Mjels: Nature by the lake and Danish history

Mjels combines nature at Mjels Sø with walking and cycling routes and a long local history. Its different highlights can help you plan your stay around your interests: you can explore the lake and its birdlife, include routes through the landscape or learn about the history of Mjelsgård and Mjels Vig.

Mjels Sø and its birdlife

Mjels Sø was restored in 2005, covers 45 hectares and is up to four metres deep. A canal and sluice gates connect it to Mjels Vig. The lake is an example of restored nature and is home to a variety of birdlife. Ducks, moorhens and geese can be spotted there; there is also a good chance of seeing a white-tailed eagle hunting for food.

Walking and cycling

A walking route at Mjels Sø is 4.5 kilometres there and back and runs through easy, flat terrain. The Alsstien is 12.6 kilometres long and runs from the ferry terminal in Hardeshøj to Nordborg Castle. Along the way, it passes through Mjels Mark and by Mjels Vig and Mjels Sø. The 4.5-kilometre route is specified as a there-and-back walk; for the Alsstien, the ferry terminal and Nordborg Castle are the two stated endpoints. The Alsstien is unmarked, so it is advisable to check the route before setting out.

There is a car park for the Alsstien at the pumping station by Mjels Sø; the old yellow pumping station has been preserved. E' Govl connects Oldenor with Mjels Sø and runs along the coast at Mjels Vig. This section, a very narrow path along a slope, presents a particular route condition: cycling there is not recommended. A cycling route runs from Oldenor via Mjelsvig and Æ Gavl to Mjels, where it rejoins the route at the boat harbour. It is considered challenging and especially scenic.

Fishing at Mjels Sø

Mjels Sø is home to pike and a population of perch, making the lake of interest to anglers too. Fishing requires membership of Sportsfiskerforeningen Nordborg. The exception is school pupils with a specially issued school fishing permit. Fish populations and fishing conditions can change; check the current regulations before fishing.

Manor house and the Viking Age

Mjelsgård is one of Denmark’s oldest known manor houses; its origins date back to 1245. The building was bombed in 1942 and later rebuilt. Mjels Vig also has historical connections: place names, grave finds and loose finds show that the bay was visited during the Viking Age. The two historical traces relate to different periods: Mjelsgård’s origins date back to 1245, while the evidence at Mjels Vig points to the Viking Age.

Discover more destinations: Sydals, Høruphav, Augustenborg, Fynshav, Kettingskov, Lavensby, Egernsund, Hardeshøj

For the main travel overview: Sønderborg Municipality.