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 runs along the coast from the southern part of Denmark up to the northern Netherlands. Its many small islands and sandbanks create 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 where some of the biggest tides in the world can be observed, and the landscape is constantly reshaped by water and wind.

You can get to Fanø by ferry from Esbjerg, a major Danish port on the North Sea. The crossing to Nordby takes about 2 km and barely lasts a quarter of an hour. From there, you can head down to the southern tip of the island by bus or bike (12 km on a bike path), far away from the large tourist resorts. That brings you to the cute little village of Sønderho.

Most of the charming houses have thatched roofs. Right in the heart of the village is a lovely little church whose interior reflects the deep connection these locals have with the sea. Up on the hills, you will find a windmill and a strange wooden tower, which once served as a landmark to help sailors navigate through the shifting sandbanks. Endless beaches bordered by dunes and swept by the winds...