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.

The first part of the name (Hare- or Harre-) is derived from the Norse word Hörgr, meaning altar or cult site.

[1] Harskov consists mainly of beech forest with scattered oak, linden and maple trees.

In the winter and on migration, considerable numbers of Eurasian Woodcock come to feed in the bogs that usually do not freeze over.

Hareskoven forest contains a network of bridle paths for horseback riding as well as a trail for mountain biking.