Discover Rudbøl: the border, the Marskstien and nature

Rudbøl brings together border history, nature watching and routes that pass through the village as a starting point or a stop along the way. If you’re looking for a hotel in Rudbøl, it’s worth deciding first what you want to focus on during your trip: Would you like to learn about the border and the history of the settlement, take on a longer route, or explore the lake and its birdlife? The distinctions below can help you decide whether Rudbøl suits your interests as a travel destination.

Landscape and birdwatching

Rudbøl Sø is located in the H90 Vidå, Rudbøl Sø and Magisterkogen habitat area. A lakeside walking path offers opportunities to observe the natural spectacle of the “Black Sun” as starlings gather in the reeds. Rudbøl Kog is also one of the most interesting areas in the Tøndermarsken for birdwatchers. Rudbøl Sø is also a local waterway for recreational activities using rowing boats, canoes and kayaks. Watching wildlife by the lake and enjoying different kinds of boating are therefore distinct ways to experience nature and the water.

Border and settlement history

The border markers in Rudbøl mark the Danish-German border, which runs for approximately 130 metres straight down the middle of Rudbølvej. The border is thus a distinct feature of the village, located on a named road and along a clearly defined stretch.

Rudbøl is one of the very few village mounds in Denmark. The settlement was established on a natural rise, which was artificially enlarged in the High Middle Ages to make room for more farms. This development gives the settlement’s history a tangible dimension: the rise was enlarged to provide space for additional farms.

The beautiful West Schleswig farmhouses are also among the features Rudbøl is known for. Along with the border markers and the village mound, they offer another glimpse of the local building culture.

Cycling and walking routes compared

The Vestkystruten starts in Rudbøl at the Danish-German border and runs for 560 kilometres to Skagen. The 54-kilometre Marskstien also passes through Rudbøl and is certified as a “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe”. The difference is clear when choosing a route: the Vestkystruten starts in Rudbøl and forms part of a long cycling route; the shorter Marskstien passes through the village as a walking route.

The two routes offer different scales for planning. The Vestkystruten connects Rudbøl with Skagen. Rudbøl is included in the Marskstien’s 54-kilometre route. So, if you’re choosing a route by its total length, Rudbøl can be viewed either as the starting point of the longer route or as one of the places along the shorter walking route.

Boats and local history

Rudbøl’s history on the water is another part of the story. The historic boat race Væddesejlen on Rudbøl Sø began either in 1874 or 1878 and was reportedly held until the First World War. Both possible starting years and the qualification regarding how long the race continued are part of its historical context.

In 1830, Rudbøl had 30 boatmen. They mainly operated boat services to and from Tønder and Højer. These specific destinations and the number of boatmen offer another insight into Rudbøl’s history: alongside the border, the settlement and the farmhouses, boat traffic also played a part in the village’s past.

Discover more destinations: Skærbæk, Tønder, Bredebro, Emmerlev, Østerby, Sønder Sejerslev, Arrild, Agerskov.

For the broader travel overview: Tønder Municipality.