You can see it from the northernmost tip of Sylt : the Danish island of Römö (Rømø). It is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans. And rightly so, because Römö offers modern recreational opportunities and exciting attractions – and has been able to retain its typical Danish charm.
The widest beach in Europe
Römö is very manageable: the Wadden Sea island has just about 560 inhabitants. Most of them live in traditional thatched houses and are farmers. But since German tourists in particular have discovered the idyllic Römö as a holiday destination, a lot has changed: in Lakolk, the most important (and probably only) tourist town on the island, numerous restaurants, cafés and shops, even an entire shopping street, have sprung up in recent years. Lakolk is the gateway to the largest beach in Northern Europe, and the widest in Europe!
The west coast of Rømø is a single beach up to four kilometres wide. Large parts can be accessed by car or motorhome, others are car-free and therefore particularly suitable for families with children. The southern sections can be used for sand yachting and buggy kiting – free of charge. Since the Atlantic coast of Römö is very windy, hundreds of kites can be observed fluttering in the sky – especially during the annual kite festival .
Sights and tourist activities
Despite its manageable size, Rømø offers several ways to pass the time: the island has a mini golf course, as well as a real 18-hole golf course. By the way, right next to the Römö Golf Club is the Enjoy Resort – the largest wellness resort in Denmark! It offers 200 luxurious apartments, a spa, hairdresser and restaurant.
Toftum Skole is Denmark’s oldest – and smallest – school. The small thatched roof house has only one classroom, in which up to 40 students used to learn. Today, the more than 200-year-old building belongs to the National Museum of Denmark and can be visited free of charge.
At the port of Römö is the so-called Cannon Hill. The 400-year-old cannons, which are aimed at the sea, come from a Swedish ship that capsized off the coast. Römö played an important role during the Thirty Years’ War: after a bloody battle, the island finally fell to the Holy Roman Emperor.
The bunkers of Römö date back to more recent history. The approximately 50 fortifications were built as part of the Atlantic Wall during the Second World War. Up to 1400 German soldiers occupied the island in 1942. If you want to visit the historic bunkers, you can do so on the bunker tour.
The island’s little-used gravel roads also offer excellent opportunities for cycling, horseback riding and hiking. It is quite possible that you will discover deer, hares or foxes.
Authentic Havneby
Havneby translates as port city. Actually, the small town with 270 inhabitants is more of a port village. Around the harbour of the island are several traditional Danish houses. For some years now, Havneby has also had a supermarket, several shops and restaurants, as well as some holiday homes. But the harbour has not lost its identity: the fishing boats, the smell of fresh fish and the rough North Sea wind give tranquil Havneby its very own charm.
Places to stay in Rømø
In addition to the wellness resort already mentioned, Römö offers many other accommodation options. There are three campsites: one is located in the north of the island, another at the southern tip. First Camp Lakolk is the largest in Rome with over 1000 pitches. Important: Wild camping is prohibited on the entire island.
The most popular is certainly the holiday home in Denmark, e.g. in Havneby. If you prefer something a little more traditional, you can opt for one of the numerous accommodations offered on holiday home brokerage platforms.
Day trips
If you are looking for a little variety, there are several options for exciting day trips. Crossing the ferry to Sylt takes only 40 minutes. On the way there is a beautiful view of the coasts of Rømø and the Wadden Sea. There is also a duty-free shop, an on-board restaurant and a bar on board. You can also take the car with you.
Located opposite the east coast of Römö is Skærbæk. The dam that leads to the island starts here. Skærbæk is a popular destination for day trips, especially for families with children. The small Danish town of Skærbæk – called Scherrbeck in German – attracts visitors with the “friendliest holiday centre in Denmark”. There is a bowling alley, a swimming pool, several gyms and football pitches.
A little further north is Ribe. It is the oldest still inhabited city in Denmark. Its sights include Ribe Cathedral, which was founded around 1200 years ago. The townscape is characterised by medieval buildings and the idyllic harbour. There are several good restaurants and ice cream parlors. Not far from Ribe, the Ribe VikingeCenter promises a journey into times gone by. The open-air museum provides insights into the life of a typical Viking village. It is realistic and detailed, and therefore very popular with children.
But back to the island: Whether you are in a caravan on the campsite or spend the night in a traditional thatched house, whether you fly kites with the children or beach sail at high speed – Rømø offers relaxation, fun and adventure for all holidaymakers!
The most important questions about Römö
How to get to Rømø?
The island of Römö is connected to the Danish mainland by a dam almost ten kilometres long. This can be used without fees. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Sylt to Römö. The 9-kilometre-long sea route begins at the harbour of List on Sylt and ends in Havneby. The ferry runs up to 30 times a day.
How much does the ferry from Sylt to Römö cost?
A one-way trip is available from just under 52 euros for cars incl. Persons. If you book the return trip directly, it costs 85 euros / car on different days (as of 2020). Different prices apply for camping vehicles. If you want to use the ferry without a car, adults pay 8.90 euros for a single trip (round trip 12.90) and children from 4-14 years 5.70 euros (round trip 8.50).
Attention: There are special offers for families / seniors.
Is Römö suitable for a holiday with a dog?
Pets are allowed in most holiday homes on Rømø. Due to the width of the beach, there are many exercise areas available.
How big is Römö?
Römö has a total area of 129 km². It is 16.8 kilometres long and 5.7 kilometres wide.
