Background

Hans, der Fischer

A humble fisherman figure on a quiet Sydals lane, Hans, der Fischer captures the spirit of Als’ coastal heritage in a single, characterful roadside stop.

4.5

Set just back from the shoreline in the small hamlet of Mommark on the island of Als, Hans, der Fischer is a whimsical coastal landmark celebrating the area’s fishing heritage. This characterful figure of a fisherman, nets and gear at the ready, adds a touch of storytelling charm to otherwise quiet countryside. It is a quick, atmospheric stop on a scenic drive around Sydals, inviting a short stroll, a few photos, and a moment to imagine life shaped by the Baltic Sea.

A brief summary to Hans, der Fischer

  • Mommarkvej 380, Sydals, Mommark, 6470, DK
  • Duration: 0.25 to 0.75 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon 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

  • Combine a quick stop at Hans, der Fischer with a wider loop around Sydals, linking coastal viewpoints, small harbors and countryside villages in one relaxed outing.
  • Bring a camera or smartphone with a wider lens to capture both the fisherman figure and the sweeping rural backdrop in the same frame.
  • Aim for soft morning or late-afternoon light for more atmospheric photos, as the low sun adds warmth and depth to the fields and the fisherman’s features.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car from Sønderborg

    From Sønderborg town, driving to Mommark on Sydals typically takes about 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. The route uses standard paved regional roads and is straightforward for drivers used to Danish conditions. There is usually informal roadside space or small pull-offs nearby where you can stop briefly, but dedicated parking is limited, so larger vehicles should avoid blocking local access. Fuel prices in the region are generally in the range of 11–15 DKK per litre, and there are several service stations in and around Sønderborg.

  • Bus and short walk on Sydals

    Regional buses run between Sønderborg and various points on Sydals, with typical journey times of 35–55 minutes depending on the line and time of day. Tickets for local buses in Southern Jutland usually cost around 20–40 DKK for a single adult journey, with discounts for children and period cards. From the nearest bus stop on Mommarkvej or in Mommark, expect a short, level walk on paved surfaces through a rural environment. Services may be less frequent on evenings, Sundays and public holidays, so it is worth checking the timetable in advance.

  • Cycling on rural roads

    For confident cyclists, reaching Hans, der Fischer as part of a ride around Als is an appealing option. From central Sønderborg to Mommark the cycling time is typically 60–90 minutes one way, depending on pace and wind conditions. The route uses ordinary rural and coastal roads rather than segregated cycle paths for the entire distance, so visibility gear and lights are recommended, especially outside summer. The terrain is mostly gentle, with a few modest inclines, making it manageable for most regular cyclists in mild weather.

Hans, der Fischer location weather suitability

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

Unlock the Best of Hans, der Fischer

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Hans, der Fischer

A coastal character in quiet Mommark

Hans, der Fischer stands along Mommarkvej in the tiny settlement of Mommark on Sydals, the southern part of the island of Als in Southern Jutland. Here the landscape flattens out towards the Baltic, fields meet hedgerows, and the sea is never far from view. Against this gentle backdrop, the figure of a fisherman appears almost like a local mascot: sturdy boots, weathered clothing, and an expression that suggests he has spent a lifetime watching the water. This small landmark is not a grand monument, but it adds personality and a human touch to an otherwise tranquil stretch of road. It anchors the area’s identity in the long tradition of coastal living and small-scale fishing, which has shaped villages like Mommark for generations.

Echoes of a fishing heritage

The name itself – "Hans, der Fischer" – hints at an archetypal figure familiar in Danish coastal communities. Fishing has long been part of life around Als, from early inshore catches to modern recreational angling along the beaches and piers. Standing here, with the breeze often carrying the faint tang of salt and seaweed, it is easy to picture small boats heading out at dawn, nets piled high on the quay, and simple meals built around the day’s catch. Whether the figure is based on a real fisherman or a symbolic everyman hardly matters; what it captures is the quiet resilience of people who live close to the sea. The location along a country lane rather than a formal harbor gives it a slightly offbeat charm, like a private nod to local history offered to anyone who happens to pass.

Atmosphere and visual details

Arriving at Hans, der Fischer, you step into a setting defined by open sky and soft coastal light. On clear days, colours are crisp: green fields, red-tiled roofs, and the muted tones of the fisherman’s attire. On overcast days, the scene feels more introspective, the figure blending into a subdued palette of greys and blues. Look closely at details: the pose, the way the hands hold an imagined net or line, and the textures of clothing and equipment. These touches make the figure feel lived-in rather than purely decorative. The surrounding verge and nearby buildings frame the scene, turning this small stop into a ready-made photo op that captures both the character and the landscape.

A brief yet memorable stop on a scenic loop

Hans, der Fischer works best as a short, contemplative pause during a drive, bike ride or longer exploration of Sydals. It is the kind of place where you spend a few unhurried minutes stretching your legs, taking photos, and enjoying the quiet. There is no formal visitor infrastructure, no ticket booth or exhibition – simply a roadside landmark that rewards those who pay attention to small details. Because the area is so peaceful, you often hear rural sounds first: the rustle of crops in the breeze, birds calling from hedges, the distant hum of a tractor. On still days, the faint crash or lap of waves can sometimes be heard from the nearby coastline, reminding you how tightly land and sea are woven together here.

Connecting the figure to the wider island

Stopping at Hans, der Fischer also helps tie together a broader journey around Als. From coastal viewpoints and small harbors to inland villages and countryside inns, the island mixes gentle scenery with low-key cultural touchpoints. This fisherman figure acts almost like a storyteller’s introduction to that world, hinting at tales of rough weather, good seasons and lean ones, and the steady rhythms of coastal life. For photographers, it is an easy subject: place the figure against the sky, frame it with fields or cottages, or capture close-up details that suggest personality. For families, it can become a playful character in travel stories. And for anyone drawn to understated, local-feeling places, Hans, der Fischer is a reminder that even a modest roadside figure can carry a surprising amount of atmosphere and sense of place.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Hans, der Fischer

Popular Hotels near Hans, der Fischer

Select Currency