Tyskertårnet, Helgenæs
A rugged World War II radar tower on Helgenæs, where concrete fortifications, sweeping sea views and the rolling hills of Mols Bjerge meet on a windswept headland.
Tyskertårnet is a World War II German radar tower standing on the rugged Helgenæs peninsula near Sletterhage Lighthouse, in Mols Bjerge National Park. This concrete fortification crowns a low hill above the Kattegat, offering sweeping views towards Samsø, Tunø, Aarhus Bay and the Odder coast. Combined with the shoreline paths, bunkers and hilly grasslands, it is an evocative mix of military history, coastal scenery and short but sometimes steep walks.
A brief summary to Tyskertårnet
- Tyskertårnet, Capellavej, Knebel, 8420, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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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: the climb from the beach up to Tyskertårnet can be steep, uneven and slippery in wet or windy weather.
- Aim for clear weather if you can; on good days you may see as far as Samsø, Tunø, Aarhus Bay and the Odder coast from the hilltop.
- Combine the tower with nearby Sletterhage Lighthouse for a varied circular walk that mixes shoreline, hills and wartime remains.
- Bring windproof layers even in summer, as the exposed headland and hill can feel significantly cooler than sheltered inland spots.
- Pack water and snacks; there are no services at the tower itself, and you will likely want to linger and enjoy the views.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Ebeltoft
From Ebeltoft town, driving to Tyskertårnet on Helgenæs typically takes about 30–40 minutes, following local roads across Mols and out along the peninsula. The route is on standard paved roads suitable for all vehicles, with some narrow stretches near the end. Parking is usually done near Sletterhage Lighthouse or along Capellavej, both free of charge; from there you continue on foot via waymarked coastal paths to the tower. There are no tolls and no entrance fee at the site.
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Bus plus walk from Aarhus region
From Aarhus, you can use regional buses towards Ebeltoft or Knebel and connect to local services serving Helgenæs; total travel time typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on connections and season. A single adult ticket on regional buses is usually around 40–80 DKK, with discounts using regional travel cards. Services can be infrequent, especially on weekends and holidays, so checking timetables in advance is essential. Expect a final walk of 2–4 km on minor roads and coastal paths to reach the tower from the nearest bus stop.
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Cycling from Mols Bjerge area
Cyclists based in the Mols Bjerge area often ride to Helgenæs and Tyskertårnet as part of a scenic loop. From central Knebel to the tower, allow around 45–70 minutes each way, including some short, steep climbs and exposed sections where wind can be strong. The route follows a mix of minor paved roads and, near the end, unsurfaced tracks where wider tyres are helpful. There is no fee to visit, but carry water and lights if returning late, as roadside lighting is limited outside villages.
Tyskertårnet location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Tyskertårnet
A wartime radar tower on a Danish headland
Tyskertårnet is a squat, bunker-like concrete tower on the Helgenæs peninsula, once part of a German radar installation during World War II. Built to control and monitor ship traffic through the busy waters of Aarhus Bay and the Kattegat, it formed a link in a chain of coastal defenses that stretched along Denmark’s shoreline. The thick walls, narrow openings and utilitarian form are functional rather than decorative, clearly shaped by military priorities. The structure stands slightly inland from the coast, raised on a hill that provides a natural vantage point. Around it you can still sense traces of the broader fortification system: embankments, scattered concrete remains and the outlines of former gun positions. Together they tell a compact but tangible story of occupied Denmark and the strategic importance of Helgenæs in controlling maritime routes.Views across sea, islands and rolling hills
What once offered tactical overview today gives wide-open panoramas. From the tower and surrounding hilltop, your gaze sweeps across the Kattegat towards Samsø and Tunø on clear days, and back inland to the undulating landscape of Mols Bjerge. The combination of sea, sky and low, rounded hills creates a sense of space that feels much larger than the tower itself. On blustery days the wind can be brisk, bringing the smell of salt and seaweed up from the stony shoreline below. In softer weather, the sunlight shifts over the water and the mosaic of fields and heathland around Helgenæs. The open horizon and constant movement of ships and ferries give the site a dynamic backdrop, a peaceful contrast to its martial origin.Paths, gradients and the character of the walk
Tyskertårnet is often combined with a walk from nearby Sletterhage Lighthouse, following a path along the beach before climbing into the hilly terrain. The route is relatively short but can feel surprisingly demanding in places, with some steep, sandy or stony stretches as you ascend from the shore up to the tower. Good footwear is useful, especially in wet or windy conditions. Once on the higher ground, the walking becomes easier, following grassy tracks and informal desire paths across open slopes. The landscape has a slightly wild, windswept feel, with low vegetation, patches of heath and scattered shrubs rather than dense woodland. It gives the experience more of a coastal hike than a casual promenade, while still remaining accessible to most reasonably fit visitors.Traces of conflict in a peaceful national park
