In Sønderborg Municipality, long coastal trails meet sites of Danish history and a landscape ranging from forests, marshes and lakes to coastal meadows. Those looking to combine culture and nature will find plenty to explore here, from Sønderborg Castle on Als Sound to routes stretching for many kilometres along the coast.
Castle History and Ring Riding
Sønderborg Castle has stood at the entrance to Als Sound for around 800 years. Its exhibitions focus on the Danish national history of the past 200 years, viewed from a South Jutland perspective. The castle is also home to Queen Dorothea’s Chapel, the oldest preserved Renaissance room in the Nordic region. Here, a broad historical perspective meets one exceptional room.
Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke brings the decisive battle to life through exhibitions, activities and stories; the programme may vary. The centre includes the reconstructed barracks town of Soldaterbyen and a reconstructed Danish redoubt. Dybbøl Mill is also part of the area’s historical landscape: this Dutch-style gallery windmill is regarded as a national symbol of Danish bravery.
Ring riding puts another tradition in the spotlight. The Ringriderfesten in Sønderborg was founded by merchant Georg Hansen in 1888 and is always held on the days around the second weekend in July. The Ringridermuseet, Denmark’s only ring-riding museum, is located in one of the oldest houses in the city of Sønderborg. The history of ring riding is presented there through exhibition panels, lances, riding saddles, bridles, trophies, ceremonial lances and Fritzt Carstensen’s painting of the riders’ procession.
Coastal Trails and Routes through Sønderborg
For a longer hike, two coastal trails of different lengths are worth considering: the Gendarmstien is 84 kilometres long and the Alsstien is 64 kilometres long. The Gendarmstien is certified as a Leading Quality Trail, signposted in both directions and can be started in Padborg or Skovby on the island of Als. The Alsstien follows the coast of Als through some of the island’s most beautiful natural areas. The distances make it easy to compare the routes; for the Gendarmstien, the stated starting points and signposting also provide practical guidance. Check current trail conditions and the status of certification and signposting before setting out.
Shorter routes offer a different scale. The signposted Hjertestien follows a five-kilometre route through the city of Sønderborg, starting and ending at Skt. Marie Church. There is also an alternative route of 5.3 kilometres without stairs. The routes described therefore include long coastal hikes, a city walk and a stair-free alternative.
Experience Nature and Understand the Landscape
Nordals Nature Park covers 1,928 hectares and is located in the Sønderborg area on the island of Als. Its varied natural landscape includes forests, marshes, coastal meadows and lakes. The park provides habitat for several bird species listed as endangered or vulnerable on the Danish Red List, as well as rare plants, insects and amphibians; species and classifications may change following ecological reassessments. Well-marked routes and facilities support activities such as hiking, birdwatching, cycling, sailing and overnight stays in the nature park.
The Center for Verdensmål offers a different thematic focus: on the Kær Vestermark peninsula is a 134-hectare recreational natural area devoted to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. More than 20 kilometres of routes are designated there for walking, cycling and horse riding. Here, nature can be explored not only through the landscape and physical activity, but also through the theme of sustainable development.
City Life, Water and Travel Planning
In Sønderborg, the Hjertestien offers a signposted city route, while Sønderborg Harbour Bath adds a waterside experience. During the summer season, the harbour bath invites visitors to swim in Als Sound and is free to access. As access conditions and seasonal arrangements may change, it is a good idea to check them before your visit.
The city’s history can also be explored on foot: a brochure published by the museum at Sønderborg Castle describes an approximately four-kilometre route featuring Art Nouveau houses. Another guide describes an approximately four-kilometre route to old houses and sites from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Both distances are approximate, and the walks offer different historical perspectives on the city.
For a break, the local selection recommends Café Kjukken in Sønderborg, where food and wine are served with a good view of Als Sound. Menus and opening arrangements may change, so check the latest information in advance. For travel, Sønderborg Airport offers daily direct flights to and from Copenhagen. Flight schedules can change and should be checked before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Gråsten, Asserballeskov, Augustenborg, Broager, Egernsund, Fynshav, Guderup, Holm, Høruphav, Kruså, Langesø, Lavensby, Lysabildskov, Mjels, Mommark, Nordborg, Kettingskov, Rendbjerg, Rinkenæs, Rønshoved, Skelde, Sydals, Sønderborg, Dalsgård, Hardeshøj, Sottrupskov, Skovby, Stenderup, Oksbøl, Havnbjerg, Ertebjerg, Skovbyballe and Bredsten.
For the regional travel overview: South Jutland.
