Fanø on the Wadden Sea

A small Danish island off the southwest coast of Jutland, Fanø (the o has a slash through it and is pronounced like "eu") sits right within the Wadden Sea National Park. This sea stretches along the southern coast of Denmark all the way to the north of the Netherlands. Its many small islands and sandbars form a paradise refuge for seals and migratory birds, which is why it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site since 2009. It is also home to some of the most dramatic tides in the world, and the landscape is constantly being reshaped by wind and water.

You can get to Fanø by ferry from Esbjerg, a major Danish port on the North Sea. The crossing to Nordby is about 1.2 miles and takes barely fifteen minutes. From there, you can head down to the southern tip of the island by bus or bike (about 7.5 miles on a bike path), far away from any large resort complexes. That is how you reach the charming little village of Sønderho.

Most of the lovely houses feature thatched roofs. Right in the heart of the village, a sweet little church has an interior that reflects the deep connection these residents have with the sea. Up on the hills, you will find a windmill and a strange wooden tower that used to serve as a landmark to guide sailors through the shifting sandbars. Then there are those endless beaches bordered by dunes and swept by the winds...