The Gendarmstien runs through Høruphav, giving the area a distinctive hiking character. Trillen and Lambjerg Indtægt also shape its natural surroundings, while the area's development and harbour add to its history. When looking for accommodation in Høruphav, it helps to first consider whether hiking, nature or local history will shape your stay. The options range from a designated stage to a route around a bird sanctuary and a beech forest with areas designated as a dog forest.
Hiking the Gendarmstien
The Gendarmstien is an 84-kilometre hiking trail through varied natural surroundings, and it runs through Høruphav. It is signposted in both directions; if conditions change, it is advisable to check the signs on site. The easy stage from Høruphav to Skovby is ten kilometres long. The torpedo station at Hørup Klint is a detour on this stage. The torpedo station area has benches and dismantling bunkers built in 1958.
The 84 kilometres refer to the entire hiking trail; the ten kilometres and the easy rating apply to the section from Høruphav to Skovby. This keeps the length and difficulty level tied to the particular route section being described. For your planning, this is a useful distinction between the full route and a specific stage.
Bird sanctuary and beech forest
Trillen is a bird sanctuary near Høruphav on Als. A path runs all the way around Trillen. The rare Strandloppeurt plant grows on the coast at Trillen; when it can be seen depends on the season. Trillen thus combines a circular route with a seasonal nature feature.
Lambjerg Indtægt lies immediately west of Høruphav and is a lush beech forest. Parts of the forest are designated as a dog forest. This designation applies to these parts, not to the entire forest.
The two areas have distinct natural features: at Trillen, a bird sanctuary, a surrounding path and a seasonally observed plant come together. Lambjerg Indtægt is defined by its beech forest and the designation of only some areas as a dog forest.
Local and harbour history
Høruphav developed from a fishing hamlet. Parts of the harbour were built for military purposes between 1848 and 1918. The development of the area and the military use of certain parts of the harbour are therefore separate aspects of its history.
Høruphav Havn & Brolaug has 300 berths; capacity may change. If the number is important for your planning, check the latest figures. The marina is in a scenic setting and is sheltered from the wind in all directions.
The torpedo station at Hørup Klint is another distinct historical landmark. The dismantling bunkers there were built in 1958, whereas the parts of the harbour built for military purposes date from the period between 1848 and 1918.
The features have different time-related considerations for travel planning: sightings of the Strandloppeurt depend on the season, marina capacity may change, and the stage is defined by its length and difficulty level. Depending on your priorities, you can therefore plan separately around the time of year, hiking distance or current berth availability.
Discover more destinations: Holm, Rinkenæs, Rønshoved, Lavensby, Langesø, Hardeshøj, Gråsten, Guderup
For the broader travel overview: Sønderborg Municipality.
