Dragsmur Isthmus, Helgenæs

A slender, wind‑shaped isthmus between two bays, Dragsmur ties Helgenæs to Mols with Ice Age hills, stony shores and quietly protected coastal nature.

4.5

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Dragsmur is the narrow sandy isthmus that almost turns the Helgenæs peninsula into an island, a dramatic Ice Age landscape strung between Begtrup Vig and Aarhus Bay near Knebel. Here low, dune‑like hills, steep coastal slopes and stony beaches meet calm, shallow waters rich in birdlife. The area is managed for nature conservation, with simple camping spots nearby and wide views over sea, coves and the rolling contours of Mols Bjerge on the horizon.

A brief summary to Dragsmur

Olaf Ryes Vej 4, Knebel, 8420, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 5 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear sturdy shoes; much of the shoreline is uneven and very stony, especially if you plan to follow the coast for a longer stretch.
Bring windproof layers even on warm days; the isthmus is exposed and breezes from either bay can make it feel cooler than inland.
Respect protection zones on nearby reefs and keep dogs on a leash in spring and early summer to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

Getting There

Car from Aarhus

From central Aarhus, driving to Dragsmur via the Djursland peninsula typically takes about 50–65 minutes depending on traffic. The route follows main regional roads through Rønde and Mols toward Knebel and Helgenæs. There is no entrance fee or parking charge at the nature area itself, but recent restrictions mean that cars must be left in designated public parking areas slightly away from the most sensitive dunes and beaches.
Bus and walk from Ebeltoft

From Ebeltoft, regional buses run towards Mols and Knebel several times a day, with journey times generally around 30–45 minutes to the nearest stops before Helgenæs. From there, you should expect a further 45–60 minutes of walking on minor roads and paths to reach Dragsmur, mainly on gently undulating terrain. Standard single bus tickets in the region are usually in the range of 30–60 DKK depending on distance. Services are less frequent in evenings and on weekends, so check timetables in advance.
Cycling from Knebel and Mols area

Cycling from Knebel or nearby villages on Mols to Dragsmur is a popular low‑impact option, with typical riding times of 20–40 minutes each way. The route uses quiet country roads with some short hills and occasional strong crosswinds near open stretches, but no technical difficulty. There is no cost beyond any bicycle rental, which in the area commonly ranges from about 100–250 DKK per day depending on type of bike and provider.

Dragsmur location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Mild Temperatures
Any Weather
Cold Weather
Hot Weather

Discover more about Dragsmur

A narrow neck of land between two bays

Dragsmur is a slim strip of land where sea and sky nearly cut Helgenæs free from the mainland. On one side lies the sheltered Begtrup Vig, on the other the more open Aarhus Bay, and between them the ground rises into a series of low, dune‑like knolls and narrow ridges. Walking here, you are never far from the sound of waves, with water visible in both directions and the sense that a strong tide could almost reclaim the peninsula. This is one of the most distinctive coastal landscapes in the Aarhus region. The coastline shifts quickly from sandy stretches with shallow, clear water to stony, wave‑worked shores where pebbles clatter in the surf. To the north you look towards the soft hills of Mols Bjerge, while to the south the land narrows and runs out into Helgenæs and the distant silhouettes of Ellemandsbjerget and Sletterhage Fyr.

Shaped by Ice Age seas and shifting sands

The terrain at Dragsmur owes its character to the last Ice Age and the changing sea levels that followed. The small, volcano‑like mounds and the steep eastern slopes near Ryes Skanser are remnants of an ancient Stone Age shoreline, carved when the sea stood several metres higher than today. Over time, currents carried sand and gravel along the coast, slowly building up the narrow bar that now binds Helgenæs to Mols. Even without specialist knowledge you can read this history in the land. Old coastal cliffs now sit inland, while curved beach ridges and low terraces mark former shorelines. Out in the water to the west, long, shallow reefs and sandbars form important resting and feeding areas for birds and seals, highlighting how dynamic this meeting of land and sea still is.

Nature, birdlife and quiet coastal habitats

Despite its modest size, Dragsmur shelters a variety of habitats. Shallow waters along the shores warm quickly in summer and are popular for wading and simple snorkelling, while the stony seabed further out supports mussels, seaweed and small crustaceans. Wading birds and gulls forage along the tideline, and in spring and autumn many migrating species pause here on their journeys along the Danish coasts. Behind the beach, stretches of coastal grassland and low heath cling to the sandy soils. These open areas, together with nearby protected reefs, are sensitive breeding and resting grounds. Parts of the coastal zone west of Dragsmur are designated for nature protection, so visitors are expected to keep good distance from marked bird reserves and to stay on the dry beach or established paths when moving along the shore.

