Discover Augustenborg: Art, Palace Gardens and Nature

Augustenborg on Als in Southern Jutland combines ducal history, art and varied landscapes. Those planning a trip with cultural discoveries, walks and experiences by the water will find a range of options here for a varied stay. The Duke’s Route provides useful orientation: the 1.8-kilometre circular walk can be followed independently through Storegade and Slotsallé, around Augustenborg Palace, through the palace gardens and past the Augustiana Art Museum.

Along the route, you can also observe traditional craftsmanship being carried out as part of the restoration of historic houses. Construction signs at the sites explain the history of the buildings and their restoration. Storegade in particular is characterised by 13 listed buildings and 29 buildings worthy of preservation; there, they form an almost uninterrupted row. This allows you to combine a walk with architectural impressions and historical details without needing an extensive programme.

Palace, Church and Art in Augustenborg

Augustenborg Palace was built between 1770 and 1776. Augustenborg Palace Church is an integral part of the uniformly designed Baroque palace. Inside, the pulpit, altar and organ are grouped together at the eastern end to form what is known as a pulpit altar. A small museum at the bell tower provides insight into the history of the ducal family of Augustenborg.

The art scene also offers several different points of interest. Augustiana Art Park and Kunsthal at Augustenborg Palace presents modern art, changing exhibitions, as well as various art projects and events. KunstPunkt presents changing exhibitions all year round featuring local, national and international artists. At KunstVærket in Augustenborg, almost 43 artists work in various art forms and studios. On the last weekend of each month and at Easter, KunstVærket opens its doors to guests and art enthusiasts; there, you can discover visual art, ceramics, photography and a printmaking workshop.

Brovold is suitable for a historical detour; it is a listed archaeological monument from the Early Middle Ages. It was located at a ford and a trading site within the protective rampart and is open to the public. From 1 May to 30 October, the site is fenced off because of grazing livestock. If you plan to visit this place, you should take the stated period into account when planning your day.

Park, Fjord and Nature Experiences

The palace gardens feature several characteristic design elements. The formal section was laid out as a French-inspired Baroque garden and includes hedges and parterres, vases, statues, straight gravel paths, temples and a triumphal arch. At the same time, the palace gardens are designed in the English style and include several rare trees and shrubs. The park is accessible from the palace and via Palævej. Along the fjord, a waterfront promenade leads from the park to the harbour and into the town.

Badehusene adds a different landscape impression. The town’s old bathing establishment now serves as a town beach and is used all year round. It includes a small sandy beach, a sun deck with bathing huts and a bathing jetty. In winter, the town’s winter bathers also swim there. This allows you to complement a stay in the palace gardens or at the art venues with a special stop by the water.

Lillehav and the innermost part of Augustenborg Fjord are ideal for observing nature. They are a wildlife reserve. During the winter half of the year, large flocks of tufted ducks and pochards, as well as individual scaups, can be observed there. Augustenborg Forest is a Natura 2000 site and provides a habitat for many birds. Depending on the season, you can therefore focus your stay more strongly on art and local history or on the park, fjord and birdwatching.

Augustenborg as a Base for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Augustenborg, it is worth deciding on your daily plans first. The Duke’s Route is suitable for a compact circular walk featuring historic houses, palace gardens and art. For longer stays, you can also include the exhibitions, Badehusene and the nature areas. Families can combine different interests: while some travellers explore art and architecture, the park, promenade and waterscape offer a different setting for the day. Your specific choice of accommodation should be based on your preferred travel pace and personal priorities.

If you would like to see other places in addition to Augustenborg, you can find Rinkenæs, Mjels, Skelde, Oksbøl, Broager, Asserballeskov, Nordborg and Egernsund here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Sønderborg Municipality.