Once a Viking assembly ground and site of a legendary battle against the ‘Berserkers‘, a terrifying warrior cult, Samso lies 15 km off the east coast of Jutland. It is only 28 km long with a complex, indented coastline linking its two district parts, North Island and South Island. These ancient islands were joined at the end of the Ice Age, when the melting glacier waters washed up deposits that created the landscape around Stavns Fjord – a strikingly beautiful conservation area of more than 1,500 hectares of low-lying heathland, meadows and reefs. The highest point is Ballebjerg in North Island, a region of lovely countryside perfect for biking and walking, while South Island is open farming land with picturesque villages, manor houses and harbours with lovely views over the Baltic. Photo by: Will Francis UK

Samso is an ecological ‘green dream’ island. The entire community there has pulled together to demonstrate that it is perfectly possible to be carbon neutral. Electricity is produced by the island’s windmills and an offshore wind farm, which between them are able to generate more than enough energy to supply the inhabitants and offset the fuel used by the island ferry service; any excess is sent to the mainland. The islander heat their water by means of solar panels at community heating plants as well as individual straw-burning central heating system. All the island’s vehicles are run on home grown bio-fuel. Photo by: masshuu

Apart from a few days every July, when visitors pour in for the annual Music Festival, Samso is a remarkably uncrowded, eco-tourist haven in which to unwind, admire the scenery and experience the hospitable tranquility and relaxed pace of Danish island life. Photo by: yavoy1980

When to go: Early May to early September. Population: 4,124 (2006). How to get there: Ferry from Hov, near Aarhus, Jutland to Saelvig, Samso or from Kalundborg, Zealand to Kobly Kaas, Samso. You should know: The island is also famous in Denmark for its new potato and strawberry crops. In June and July, young people come from all over the EU for picking holidays. Nordby is the prettiest village on the island with timbered houses and distinctive church belfry. The harbour is Langor. Photo by: Will Francis UK