Although the military function has long since disappeared, the tower remains a stark reminder of the 1940s. Its presence within today’s protected landscape underlines how thoroughly the area has been reinterpreted: from a strategic outpost to a place for reflection, picnics and photography. The simple, robust forms of concrete and earthwork contrast with the soft curves of the hills and the constant play of light on the sea. Interpretive information about the wartime role of Helgenæs can be found through regional nature and heritage guides, which place Tyskertårnet within wider defensive lines, nearby bunkers and other remains from the same period. Many visitors choose to link their stop here with other viewpoints in Mols Bjerge, turning it into part of a broader exploration of both natural and cultural landscapes.Planning your visit to the tower
The site is unfenced and outdoors, with no formal ticketing, and is typically visited during the day, when the views are at their best. The exposed position means weather matters: clear or partly sunny days showcase the long-distance vistas, while mist and low clouds can lend the place a more introspective, atmospheric mood. Windproof clothing is advisable most of the year, and in summer the open slopes can feel quite warm in full sun. Facilities directly at the tower are minimal, but basic amenities are available at Sletterhage Lighthouse and other points on Helgenæs, making it easy to combine the tower with rest stops, picnics or a longer coastal circuit. Whether you stay briefly for the view or linger to trace the outlines of wartime defenses, Tyskertårnet offers a compact, evocative encounter with both history and landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Olaf Ryes Skanse
7.0 km
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Mindesten - Morten Madsen
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Mindesten for Egil Fischer
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Oasen Samsø
16.3 km
Discover tranquility and island charm at Oasen Samsø, a unique retreat offering comfortable accommodations, natural beauty, and a rich cultural experience on Denmark's sustainable island.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
18.1 km
Experience fresh, locally sourced seafood with stunning harbor views at Restaurant Mårup Havn, a culinary gem on the scenic island of Samsø, Denmark.
Marselisborgmonumentet
20.0 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Flagpladsen
20.3 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Marselisborg Castle
20.3 km
Marselisborg Castle is the Danish royal family’s summer residence, surrounded by public gardens and parkland near central Aarhus, blending history, heritage, and tranquility.
Endless Connection
20.4 km
Experience the dynamic interplay of art and water at Aarhus's Endless Connection, an interactive fountain by Jeppe Hein.
Aarhus waterfront
20.4 km
Aarhus Waterfront blends urban vibrancy, Nordic design, and harbor heritage with panoramic sea views and lively promenades, making it a quintessential Danish experience.
Udsigtspladsen
20.4 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Herman Sallings Plads
20.4 km
Aarhus’s vibrant harborfront plaza, bridging the historic city and the modern waterfront, alive with urban energy, culture, and panoramic views.
Frederiks Plads
20.5 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Latin Quarter
20.5 km
Winding cobblestone streets, historic facades, and a creative spirit fill Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, the city’s oldest district and its cultural heartbeat.
The Occupation Museum
20.6 km
Malmo Live Concert Hall offers world-class music, architecture, and vibrant city energy in the heart of Malmö, steps from the waterfront and cultural highlights.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kanonstilling
0.3 km
Evocative World War II coastal gun position on a Knebel hilltop, where stark concrete bunkers meet sweeping Kattegat views in Mols Bjerge National Park.
Sletterhage Fyr.
1.0 km
Active lighthouse at the tip of Helgenæs, where ships pass close to shore, glacial cliffs meet the Kattegat, and wide coastal views invite slow walks and quiet watching.
Strand Sletterhage
1.5 km
A long, stone-fringed beach at the tip of Helgenæs, where open horizons, passing ships and wind-brushed skies create a raw, elemental slice of Danish coastline.
Helgenæs
1.6 km
Remote-feeling Danish peninsula where rugged cliffs, lighthouses and farmed hills meet star-filled night skies and some of Djursland’s most atmospheric coastal hikes.
Ellemandsbjerget top
1.9 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.
Dragsmur
7.2 km
A slender, wind‑shaped isthmus between two bays, Dragsmur ties Helgenæs to Mols with Ice Age hills, stony shores and quietly protected coastal nature.
Karpenhøj Naturcenter
9.3 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
9.4 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.
Strand Strands
9.8 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.
Sølballegaard
10.9 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.
Issehoved
11.1 km
Windswept tip of Samsø where rolling hills meet open Kattegat horizons and the island narrows to a pebble‑fringed point of sea, light and sky.
Trehøje Mols
11.6 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.
Ahl Strand, Mols Mountains National Park
11.7 km
A gentle, shallow beach on Ebeltoft Vig where Mols Bjerge’s ice‑age landscapes meet calm bay waters, inviting unhurried walks, wading and quiet birdlife watching.
