Why Als
Als is a Danish island situated in the Baltic Sea, positioned to the east of the Jutland peninsula and north of the German region of Southern Schleswig. Covering an area of 321 square kilometres, the island is surrounded by the Little Belt to the north and east, Flensborg Fjord to the south, and Als Fjord together with the Als Strait to the west. Its terrain features a rich agricultural landscape known for pig farming and fruit orchards, alongside diverse natural settings including western coves such as Dyvig and Hørup Hav, the seven-square-kilometre Northern Forest on the east coast, and Lake Nordborg. The island also hosts significant industry, serving as the base for Danfoss, Denmark's largest industrial enterprise.
Human settlement on Als stretches back to the late Stone Age, evidenced by ancient relics such as the Hjortspring boat from the Bronze or Iron Ages. During the Middle Ages and subsequent centuries, control was divided among noblemen and ducal lines, notably the House of Augustenborg, which grew around Augustenborg Palace built in the 1650s. The island saw various military events, including invasions during the Dano-Swedish War, operations from the Kegnæs lighthouse in the First Schleswig War, and the Battle of Als in 1864. Following a period of Prussian and German administration, Als was reincorporated into Denmark following the 1920 Schleswig plebiscites.
The capital town of Sønderborg sits along the Als Strait and offers a good harbour with active commerce. In the heart of the town, Sønderborg Castle houses a year-round museum documenting local history and culture. Outside the city center lies Sandbjerg Estate, an property formerly owned by regional dukes that was given to Aarhus University in 1954. In Augustenborg, the historic palace now operates as a hospital, featuring entryway exhibits on the town's ducal heritage and offering public summer tours of its chapel.
Als is easily reached from the Danish mainland and neighboring islands. Two road bridges connect Sønderborg across the Als Strait to Jutland: the 331-metre King Christian X's Bridge and the 682-metre Als Strait Bridge. Maritime transport is available via regional ferry routes, connecting Hardeshøj to Ballebro on the mainland, as well as linking Fynshav to Bøjden on Funen and Søby on Ærø.
01 Weather
60°
57°
☔ 98%
64°
56°
☔ 55%
63°
58°
☔ 100%
62°
55°
☔ 93%
61°
53°
☔ 89% 
58°
52°