Haderslev – the Historical Market Town
At the northern edge of Southern Jutland, close to Christiansfeld, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies the historical market town of Haderslev. Founded in the 12th century, this charming market town is famous for its master butchers, the family-owned Fuglsang brewery and the imposing Haderslev Cathedral. The Haderslev area is a treasure chest of awesome activities and experiences. You can visit Aarø Island, a gem in the Little Belt Straits, and the little port of Aarøsund. You can pop into Vojens, a sporty town that is home to the SønderjyskE football and ice hockey clubs. You can also learn more about Gram Slotsby – a modern fairy tale.
Torvet & the old quarter
Stroll along the cobbled streets in one of the country’s oldest town centres. Here you can see ancient houses and a plethora of architectural details in the old quarter. You may even come across a 400-year-old wooden door. It is green. Give yourself a minute to look around the Torvet (square). This square has existed since the town was founded in the 12th century. There are many beautiful historical details. There are two half-timbered houses (Torvet 4 and 5). They have not changed much since they were built.
Enjoy a mountain bike ride in Stensbæk Plantage or a walk around the zoo, where you can get up close to the deer. Perhaps you would prefer kayaking in the fjord or in the blue waves of our stunning beaches. The nature in Haderslev municipality is diverse and is always close by, almost regardless of where you settle in the municipality. At the western part of Haderslev Dam, for example, is the 100-hectare zoo. Here, fallow deer and roe deer roam the large, open plain. You will also find a nature playground with a fire pit and the Green Meeting House, which can be rented for events.
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Gravene – The Market Square
Gravene is currently Haderslev’s market square. Throughout the year, the events that take place here are usually part of larger events in Haderslev. Every Tuesday and Friday morning, there is a market on Gravene. People come here to buy local produce. The square is called “Gravene” (translates as “the trenches”) because in the past a channel was dug from Haderslev Lake all the way to the area now known as Gravene. The channel formed part of the town’s defences. It encircled the old town and Haderslevhus, a castle in Haderslev that pre-dated Hansborg Castle. During the 19th century, the channel was drained, filled in, and subsequently paved.
The green oasis – Damparken
Damparken lies as close to the centre of the city as you can get. Walk around the inner lake. There are benches where you can sit and enjoy views of Haderslev Cathedral and the larger outer lake. The park has beautiful flowerbeds, a rose garden, herb garden, playground, sculptures, and memorial statues. At Bispen Cultural Centre, you can loan disc golf equipment to use on the Damparken course. Enjoy a cup of coffee on Hotel Norden’s terrace or buy an ice cream from Damkiosken (snack bar). If you like, you can take your family out on the lake on pedal boats, which can be hired from Damkiosken (snack bar). Take in the sunset from the lake boat as it glides silently under bridges and out into the outer lake.
The harbour and promenade
From the 200-year-old Ridehuset stables on Sejlstensgyde, you can walk to the harbour and the attractive promenade. The scene is a striking contrast to the old town. Take a break here to enjoy an ice cream or coffee. At Honnørkajen, Fjord Boat Helene leaves for Aarø Island, a gem in the Little Belt Straits, almost daily at 12 noon. Once you have passed Helene, you reach StreetDome, one of Scandinavia’s largest and most varied skateboard parks. This is a street sports magnet. The facility attracts and presents challenges to elite skaters but everyone is welcome to test their skills here. There are many different activities to choose from. StreetDome comprises a large outdoor area, an indoor skate dome, and a silo that is Denmark’s tallest climbing wall at 30 metres high. StreetDome provides ideal conditions for street sports enthusiasts, anyone with a passion for riding a skateboard, scooter, or BMX bike or for roller-skating, climbing, bouldering, and street running (parkour).
Aarø – the jewel of the Little Belt
Visit the island’s winery and enjoy a refreshing glass of white wine. Taste ale from Denmark’s smallest microbrewery and learn about life on Aarø in the old days. Drop in at the Christmas Church and historical Brummers Gaard (farm). Fancy a beach safari? Explore Aarø’s amazing nature reserve and round off the day at Aarø’s Perle (restaurant), which serves delicious fresh fried fish.
Sun, beaches, and yachting life. Castle, Middle Ages and Renaissance. Magnificent nature experiences in the subglacial stream trench from the last Ice Age. Lots of culture and special shops with everything from delicacies to unique crafts. Haderslev municipality has a little bit of everything. From the Little Belt in the east to Gram Castle Town in the west we always have something to offer. No matter whether you are young or old, whether you like camping and bathing or bumpy cobbles and historical tours of the town. And no matter whether you like canoeing, shopping, visiting castles or if you prefer to enjoy the southern Jutland “sausage table”. In Haderslev we have it all!
