Anyone wishing to explore Havnbjerg can choose between architectural and art history and two different types of routes. Havnbjerg Mølle is a thatched Dutch-style windmill; Havnbjerg Kirke is Romanesque, and its altarpiece includes a painting by C. W. Eckersberg. For some exercise, the Havnbjerg Strand cycling route runs through the forest and along the beach, while the Kirkeruten connects five churches in northern Als. This lets you make cultural history, cycling or hiking your main focus.

Havnbjerg Mølle and its history

Havnbjerg Mølle is a thatched Dutch-style windmill, built in 1835. The thatched roof and the type of mill are distinctive features of the building, while the year it was built marks its historical starting point. In 1964, the mill was listed for protection because it was considered particularly worthy of preservation. Since 1969, the Mads Clausen Foundation has been responsible for its maintenance and museum operations. These dates distinguish the building’s construction, its protected status, and responsibility for its preservation and museum operations. If you are planning a museum visit, check in advance whether and when a visit is possible.

Romanesque church, tower and art

Havnbjerg Kirke is a Romanesque fieldstone church, built around 1140. Its 15-metre-high tower with a spire was added in 1857, making it a later phase of construction than the church itself. The altarpiece includes a painting by C. W. Eckersberg depicting Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The churchyard contains war graves from 1848 and 1864. The building date, tower, painting and graves give the church several clearly distinct historical associations, rather than defining it solely by its age.

Comparing two timelines

The church dates from around 1140, while the windmill was built in 1835; the two construction dates are therefore far apart. Later stages add to these timelines: the church tower was added in 1857, the mill was listed for protection in 1964, and since 1969 the Foundation has been responsible for maintenance and museum operations. This allows you to distinguish the church’s construction history from its later addition, and to consider the mill’s construction, protected status and management as separate stages.

Cycling route and church trail

The Havnbjerg Strand cycling route is 11 km long and starts at Havnbjerg Centret. It runs through the forest and along the beach; the starting point and route length provide practical orientation, while the landscape along the way offers another guide for planning your trip. Check the latest route information before setting off, as route details may change. The Kirkeruten is a hiking trail on existing paths that connects five churches in northern Als. The two routes have different focuses: for the cycling route, you can plan around its length and landscape, while the churches provide the theme for the Kirkeruten. So first decide whether you would prefer to include a cycle ride of a set length or a themed walking route in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Rendbjerg, Skovby, Lavensby, Broager, Ertebjerg, Høruphav, Augustenborg, Gråsten

Go to the main travel overview: Sønderborg Municipality.