Holiday apartment in Tønder Municipality: Marshland, culture and the Wadden Sea

Tøndermarsken is Denmark’s largest marshland area. This landscape was shaped by the lives and work of the people who worked with and against the water. At the same time, it is a cultural landscape with internationally significant birdlife; parts of the marsh belong to a national park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nature

One of the marsh’s special natural features is Nørresø. The lake was created as a spawning area for the houting, one of the most endangered fish in the world, and has rich birdlife. It may be possible to spot white-tailed eagles there.

The Marsh Trail runs along dykes and pumping stations, through extensive marshland and past canals and lakes. Along the route, there are notable natural areas and bird habitats. The Wadden Sea is the world’s largest continuous system of tidal sand and mud flats and is also one of the most important areas in the world for migratory birds.

The North Sea coast is also part of the excursion area: Lakolk Beach is one of the widest sandy beaches in Europe. It offers good swimming opportunities and the chance to surf the waves of the North Sea.

Routes and landscape

For hikers, the 54-kilometre-long Marskstien crosses Tøndermarsken. In addition, the 54-kilometre-long Marsh Trail runs through the marshland; eight shorter routes are also available. In connection with Tøndermarsken, a digital map is available for National Cycle Route 1, “The West Coast Route”. The Royal Marsh Trail is listed there as a panoramic route.

Culture

In Højer, Højer Mølle combines architectural history with regional interpretation: the Dutch windmill from 1857 now serves both as a museum and as well-preserved cultural heritage. The mill features exhibitions about Tøndermarsken and an interactive ClimateLab. There, visitors can explore how seawater and backwater are managed in the marsh.

Walking routes and paths lead from Højer Mølle to further nature experiences. The mill is regarded as a starting point for visits to Tøndermarsken and the Wadden Sea National Park. Homemade pastries are also mentioned in connection with the town; fruit from the mill garden is used, among other things, for the popular sønderjyske brødtort.

Drøhses Hus is a well-preserved Baroque house from 1672. It houses exhibitions about Tønder lace as well as temporary smaller exhibitions on local crafts. The Rømø-Tønder tourist office is also located in the building, and Drøhses Hus can be visited free of charge.

Kunstmuseet i Tønder presents changing exhibitions of Danish and Nordic art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Kulturhistorie Tønder focuses on exhibitions about bobbin lace, Schleswig-Holstein faience and Dutch tiles. Both institutions are expected to close for around two years from 1 September 2026 due to extensive modernisation.

Schackenborg Castle offers historical guided tours through the rooms of the castle. Stories from more than four centuries of Southern Jutland history are shared during the tours. The royal castle garden is open daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for independent walks along the avenue and on smaller paths. Schackenborg Castle also offers lunch with local ingredients as well as breakfast with sønderjysk delicacies.

In Ballum, Møllehuset, a small museum, tells the story of historic wind-powered drainage mills that were used to supply livestock with water in the marsh. The museum provides insights into the culture and nature of the marsh. On Rømø, Naturcenter Tønnisgård offers guided activities involving the island’s nature and culture, including experiences in a bunker from the Second World War.

Near Skærbæk stands Marsktårnet, also known as the Marsh Tower, a 25-metre-high observation tower. It was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, or BIG for short.

Events and dates

The Tønder Festival takes place annually on the last weekend of August and is a folk and roots music festival. The programme focuses on folk, roots rock, country, blues, Cajun, world and other music. Major concerts are accompanied by spontaneous jam sessions.

Other places in Tønder Municipality: Arrild, Sønder Sejerslev, Buntje-Ballum, Emmerlev, Højer, Skærbæk, Toftlund, Vinum, Rudbøl, Ballum, Bredebro, Brøns, Østerby, Løgumkloster, Sønderby, Agerskov, Bedsted, Tønder.

To the higher-level travel overview: Southern Jutland.