Exploring Ringkobing Fjord in Ringkobing

Long, straight, sandy beaches, nature reserves, drifting North Sea sands, and heather-covered dunes create a dramatic West Jutland landscape on the narrow isthmus running south from Ringkøbing along Route 181. To reach the road that takes you along the western side of the fjord, head directly east of Ringkøbing along Route 15, turning south when you see the junction with Route 181, going to the small town of Hvide Sande.

Hvide Sande

Midway along the isthmus, Hvide Sande (whose name translates as "white sands") is a typical West Jutland fishing town, founded in 1931, when it grew up around the large lock and sluice between the North Sea and Ringkøbing Fjord. Today, with its splendid beach on the seaside, it's the fifth-largest fishing port in Denmark. A path follows along the windswept dunes between the sea and Ringkøbing Fjord, with panoramic views in all directions.

The most intriguing attraction here is the picturesque fishing harbor, the heartbeat of the town. Catches of fish are unloaded at the auction building here. The auction is held every Monday to Friday at 7am, and again at 10am if the catch is heavy. A small nod or a lifted eyebrow is caught immediately by the auctioneer, and the purchase is registered. When the fish is sold, the catch is taken by truck for processing at local plants or exported directly in large refrigerated vans.

While in the area, you can visit the Vestkyst Akvariet (also known as Fiskeriets Hus), Nørregade 2B (tel. 97-31-26-10; www.fiskerietshus.dk), a museum devoted to anything and everything to do with fishing. The museum has a saltwater aquarium with fish from both the North Sea and Ringkøbing Fjord. It also includes tanks for large fish such as piked dogfish, rays, and big gadoids. April to October, the fish are fed every Tuesday and Friday at 3:30pm. Displays also include fishing tackle, and children can go on a voyage in the wheelhouse of a real cutter. While below deck, visitors experience the cramped conditions under which fishermen live at sea. April to October, it's open daily 10am to 5pm; November to March, daily 10am to 4pm. Admission is DKK50 ($8.50/£5) adults, DKK25 ($4.30/£2.50) children 4 to 12.

At Hvide Sande you'll find information available at Holmsland Klit Turistforening, on the premises of the Vestkyst Aquarium, Nørregade 2B (tel. 97-31-18-66). The office is open year-round, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. From June to August, it's also open Saturday noon to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm.

Tipperne Nature Reserve

You can continue south to Nymindegab, the gateway to the isthmus, if you're coming from Esbjerg. In times gone by, Nymindegab was the home of a small fishing harbor. From here you can explore Tipperne Nature Reserve. A small road, signposted from Nymindegab, leads into this tiny peninsula jutting into Ringkøbing Fjord. The flats and water surrounding the peninsula are one of the best bird sanctuaries in West Jutland. The area's bird life is protected to establish undisturbed breeding. Today it is a favorite stopover for migratory birds. During both spring and autumn, thousands of ducks, geese, and waders stop here to rest. In July and August, when migration is at its peak, the sandpiper, curlew, snipe, and golden plover are some of the many species to be seen here. In the winter season, the swan, Denmark's national bird, is one of the species finding shelter at Tipperne. April to August, the bird reserve is open to visitors Sunday 5 to 10am only. September to March, the reserve can be visited every Sunday 10am to noon. You should continue by car until you reach a building marked TIPPERHUSET. You're not allowed to stop until you come to the parking lot, but once here you can climb a viewing tower to observe the birds. A 1.5km (1-mile) nature path departs from the bird tower, and all walking in the area is restricted to this one path to protect bird life.