The 54 km long Marsksti in Tøndermarsken has achieved the prestigious certification as a "Leading Quality Trail - Best of Europe". This recognition guarantees that the hiking routes meet high standards of quality, attracting hikers from all over Europe to the area.

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Historical background:

Tøndermarsken's history is deeply rooted in its geographical location at the Marsken and the Vidå system. This area, with its drainage canals, locks and pumping stations, plays a crucial role in regulating the water level. The landscape, shaped by the last ice ages, offers a variety of rich marshlands along the coast and the gesture with its nutrient-poor sandy soil. The cities in the area have historically been important trade hubs both nationally and internationally. Unique to Denmark are the towns of Rudbøl and Nørremølle, which are built on dykes to protect them from flooding. The Marskstien takes walkers through parts of the Wadden Sea National Park, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The hiking route:

The hike connects the towns Tønder, Rudbøl, Højer, and Møgeltønder and offers an experience of stepping into another world with open landscapes, rich bird life and nature in full bloom on all sides. The Marskstien can be accessed in stages with the option of shorter round trips, known as loops, or as a combined trip for those with a greater desire to walk and good fitness. For those who want a multi-day trip, it is recommended to start in one of the cities mentioned. It is important to note that the area has limited public transport options.

Facts about Marskstien:

• Length: 54 km
• Certification: “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe”
• Location: Tøndermarsken, part of the Wadden Sea National Park and UNESCO World Heritage
• Cities along the route: Tønder, Rudbøl, Højer, Møgeltønder
• Unique towns built on dykes: Rudbøl and Nørremølle
• Nature app for children: "Nature Adventure", which tells the story of the Sorcerer's Apprentice and the storm surge at Vidåslusen

The Marskstien offers a unique opportunity to experience the Tøndermarsken's unique nature and cultural history up close, while walking through some of Denmark's most breathtaking and historically rich landscapes.

The Marskstien not only offers long hiking routes, but also a number of shorter trail loops that enable hikers to adapt their experiences according to time, interest and physical ability. These trail loops are ideal for those who want to experience the nature and culture of the Tøndermarsken on shorter, more accessible routes. Here is an overview of the different trail loops, each starting and ending at the same point, making them practical for a day trip:

The marsh trail in smaller loops:

Green Path loop (Højer – Højer Lock)

• • Start: Højer Mill
  • Distance: 4.2 km
  • Attractions: Højer, Kiers Farm, Højer Harbour, marsh boats and tilts.
  • Experience dikes, locks and Højer Harbor on this short but informative tour.

Red Trail Loop (Højer – Emmerlev Klev – Vidålusen)

• • Start: Højer Mill
  • Distance: 9.4 km
  • Attractions: The Wadden Sea, UNESCO World Heritage, Det Fremskudte Dige, Vidålusen, Margrethe Kog (protected area).
  • A beautiful trip along the Wadden Sea, which offers historic dykes and fantastic nature.

Black Trail Bow (Højer – Klæggravene – Vidå)

• • Start: Højer Mill
  • Distance: 12 km
  • Attractions: The central part of the Tøndermarsken, Wadden Sea National Park, birds, canals.
  • Ideal for nature lovers who want to see birds and experience the marsh's unique ecosystem.

Green Trail loop (Rudbøl – Rudbøl Lake)

• • • Start: Rudbøl
    • Distance: 2.7 km
    • Attractions: Light, Rudbøl, black sun.
    • A short trip that is perfect for experiencing the fascinating phenomenon of black sun.

• Blue Trail Loop (Rudbøl – Vidå)
  • Start: Rudbøl
  • Distance: 4.2 km
  • Attractions: Rudbøl, boundary stone, Gammel Frederiks Kog, Vidå.
  • Experience the border and moorland landscape as well as the history of the marsh on this relaxed walk.

Red Trail loop (Rudbøl – Border – Old Frederikskog)

• • Start: Rudbøl
  • Distance: 11.4 km
  • Attractions: Boundary stone, Nørremølle, gendarme trail along the border.
  • Walk along the historic gendarme path and experience the culture and nature of the marshes.

Black Path Bow (Rudbøl – Magisterkog)

• • Start: Rudbøl
  • Distance: 14.2 km
  • Attractions: Boundary stone, Rudbøl Lake, Magisterkog, pumping stations.
  • A longer trip that takes you through both Danish and German terrain with rich nature and history.

Black Trail Bow (Tønder – Mold Barrels)

• • Start: The square in Tønder
  • Distance: 11.2 km
  • Attractions: Gesten, Møgeltønder, Schackenborg Castle, Slotsgaden.
  • Connect the historic towns of Tønder and Møgeltønder on this picturesque route.

Red Trail Loop (Tønder – Nørresø – Lægan Pump Station)

• • Start: Lægan Pumping Station
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Attractions: Nørresø, breeding grounds for the bill, Ubjerg.
  • A scenic route around Nørresø with ample opportunities for bird watching.

These trail loops are color-coded by length, with green marking the shortest routes and black the longest, making it easy to choose a route that suits your needs and interests. Whether you are into short, family-friendly trips or longer challenges, the Marskstien offers something for everyone.