Walking, simple camping and life by the water

Dragsmur is best experienced at walking pace. Paths and informal tracks lead over the low hills and down to the beaches, offering constantly changing viewpoints. Strong footwear is useful, as long stretches of shore are uneven and stony. For those keen on longer outings, Dragsmur forms a natural gateway into day‑long coastal hikes that trace much of Helgenæs’ 27‑kilometre shoreline. Near the isthmus there is a modest nature camp where small tents can be pitched close to the water. Facilities are basic, and there is no large communal fire ring, but simple cooking fires are allowed on the beach or beside tents when conditions permit and local rules are respected. The mood is informal and close to nature: you fall asleep to the sound of the sea and wake to light over the bay.

Conservation rules and a fragile landscape

In recent years, vehicle access has been tightened to protect the most vulnerable parts of the landscape. Camping with cars and driving on the natural terrain are not permitted, and barriers now keep motor traffic away from sensitive dunes and grassland. Dogs are welcome but must generally be kept on a lead, especially in the bird‑rich breeding season, when nests and chicks are easily disturbed. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly: stick to established tracks where possible, avoid entering marked reserve zones on nearby reefs, and carry out all rubbish. These simple habits help preserve Dragsmur’s quiet, open character, ensuring that the narrow neck of land remains a refuge for both wildlife and those seeking a calm stretch of coast between two bays.

Malmo Live Concert Hall blends iconic Nordic architecture, world-class live music, and a vibrant atmosphere in Malmö, just across the bridge from Copenhagen.

Unmissable attractions to see

Karpenhøj Naturcenter

2.1 km

Hands-on outdoor hub at the foot of Mols Bjerge, where sea, hills and homely farm buildings frame kayaking, bushcraft, shelters and nature learning for all ages.

Fuglsøcentret

2.3 km

Low-key resort and event hub in the heart of Mols Bjerge National Park, blending simple comfort, live music and direct access to heathland trails and sea air.

Sølballegaard

3.7 km

Rural guesthouse and intimate concert farmstead folded into the rolling hills of Mols Bjerge, where Nordic design, quiet nights, and small-scale culture meet.

Trehøje Mols

4.4 km

Three Bronze Age hilltop mounds with sweeping sea-to-sea panoramas, heathland colours and classic glacial scenery in the heart of Mols Bjerge National Park.

Strand Strands

4.4 km

Quietly hidden on the south coast of Djursland, Strands Strand is a gently shelving sandy beach in Begtrup Bay, ideal for calm swims, coastal walks and simple seaside days.

Trehøje Plantage

5.2 km

A small, sheltering forest near Knebel, Trehøje Plantage offers quiet paths, soft light and a calm woodland pause between Mols Bjerge’s open hills and Bronze Age mounds.

Ellemandsbjerget top

5.3 km

Low in altitude but rich in horizons, Ellemandsbjerget crowns Helgenæs with sweeping sea views, quiet forest paths and hints of Denmark’s coastal history.

Mols bjerge

5.5 km

Rolling Ice Age hills, ancient burial mounds and sunlit coasts meet in this varied East Jutland national park, a free, year‑round gateway to wild Danish landscapes.

Tinghule

5.5 km

A dramatic Ice Age kettle hole in the hills of Mols Bjerge, Tinghule blends striking natural form with quiet atmosphere and hints of ancient local gatherings.

P-plads Tinghulen

5.7 km

Simple trailhead car park in the heart of Mols Bjerge, giving instant access to Tinghulen’s kettle hole, heather-clad hills and evocative Ice Age scenery.

Strand Bogens

5.7 km

A modest Djursland shoreline where sea-level calm meets the gentle climb inland toward Fuglsø, offering simple coastal scenery, fresh air and rural quiet.

Molsløbet

5.8 km

A one-day trail-running festival that turns quiet Knebel into the gateway to Mols Bjerge’s steep hills, forest paths and wide-open national park views each September.

Mols

5.8 km

A softly contoured Danish peninsula of hills, heather and shallow bays, where Mols Bjerge’s wild ridges meet quiet villages, manor fields and long, sheltered beaches.

Mols Mountains Holiday Resort

5.9 km

Relaxed holiday base in rural Knebel, placing you within easy reach of Mols Bjerge’s heather‑clad hills, quiet beaches and the atmospheric ruins of Kalø Castle.

Tremosegaard

6.1 km

A peaceful shelter site on the edge of Mols Bjerge National Park, where meadows, a small bog and farm fields create a gentle escape into rural Denmark.

Essential places to dine

Knebel Bro Pizza Grill

5.6 km

Casual harbour-neighbourhood pizzeria and grill in Knebel, serving hearty, inexpensive takeaway classics to sailors, locals and holidaymakers on the Mols peninsula.

Restaurant Mols Bjerge

5.9 km

Authentic Sicilian cuisine and wood-fired pizzas in the heart of Danish countryside, near Mols Bjerge.

