Discover Rødekro: trails, fishing and culture

Rødekro offers several specific reasons to visit: a hiking or cycling stage of the Hærvejen, fishing opportunities, and places connected to cultural and transport history. InterCity, InterCityLyn and regional trains stop at Rødekro Station. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: will you spend most of your time hiking, fishing or exploring the history of the area? The following destinations offer different starting points.

Hiking, cycling and rail travel

Between Vojens and Rødekro, the Hærvejen includes a 31.1 km hiking stage and a 27.1 km cycling stage. The hiking stage is therefore four kilometres longer than the stated cycling stage. Hiking and cycling differ here both in mode and in the stated distance—two specific factors to consider when planning your stages.

The Aabenraabanen also connects Rødekro with the area's transport history: the railway line between Aabenraa and Rødekro is 6.3 km long and was designated a protected archaeological site in 2024. Parts of the line are now used for rail cycling; this activity may be seasonal or subject to operational changes. The Aabenraabanen therefore combines a historic railway line with a present-day leisure activity on some sections. If you want to include rail cycling in your plans, check in advance whether it is available when you visit.

Fishing and water activities

Rødekro Fiskepark is located in a 60-hectare natural area and has five large lakes. Put-and-take fishing is available there; lakes 1, 2 and 3 are used for fishing every day. Rainbow trout are stocked mainly. Brown trout, brook trout, zander, pike and eels can also be caught. This gives you an overview of the area's size, the lakes in use and the fish species mentioned.

Bakkegården Put & Take offers two fishing lakes with a combined area of 56,000 m². The descriptions highlight different features: Rødekro Fiskepark is described in terms of its five lakes, the total area of the site and fish species; Bakkegården focuses on its two lakes and their combined area. If fishing is one reason for your trip, you can use this information to compare them. AquaCross at Rødekro Swimming Pool is a different activity: the term refers to a form of water aerobics.

Cultural sites and local history

Hærvejsparken is a green gathering place in the centre of Rødekro. It presents the cultural history of the Rødåen and the story of how Rødekro came into being. If you are interested in the area's development, you can explore both topics in one place. The public sculpture Standing Woman stands at the corner of Østergade and Hærvejen. As outdoor artworks can be moved or removed, it is advisable to check the location before your visit.

Damgaard Mill was built in 1867 and is one of Denmark's best-preserved buckwheat mills. Its machinery is still in working order. The mill holds Mill Days every year on the third Sunday in June; if you want to plan your stay around the event, check the date in advance. Visits outside regular opening hours can be arranged by calling 74 66 41 80. Confirm your appointment before travelling.

The Aabenraabanen and Rise Church also offer different perspectives on regional history. Rise Church is in the village of Rise, which has now effectively grown together with Rødekro to the north. The local history archive in Rødekro focuses on the area's historical, topographical and cultural conditions, as well as those of the parishes of Rise, Øster Løgum, Hjordkær, Hellevad and Egvad. Its scope therefore extends beyond Rødekro to include five surrounding parishes.

Practical information

Lerskov Plantation Dog Forest is a fenced-in dog exercise area. There is a separate fenced area for puppies and small dogs. Parking is available on Tingvej, with entrances in the northern and southern sections. As facilities and access information may change, check before your visit.

Whether you want to focus on a stage of the Hærvejen, fishing, Mill Days or local history, these topics offer different starting points for planning your trip and looking for a hotel in Rødekro.

Discover more destinations: Padborg, Aabenraa, Varnæs, Tinglev, Kravlund, Bylderup-Bov, Løjt Kirkeby, Felsted

For the broader travel overview: Aabenraa Municipality.