A striking starting point for Søttrup’s history is the number eight: Sottrup originally consisted of eight farms. One of them operated a forge. The stories of individual farms show how closely agriculture, crafts and family history are connected here.
Farm stories spanning several centuries
Sottrup By 12 was once a Løgumkloster copyhold farm, where the Marcussen family lived from 1750 to 1897. Sottrup By 13 was a Løgumkloster smallholder’s holding; a blacksmith lived there in the 18th century. These historical details trace different types of farms and ways of life, but do not imply that visitors can access them today.
Later changes are also part of this picture: Sottrup By 17 was built by Bonnich Nicolaisen after a fire in 1930 and was created by combining two farms. Bahne Nicolaisen took over Sottrup By 18 in 1845; it later became the family farm of a branch of the Nicolaisen family. Sottrup By 22 has been an emigrant farm since 1875. Sottrup By 14, cadastral number 6, was the Sottrup farm that was subject to Lindeved.
The names, dates and different farm stories provide a specific historical context for the town. Anyone interested in the development of rural farms and blacksmithing will find several individual stories here, rather than just a general overview.
Old roads and regional history
The 10 km historical walking route “Ad gamle veje og stier (Nordøst)” follows old roads and paths. It takes the old road that connected Sottrup with Lendemark. The route’s length thus goes hand in hand with a clear historical connection between the two places. The route offers a distinct way to explore local history: not only the farms, but also former connections between places shape the view of Sottrup.
The nearby “Mellem Slesvigs Grænser” museum covers the history of the area between the Kongeå and the Eider, from the Stone Age to the Second World War. This includes the history of southern German colonists, known as “potato Germans.” The museum complements the individual farm stories with a broader historical context.
In nearby Bylderup stands Bylderup Church, a Late Romanesque parish church with an apse, chancel and nave. It also has a slightly later western extension and a tower built in 1686. If you would like to visit the church, information at the entrance explains whom you can contact. It is best to arrange this before your visit.
Water and nature nearby
At Ålykke in nearby Bylderup-Bov, canoes can be launched for the stretch of the Slogs Å up to its confluence with the Grønå. The nearby Grønå canoe route offers another perspective on the landscape: it passes through a cultural landscape and, among other places, by the small village of Nolde west of Bylderup Bov. The painter Emil Nolde came from Nolde.
Nearby Lendemark Skov has an activity trail, a shelter site and access to a new bridge over the Slogs Å. In the surrounding area, Ålandets Idrætscenter & Naturbad offers a 560 m² freshwater swimming area and a newly created beach; the bathing facility opened in 2025. Alongside the historical attractions, there are therefore various options for spending time outdoors.
The nearby Vidåen river system is 90 km long, has eight branches and offers a variety of fishing opportunities. If you would like to fish there, check the applicable permits and day-ticket options in advance. When planning your trip, you can choose between farm history and historic roads, cultural attractions nearby, and water-based activities—without combining the different places into a single route.
Discover more destinations: Kravlund, Genner Strand, Bolderslev, Aabenraa, Bylderup-Bov, Varnæs, Hellevad, Tinglev.
Go to the broader travel overview: Aabenraa Municipality.
