Kertinge: Nor, Farms and Village History

Kertinge brings together Kertinge Nor and a historic roadside village whose farms and older buildings reveal different layers of history. If you are looking for a destination connected to nature or are interested in rural architectural history, you will find both here. The Kertingestien adds a specific route, with a stated length and set course, to these themes.

Kertinge Nor and the Village Character

Kertinge Nor, also known as Kerteminde Fjord, covers 8.5 km². It is an average of 2 m deep and reaches a maximum depth of 8 m. Among the birds you can see in the Nor are eider ducks, swans, cormorants, gulls and grey herons. The landscape thus combines a clearly quantified body of water with a diverse birdlife.

Kertinge is a historic roadside village with several farms and newer settlements. In the north, a half-star-shaped field pattern is part of the settlement structure. Many country houses and half-timbered farms with thatched roofs define the area; views of Kertinge Nor contribute to its authentic character. This blend of older farm structures and newer buildings gives the village its own distinctive character.

Farms and Architectural History

One example of older farm architecture is the listed four-winged farmhouse at Kertinge Bygade 13. Its oldest section dates from the 18th century. At Langhavegård, at Kertinge Bygade 18, the oldest section is dated to the early 19th century. The two dates are therefore several decades apart and provide a specific timeframe for the area’s architectural history.

Kejrup also has a long history: the farm is one of the oldest in the parish and is mentioned as early as the 14th century. This provides a separate historical connection to the name, which also appears along the Kertingestien. The farms, their architectural styles and their dates are of particular interest if you want to learn about the development of rural settlements.

Walking the Kertingestien

The Kertingestien is a 3.5 km footpath. It runs from Kertinge Bygade at Gadekæret to the forest paths near Kejrup, where it connects with an existing path to Ladby or with Degneløkkevej. The route initially follows Degneløkkevej, then continues into the forest along the old Ladbysti. The path opened on 29 May 2011.

The stated length and connections give you concrete details to factor into your plans. The route also has a historical connection: the old Ladbysti was once used by schoolchildren and churchgoers travelling between Ladby and Kølstrup. That use belongs to the past; today, the Kertingestien and its described route are the focus when planning your walk.

Church, Castle and Further History

Near Kertinge, Kølstrup Kirke stands opposite Ulriksholm Castle on Kertinge Nor. The church was built around 1100 in the Romanesque style. Nearby Ulriksholm Castle was built in 1636 for Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve, the son Christian IV had with Vibeke Kruse. The church and castle thus offer two distinct historical points of interest in the area.

The old power station is also part of the history of Kølstrup Parish. It was designed by Professor Iver Bentzen and operated from 1910 to 1956. Along with the farms, church and castle, this period shows that local history is not limited to a single era.

Plan Your Journey

On 31 August 2026, the timetable listed bus route 420, which stops in Kertinge and travels toward Kerteminde. Check departure times before you travel to make sure your plans match the current timetable information.

Discover More Destinations

Mesinge, Munkebo, Kerteminde, Dalby, Marslev, Martofte, Midskov, Tårup

For the main travel overview: Kerteminde.