Molsboden

8.5 km

A small red beach stand at Femmøller Strand serving burgers, ice cream and local drinks, perfectly placed between Ebeltoft’s calm bay waters and the hills of Mols.

Molskroens Isbod

8.5 km

Casual seaside ice cream stand near Mols Bjerge and Ebeltoft, serving classic Danish soft ice and scoops to beachgoers, walkers and cyclists on sunny days.

Labacate Café

8.5 km

Brazilian warmth, specialty coffee and artisan sourdough in a cozy coastal café just steps from the beach in Femmøller near Ebeltoft.

Molskroen Strandhotel og Molskroens Brasserie

8.7 km

A coastal Danish strandhotel pairing sea views, Nordic comfort and refined local cuisine on the edge of Mols Bjerge National Park near Ebeltoft.

Molskroen Strandhotel og Molskroens Brasserie

Restaurant Skovmøllen Femmøller

8.8 km

Authentic Danish comfort food beside a peaceful mill pond, where tradition meets genuine hospitality.

MolsCafeen

8.9 km

Rural cafe and cozy bed and breakfast on Kølbakken, pairing homely Danish cooking with wide countryside views toward the Mols Bjerge landscape near Ebeltoft.

Restaurant Stockfleth

9.1 km

Harbourfront hygge in a historic fillet factory, serving fresh Danish seafood, hearty classics and steaks with wide Ebeltoft harbour views from terrace and table.

Ristorante Italia

9.6 km

Cosy Italian trattoria in Ebeltoft’s cobbled old town, serving stone-baked pizzas and classic pasta with a summery courtyard that feels surprisingly Mediterranean.

Karens Brasserie

9.6 km

Comforting Danish home cooking and generous brunches by Ebeltoft’s harbour, where casual brasserie dining meets views towards the historic frigate Jylland.

Stenbækhus / mad på Mols

9.7 km

Family-run Danish kitchen celebrating seasonal ingredients and coastal charm in Knebel's welcoming courtyard.

Restaurant Mellem Jyder

9.7 km

Historic 17th-century inn in old-town Ebeltoft serving classic Danish “kromad” with a modern twist amid candlelit stuer and a flower-filled courtyard.

Raadhus Caféen

9.7 km

Cozy café-restaurant by Ebeltoft’s historic town hall, serving coffee, cakes and hearty European–Danish dishes with a relaxed view over the cobbled square.

Restaurant Støvlen

9.9 km

Classic Danish cooking with seasonal flair served in a 300‑year‑old shoemaker’s house and leafy courtyard on Ebeltoft’s cobbled main street.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Mols Haven

3.5 km

A cosy countryside fruit and vegetable store in Knebel, offering seasonal Danish produce and a friendly village welcome on the doorstep of Mols Bjerge.

Miss A - Gaveideer og indretning til dit hjem

6.1 km

Curated gifts and home décor in the heart of scenic Mols Bjerge

Miss A - Gaveideer og indretning til dit hjem

Garn10

6.2 km

A cozy village yarn shop in Knebel where shelves of color, texture, and Nordic fibers invite you to slow down, browse, and bring home a creative Danish souvenir.

Is På Toppen - Outdoor Cykel- og Vandrecafe

7.5 km

Beloved outdoor café and ice cream bar at the edge of Mols Bjerge National Park, renowned among hikers and cyclists for homemade treats and countryside atmosphere.

Is På Toppen - Outdoor Cykel- og Vandrecafe

Bundgaards Vinimport/ Molshonning v/ Ole Bundgaard

8.3 km

Small-scale wine importer and honey producer in a Mols village home, blending European bottles and local Molshonning in a relaxed, personal cellar-style setting.

Bundgaards Vinimport/ Molshonning v/ Ole Bundgaard

Nordic Bar Group

8.5 km

Denmark's trusted supplier of professional bar equipment and sustainable glassware to European hospitality.

Huset Frost

8.5 km

Experience the fusion of gourmet dining and sustainable design at Huset Frost in Ebeltoft.

It’s a Flower Thing

8.6 km

Handcrafted ceramics and seasonal flowers grown in harmony with nature's rhythms.

Havstok

8.6 km

Handcrafted rustic furnishings in Denmark's charming maritime heritage town.

Aktivstrikdesign

8.7 km

Where yarn, community, and Danish hygge come together in a welcoming knitting space.

Nixn

8.7 km

Curated contemporary fashion in charming Danish countryside retail.

EnergyBar.nu

9.0 km

Compact organic food shop in rural Vrinners, specializing in Danish-made energy bars and protein products that power explorations around Knebel and Mols Bjerge.

WestWind Ebeltoft

9.4 km

Coastal clothing and outdoor gear on Ebeltoft’s waterfront road, keeping visitors warm, dry and comfortable for walks, beach days and bay-side adventures.

