Island vacation on Als
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, Als is the largest island in Sønderjylland and the 7th-largest island in Denmark
Als is part of the municipality Sønderborg Kommune and has a population of approximately 50,000 people. making it one of the most densely populated islands in Denmark. Almost 28,000 people live in Sønderborg, the island's largest town.
The island is surrounded by several stretches of water, each with its own name: the bay Sønderborg Bugt connects with the sound Als Sund and Als Fjord, which separates the island from mainland Jutland. Between island Als and the neighbouring island Funen lies the Lillebælt, To the south, Flensburg Fjord stretches from Kruså to Kegnæs Lighthouse, where it meets the Baltic Sea and forms part of the maratime border between Denmark and Germany.
Discover nature
The landscape of Als reflects many of the images celebrated in Denmark’s national anthem, Der er et yndigt land. In the forest Nørreskoven, beech trees reach towards the waters of the Lillebælt, while the northern part of the island is shaped by rolling hills and valleys formed by glaciers during the Ice Age.
The nature guides of Sønderborg Municipality have also highlighted a number of special experiences on Als. These include a night walk, good birdwatching spots and a visit to the forest Augustenborg Skov, known for its beautiful lime tree avenues and old oak trees.
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.
