Naturpark Nordals
Experience varied nature, with protected forests, bogs, coastal meadows and lakes in the 1928-hectare nature park at the island of Als.
Island vacation on Als
Photo: Sønderborg Kommune
The mild climate around island Als is reflected in the fertile fields, surrounded by hedgerows and grand beech woods.
With an area of 321 km2 island Als is the largest island in Southern Jutland and the 7th largest island in Denmark
Island Als is a part of the municipality Sønderborg Kommune and has a population of approx. 50,000 people of which nearly 28,000 lives in the metropolis Sønderborg city. The island Als is amongst the most populated islands in the Danish Kingdom.
The waters surrounding the island is of many parts and names; the bay Sønderborg Bugt border on to the sounds Als Sund and Als Fjord separating the island from Jutland. Between island Als and the neighbour island Funen lies the small belt Lillebælt and from Kruså to Kegnæs Lighthouse, where it meets the Baltic Sea, we have the border water inlet Flensborg Fjord – the border line to our neighbour country, Germany.
Photo:SDFE / Sønderborg Kommune
Discover nature
The landscape and terrain is almost strophes from the Danish national song; Der er et yndigt land! In that song we sing of a beautiful country with wide beech trees stretching their crowns over the salty eastern beach, though the water is not that salty – the beech trees of forest Nørreskoven Als stretches their crowns towards the belt Lillebælt. We also sing of a landscape winding in hills and valleys like the northern part of the island Als, here you have clear traces of glaciers from the Ice Age shaping the land into valleys and pushing the earth and creating rises.
The nature guides of Sønderborg Municipality have sent recommendations for nature experiences, and here are some on the holiday island Als, such as a night walk in Sydals and good areas for bird watching, as well as forest Augustenborg Skov with its beautiful lime tree avenues.
Activities
The holiday island Als offers the opportunity for an active vacation with hiking and cycling. If you enjoy horseback riding, the Als Brindle Route offers a 100 km route, and in a sea kayak, you can paddle around the island. You can also go fishing or swing the golf club. If you're into fun and learning, dedicate a day to the Universe Science Park in Nordborg, and if it's art that takes center stage, a visit to Augustenborg is a must.
History
History is everywhere you go - from the Bronze Age to the present day. Delving into the history of the area, you cannot avoid the war in 1864, which left deep marks in the consciousness of the Danes. Additionally, World War I also left its mark on this part of the country, which was under German rule until the Reunification in 1920. There are always at least two sides in a war, and what happens when you bet on the wrong side, you can learn at the Augustenborg Palace Mini Museum.
Join a guided tour and hear stories about 1864, ducal families, and the old houses of the cities.
City Break
The largest city on Als is Sønderborg - here you can shop and enjoy the relaxed café life. Follow the Culture Tour to selected sculptures in the city or take a stroll through the old town with its small houses. Visit the museum at Sønderborg Castle or delve into the history of the German minority at the Deutsches Museum Nordsleschwig. Enjoy the view from Point of View on the 16th floor and book a massage at Alsik Hotel and Spa or take a dip in the new harbor bath. Savor a good meal at one of the many restaurants before rounding off the evening at the Alsion Concert Hall or the Sønderborg Theater.
Excursions
The island Als is a good base for your holiday, where you have short distances to many of the country's attractions and sights, all while staying in beautiful nature and by the water. If you're not comfortable at sea, don't despair – there is a bridge connection to the mainland.
In the middle of the east coast, you'll find Fynshav with ferry connections to the neighboring islands, making it convenient for a day trip to Odense or Egeskov Castle on Funen or the charming towns Ærøskøbing and Marstal on Ærø.
From North Als, the small car ferry, Bitten Clausen, has multiple daily departures to Ballebro on the mainland, allowing you to easily make a detour to the History Centre Dybbøl Banke and Gråsten or the nearest larger cities such as Aabenraa, Haderslev, and Tønder.
Accommodation
The holiday island Als offers a wide range of accommodation options. Campsites are nicely distributed along the coast of Als and the Kegnæs peninsula. Holiday home areas offer both smaller houses for a stay with friends and larger houses for the whole family. Hotel stays by the water and in the cities are also an option. Luxury stays with spa and dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant Syttende can be booked at the Alsik Hotel and Spa.
