Rømø Motorfestival 2026 – August 2026

The Rømø Motor Festival is an annual event that celebrates vintage motorsports and the era of beach racing.
Reading time: 4 Minutes
The next festival will be held in August 2026.

The date is not yet known for 2026, but it is expected to be on the 3rd or 4th weekend in August.

What is the Rømø Motor Festival?

Rømø Motor Festival is a tribute to the golden age of motorsport, where classic cars and motorcycles from before 1947 compete on the wide sandy beach at Lakolk at Rømø. The festival started in 2016 and has since attracted participants and spectators from all over the world who want to experience authentic racing in a historic setting.

Rules for the race

To ensure the authenticity and safety of the Rømø Motor Festival, specific rules have been set for the participants in the race:

  • Vehicles: Only cars and motorcycles from before 1947 are allowed. All major components and performance parts must be from this period or older.

  • Drivers: Must wear appropriate clothing, including a helmet, goggles, sturdy shoes, long pants, and a jacket or sweater. It is not permitted to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication during the race.

  • Race format: Side-by-side drag races are run over a distance of 202 meters (1/8 mile) without class separations. Participants can challenge each other directly, creating an informal and exciting atmosphere.

Petrol head or not, you will be drawn to the smell of petrol, fresh air and sunshine on the beach. This is a real summer experience in the most beautiful setting on Lakolk beach!
Bjarke
Visit Rømø & Tønder / Fotograf.

As a participant in the race

Participants must register in advance and undergo a technical inspection that takes place in Skærbæk on the mainland the day before the race. Here you also have the opportunity to participate in the festival's race camp, where you can meet other enthusiasts and show off your vehicle.

As a spectator

The festival is free to visit, and there is no parking fee on the beach. Spectators are encouraged to dress in 1920s, 30s or 40s fashion to contribute to the authentic atmosphere. The event attracts over 30,000 visitors each year, and it is recommended to arrive well in advance to secure a good seat.

There is a tradition that the festive atmosphere spreads to the entire beach, where you can experience the festival atmosphere among the many "publicly created camps"

Food and Toilets

Near the official course there will be plenty of opportunities to find food stalls and public toilets.

Where is the festival held?

Rømø Motor Festival takes place on Lakolk Beach at Rømø, one of Europe's widest beaches with a firm and hard-packed sandy bottom, ideal for racing. The festival site and camping area are located in Skærbæk on the Jutland mainland, where technical inspections and other activities in connection with the festival are also held.

Practical tips as a spectator

  • Arrival: It is recommended to arrive early in the day as there may be traffic and limited access to the beach during the afternoon. (Expect a minimum queue of 1-2 hours if you don't arrive in good time)

  • Clothing: If you want, you can Dress in period clothing from the 1920s to the 1940s to become part of the authentic experience.

  • Facilities: It might be a good idea to pack a bag with drinks and food, as the festival site is full of people and it can be a long way from the track to the food stalls.

  • Holidays & Accommodation: Consider booking accommodation well in advance, as demand is high during the festival period.

The story behind the festival

The Rømø Motor Festival is inspired by the historic beach races that took place on the neighboring island of Fanø between 1919 and 1924. These races attracted some of Europe's most legendary drivers and cars, including Sir Malcolm Campbell, who set speed records on the beach. Unfortunately, the races were stopped after a tragic accident in 1924. In 2016, the tradition was revived at Rømø by a group of enthusiasts who wanted to bring authentic beach racing back to Denmark.

Guide

Handicap accessibility

Full accesseslightly

Level-free access, lift etc., which enable wheelchairs to get around.

Partially available

There are rooms/areas where wheelchair users cannot enter, but it is still possible to have a good experience.

Available with a helper or some walking function.

There is a step or other that means you need help in order to participate/enter.

Not available.

There is no lift, ramps or anything else that prevents wheelchairs from entering.

The accessibility assessment is based on a normal-sized wheelchair. If you use an extra-wide electric wheelchair or electric crosser, please contact the desired place of visit yourself. Likewise, there may be circumstances which mean that the availability for a period is not as described by us. A good idea is to always search for information on the website of the desired place to visit.