> Follow the historic Gendarmstien Express Trail along the Danish-German border
> Stay in coastal towns and charming villages
> Accommodation included before and after each stage
The Gendarmstien Express Trek takes you through Southern Jutland in Denmark on a scenic 5-day journey. This historic coastal trail once served as the patrol route of border gendarmes, and today it offers a unique mix of culture and nature. Walk along the Baltic Sea, cross quiet forests, and explore picturesque towns like Gråsten and Sønderborg.
This 5-day trek is perfect for hikers with good fitness who enjoy well-marked paths and varied landscapes. Each stage combines coastal beauty with history and local charm, from royal palaces and fjord views to tranquil villages. After a rewarding day on the trail, rest comfortably in your arranged accommodation and reflect on the day’s discoveries.
Today you arrive in Padborg/Bov, right at the Danish–German border, where your Gendarmstien adventure begins. This small town is the gateway to the historic patrol path that once marked the frontier. Check into your accommodation, take a gentle walk through the quiet streets, and breathe in the coastal air of Southern Jutland. Tomorrow, the hiking starts — but for now, it’s about arriving and settling in.
You set off from Padborg/Bov, leaving the border town behind as the Gendarmstien guides you eastward. The path threads through tranquil forests, open fields, and serene lakes, with markers recalling the old border patrol. The scenery is calm yet ever-changing: stretches of woodland, rolling countryside, and glimpses of coastal wetlands.
The trail is long today, nearly 25 kilometers, and it steadily brings you toward the Baltic Sea. As you approach Gråsten, the landscape softens into parkland and gardens, with the town’s famous palace on the horizon. Reaching Gråsten feels like a reward — a place of history, royal tradition, and a welcoming rest at the end of the first stage.
Leaving Gråsten behind, the path soon follows the waters of Nybøl Nor and Vemmingbund Bay. Views stretch across Flensburg Fjord, while sandy bays and gentle headlands make this stage lighter and more playful. You pass villages and meadows where the sea is always close, shaping the rhythm of the walk.
Midway, the route climbs softly toward Dybbøl, a place rich in Danish history, before descending again along the shoreline. The day ends as you enter Sønderborg, a lively town with a harborfront full of cafés and a castle watching over the bay. After 19 kilometers, the stage closes with comfort and the pulse of coastal life.
Your final stage begins with the charm of Sønderborg’s waterfront before the trail leads you across the island of Als. Here, fields stretch wide, birds circle above, and the Baltic glimmers beside you. Forest patches and farm paths alternate with hidden beaches, where the sound of waves accompanies your steps.
The route is easygoing but long enough to feel like a true journey’s end. After almost 20 kilometers, you reach Skovby on the southern tip of Als. It is a quiet village, a fitting finale where land and sea meet in calm simplicity. Here, the trek ends — with the satisfaction of having followed the footsteps of the gendarmes across an unforgettable coastline.
Today you leave Skovby and say farewell to the Gendarmstien. Whether you travel north through Denmark or cross back into Germany, the memories of the coastline, forests, and villages will stay with you. The Express Trek may be finished, but the spirit of the trail continues to walk beside you.
