The Tøndermarsken is Denmark’s largest marshland area. Water, dykes and people’s work have shaped this cultural landscape. Parts of the marsh are part of the national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its internationally significant birdlife is also part of the region’s character. In Tønder Municipality, you can focus your trip on walking trails, the history of mills, culture or music.

Experience the marshland on foot

The Marskstien is a 54-kilometre walking trail through the Tøndermarsken. Dykes and pumping stations are part of the route, along with vast marshlands, canals and lakes. Nature and birdlife shape the landscape along the way. In addition to this long trail, there are eight shorter routes to choose from. This lets you tailor your outing to the distance you want: an extended walk through the marsh or a shorter route.

Nørresø offers a distinctive natural setting, too. The area was created as a spawning ground for the Snæbel, one of the world’s most endangered fish, and is home to rich birdlife. With a little luck, you may be able to spot a white-tailed eagle there. If you are interested in the relationship between the landscape and people’s work, you can explore a related theme at the dykes and pumping stations along the Marskstien.

Mills and cultural history

Højer Mill is a Dutch-style windmill dating from 1857 and now serves as a museum. This well-preserved cultural heritage site brings together the history of the mill and exhibitions about the Tøndermarsken. In the interactive ClimateLab, you can explore how seawater and backwater are managed in the marsh. Walking trails and paths lead from the mill to other nature experiences; it is also considered a starting point for visiting the Tøndermarsken and the Wadden Sea National Park.

The small Møllehuset Museum in Ballum tells another story of the marsh. It focuses on historic pumping mills, which supplied water to livestock in the marsh, and offers insights into the landscape’s culture and nature. In Tønder, meanwhile, Drøhses Hus is a well-preserved Baroque house dating from 1672. Exhibitions on Tønder lace and temporary smaller exhibitions on local crafts give your visit a cultural and historical focus. The house also accommodates the Rømø-Tønder Tourist Office and can be visited free of charge.

A castle visit and music

At Schackenborg Castle, historical guided tours take you through the castle rooms. They tell stories from more than four centuries of South Jutland history. The royal castle garden is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm for self-guided walks along the avenue and smaller paths. Check before your visit that the opening hours are still in effect. Schackenborg Castle also offers lunch made with local ingredients and breakfast featuring sønderjysk delicacies; the food offerings may change.

The Tønder Festival takes place every year on the last weekend of August, with a focus on folk and roots music. In addition to folk, the festival features roots rock, country, blues, Cajun and world music, as well as other genres. Major concerts are accompanied by spontaneous jam sessions. The exact dates and programme vary from year to year, so check the dates for your intended travel period before making plans around the festival.

Since 1 September 2026, the Art Museum in Tønder and Tønder Cultural History have been closed for about two years for extensive modernisation. Tønder Cultural History covers topics including lace, Schleswig-Holstein faience and Dutch tiles; the Art Museum hosts changing exhibitions of 20th- and 21st-century Danish and Nordic art. Before planning a visit, check whether reopening has been confirmed for your travel period.

For a festival visit, the annual dates are the first thing to check; for a walking or cultural trip, your preferred trails, visits and opening hours set the framework. This way, you can plan your stay around the things that interest you most in Tønder Municipality.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Arrild, Ballum, Bredebro, Brøns, Buntje-Ballum, Emmerlev, Højer, Skærbæk, Toftlund, Vinum, Rudbøl, Sønder Sejerslev, Bedsted, Tønder, Østerby, Løgumkloster, Sønderby, Agerskov.

For the broader travel overview: South Jutland.