Søttrup: Farms, Paths and History

Søttrup’s history begins with eight farms, one of which operated a blacksmith’s forge. The farms represent different chapters in the village’s history: families lived on individual properties for generations, while others were rebuilt after a fire or came about through the amalgamation of farms. Those interested in rural history will find a tangible reason here to explore these different developments.

Eight Farms and Their Stories

Sottrup By 12 was formerly a Løgumkloster leasehold farm, where the Marcussen family lived from 1750 to 1897. Sottrup By 13 was formerly a Løgumkloster smallholder’s holding; a blacksmith lived there in the 18th century. These two farm stories connect different historic properties with the craft of blacksmithing.

After a fire in 1930, Bonnich Nicolaisen built Sottrup By 17. The farm was created by combining two farms. Sottrup By 18 was taken over by Bahne Nicolaisen in 1845 and later became the family farm of a branch of the Nicolaisen family. Sottrup By 22 has been an emigrant farm since 1875.

The allocation of individual farms also tells a story about the farm structure of the time: Sottrup By 14, cadastral number 6, was the Sottrup farm that was subordinate to Lindeved. The former inn in Søttrup was also a large farm and stood at the corner of Østergårdsvej and Sottrupvej. It is part of the village’s history, not a statement about present-day use or access.

Old Paths, Museum and Church

The historic hiking route “Ad gamle veje og stier (Nordøst)” follows the old road that connected Sottrup with Lendemark. In addition to the farm stories, it brings an earlier link between the places into focus. Nearby, the museum “Mellem Slesvigs Grænser” covers the history of the area between the Kongeå and the Eider, from the Stone Age to the Second World War. This also includes South German settlers, known as “potato Germans.”

In nearby Bylderup stands Bylderup Church, a Late Romanesque district church with an apse, chancel and nave. It also has a slightly later extension to the west and a tower built in 1686. Contact is required to visit; information at the entrance tells you whom to contact. The church thus combines a specific architectural detail with a practical consideration for visitors.

Water and Nature Nearby

In nearby Bylderup-Bov, canoes can be launched at Ålykke for the stretch of the Slogs Å up to its mouth at the Grønå. Another canoe route, Grønå, passes through a cultural landscape and goes past, among other places, the small village of Nolde, west of Bylderup Bov. The painter Emil Nolde came from there.

The nearby Ålandets Idrætscenter & Naturbad includes a 560 m² freshwater swimming area and a newly created beach; the facility opened in 2025. Nearby Lendemark Skov has an activity trail, a shelter site and access to a new bridge over the Slogs Å. These destinations offer different experiences: swimming and a beach, exercise in the forest, or a route along the river.

The Vidåen river system offers another distinct focus. It is 90 km long, has eight branches and offers a wide range of fishing opportunities. If you plan to fish there, check the applicable fishing permits and day tickets in advance.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Søttrup, consider which experiences you would like to shape your stay: the history of the farms, cultural destinations such as the museum and church, or activities by the water. The farm stories give the village’s history its own distinctive focus; nearby destinations add other themes.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Rødekro, Hellevad, Bolderslev, Padborg, Genner Strand, Tinglev, Bylderup-Bov, Varnæs

Return to the main travel overview: Aabenraa Municipality.