Flintsmeden
11.9 km
Working Stone Age flint workshop and intimate archaeology, fossil and mineral museum in the rolling countryside of Mols near Knebel.
Trehøje Plantage
12.4 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.
Essential places to dine
Knebel Bro Pizza Grill
11.9 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
12.7 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and wood-fired pizzas in the heart of Danish countryside, near Mols Bjerge.
Stenbækhus / mad på Mols
13.4 km
Family-run Danish kitchen celebrating seasonal ingredients and coastal charm in Knebel's welcoming courtyard.
Restaurant Stockfleth
13.7 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
14.1 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
14.3 km
Comforting Danish home cooking and generous brunches by Ebeltoft’s harbour, where casual brasserie dining meets views towards the historic frigate Jylland.
Restaurant Mellem Jyder
14.3 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
14.3 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
14.5 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.
Jernbanegrillen
14.5 km
No‑frills Danish grill bar in the heart of Ebeltoft, serving generous burgers, flæskesteg sandwiches and classic fast food at fair prices all day.
Manzana Tapas Bar
14.6 km
Intimate Spanish tapas and sangria on Ebeltoft’s cobbled main street, blending Mediterranean flavours with Danish hygge in a warm, social dining setting.
Lundbergs Spisehus
14.7 km
Laid‑back Nordic cooking, freshly baked bread and courtyard vibes inside Ebeltoft’s red‑brick Maltfabrikken creative hub.
Kjøbstaden
14.7 km
Relaxed bistro-style dining in an old-town Ebeltoft building, blending rustic French flavours with Danish classics in a warm, hygge-filled atmosphere.
Ristorante Bellini
14.7 km
Lively Italian trattoria on Ebeltoft’s main square, serving stone‑baked pizzas, generous pasta dishes and classic desserts in a cosy, family‑friendly setting.
Restauranter I Nordby
15.1 km
Authentic Danish cuisine in a warm, unpretentious setting with generous portions and genuine hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mols Haven
10.1 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.
Nordic Bar Group
11.1 km
Denmark's trusted supplier of professional bar equipment and sustainable glassware to European hospitality.
Bundgaards Vinimport/ Molshonning v/ Ole Bundgaard
11.7 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.
Miss A - Gaveideer og indretning til dit hjem
12.9 km
Curated gifts and home décor in the heart of scenic Mols Bjerge
Garn10
13.0 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.
WestWind Ebeltoft
13.9 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.
Mols Bolsjer A/S
14.4 km
Cosy old-town sweet shop in Ebeltoft, showcasing handmade Danish boiled candies and licorice from local production, perfect for treats and edible souvenirs.
Is På Toppen - Outdoor Cykel- og Vandrecafe
14.6 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.
Casa Tua ved Kæret
15.1 km
Artisanal ice cream in a tranquil garden—Samsø's most cherished frozen treat destination.
Huset Frost
15.2 km
Experience the fusion of gourmet dining and sustainable design at Huset Frost in Ebeltoft.
It’s a Flower Thing
15.3 km
Handcrafted ceramics and seasonal flowers grown in harmony with nature's rhythms.
Havstok
15.3 km
Handcrafted rustic furnishings in Denmark's charming maritime heritage town.
Aktivstrikdesign
15.7 km
Where yarn, community, and Danish hygge come together in a welcoming knitting space.
Nixn
15.8 km
Curated contemporary fashion in charming Danish countryside retail.
EnergyBar.nu
16.0 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mejeriets Bar
11.6 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
13.7 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
13.7 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
14.0 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
14.0 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
14.2 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
14.2 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
14.3 km
A crooked timber-framed pub in Ebeltoft's old town, where live music and garden charm meet Danish hospitality.
Bar Pia
14.6 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in central Ebeltoft, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed glimpse into everyday Danish pub life.
Brewpub på Maltfabrikken
14.7 km
Fresh local beer served beneath the beams of Ebeltoft’s restored red malt factory, where industrial heritage and modern Danish craft brewing meet.
Samsø Bryghus
15.1 km
Organic farm brewery and countryside café on Samsø, serving house beers and field‑fresh dishes in a relaxed courtyard of converted farm buildings.
Thorkilds
20.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Thorkilds, the local bar renowned for its friendly atmosphere and affordable drinks.
LA Tequila Bar Aarhus
20.4 km
California beach vibes and tequila culture in the heart of Aarhus—where tropical cocktails meet Scandinavian nightlife.
Escobar
20.5 km
Tiny, sticker-plastered rock bar on Skolegade pouring affordable beers, loud guitars and late-night camaraderie in the heart of Aarhus’ alternative nightlife.
Casino Bar
20.5 km
Old-school, budget-friendly bar on lively Skolegade, pouring simple drinks and bodega charm from midday until the early hours in central Aarhus.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
