Experience it all or pick what you want to explore.
THE FIRST EXPERIENCE - THE RØMØ DAM
On the way to Rømø you have to cross the 9 km long dam, it gives the first impression of the Wadden Sea. Here you are actually in the middle of the Wadden Sea, without the birds paying you any attention. Drive into a sheltered area and experience the flocks of sandpipers, ducks, geese and occasionally white-tailed eagles hunting. Along the dam you can also see ponds, which can be reminiscent of a ploughed field. They are filled by the sediment brought in by the tide, and help to stabilise the dam. The dam was completed in 1948, before that time people sailed to Kongsmark, from where there was a horse-drawn tram to Lakol.
- Experience the Dam at low tide
- Experience the Dam at high tide
LAKOLK BEACH
Have you not yet experienced Lakolk Strand? Then it should be at the top of your To-Do list. Perhaps Denmark's most iconic beach offers everything from picnicking directly from your own car, safe bathing water, the Blue Beach Flag and soft beach sand, which you usually only find under southern skies. Every year the beach offers spectacular events, such as the Rømø Motor Festival, the Rømø Kite Festival and when the military lands their large cargo planes in the middle of the beach. The majority of the beach is suitable for driving, but there are also car-free areas and specially marked zones for surfing.
WHALE FENCE AT JUVRE
Between about 1660 and 1860, a large number of the male residents of Rømø participated in whaling in the Arctic Ocean between Spitsbergen and East Greenland. Especially at the end of the eighteenth century, there were many whalers on Rømø, and some of them held leading positions on the ships, including as commanders (captains), mates and harpooners. Sometimes the whaling ships brought home the jawbones of the whales they caught. On the islands with little wood, the bones were used as a kind of substitute for wood. They were used, among other things, for garden fences, but these have all now disappeared, except for the Whalebone Fence at Juvre on Rømø, which is the only preserved Whalebone Fence on the North Frisian Islands. The historic garden fence is a completely unique and special sight and a must-see when you visit Rømø. Availability: Partially. (The surface is gravel, but the fence can be seen from the car)
Activities you can experience on and around Rømø.
Nationalpark Waddensea
The Wadden Sea National Park is an experience in itself – a huge area that alternates between being dry and flooded by the tide every day. It stretches around the entire Rømø and further along the coast down to Højer. The Wadden Sea should be experienced up close, and it is almost impossible not to take off your shoes and wade out when the sea has receded. There are several places on Rømø where you can really get close to the Wadden Sea. The entire east side of the island offers nature experiences, but we especially recommend Juvre and Havneby, where access is best and where oysters are often picked. The Wadden Sea is also home to one of Denmark's largest predators – the seals – who have permanent resting places around the area. However, to experience the seals up close, it is best to go with a guide, as they are often far from the coast, and it may require both a boat trip or a hike out into the mudflats to get a good look.
MILITARY EXERCISE AREA
In northern Rømø is Juvre Sand, which covers an area of 20 km². It is a military training area that has been used by the defense since 1954. Now it is mainly used to train army pilots who use aircraft to attack dummies of tanks, aircraft and military vehicles. When there is practice, the signal balls are hoisted and a white flashing light is switched on at the top of the control tower. There is a permanent ban on access to the military exercise area, but it is permitted to watch the exercises from the viewing platform at the car park. However, be aware that laser light is used in the shooting range, which can cause eye damage, which is why the use of binoculars is not recommended.
BUNKERS IN TVISMARK PLANTAGE
Between Rømø dam and Lakolk Strand is Tvismark Plantage, it is an area of approx. 1.5 km² with pine forest, heaths and dunes. Tvismark Plantage houses about 15 of the 50 remaining bunkers on Rømø, which date from the German occupation in 1940-1945. Around the "Mammoth Bunker", the Germans had one of the largest radar positions. It was impossible to blow the bucks away after the war, and instead they were more or less buried in sand. Most bunkers are locked off, but it is possible to get on a guided bunker trip. Here you are allowed to enter some of the bunkers and even out through an emergency exit. Guided tours can be booked at Naturcenter Tønnisgård.
TØNNISGÅRD NATURCENTER
All year round, Tønnisgård Nature Center offers many different fun and exciting tours for all ages. There are a lot of activities and experiences, everything from guided bunker tours to oyster tours in the Wadden Sea. Tønnisgård also houses an exhibition about the nature between the “Wadden Sea and the North Sea”. In addition, in the old commander's house you can get answers to the formation of Rømø. How amber is created, who are the secret inhabitants of the salt marsh, watch a film about the Wadden Sea National Park and much more. They also have a shop with amber jewelry, mugs, destination sheets, posters, oyster knives and many other things.
