Ertebjerg: Hawthorn and local history

Ertebjerg combines an unusual natural feature with a specific local history: the Ertebjerg Hvidtjørn, a hawthorn placed under protection in 1958, grows in a dolmen chamber. The plant stands in a field just outside Ertebjerg, opposite the last houses on Rymosevej. The protective designation does not include public access to the site; this is important when planning a visit.

Hawthorn and dolmen chamber

What is special about the Ertebjerg Hvidtjørn is its specific setting: a hawthorn growing in a dolmen chamber; it was placed under protection in 1958. Another name connected with the archaeological theme is Barnakhøj, a freestanding dolmen chamber in the cadastral area of Ertebjerg. The names refer to different things: Hvidtjørn refers to the hawthorn in the chamber, while Barnakhøj refers to the freestanding chamber. The subject therefore ranges from the combination of a living hawthorn and a dolmen chamber to the freestanding Barnakhøj chamber.

Local history in names and records

Ertebjerg is documented under the historical name Ertberge from 1454. In the same year, Duke Adolf granted Ertebjerggård to Peter Stot and his son Jesse for life. The shared year links two distinct aspects: the recorded place name and the lifetime grant of Ertebjerggård. Both details provide a clearly dated point of reference for the local history.

The history of the settlement also includes an agricultural cooperative dairy, founded in 1895, and an inn. The dairy represents cooperatively organized milk production; together with the inn, it adds further aspects of settlement life to the medieval place and property records.

The history of transport also has a specific connection to Ertebjerghav. After reunification in 1920, there was a bridge there for the motorboat “Dania.” The boat operated a route between Fåborg, Ærø, Lyø, Mommark, Ertebjerghav, and Voigt Strand. The bridge and route add a maritime perspective to the local history.

Landscape along Alsstien

For days spent enjoying nature and outdoor activities, Alsstien offers a different perspective. A municipal leaflet from December 2009 describes the 11 km section between Fynshav and Mommark. It crosses fields, runs alongside hedgerows, passes through woodland, and follows the beach; it also offers views across the Little Belt towards Funen and Ærø. The variety of landscapes illustrates the character of the section: open fields, hedgerows, woodland, and beach, as well as views across the water. Route conditions may change, so check the current route before setting out on a walk.

What to consider when looking for accommodation

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Ertebjerg, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: would you like local and cultural history to take center stage, or would you like to include a longer scenic route in your travel plans? Ertebjerg’s points of interest include named historical references and the special connection between hawthorn and dolmen chamber. By contrast, the Alsstien section between Fynshav and Mommark is defined by its length, changing landscapes, and views across the Little Belt.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sønderborg, Mommark, Havnbjerg, Rønshoved, Sottrupskov, Nordborg, Gråsten, Augustenborg.

For the overview of the wider area: Sønderborg Municipality.