The Danish border is just 15 minutes from Villa Boreal — and beyond it lies another country. Colourful harbour towns, miles of sandy beaches, the cosy Sønderjylland region and the island of Rømø, the largest nature oasis on the Danish North Sea coast. We have put together three day trips that fit well in terms of timing and form a coherent route — from a cultural city stroll to a family adventure.
WHY DENMARK?
Another kingdom on your doorstep
The border region between Flensburg and Sønderjylland is a cultural crossover: German and Danish language, history and architecture interlock. A day trip to Denmark is therefore more than just a holiday outing — it is a small journey through the eventful history of both countries.
Tip: an ID card is sufficient for entry. In Denmark you pay by card (even small amounts), the Danish krone (DKK) is the official currency — Euros are often accepted close to the border.
Three day routes — three moods
Culture · Nature · Family
Each route is designed for one day (8–10 hours from Villa Boreal) and combines worthwhile places into a logical loop. All routes start and end in Bockholm — without rush, with time for lunch on location.
Sønderborg, Alsen & Augustenborg Castle
Royal history on the Alsen Sound
A route for those who love history and atmosphere: Sønderborg with its Royal Castle on the water, the stately Augustenborg and a stroll through the cosy town centre with cafés and harbour promenade.
DURATION
8–9 h
KM
~120
FOR
Couples · Culture
Arrival Sønderborg
Across the border at Krusau (15 min.), then north on the Danish E45 — about an hour's drive. Park at the harbour, then walk through the Perlegade pedestrian street.
Tip: Breakfast at Café Druen overlooking the marina.
Sønderborg Harbour
Sønderborg, DKRoute
Sønderborg Slot — Museum & History
One of Denmark's most important castle museums. Here you can experience German-Danish history up close — from the Schleswig wars to the 1920 reunification. Right on the Alsen Sound with views of Dybbøl.
Tip: Admission approx. 100 DKK, combined ticket with Dybbøl Mill available.
Sønderborg Slot
Sønderbro 1, 6400 SønderborgRoute
Smørrebrød at the harbour
At Restaurant Bind eller Brand or Café Penny Lane you get classic Danish smørrebrød with herring, roast beef or smoked salmon — freshly prepared, with a glass of Hvidtøl.
Restaurant Bind eller Brand
Rådhustorvet 7, 6400 SønderborgRoute
Augustenborg Slot & Park
20 min. northwest lies the white baroque palace Augustenborg, once residence of the ducal line Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg. The castle park is freely accessible.
Tip: Then a short stop at Augustenborg harbour — perfect for an ice cream.
Augustenborg Slot
Slotsallé 22, 6440 AugustenborgRoute
Back to Bockholm
Via Gråsten (with the royal summer residence palace) back to the border. Arrival Villa Boreal around 19:30.
Villa Boreal
Berglyk 8, 24960 GlücksburgRoute
Rømø Island, Tønder & the Marshes
Vast beaches & UNESCO Wadden Sea
Those seeking the great nature experience head west: Tønder as a cosy marsh town and the island of Rømø with the widest sandy beach in Northern Europe — where you can even drive your car. A route for nature lovers and photographers.
DURATION
9–10 h
KM
~250
FOR
Nature lovers
Across the border to Tønder
About a 1.5-hour drive via Flensburg and Padborg. Tønder is the oldest town in Sønderjylland (town rights 1243) — known for lacework and the Tønder Festival.
Tønder Old Town
6270 Tønder, DKRoute
Old town & Tønder Museum
Stroll through the cobbled Østergade with its historic townhouses. The Tønder Museum (water tower view!) shows art by Hans J. Wegner and Frisian tradition.
Tip: Lunch at Café Victoria or Hagge's Music Pub.
Tønder Museum
Kongevej 51, 6270 TønderRoute
Rømødæmningen — the causeway to the island
The 9 km causeway leads to Rømø island. To the left, the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea; to the right, often seals on the sandbanks. First stop: Lakolk Beach.
Rømødæmningen
Rømø, DKRoute
Driving on the beach
Sønderstrand on Rømø is several kilometres wide and open to cars — a unique experience. Fly kites, try beach sailing, or simply walk barefoot through the endless expanse.
Tip: Pack sturdy shoes and a windbreaker — the wind comes straight off the North Sea.
Sønderstrand Rømø
6792 Rømø, DKRoute
Back via Højer & Süderlügum
On the way home, a stop at Højer Sluse (Marsh Museum & old lock) is worthwhile. Arrival Villa Boreal around 20:00.
Højer Sluse
6280 Højer, DKRoute
Legoland Billund & Givskud Zoo
The big family day in Central Jutland
For families with children: Legoland Billund — the absolute classic — combined with the Givskud Zoo & Safari Park nearby. A long but unforgettable day. Tip: travel outside Danish school holidays if possible.
DURATION
10–11 h
KM
~340
FOR
Families
Onto the E45
Start as early as possible: via Padborg onto the E45 northbound. Pure driving time approx. 2 hours to Billund. Breakfast on the way at Hovborg Kro rest stop.
Villa Boreal
Berglyk 8, 24960 GlücksburgRoute
The classic for young & old
Over 65 million Lego bricks, roller coasters, Miniland with replicas of landmarks from around the world, themed worlds from Pirates to Ninjago. Plan a full 5–6 hours.
Tip: Online tickets are cheaper (~10–15% discount). Tickets from ~389 DKK / child from ~349 DKK.
Legoland Billund
Nordmarksvej 9, 7190 BillundRoute
Alternative: Givskud Zoo & Safari
If you're tired of Legoland or prefer animals: 15 min. north of Billund lies Givskud Zoo. Drive your own car through lion, bear and zebra enclosures — a real safari experience.
Tip: Givskud also works as a full-day alternative to Legoland.
Givskud Zoo
Løveparkvej 3, 7323 GiveRoute
Home via the E45
Straight back on the E45 — arrival Villa Boreal around 19:30–20:00. Tired but happy.
Tip: Take snacks and water for the drive home — the kids usually fall asleep within the first 30 minutes.
Villa Boreal
Berglyk 8, 24960 GlücksburgRoute
Conclusion
Three routes, three worlds — and all just a stone's throw from Villa Boreal. Whether you choose the royal history of Sønderborg, the vastness of Rømø or the family delights of Legoland: Denmark is always worth a day trip from Bockholm. Plan your stay on the fjord and discover the best of two countries.
