Hardeshøj: Hiking, Lakes and Ferry History

Hardeshøj lies on North Als, between lakes, forest and sea. The Alsstien is a key point of reference for a stay: the hiking trail starts here, crosses Als through Nørreskoven and continues to Fynshav. If you want to take nature trails and scenery into account when choosing a destination, Hardeshøj offers a convenient starting point for a route that extends beyond the town.

Hiking the Alsstien

The Alsstien passes through Nørreskoven, one of Denmark’s longest coastal forests. The forest is therefore an integral part of the route, not just a backdrop. Together with the crossing of Als, it shapes the character of the trail. Nørreskoven’s status as one of Denmark’s longest coastal forests also gives this section significance beyond its immediate surroundings. If you’re looking for a scenic route rather than a single destination when you go hiking, the Alsstien offers just that.

Lakes and birdlife along the way

The restored lakes of Oldenor and Mjels Sø lie along the Alsstien, and the trail also brings hikers close to birdlife. This means three distinct natural features come together on one route: coastal forest, lakes and birds. The two lakes give the landscape specific names, while the nearby birdlife offers another point of interest. If you choose where to go based on your interest in nature, you’ll find both named bodies of water and a hiking trail that passes close to birdlife here.

Ferry connection and local history

The waterway is also part of Hardeshøj’s history. A map from 1683 documents the ferry connection between Hardeshøj and Ballebro. Today, the Nordalsfærgen Bitten connects Ballebro on the Jutland side with Hardeshøj on the island of Als; the crossing takes about ten minutes. This brings together a historical reference on a map and a modern connection between the two places. If you’re planning to take the ferry, check the timetable in advance.

Hardeshøj is an old shipping port. The Hardeshøj Kro near the harbour dates from 1721. These two features add another reference to the area’s former water traffic, as well as a specific construction date, to its ferry history. Travellers interested in local history can explore different points of interest: the water connection and the story of a building near the harbour.

Harbour and activities on the water

The former Hardeshøj Dampskibsbro is a possible port of call for pleasure boats and larger fishing vessels. You can also fish in either direction from Hardeshøj harbour. These offer different perspectives on the waterfront: one concerns calling at the former pier, while the other is the opportunity to fish from the harbour. If you’re interested in maritime activities, these features complement the ferry connection by making the harbour a point of interest in its own right.

Which side of Hardeshøj interests you?

You can choose between these themes according to your travel interests: the Alsstien offers a hike through forest and past lakes and birdlife; the ferry connects Ballebro and Als; and the harbour and former Dampskibsbro are associated with fishing and calling in by boat. References to the old shipping port, the ferry map and Hardeshøj Kro add a historical dimension to these local features. This can help you decide whether you’d mainly like to hike, take the ferry or focus on maritime and architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Egernsund, Broager, Langesø, Bredsten, Rønshoved, Kettingskov, Skovbyballe, Mjels.

For the overview of the wider area: Sønderborg Municipality.