5 stunning natural highlights you should see in South Denmark
Over the last few years I have been very lucky to have visited various parts of Denmark, from Skagen in the far north, to the west coast region, near Ringkøbing , Copenhagen and the area below the capital, in Lolland region. All of those experiences have been amazing and I feel extremely privileged to have been able to discover some of these unique places Denmark has to offer.
I had not yet had the opportunity to visit the southernmost region, that being the surprisingly stunning region of South Denmark. In this blog you will find 5 amazing places that I think you should add to your list of visiting.
The region of Sønderjylland,
South Denmark
Sønderjylland (translated: South Jutland) is yet another interesting county. It is the southernmost county of the Jutland Peninsula. It shares its border with northern Germany and has a historic, rich and varied past, together with its own unique charm and culture. Sønderjylland has a gentle, open landscape, bordered by an area known as the Baltic Sea to the east and the world famous UNESCO World Heritage site, the impressive Wadden Sea National Park, which lies on the west coast.
The history of Sønderjylland is very interesting and it closely mirrors that of Denmark as a whole. The areas in Sønderjylland have changed hands several times throughout history and the region has many historical sites, landscape features and monuments available to visit. Today, the water known as the Flensburg Fjord, which is located in the far south eastern corner, acts as a natural border with neighbouring Germany. In Sønderjylland you’ll find some of Denmark’s most attractive and contrasting landscapes. The boundary marking the edge of the glacial movements from the most recent Ice Age cuts across the landscape - and on either side of this line the landscapes are strikingly different. In the east you are likely to find a range of tunnel valleys, moraine hills and extinct ice landscapes, whereas in the west the landscape is practically flat and slopes gently down to the North Sea, interrupted only by isolated hills with gentle, rounded slopes. With more than 3,000 km of cycle routes, Sønderjylland is a paradise for cyclists too.
The traditional and stylish Danish cottages are dotted around you everywhere.
1 Unesco Wadden Sea area
Should be an area high on any visitors 'to do' list. Its unique, inspiring and its natural beauty is recognised and protected by UNESCO. The chain of islands stretches as far as North Holland and each island offers its own unique experience. Not only are the sand dunes and beaches an amazing spectacle. The area offers world class natural experiences, when the large flocks of migrating birds fill the sky above the Wadden Sea and the neighbouring marshlands in the spring and autumn months. 12 million birds travel across the Wadden Sea twice a year and fill their energy deposits, before they rise into the air again on their journey to distant breeding and wintering grounds. You can experience large flocks of several thousand dunlins and geese, which fill the sky and create their very own painting, or the spectacular sunset dancing "Black Sun" of the starlings.
A flock of geese take off just as we pass by. It is a common, but spectacular sight when driving through this area.
Join one of the unique oyster safari’s, where you can dig your own oysters.
2 The sandy beaches of Rømø
Rømø is undoubtedly one of the finest islands in Denmark. The island is one of the Wadden Sea islands and it is located just off the Denmark's western coast. It is accessed from the mainland by car. I would highly recommend you to stay at the holiday centre of Skærbækcentret, which is at only ten minutes distance from the island. The centre offers lots of facilities, such as a waterpark, playland, bowling centre and a fitness centre, which warrants a perfect holiday for the whole family. Rømø is home to some of the finest beaches, with large swathes of sand, which are very popular with tourists and locals alike, who come here to enjoy its natural beauty. The sand dunes are equally spectacular and they form a natural barrier from the strong winds that often batter the coast from the sea. The result is some of the most amazing dunes you will see for miles around.
The amazing sand dunes are truly spectacular and they form a natural barrier from the strong winds that often batter the coast from the sea.
The water forms shapes in the sand that are phenomenal here.
Families that are enjoying the natural playgrounds on the beach.
3 Sort Sol / Starlings on the marshes of Tønder
I will be writing a separate more detailed blog all about the Starlings of Tønder, but I do feel I have to mention the marshes as a phenomenal place to visit and again a magical spectacle that should be on the top of everyone's list. As dusk falls, and as if by magic huge numbers of birds approach the area from all different directions. Arriving in high numbers, the flocks of birds frequently change direction countless times; dancing pretty patterns in the sky. It is an absolutely fascinating and stunning sight to see, with the starlings performing their unique aerial ballet, high in the evening sky. A perfect setting sun can only make this experience even more worthwhile. From Skærbækcentret, you can easily join one of the Black Sun tours that are available.
A flock of starlings, dancing magical patterns in the skies above the marches of Tønder. What a spectacular sight to see.
They gather here every evening, to find themselves a place to sleep among the reeds.
The sound when they fly by is just as amazing…
100,000 Birds! Well, that is what I have been told. :)
4 The Forest and lighthouse at ‘Nørreskoven’ Als
The forest at Nørreskoven is situated on the east side of the Island Als and is one of the most frequented forests in the area.
The beautiful Ballebro Beach Hotel makes a great start for a nice drive, which includes a ferrytrip that takes you across Als Fjord
to the island. Across the water you can see the island Fyn. The forest is an inviting place which allows many an outdoor enthusiast the opportunity to indulge in all manner of different outdoor experiences. This beautiful piece of nature offers many different grave mounds, a series of dried out springs and a variety of different monuments to discover. The area of Nørreskoven is equally inviting and is particularly well known for the large number of beech trees, which date back to the early sixteenth century.
The small and winding paths adds even more magic to this forest.
When going left on the end of Nørreskovvej, you suddenly stumble upon this amazing scenery.
The idyllic lighthouse of Taksensand at the edge of the forest.
5 The calm East coastline and clear waters
When visiting this wonderful region you cannot help but witness the contrasts between the East and West coastlines. On the West Coast the North Sea is unforgiving and often rough, due to the winds that batter the shore. It does have incredible sandy beaches, dunes and nature, which all become significantly more appealing with a frequent and amazing sunset. It is a popular destination with tourists, who come here to escape. On the East Coast the contrasts are clear to see, as the coastline is calmer, with sheltered clear and calm waters and a landscape awash with typical Danish jetty’s, which are simply so wonderful to capture in a photograph. Surrounding the eastern coastline, the landscape is lush and green, with idyllic rolling hills carved out from the last Ice Age reminding me of the popular children's television program, the Teletubbies. If you do find yourself visiting this beautiful area, be sure to go for a walk on the Gendarme Path (For example near Aabenraa). It is Denmark's first European Quality Walking Path. The Gendarme Path is 84 km long and all certified. The path offers a unique walking opportunity in one of the most beautiful parts of Denmark, highlight the Danish countryside at its very best.
The idyllic lonely trees on the green rolling hills of Jutlands east coast.
On the East coast you will find many great silent and tranquil waters and jetties like this.
I would like to thank VisitDenmark for this wonderful possibilty and of course Sønderjylland for providing me with all their amazing tips and recommendations. Once again, I look back on an amazing journey.