Sottrupskov: Nature and Nydam History

Sottrupskov offers nature experiences in the forest and on the beach. There are also hiking trails and historic sites connected with Nydam and the 1864 war. This gives you a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: the landscape of the coastal beech forest, the routes between Sottrupskov and Sandbjerg, and the Nydam finds and memorial sites. Each trail and site has its own character.

Forest, Beach and Hiking Trails

Sottrup Storskov offers a short walk through a coastal Danish beech forest with historic remains. You can park in Sottrupskov for a walk of a few kilometres; check local parking conditions before your arrival. The 7 km Nydamstien starts at Sottrup Storskov. It passes the places where the Prussian army crossed to Als in rowing boats, goes past Sandbjerg Gods, and then passes Nydam Mose. Sandbjerg Gods served as a Prussian headquarters during the 1864 war.

An easily accessible hiking trail leads from Sottrupskov to Sandbjerg and is part of both the Alssundstien and the Nydamstien. The Alssundstien runs along the western side of the Als Sound through the hilly moraine landscape near Sundeved; along the way, it shares a section with the historic Nydamstien. For planning your route, the trails’ lengths and accessibility offer different points of reference: the Nydamstien is 7 km long, while the trail to Sandbjerg is easily accessible. The Alssundstien highlights the moraine landscape, while the Nydamstien focuses on specific sites connected with the history of 1864.

Nydam Finds and History

Cannon positions and launching ramps for rowing boats from the 1864 war are visible in the forest. These are distinct from the finds from Nydam Mose: the site contains three wooden boats as well as numerous weapons, tools and items of equipment from the Iron Age (250–550 AD). Nydam Tveir is an exact replica of the Nydam boat, a sacrificial boat from the Iron Age found in Nydam Mose. The boathouse of Nydambåden is located on the beach at the southern end of Sottrupskov. The military traces from 1864 and the Iron Age boat finds represent two different historical periods.

Visits and Rowing Trips

Groups of all sizes can book visits with explanations of the finds from Nydam Mose. Contact the association to make arrangements. A group visit can include a guided introduction and time aboard the boat; these elements are arranged with visitors and volunteers. From May to September, you can experience Nydam Tveir on the Als Sound during a rowing trip with members of the boat association. If you are planning to take advantage of this seasonal opportunity, check the current rowing trip schedule before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Havnbjerg, Skovby, Hardeshøj, Asserballeskov, Holm, Mjels, Dalsgård, Kettingskov

For the main travel overview: Sønderborg Municipality.