Fanø’s maritime history can be seen in Nordby in its old captains’ houses, street names and former nautical schools. In Sønderho, narrow lanes pass many beautiful houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Traditional costumes, music and dance are also part of the island’s cultural life. A hiking trail leads to Pælebjerg, Fanø’s highest point at 21 metres; from there, the view stretches across the sea, Fanø Plantage and the heathland. The Wadden Sea is also part of the island’s landscape.
Traditions and Maritime History
Fannikerdagene takes place every year in Nordby on the second weekend of July. The event features Fanø’s traditional costumes, distinctive music and dance. Sønderhodag has its own annual date: it takes place on the third Sunday in July and includes a bridal procession, traditional costumes, and local music and dance traditions. The exact calendar dates vary from year to year; check them for your travel year. The Fanø International Kite Fliers Meeting also returns to the island each June.
In Nordby, the maritime history is evident not only in the captains’ houses and street names. The Fanø Skibsfart og Dragtsamling presents the seafaring culture through ship paintings, ship models at a scale of 1:48 and traditional costumes. The Fanø Museum is housed in a Fanø house built in 1801. On display are furniture, tools and household items, as well as objects brought home by sailors from around the world.
Houses, Mills and Collections
Historic buildings in Sønderho also tell different stories about island life. Hannes Hus is a captain’s house built in the 1750s; its original furnishings and household fittings have been preserved. Sønderho Mølle has been restored and turned into a museum. Those interested in the history of sea rescue can find a rescue boat, rescue equipment, historical photographs and crew lists at Sønderho Gl. Redningsstation.
Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje tells a different story: its exhibition explores the historic duck decoy system. An observation tower offers views across the Wadden Sea. There is also a birdwatching hide in the dunes at Sønderho Strandsø. Information boards there cover the area’s history and the distinctive natural environment around the lake.
The Wadden Sea, Dunes and Birdlife
Fanø is part of the Wadden Sea National Park, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For views across varied landscapes, a hiking trail leads to Pælebjerg, Fanø’s highest point at 21 metres. From there, the view stretches across the sea, Fanø Plantage and the heathland. Søren Jessens Sand is Fanø’s largest sandy desert and is accessible on foot year-round.
South of Sønderho, Hønen is considered a particularly good place to watch migratory birds. Birdwatching at Sønderho Strandsø combines views of nature with information about the area’s history. This means nature and cultural discoveries on Fanø can also be included in your itinerary independently of festival dates.
Cycle Routes and Outdoor Activities
Cycle routes connect Nordby, Fanø Bad, Rindby Strand and Sønderho on Fanø. Those who want to go mountain biking can follow a seven-kilometre trail through the western part of Fanø Klitplantage. A section of the beach between Fanø Bad and Rindby Strand is used for swimming; sea conditions depend on the weather.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are permitted in the sea off Fanø Plantage. South of Rindby is also the designated beach activity area, colloquially known as Buggy Beach. There are opportunities for surfing and kitesurfing, land sailing with a Blokart, kite buggying and landboarding. Check conditions and local rules before taking part. Fanø’s Skovlegeplads combines a fairytale-themed playground with facilities for picnics, barbecues and campfires.
Local Specialties
The local cuisine also offers an insight into the island’s traditions. Bakskuld is salted and smoked dab, fried in a pan and served with rye bread; it can optionally be accompanied by a coffee punch. The dish is served in several restaurants on Fanø, though availability may vary. Fanø-smørrebrød consists of six different toppings arranged in layers on thin slices of white bread. The Sønderho and Nordby versions differ slightly.
Local food production includes beef and lamb, ham, sausages and other charcuterie, cold-smoked salmon, beer and the ship’s rum, which has been revived. The products currently available may change. Along with its museums, festival traditions and trails through the landscape, local cuisine reveals more facets of Fanø.
Discover more destinations: Rindby, Nordby, Sønderho, Fanø, Vejen Municipality, Fredericia Municipality, Tønder Municipality, Haderslev Municipality.
Return to the main travel overview: Southern Jutland.
