Hejlsminde between Beach, Inlet and Harbour

Hejlsminde combines an excellent beach with maritime experiences, protected natural areas and a local history that reaches back to its development into a holiday and excursion destination. Here, you can combine days by the water with nature observation, windsurfing, cycling or a look at historical traces.

Beach, Harbour and Water Sports

Hejlsminde beach is located in the centre of the town, close to the harbour and the old seaside hotel. It has been awarded the Blue Flag and offers good bathing water quality, a bathing jetty, a wheelchair ramp into the water, a kiosk, a toilet and an accessible toilet. The fine sand and the shallow coastal waters with a sandy and stony seabed characterise this stretch of coast.

Those planning active days will find specific opportunities at the harbour, at the Dunkerbeck Windsurfing Center and at Mindegården. Hejlsminde harbour offers good conditions for windsurfing and stand-up paddling; there is also access to a slipway. The Dunkerbeck Windsurfing Center in Hejlsminde rents out equipment and offers windsurfing and stand-up paddling courses. At Mindegården, windsurfers will find extensive shallow waters and plenty of space on the beach for rigging.

Nature around Hejlsminde Inlet

The route around Hejlsminde Inlet passes through a unique natural area. Along the way, you can look out for white-tailed eagles and marsh harriers; orchids bloom in early summer. At Noret, there is a two-storey birdwatching tower with views across Hejls Inlet. Noret itself is a wildlife reserve with a diverse bird and plant life. The area consists of a hilly moraine landscape that was formerly used for agriculture.

A different landscape awaits you in Vargårde Forest. The forest is considered a steep-slope forest typical of East Jutland, with tall beech trees and beautiful steep slopes along the Little Belt. You are allowed to pitch your tent there free of charge. It may also be possible to spot harbour porpoises hunting along the coast of the Little Belt. The Hejls Inlet/Mindet area, Hejlsminde Bay, the coast and the holiday home areas are part of Natura 2000, the F47 Little Belt bird protection area and the R15 Little Belt Ramsar site.

Tours, Regattas and Maritime Discoveries

For cycle tourists, the Østkystruten, Route T19, is interesting; it ends in Hejlsminde. Weekly sailing regattas take place in the town. During the season, the Viking ship Freja Byrding has its permanent berth in Hejlsminde marina. A sailing trip around Brandsø is another way to get to know the maritime surroundings.

Hejlsminde Bay is suitable for good spring and winter fishing. Conditions can be favourable because of the freshwater flowing out of Hejls Inlet; the protection zone must be observed. This allows peaceful days in nature and sporting activities to be enjoyed in different ways depending on the season.

A Place with History

Hejlsminde Badehotel was built in 1912 and is now considered a landmark of the town. The Kolding–Hejlsminde railway line was established in 1911. It helped the fishing village develop into a popular holiday and excursion destination because of its location by the water. After the loss of the southern Jutland territories, Hejlsminde became a border town; the Danish-German border ran through the lock outlet.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Hejlsminde, you can initially be guided by your preferred activities. Those who mainly want to spend their stay by the water should look for a beach, harbour and opportunities for windsurfing or stand-up paddling. For nature-oriented excursions, Hejls Inlet, Noret, the observation tower and Vargårde Forest are the main attractions. Cycle tourists can incorporate the route of Route T19 into their plans, while visitors interested in culture can discover the seaside hotel, the maritime history and the traces of the former border town.

For further travel planning, you can also view the destination pages for Almind, Lejrskov, Sjølund, Bjert Strand, Binderup, Lunderskov, Vamdrup and Christiansfeld.

For the overarching travel overview: Kolding Municipality.