Discover Skovbyballe

Skovbyballe can be explored through different aspects of nature, trails and local history: the Alsstien trail is about landscapes and views, while Rubæk combines a local landmark with traditional names.

Landscapes and hiking trails

Along the Alsstien trail, Humlemade can be seen as a flat, damp meadow. Waders and ducks nest there. The landscape and nesting birds combine a view of the terrain with an opportunity to observe nature. The Alsstien trail also offers views of Fyn, Drejø and Ærø. This brings together two different impressions: a view of a specific meadow and views of the three places named above.

Skovbyballe is marked on the route map for the Mommark–Drejet section of the Alsstien trail. Free printed hiking brochures are available at most libraries, tourist offices and citizen service centres. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The Gendarmstien trail runs from Padborg to Skovby. The route is marked in both directions and is approximately 84 km long. As it is marked in both directions, you can also plan the route from Skovby towards Padborg. Check trail conditions before your hike.

The two hiking descriptions answer different questions: the Alsstien map shows Skovbyballe in the Mommark–Drejet section, while the Gendarmstien’s endpoints, markings in both directions and approximate total length serve as points of reference. This lets you distinguish a map entry for the place from a route with a stated total distance.

Skovmose Beach

Skovmose Beach is located in a Natura 2000 area. There is a bathing jetty on the beach in the Skovmose holiday home area. If you plan water activities there, check the applicable nature conservation rules beforehand. You should also check the condition of the bathing jetty before visiting.

Local history at Rubæk

North of Skovbyballe, Rubæk flows beneath the road to Lysabild. The stone bearing the inscription “1839. 17. 7. AP.” stands at this spot; a footpath to “Birk” also leads from here. The stone was erected in memory of a dispute that ended in a settlement. The stream, road crossing, stone and footpath together form a specific landmark where landscape and local history meet.

The history of the name adds a second aspect to the same stream: the historical form Ruballe derives from Rubæk and is considered the oldest presumed recorded name for Skovbyballe. Bellghe is recorded for 1572; in 1652, Dankwerth recorded the form Rubsballe. Thus, Rubæk appears both as a local landscape feature and in the explanation of a name’s origin. The dates link Bellghe and Rubsballe to their respective dated records; the classification of Ruballe as the oldest form remains explicitly tentative.

Further points of interest

Skovby Landing is a small fishing village. If you include it in your plans, check access and visitor facilities before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Dalsgård, Augustenborg, Nordborg, Mommark, Lysabildskov, Mjels, Langesø, Skovby

Go to the main travel overview: Sønderborg Municipality.