Sønder Stenderup between coastal forest and culture

Forest slopes, fjord views and paths by the water

The Stenderupskovene define Sønder Stenderup with high coastal slopes and views of Fænø, Fænø Kalv and Kolding Fjord. The mixed deciduous forest has an especially large number of mature beech trees; it is also home to oak trees that are more than 500 years old. Sønderskov contains Lyngmosen, an old, partially silted-up raised bog designated as a natural forest without forestry management. In recent years, a pair of cranes has nested there; tree frogs and an older pair of white-tailed eagles are also found there.

The surrounding area also offers a variety of landscapes. Solkær Enge was restored to its natural state in 2004 after many years of drainage and agricultural use and is now a shallow brackish lake with abundant birdlife. From the Rønshoved viewpoint, you can look out over Fænø Kalv and Fænø and along the coast as far as Funen. The Hvidbjerg Sand is also exposed there, a layer of sand deposited more than 22 million years ago.

Hiking, cycling and getting there

There are five marked circular hiking trails in Nørreskov, Midtskov and Sønderskov. The individual trails are each 3 to 7 kilometres long and take around 30 to 90 minutes. A cultural and historical route through the Stenderupskovene is new, is 6.2 kilometres long and passes numerous prehistoric monuments. The routes in the Stenderupskovene are also connected to the Vandvejen cycle route.

If you travel by bus, route 254 runs from Kolding bus station to Sdr. Stenderup. From there, the Stenderupskovene are about 3 kilometres away on foot. In Sdr. Stenderup, roads branch off to Løverodde, Midtskov, Sønderskov and Skibelund.

Coast, snorkelling spots and facilities at the beach

Stenderup Hage is a shallow snorkelling area that is also suitable for beginners. There are dense stands of eelgrass and other algae at Stenderup Hage. At Stenderup Strand, you will find a nature shelter, a fire shelter, shelters and a kayak launch. Sønder Stenderup Sønderskov has a kayak rest area with access to a shelter, a composting toilet and a fire pit with a grill grate.

Løverodde is the only place in the Stenderupskovene where you are allowed to drive directly to the water by car. Løverodde beach has a bathing jetty and a natural playground. A coastal stone reef created for snorkelling lies just offshore. The Løverodde stone reef, also known as Bondens rev, consists of 16 piles of stones extending from the very shallow water near the coast to a depth of 4 metres.

Church, megalithic tomb and early history

The oldest parts of Sdr. Stenderup Church probably date from the late 12th century. The church consists of a Romanesque nave and chancel with an apse, as well as a Late Gothic tower. A porch was probably built as part of a major renovation in 1869. Langdyssen is a 21-metre-long and 10-metre-wide megalithic tomb from the Neolithic period with two burial chambers, built around 3200 BC. Skansen is the remains of an early medieval fortification north of Stenderupstrand. Around 50 burial mounds and dolmens are known in the Stenderupskovene surrounding the protected area.

Further destinations: Vojens, Grønninghoved Strand, Jordrup Parish, Almind, Sjølund, Lunderskov, Viuf, Bjert Strand.

To the overview of the wider travel area: Kolding Municipality.