Sønderborg Municipality: Culture, Coastal Trails and Nature

Sønderborg Municipality offers a wide variety of reasons to stay: history on the Als Sound, museums and ring riding, natural areas and trails along the coast. For planning, it is worth considering the different highlights—from a walk through Sønderborg to longer hikes or nature experiences on Als.

Cultural History in Sønderborg Municipality

Sønderborg Castle has stood at the entrance to the Als Sound for around 800 years. Its exhibitions explore the Danish national history of the past 200 years from a South Jutland perspective. The castle is also home to Queen Dorothea’s Chapel, considered the oldest preserved Renaissance room in the Nordic region. The castle and chapel offer different perspectives on local history—from a broad historical view to a single remarkable interior.

At the Dybbøl Banke History Centre, the decisive battle is brought to life through exhibitions, activities and stories. The site includes the reconstructed barracks town of Soldaterbyen and a reconstructed Danish redoubt. Dybbøl Mill is a Dutch-style gallery windmill and is regarded as a national symbol of Danish courage. Together, these places offer different ways to engage with history: through an exhibition, reconstructed sites and a striking landmark.

Ring riding also has its own museum in Sønderborg. The Ringrider Museum is Denmark’s only ring-riding museum and is housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings. Exhibition panels, lances, riding saddles, bridles, trophies and honorary lances illustrate the history of ring riding; the works on display include Fritzt Carstensen’s painting of the riders’ parade. The Ringriderfesten in Sønderborg takes place every year around the second weekend in July. It was founded in 1888 by merchant Georg Hansen. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the exact dates for your travel year.

For a city walk, brochures published by Sønderborg Castle describe routes through Sønderborg of about four kilometres. One passes Art Nouveau houses; another takes in historic houses and sites from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The approximate length is a useful guide for both routes, while their historical themes appeal to different interests.

Natural Areas and Trails

On the Kær Vestermark peninsula is the 134-hectare recreational natural area of the Center for Sustainable Development Goals. It focuses on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. More than 20 kilometres of trails are designated for walking, cycling and horse riding. This combines outdoor activity with a theme that extends beyond the landscape itself.

Nordals Nature Park covers 1,928 hectares in Sønderborg Municipality on the island of Als. Its varied landscape includes forests, marshes, coastal meadows and lakes. The park provides habitats for several bird species listed as endangered or vulnerable on the Danish Red List, as well as rare plants, insects and amphibians. Such classifications may change as ecological assessments are updated. Well-marked routes and facilities in the nature park support hiking, birdwatching, cycling, sailing and overnight stays.

Hiking Between Town and Coast

For longer hikes, the two coastal trails can be compared by distance: the Gendarmstien is 84 kilometres long, certified as a Leading Quality Trail, and signposted in both directions. You can start in Padborg or Skovby on the island of Als. The Alsstien is 64 kilometres long and follows the coast of Als through some of the island’s most beautiful natural areas. The distances make it possible to compare trail lengths, but do not indicate walking times. As the Gendarmstien’s certification and signage may change, and the specific conditions on the Alsstien should be checked before setting out, it is worth checking the latest route information.

There is also clear guidance for a shorter walk: the signposted Hjertestien runs for five kilometres through the town of Sønderborg, starting and ending at Skt. Marie Church. There is also an alternative 5.3-kilometre route without stairs. Free printed hiking brochures for routes in Sønderborg are available at most libraries, tourist information offices and the Citizen Service Centre. As distribution locations may change, it is best to check in advance whether the brochures are available there.

Practical Information for Your Stay

Sønderborg Airport offers daily direct flights to and from Copenhagen. Flight schedules may change, so check the connections for your travel date when planning your journey. Another seasonal option is Sønderborg Harbour Bath: during the summer season, it invites you to swim in the Als Sound and is then free to access. Check the current seasonal access conditions before visiting.

For a break, consider Café Kjukken in Sønderborg. You can enjoy food and wine there with a good view of the Als Sound; the offerings and opening arrangements may change. If you plan to visit, check the current opening hours and menu beforehand. This way, you can shape your days around the experiences that matter most to you—whether that is castle history, trails through nature, ring riding or a seasonal swim.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Skovby, Sottrupskov, Hardeshøj, Dalsgård, Sønderborg, Sydals, Skelde, Rønshoved, Rinkenæs, Rendbjerg, Kettingskov, Nordborg, Mommark, Mjels, Lysabildskov, Lavensby, Langesø, Kruså, Høruphav, Holm, Guderup, Fynshav, Egernsund, Broager, Augustenborg, Asserballeskov, Gråsten, Ertebjerg, Stenderup, Oksbøl, Havnbjerg, Skovbyballe, Bredsten.

Go to the main travel overview: South Jutland.