Helgenæs
Helgenæs is a minor peninsula stretching out from Mols, itself part of the peninsula Djursland, again part of the peninsula Jutland in Denmark.
Etymology
Helgenæs derives from Danish "hellig" (holy) + "næs" (headland),[1] and was in 1231 spelled "Hælghænæs".[2]
Geography
Helgenæs has a total land area of approximately twenty square kilometres. It was formed during the ice age approximately 16000 years ago. The narrowest part of the peninsula is about 240 meters, and it is said that the Vikings, when sailing between Århus and Ebeltoft, transported their longboats over the narrow section,[3] perhaps by rolling them on tree trunks. By doing this, they were able to save approximately 4 nautical miles (7 km) of travel. To the west of Helgenæs, 16 kilometres across Århus Bay, lies Århus, the second-largest city in Denmark. Ten kilometres to the east one finds Ebeltoft, an important Danish coastal town. Five kilometres to the northwest is Skødshoved, another peninsula which is slightly larger than Helgenæs. Some of the largest towns on Helgenæs are Kongsgårde, Borup and Fejrup.
Tourism
A relatively large number of tourists visit Helgenæs in the summer. The tourists are mostly German, but tourists from other Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Norway, as well as tourists from other parts of Denmark who want to experience the mild weather on Helgenæs, also sometimes pay a visit. The tourists represent a considerable percentage of the population in the summer; a large area of the peninsula is covered in summer housing, especially the town of Fejrup and the hills of Stødovbakker which are heavily developed.
The main tourist spot on Helgenæs is the peninsula itself with its beautiful nature, but other attractions are also open to visitors. Sletterhage Fyr, a beautiful old lighthouse in southwestern Helgenæs, and Tyskertårnet, a concrete watchtower built during the occupation in World War II, are often visited by tourists. In the southwestern part of Helgenæs, in the town of Ørby, is also a gallery with the paintings of Bo Bendixen, a noted Danish painter.[4]
Transport
Bus route 361 goes between Helgenæs and Rønde once an hour in weekdays between 05:00 and 18:00, going counter-clockwise around the peninsula. This connects Helgenæs with other bus routes going to larger cities such as Århus, Grenå, Ebeltoft and Randers.
Shopping
The main shopping facility on Helgenæs is the small "Dagli'Brugsen" supermarket in the village of Kongsgårde.
Chiefly (though not only) in the summer, tiny stands in the roadside sell honey, fruits, potatoes, eggs or even homemade souvenirs; these are scattered all over the peninsula, although mostly in main streets going through towns. These small stands are normally unmanned, and payment works on the honor system.
Other points of interest
Stødov Kirke is the only church on Helgenæs, and in a small building close to the church lies a museum of local history. In the middle of Helgenæs is also a community house, where summer and Christmas parties are held. On Helgenæs is also Helgenæs Naturefterskole; an independent boarding school for lower secondary students with educational focus on nature and outdoor activities.[5]
External links
Coordinates: 56°07′42.63″N 10°31′35.86″E / 56.1285083°N 10.5266278°E
References
- ↑ Aage Houken, Håndbog i danske stednavne,pp 114, 179, 182, Gyldendalske Boghandel 1976, ISBN 87-01-31021-6
- ↑ Liber Census Daniæ
- ↑ http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_geografi/Jylland/Helgenæs last accessed February 2010
- ↑ BoBendixen.dk, Bo Bendixen. Last accessed February 2010.
- ↑ http://www.hne.dk/pages/om-skolen.php Last accessed February 2010