Find more attractions near Rømø.
SPIDSBJERG
The most beautiful view of Rømø is from Spidsbjerg in Kirkeby Plantage. To get to Spidsbjerg, you have to take a walk through the heather and climb the 50 wooden steps to reach the highest and most beautiful point of Rømø. From the 19-meter-high hill, you can look west to the sea. To the south, there is a view of Havneby, the ferry and the German island of Sylt. To the north, you can look across Kirkeby Plantage to the Rømø dam and in clear weather, Esbjerg can be seen on the horizon. If you come by car, you can park in the parking lot at Kirkeby Plantage or by the church.
RØMØ FIRE STATION
The fire station in Kirkeby was formerly a rescue station, and is Rømø's only original rescue station. It was built in 1887, when shipping was still the main way of life on Rømø. The rescue station is built just south of Rømø Kirke, so far east on the island that it was located safely from storm surges. But at the same time, the station was located so that it was possible to tow the lifeboat relatively quickly during storms. From the tower on the roof, the rescuers could keep an eye on any ships in distress. The rescue station was taken over by Rømø's Volunteer Fire Department in 1968. The volunteer fire department was established after several major fires in the 1950s and 1960s, after which the islanders wanted greater security - and therefore the rescue station was converted into a fire station. It is possible to see it from the outside.
SØNDERSTRAND
The much-overlooked Sønderstrand, which with its up to 4 km. width, is a playground for both children and adults. On the beach, it is permitted to drive beach sailing for the 3-wheeled vehicles that are powered by the wind. The northern part of Sønderstrand is reserved for kitebuggies, these are controlled with the feet, while the arms hold on to the kite that drives the vehicle forward. The southern part of the beach is reserved for ordinary beach sailors, blokarts, which have sails and handlebars and are relatively easy to drive. Rømø offers – as one of the few places in Denmark – the opportunity to drive the equipment directly down to the beach. There is still plenty of space for those who would rather look at, swim, sunbathe or take a walk in the dunes. Just like at Lakolk Strand, cars are permitted to drive all the way to the sea. However, you must be aware of the tide.
LAKOLK SHOP CENTER
Lakolk Shopping Center is an experience in itself and the whole environment exudes coziness and holiday. You can buy a lot of souvenirs in one of the many shops. Or if you are looking for fantastic deals on sports outfits, there are also good options for that in the shopping square. If your wardrobe needs a refresh, or you need new shoes, you can find it in one of the clothing stores. There is also plenty of opportunity to buy a delicious ice cream or something to eat in one of Lakolk's popular cafes. Throughout the summer there are also great experiences and activities for the children. They can jump on Vesthop's bouncy pillows and trampolines, or ride a Segway on the landscaped track, or with a guide around the area.
A TRIP WITH THE RØMØ-SYLT FERRY
If you want a little extra experience on your Rømø holiday, you can take the ferry from Havneby to the German island of Sylt (in German Sylt). From the ferry you can see the Wadden Sea on one side and the North Sea on the other, which makes the nature completely unique and special. Let the calm descend on you, take a little rest or enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, the mainland and the islands – Rømø and Sylt. On Sylt you will find many opportunities for experiences and activities – here you will find everything from exclusive shopping and luxurious dining, to unique nature and a fascinating history. Remember to take your passport when you leave Denmark, even if you do not plan to get off on Sylt.
THE MUSEUM KOMMANDØRGÅRDEN
Don't miss Rømø's old Commander's Farm, built in 1746 during Rømø's heyday of whaling. The farm has an excellent view of the Wadden Sea and contains exceptionally good examples of 18th century detailed painting and carpentry. In the barn you can get up close to a giant skeleton from a sperm whale that stranded on Rømø in 1996. It gives a good impression of the large animals and natural forces that the captains of the time had to contend with in the Arctic Ocean.
Marsh distillery
Rømø houses its very own distillery, the Marskdestilleriet, where gin, rum, whiskey and other unique drinks inspired by the island's nature are distilled. On site you will also find a cozy café, where you can enjoy a meal and taste the distillery's own specialties. For larger groups, it is possible to arrange a tour of the distillery, where you will get an exciting insight into the craftsmanship behind the local drops.
