Wadden Sea Beaches

The Wadden Sea is known for its large, wide sandy beaches. Here you can hear the roar of the waves, feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your cheeks. There is plenty of space for a swim in the summer or a brisk stroll the rest of the year.

The large beaches at the Wadden Sea invite you to play and do activities. Photo: Gitte Lindeborg

Some of the best bathing water in Denmark

While the Wadden Sea is biologically at the top of the list as one of the most valuable marine areas on the planet, the Wadden Sea is also characterised by murky water and muddy bottom conditions - not exactly factors that count when it comes to swimming. Nevertheless, the Wadden Sea National Park is favoured with some of Denmark's best bathing water and, according to many, Denmark's best beaches. The beaches are large and wide - in some places several kilometres wide - and tend to consist of fine, white sand. And the beach bottom is almost free of rocks and shells, perfect for a swim.

Plan your trip to the beach

The most beautiful beaches can be found on the Skallingen peninsula and the islands of Fanø and Rømø. Fanø and Rømø in particular shine with their wide beaches with dune landscapes in the background. In some places, such as Lakolk beach on Rømø, driving is even allowed. Sønderstrand on Rømø is the widest beach in Denmark and Northern Europe, with a width of up to four kilometres. There is plenty of room for everyone, whether you want to swim or prefer to be on firm sand under your feet. Sønderstrand also has special areas where you can enjoy activities such as beach sailing, kite buggy and blokarting.

Other beautiful beaches you can visit along the Wadden Sea are:

  • Blåvand Strand
  • Hvidbjerg Beach
  • Skallingen Beach
  • Hjerting Beach
  • Fanø beaches
  • Lakolk Beach, Rømø (Blue Flag beach)
  • Sønderstrand, Rømø (Blue Flag beach)

Plenty of room for everyone - including animals

The huge beaches have plenty of space for both humans and animals, but remember to be considerate of your surroundings. The beaches are important breeding grounds for birds such as terns, plovers and oystercatchers. It is important that we look after the birds and do not disturb the breeding areas where they have nests with eggs and young - these places are marked with signs and fences. If you are walking on the beach, it is best to walk close to the water, as the birds' nests are usually higher up where the water can't reach them. If you do get too close, the birds will let you know, for example by squawking, flying around nervously or even attacking - all signs that you should get away quickly. Also, remember to keep your dog on a leash on the beach from 1 April to 30 September due to the bird breeding season. This will make the beach trip enjoyable for everyone.

The beach is worth a visit at all times of the day and year. Photo: Carsten Pedersen

Read more about the beaches

In several places on the Wadden Sea you have to drive on the beach. Here you can see Lakolk beach on Rømø. Photo: John Frikke

How to be the best guest when you visit the beaches

  • Be considerate of both people and animals when travelling.
  • Keep your distance from areas with breeding birds and pay attention to the birds' signals: squawking, flapping wings and attacking are signs that you have come too close.
  • Never scare birds on the wing.
  • Keep your dog on a leash from 1 April to 30 September. Respect that Blue Flag beaches are dog-free zones.
  • Drive carefully on beaches where cars are allowed. Do not drive in the dunes.
  • Pick up any rubbish you find. Even if it's not yours.
  • Check the wind and weather before you set off, e.g. the tide tables at DMI 
The sand on Lakolk beach is so firm that you can easily cycle on the beach. Photo: Gitte Lindeborg