denmark's first UNESCO Global Geopark, providing geotourism, geological heritage interpretation, and outdoor education across the Odsherred Municipality area. Its offering combines physical visitor sites (Solvognens Fundsted, Besøgsmarken, 21 geo-sites, hiking and cycling routes), digital interpretation tools (an AR time-travel app and multilingual podcasts), cultural events (Geopark Festival, Geopark Bjerg Grand Prix), and the GEOFOOD local-producer co-branding program.

Product overview

Geopark Odsherred is Denmark's first UNESCO Global Geopark, operated by Fonden Geopark Odsherred. Its offering is a physical landscape-based heritage and geotourism experience, not a software platform. The core product portfolio includes visitor sites (Solvognens Fundsted, Besøgsmarken, shelter sites), digital experiences (the Geopark Odsherred App with augmented reality time-travel at hotspots, Podcast Series via SoundCloud/iTunes), outdoor infrastructure (Højderygstien hiking trail, Istidsruten cycling route), educational programs (Geokids for primary schools, Geoteens for middle schoolers), and cultural events (Geopark Festival, Geoparkdage, Geopark Bjerg Grand Prix). The geopark covers all of Odsherred Municipality and focuses on four themes: landscape/geology, cultural history, art, and raw materials/food production.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Geopark Odsherred App (Rejs i tiden)

