The island of Rømø has one of the widest beaches in Denmark flying the blue flag (indicating nonpolluted waters). The nude beach, frequented by Germans, is at Sønderstrand on the southwestern tip of the island. Windsurfing is popular here, mainly on the west coast, the best area being at the southern side of Lakolf. Note: Windsurfers must bring their own equipment to Rømø, as there is no outlet locally to rent equipment.
Other than the beaches and windsurfing, the most popular outdoor pursuit is horseback riding, available at Rømø Ranch, Lakolk Strand (tel. 74-75-54-11), a stable right on Lakolk Beach. It offers rides to experienced as well as novice riders, and most jaunts take place right on the beach, for DKK105 ($18/£11) per hour.
At the rear of the tourist office, you'll find the Naturcentret Tønnisgård, Havnebyvej 30 (tel. 74-75-52-57; www.tonnisgaard.dk), in an old thatched farmhouse from the island of Rømø. It contains modest displays of the island flora and fauna, and there is also a cafeteria serving drinks and Danish pastries. Tønnisgård is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm except November to January. Admission is DKK15 ($2.60/£1.50) adults and DKK5 (85¢/50p) children 14 and under. The center also conducts 90-minute nature tours of the local wetlands June to September. Four or five of these depart every day during that period, depending on demand, for DKK50 ($8.50/£5) adults, DKK25 ($4.30/£2.50) children 13 and under. Phone ahead for schedules and departure times.
Other attractions include Kommandørgården (The National Museum's Commander House), Guvrevej 60, in the hamlet of Toftum (tel. 74-75-52-76). The house dates from 1748 and is evocative of the great prosperity enjoyed by ship commanders in the sailing heyday of Rømø in the 18th century. The house is fully restored, including its panels, ceilings, and doors. The walls are covered with Dutch tiles and the furnishings are lavish. About 50 sailors from Rømø served simultaneously as captains on Dutch and German ships that sailed on whaling expeditions to Greenland. May to September the house is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. In October it's open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 3pm and closed off-season. Admission costs DKK15 ($2.60/£1.50) adults, DKK10 ($1.70/£1) seniors and students, free for children 15 and under.
In the village of Jurve, there is a fence of whale jawbone made in 1772, which has been preserved and is now under the protection of the National Museum in Copenhagen. As no wood or stone was available on the island at the time, the locals made use of this unusual building material, a remnant of the whaling ships' catches in Greenland.
Rømø Kirke at Kirkeby also merits a visit. The church was originally built in the late Gothic style, but was greatly extended in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is consecrated to St. Clemens, the patron saint of seafarers, and contains a number of ship models, as well as three large chandeliers, all donated by sailors. Admission is free, and it is open year-round Tuesday to Friday 8am to 4pm.
Wildlife on Rømø -- Many visitors come to Rømø to seek out its plentiful bird life on the west coast, which is also home to some 1,500 seals. You can see them sunbathing during the day.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
