Als: Kattegat, the Church and Coastal Trails

Als combines its location on the Kattegat with a rich church history, hiking trails and a distinctive coastal destination. When looking for a hotel in Als, you can decide what to focus on during your trip: scenery and outdoor activities, Als Church or Malolorca. Local options range from a walk along the pier to a destination that requires crossing shallow water on foot.

Hills, coast and hiking

Als lies on the Kattegat, on a hilly island surrounded by flat terrain. At 28 metres above sea level, Ravnbjerg is the highest point on Als. Als Havbakker rises to more than 23 metres above sea level and offers scenic surroundings for hiking. These are two distinct points of reference: Ravnbjerg as the highest elevation and Als Havbakker as a place to hike. Those who want to include scenery and outdoor activities in their stay will find a different focus here than on a visit centred mainly on church history.

Als Church and maritime history

Als Church was built between 1250 and 1275 in the Late Romanesque style. The tower and porch were added later, during the Late Gothic period. The building’s history thus shows a contrast between its original style and later additions. For centuries, the church served as a sea mark for navigation, linking its architectural history with maritime navigation in the region.

The churchyard at Als Church contains old iron crosses with white seashells at their bases. This is considered a local maritime burial custom. The history of the village of Als also dates back to the Stone Age. The historical perspective thus spans the village’s long history, different phases of construction and a specific burial custom.

Hiking and walks

Between Øster Hurup and Als, the North Sea Trail runs close to the coast and offers beautiful views of the Kattegat. From Als, the trail passes through the fjord landscape to Hadsund and continues south through Kastbjerg Ådal. This offers both a coastal stretch with views of the Kattegat and a continuation through the fjord landscape. The pier in Als is also a pleasant place for a walk, offering another way to explore the area on foot.

Malolorca and the shallow-water crossing

Malolorca is the local, unofficial name for a 1,400-metre-long beach island off Als. Reaching it requires wading 700 metres through very shallow water; conditions can vary. Be sure to check conditions before your visit. To get there, travel from Als along Vestvejen in the direction of Helberskov. This coastal experience differs from a walk: access to Malolorca specifically involves crossing the shallow water on foot.

Local craftsmanship

Als Bageri is a local artisan bakery that has been in business since 1927. Alongside the scenery and church history, visitors can also discover a long-established local business.

A local delicacy

The local delicacy “Mariagerfjord marcipan ål” is recommended for tasting.

Discover more destinations: Hadsund, Hobro, Ajstrup, Mariager, Øster Hurup, Glenstrup, Astrup, Helberskov.

For the broader travel overview: Mariagerfjord Municipality.