From Gammelmark to Høruphav
After the night in Gammelmark, the fourth stage of the Gendarmstien started a little more slowly for us. It had rained during the night, and the paths were still wet in the morning. Shortly after setting off we spotted the first frog; in spring the animals hold proper courtship concerts here – a lively start to the day.
Map overview and GPX track of the Gendarmstien beach stage
Along the beach to Vemmingbund
After a short stretch of tarmac we came to a narrow strip of beach. We had to take care not to get our feet wet there – which would not have mattered anyway by the time we reached the boggy “Nasses Schild” at the latest. Fortunately the rain had stopped by then, and we could enjoy the wide open space, the smell of the sea and the soft sandy paths.
Soon we reached the little bay of Vemmingbund. With its holiday homes, natural beach and quiet atmosphere it seemed almost sleepy. Early in the morning we saw a few people bravely swimming their lengths in the sea – a lovely picture of calm.
History along the way: the Dybbøl redoubts
From Vemmingbund we continued to the Dybbøl redoubts (Dybbøl Banke). This is where the decisive battles of the German-Danish War took place in 1864. Today, museums, exhibitions and memorials commemorate that time. There is even a shelter here in an idyllic spot, with a view into history.
Through Sønderborg
Our next destination was the town of Sønderborg. We made a small detour to the supermarket to stock up on supplies and treated ourselves to a break at the castle. Then we walked through the lively town centre: ice cream parlours, tourists and even a youth group that seemed to be arriving for a holiday camp. But as soon as we were out of town, the peace returned – and we had the beach to ourselves.
Rain in the shelter
As the weather forecast was not promising, we had reserved a free shelter online in advance. Just as well, because shortly before we arrived it started raining again – and in the evening it really poured. Under the roof of the shelter we stayed dry and could enjoy the sound of the rain drumming outside.
← Stage 3: Brunsnæs to Gammelmark (crow stage) · All Gendarmstien stages at a glance · Stage 5: Høruphav to Skovby (mill stage) →