Quantifiable outcome

• The Solvognens Fundsted project was allocated 3.1 mio kr from Nordea-fonden out of a total 21 mio kr Istidsrute budget.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• AnneberghusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnneberghus is a partner location within the geopark network, providing hospitality and visitor services in the Anneberg area.
• Anneberg KulturparkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnneberg Kulturpark is a key cultural partner, housing Restaurant MOTA (Michelin-starred) and serving as a hub for gastronomic experiences in the geopark. Director Gitte Klausen serves on the Fonden Geopark Odsherred board.
• Brugserne i OdsherredminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal Brugsen supermarkets serve as retail outlets for geopark-associated local food products and potentially geopark-branded publications.
• Dansk Havtorn – Økologisk fra OversøgårdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganic sea buckthorn producer supplying local raw materials to geopark's GEOFOOD program and available through local retail channels.
• Dansk TangminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDanish seaweed producer participating in the geopark's raw materials network and GEOFOOD branding initiative.
• Det Vilde KøkkenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWild food producer and forager supplying local ingredients to geopark's gastronomic storytelling and GEOFOOD program.
• Dragsholm SlotcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDragsholm Slot is a flagship partner and Michelin-starred restaurant (1 star since 2017, maintained through 2023) using local geopark produce. The slot's 1873 initiative to reclaim the Lammefjord was foundational to the area's agricultural character. It hosts a Geopark Infopunkt and is featured in geopark publications.
• Dragsholm SparekasseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal savings bank serving as a community partner in the geopark's financial and promotional ecosystem.
• Geokids – Odsherred Kommune, Kultur og FritidcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeokids is a flagship educational project created in collaboration with Odsherred Municipality's Kultur og Fritid department. The project engaged approximately 4,000 schoolchildren (2014–2018) creating clay masks. The project continues to influence school programming and hosts an outdoor mask sculpture installation at Veddinge Bakker.
• GEUS (Danmarks og Grønlands Geologiske Undersøgelse)coreTechnology or IntegrationGEUS conducted geoscientific surveys in the Lammefjord area, producing a geological report and model of the fjord's depression (Geologisk rapport og kortlægning over Lammefjordens inderlavning). This scientific work underpins the geological storytelling at Besøgsmarken.
• Institut for Geovidenskab og Naturforvaltning (IGN), Københavns UniversitetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Institute for Geoscience and Natural Resource Management at University of Copenhagen contributes academic expertise to the geopark's scientific work. Professor Henrik Vejre serves on the Fonden Geopark Odsherred board.
• Lammefjordens GrøntsagslaugcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorA cooperative of vegetable growers who cultivate the reclaimed Lammefjord. They partner with the geopark on Besøgsmarken visitor activities and contribute to the geopark's raw materials storytelling and GEOFOOD brand development.
• Lammefjordens SpisekammerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal food pantry/grocery initiative aggregating and selling produce from Lammefjord producers. Sells Lammefjordsgulerødder and other regional specialties featured in geopark narratives.
• LundbeckminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe global pharmaceutical company (based in Odsherred) participates as a community partner in the geopark network.
• Museum VestsjællandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseum Vestsjælland is the regional museum operator, running Odsherreds Kunstmuseum and cultural history exhibitions including the Solvognen exhibition 'Solens Land'. Director Eskild Vagn Olsen serves on the geopark board. The museum co-developed info-point designs and the Den kunsthistoriske rute.
• Odsherred ErhvervsforumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe local business forum supports economic development in the geopark area and promotes local enterprise engagement with the geopark brand.
• Odsherreds EfterskolecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOdsherred Continuation School owns the land on which Besøgsmarken is located (corner of Adelers Allé and Rådhusvej) and leases it to Lammefjordens Grøntsagslaug. The school is a key educational partner in geopark activities.
• Odsherreds KunstmuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOdsherreds Kunstmuseum houses the collection of Odsherredsmalerne (the fourth Danish artist colony after Skagen, Funen, and Bornholm) and operates Malergården as a satellite. Hosts a Geopark Infopunkt and co-developed the Den kunsthistoriske rute. The museum is central to the geopark's art theme.
• RørvigKassenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal seafood and producer outlet in Rørvig, serving as a retail point for geopark-associated local food products.
• Sanddobberne CampingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCampsite near Sanddobberne Natura 2000 site, providing accommodation and serving as a visitor access point for the geopark's coastal and nature sites.
• Silva DanicaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProducer of nature-themed gifts and souvenirs, providing geopark-branded merchandise through partner retail channels.
• Sommerland SjællandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSummer theme park and family attraction in Odsherred. Co-owner Mette Dyvekær serves on the geopark board. The partnership extends family-oriented visitor flows across the geopark.
• Vejrhøj VingårdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal vineyard near Vejrhøj producing wine from grapes grown in the geopark's unique microclimate and glacial landscape, participating in GEOFOOD and local food network.
• Kurtzweil A/S (Landscape Architecture)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKurtzweil A/S won the 2019 landscape architecture competition to design Solvognens Fundsted in Trundholm Mose. Collaborated with Tine Nygaard (museum consultant), Jacob Kamp (1:1 Landskab), and Rasmus Iversen (VI-IV arkitekter) on the award-winning design.
• Magma Geopark (Norge)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian UNESCO Global Geopark participating in the GEOFOOD Nordic project alongside Geopark Odsherred, Reykjanes Geopark (Iceland), and Rokua Geopark (Finland). The project co-brands local food products across the four Nordic geoparks.
• Reykjanes Geopark (Island)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIcelandic UNESCO Global Geopark participating in the GEOFOOD Nordic food branding project together with Geopark Odsherred, Magma Geopark, and Rokua Geopark.
• Rokua Geopark (Finland)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinnish UNESCO Global Geopark participating in the GEOFOOD Nordic food branding project together with Geopark Odsherred, Magma Geopark, and Reykjanes Geopark.
• EXTRACT Innovation Network (Interreg)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA Danish-German Interreg network project (2021–2022) focused on innovation. Geopark Odsherred participated alongside German partners to share best practices in geopark development and sustainable tourism.
• Odsherred TeaterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOdsherred Teater collaborated with Geopark Odsherred to produce 'Stedets Stemmer' (Voices of the Place), a series of six free QR-code-accessible audio artworks installed at sites throughout the geopark landscape.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Reykjanes Geopark: UNESCO Global Geopark on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland and GEOFOOD co-branding partner. Comparable as a Nordic UNESCO geopark leveraging volcanic/geological heritage for tourism, interpretation, and local food branding.
• Sierra de Gredos Geopark: UNESCO Global Geopark in central Spain. Comparable as a European Geopark using glacial/granitic heritage, hiking routes, and local gastronomy partnerships to drive rural tourism.
• Shetland UNESCO Global Geopark: UNESCO Global Geopark covering the Shetland Islands in Scotland. Comparable as a UNESCO geopark leveraging dramatic geological heritage, multiple geo-sites, audio/podcast interpretation, and community-led events.
• Rokua Geopark: UNESCO Global Geopark in Finland and GEOFOOD co-branding partner. Comparable as the fourth Nordic UNESCO geopark in the joint food/branding initiative, with similar geotourism, education, and outdoor recreation offerings.
• Magma Geopark: UNESCO Global Geopark in southwest Norway and active GEOFOOD co-branding partner of Geopark Odsherred. Directly comparable as a Nordic UNESCO geopark operating guided geo-sites, gastronomy partnerships, and outdoor visitor infrastructure.
• Vulkaneifel Geopark: Established UNESCO Global Geopark in Germany's Eifel region. Comparable as a long-running European Geopark with volcanic heritage, multiple geo-sites, and a strong interpretation/education program.
• Arouca Geopark: UNESCO Global Geopark in northern Portugal. Comparable as a European Geopark delivering guided tours, AR/digital interpretation, and outdoor recreation (including the famous Paiva Walkways) under the UNESCO framework.

Broad incumbents

• Geo Nordeifel / Eifel National Park: German national park adjacent to Vulkaneifel Geopark. Comparable as a broader protected-area operator in the same region with overlapping hiking, interpretation, and educational programming for a similar demographic.

Regional players

• National Park Thy: Denmark's first national park in northwest Jutland. Comparable as a Danish protected-area operator offering interpretive signage, hiking, cycling, and nature-based visitor experiences in the same country, though it is government-managed rather than foundation-led.
• VisitOdsherred: Official tourism organization for Odsherred Municipality. Directly comparable as the regional tourism body hosting Geopark Odsherred's Geopark Bjerg Grand Prix registration, distributing geopark books and publications, and operating in the same visitor market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5Q_Z9Yz8nJExLqW5R9W4hA
• Facebookfacebook.com/geoparkodsherred
• Instagraminstagram.com/geoparkodsherred
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/unesco-global-geopark-odsherred

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Geopark Odsherred