The Deer Park at Haderslev
One of the largest deer parks in Denmark, where you can go for long walks and enjoy the view of Haderslev Lake.
The Tunnel Valley and Hiking Routes
Photo: VisitHaderslev
The tunnel valley is situated close to the city, near Haderslev Lake. This recreational area is home to one of Denmark's largest deer parks, Restaurant Damende, a world-class MTB trail and Tørning Mølle (a historical and cultural centre). Here visitors are welcome to hike, run and cycle.
A natural sanctuary for everyone from 0-95.
The Haderslev tunnel valley extends over a distance of 25 km, from Haderslev to Vojens. This recreational area is used by many local inhabitants. A network of small roads and paths provides ample opportunities for everyone to experience the natural environment – on two legs or on two wheels! The best viewpoint (named Queen Margrethe II’s viewpoint) is in the deer park close to Geheimerådens Path. From here, you can see across Haderslev Lake and glimpse Restaurant Damende on the other side. Lake boat Dorothea sails on Haderslev Lake from Easter to October. A voyage with Dorothea is a fantastic natural experience. You can go ashore at one of three jetties: at Danhostel Haderslev (youth hostel), at Bergs Plads or at Restaurant Damende. Canoers are also welcome to use the jetties. Hire a canoe from Danhostel.
Experiences around Tunneldalen
Four signposted hiking routes in the tunnel valley
While there are many enchanting paths in the tunnel valley, there are also four major signposted routes that take you to many beauty spots in this area. For a map of the hiking routes, click here to access a Danish Nature Agency brochure.
The Haderslev Lake Route – 12.5 km
From Haderslev, the route takes you along the south side of Haderslev Lake. From Erlev, the route follows Geheimerådens Sti, a path laid in 1932. This route brings you to Bergs Plads where there is a large shelter, several fire rings, tables and benches and two canoe jetties. This route also takes you past Sophie’s Kilde, a natural spring. The spring water is cold and safe to drink. Further on, you enter the deer park where you will find herds of grazing red and fallow deer. At Nørreskovgård, there are fine views across Haderslev Lake. There is a large picnic cabin, a natural playground and a public toilet. The route continues crossing the Hindemaj dam to Restaurant Damende. The route takes you via Fredsted, a small hamlet, back to Haderslev. At the old hospital, the route diverts down to the lakeside where you can enjoy the bird life. If you are lucky, you may spot a White-tailed Eagle, a frequent visitor here, or get a glimpse of lake boat Dorothea.
The Stevning Lake Route – 8 km
From the Thyrashul car park, this route takes you along Dybdals Stream through a steep-sided valley. On the stretch of path between Thyrashul and Tørning Mølle, there is a narrow path (not suitable for cycles or prams/pushchairs). In the autumn the path is often muddy. Part of this route crosses meadows with grazing cattle. To the north of Stevning Lake, there is a wonderful panorama across the lake, forest and meadows. At Tørning Mølle cultural and historical centre, you can visit the Miller's House. Tørning Mølle is open from 1 June until 14 August from 13:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Opposite the mill, the Bailiff’s House houses an indoor exhibition of the local natural environment, its history and local sights. There is a public toilet here and a touchscreen infopoint. From Tørning Mølle, hikers follow the route through Sandkule woods to a village, Gammel Ladegård. Turn back towards Thyrashul and the route takes you through the upper reaches of the tunnel valley. This is hilly wooded terrain with valleys and meadows. The intersection with the Hærvejen hiking route leads to Vojens.
The Christiansdal Route – 7.5 km
This hiking route starts at Tørning Mølle. From here, you walk in the direction of Christiansdal. For part of the way you follow a canal that was built in 1862 to bring water from Stevning Lake to the Christiansdal hydroelectric power station. The route takes you south of Christiansdal, crossing Tørning Stream at a wooden bridge beneath the towering concrete pylons of the motorway bridge. The hydroelectric power station is open to the public every Thursday from 1 June until 14 August, 10:00-14:00. The route takes you to Hindemaj Lake and follows Tørning Canal, which was built in 1935 when the lake was drained. From Haderslev Lake, the route takes you up through the woods and across fields to Hammelev. From here, you follow the old church path back to Tørning Mølle.
The Hindemaj Lake Route - 4.5 km
Your hike starts at the car park north of Hindemaj Lake. You start by following the canal to Haderslev Lake. This canal was built in 1935 when Hindemaj Lake was drained. In a later natural restoration project, Hindemaj was returned Hindemaj to its natural state, i.e. a shallow lake. The route takes you along the western shores of Haderslev Lake and up into Pamhule, the largest forest in this area. You traverse the woods via a plantation of pines. ultimately crossing Bibæk Stream that meanders peacefully through the undulating woodlands.
