On Fanø, in the heart of the Danish Wadden Sea, you will meet a range of different
landscapes: beaches, dunes, heath, woods and seaside meadows. Each type attracts
different species of birds adapted to the particular natural conditions. For example, the bittern lives hidden in the reedy swamps in the depressions behind the first row of dunes. In the summer months, it is joined by marsh harriers, reed warblers, reed buntings and other species that prefer to hide among the reeds. In contrast, the curlew prefers to breed out on the open heath, and the lapwing on the pasture land of the seaside meadows. However, you will find the largest flocks of birds along the coast where thousands of wading birds, ducks,
geese and gulls use the mud flats as a “self-service buffet” at low tide. 

 

Along with the rest of the Danish Wadden Sea, the entire island has been designated an EU bird sanctuary and Ramsar area.

 

Organised tours on Fanø
In collaboration with nature guides on the island, Fanø Tourist Information Office arranges
public tours of the mud flats at low tide to see many species of wading birds right up close. We recommend that you bring binoculars with you, as out of consideration for the birds it is a good idea to keep some distance. Often, however, it is possible to pass between the huge flocks. Public tours to the southern tip of the island can also be arranged, and large groups can book tours to match their requirements. Contact Fanø Tourist Information Office for
additional information.

On your own
It is relatively simple to find your way around the island. Buses run from Nordby to Rindby
and Sønderho. We recommend cycling around the island as there are cycle paths alongside the busiest roads on the island. You can hire cycles in Nordby, Rindby and Sønderho. Naturally, you can also drive to most places in a car, but it is quite expensive to bring your car over on the ferry.