Three distinct themes are of interest to visitors to Østerby: the medieval earthwork Borrebjerg, a local pirate legend, and observing the marsh at Østerhedefredningen north of the village. They appeal to different interests and raise specific questions when planning a visit.

Borrebjerg: earthwork and legend

Borrebjerg is a medieval earthwork on the marshland near Østerby. According to legend, there was once a pirate castle there, from which pirates attacked ships bound for Ribe. The earthwork and the castle legend are two distinct things: the earthwork places Borrebjerg in the medieval period, while the legend tells a story about pirates and shipping. If you are interested in local legends, the link between the castle motif and the ships bound for Ribe offers a specific way into the story. You can regard the legend as part of the area’s cultural appeal without equating the pirate attacks with the historical interpretation of the earthwork.

Borrebjerg is on private land where livestock graze. If you would like to visit, check access in advance. The private use of the land is a practical consideration for planning and should be considered separately from interest in the legend.

A museum with its own premises in Østerby

In 2023, the Rømø Redningsmuseum RRB-88 got its own museum in Østerby. This adds a much more recent point of interest alongside the medieval earthwork. The year places the museum in time and helps distinguish the two cultural themes: Borrebjerg refers to the Middle Ages, while the museum has its own premises from 2023. If you would like to include the museum in your itinerary, check current visiting options in advance. This lets you take the cultural attractions into account while also checking the arrangements for your specific visit.

Marsh formation north of Østerby

Østerhedefredningen lies north of Østerby and borders the Wadden Sea. Here, you can observe how the marsh forms. The focus on nature differs from the legend and the museum: here, the emphasis is on how the landscape develops. For visitors interested in nature, the observation itself is the specific point of interest. The appeal lies in seeing a landscape process, rather than viewing the marsh simply as a finished backdrop. Its location north of Østerby also gives you a clear geographical reference.

Which focus suits your plans?

A simple comparison can help you choose what to focus on: Borrebjerg combines a medieval earthwork with a local legend, while Østerhedefredningen draws attention to the formation of the marsh. The museum adds another cultural attraction: a museum in Østerby that has had its own premises since 2023. The advance arrangements also differ: at Borrebjerg, you need to check access to private land where livestock graze; for the museum, check current visiting options. This lets you first decide whether you would rather focus on local history and storytelling or on observing nature, and then check the relevant details for your visit.

Discover more destinations: Agerskov, Vinum, Rudbøl, Løgumkloster, Sønderby, Sønder Sejerslev, Brøns, Emmerlev

For the main travel overview: Tønder Municipality.