From Padborg to Sønderhav
Our hike on the Gendarmstien began at the train station in Padborg. No sooner had we left the town than the trail led us into a surprisingly hilly and varied landscape. Old patches of woodland, narrow valleys and gentle “ridges” set the scene – a lovely start that immediately made us want more.
Map overview and GPX track of the Gendarmstien mountain stage
Ice Age traces and old borders
Soon we reached the Haraldsdalskløften, a small gorge cut deep into the terrain. From there we followed the Kruså tunnel valley, which was formed during the last Ice Age. Again and again we came across old boundary stones – silent witnesses to an eventful past. The German-Danish border did in fact once run here, and the trail partly follows the original route of the border gendarmes.
Kupfermühle – industrial history along the way
A special highlight of this stage is Kupfermühle. One of the largest copper works in Northern Europe once stood here, founded in the 17th century. Today the Kupfermühle museum recalls this fascinating history of technology and the border – a worthwhile stop before heading back out into nature.
Wild forest and fjord views
Beyond Kupfermühle the trail became wilder. In the Kollund forest we followed narrow paths, crossed wooden bridges and passed through deep ravines. Time and again, fantastic views opened up across the Flensburg Fjord – a real highlight of this stage.
A night in a shelter and a blood moon
We ended the first day’s stage a little early at the DCU campsite, where we were able to spend the night in a shelter for €16. After a hot shower we rounded off the evening with a game of Memory. To top it all off, a blood moon appeared in the sky – a magical moment after an eventful day.
Arrival in Sønderhav
We covered the last two to three kilometres to Sønderhav the next morning. The moment when the sea suddenly opened up in front of us after crossing a road was particularly impressive. From the village you look straight across to the famous Ox Islands in the middle of the fjord – a place full of myths and stories and a wonderful end to our first stage. From Sønderhav the trail continues on the brick stage to Brunsnæs.
Photos of the Gendarmstien mountain stage
All Gendarmstien stages at a glance · Stage 2: Sønderhav to Brunsnæs (brick stage) →