Troldhedesten

9.4 km

Coastal fitness hub where quality equipment meets active Danish living.

Mols Bolsjer A/S

9.8 km

Cosy old-town sweet shop in Ebeltoft, showcasing handmade Danish boiled candies and licorice from local production, perfect for treats and edible souvenirs.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Mejeriets Bar

5.8 km

Cozy neighbourhood bar and eatery by the harbour in Knebel, offering simple food, evening drinks and a relaxed local atmosphere after days out on Djursland.

Umage Ølbar

9.1 km

Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.

Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar

9.1 km

Former oyster and bubbles bar on Ebeltoft’s old fishing harbour, where luxury shellfish, sparkling wine and maritime history came together in a relaxed coastal setting.

Ebeltoft Strandbar

9.4 km

Laid-back beachfront bar on Ebeltoft Bay, serving simple seaside food, cold drinks and big-sky sunsets just steps from the sand on Strandvejen.

Sir Henry Bodega

9.5 km

Unpretentious Danish bar in Ebeltoft’s cobbled old town, pouring local beers and classic drinks in a cozy, lived-in setting from morning till late.

Toldboden

9.6 km

Relaxed harbourside bar in Ebeltoft, blending maritime character, waterfront views and late-opening drinks in a cosy, casual setting by the marina.

Klub K

9.6 km

Small-town harbor bar turned late-night disco, Klub K keeps Ebeltoft dancing on weekend nights with simple drinks, big beats and an easygoing local vibe.

Den Skæve Bar

9.8 km

A crooked timber-framed pub in Ebeltoft's old town, where live music and garden charm meet Danish hospitality.

Bar Pia

10.0 km

Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in central Ebeltoft, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed glimpse into everyday Danish pub life.

Brewpub på Maltfabrikken

10.0 km

Fresh local beer served beneath the beams of Ebeltoft’s restored red malt factory, where industrial heritage and modern Danish craft brewing meet.

Bodega Kringlen v/Annelise Dalgaard

15.4 km

Unpretentious local bodega on Rønde’s main street, serving cold beer, simple drinks and small-town Danish bar atmosphere late into the evening.

Cirkuskroen

19.5 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Cirkuskroen, a charming bar offering a perfect blend of drinks and local culture.

K

19.5 km

Discover K, the cozy cafe and cocktail bar in Aarhus, where innovative drinks and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.

Peder Wessel

19.5 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Peder Wessel, Aarhus' charming bar with affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.

Trøjborg Kroen

19.5 km

Experience the local beer culture at Trøjborg Kroen, Aarhus's charming beer hall with a diverse selection and inviting ambiance.

Dragsmur Isthmus, Helgenæs

A brief summary to Dragsmur

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Aarhus

Bus and walk from Ebeltoft

Cycling from Knebel and Mols area

Dragsmur location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Dragsmur

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Dragsmur

A narrow neck of land between two bays

Shaped by Ice Age seas and shifting sands

Nature, birdlife and quiet coastal habitats

Walking, simple camping and life by the water

Conservation rules and a fragile landscape

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Olaf Ryes Skanse

Mindesten for Egil Fischer

Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg

Trøjborg Beboerhus

Endless Connection

Bænken med den smukkeste udsigt

Folkehuset Trøjborg

Herman Sallings Plads

Latin Quarter

The Occupation Museum

KØN - Gender Museum Denmark

Aarhus Cathedral

The Infinite Bridge

Marselisborg Deer Park

History Hunts med Hvem.nu

Unmissable attractions to see

Karpenhøj Naturcenter

Fuglsøcentret

Sølballegaard

Trehøje Mols

Strand Strands

Trehøje Plantage

Ellemandsbjerget top

Mols bjerge

Tinghule

P-plads Tinghulen

Strand Bogens

Molsløbet

Mols

Mols Mountains Holiday Resort

Tremosegaard

Essential places to dine

Knebel Bro Pizza Grill

Restaurant Mols Bjerge

Molsboden

Molskroens Isbod

Labacate Café

Molskroen Strandhotel og Molskroens Brasserie

Restaurant Skovmøllen Femmøller

MolsCafeen

Restaurant Stockfleth

Ristorante Italia

Karens Brasserie

Stenbækhus / mad på Mols

Restaurant Mellem Jyder

Raadhus Caféen

Restaurant Støvlen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Mols Haven

Miss A - Gaveideer og indretning til dit hjem

Garn10

Is På Toppen - Outdoor Cykel- og Vandrecafe

Bundgaards Vinimport/ Molshonning v/ Ole Bundgaard

Nordic Bar Group

Huset Frost

It’s a Flower Thing

Havstok

Aktivstrikdesign

Nixn

EnergyBar.nu