Home › Camping on Denmark's North Sea Coast: Beaches, Dunes, Wadden Sea
Camping on Denmark's North Sea Coast: Beaches, Dunes, Wadden Sea
Camping on Denmark's North Sea coast means wide sandy beaches, dune landscapes and a sea shaped by tides and wind. The Danish North Sea coast stretches for more than 500 kilometres, from Vidåslusen in the south to Skagen at the northern tip of Jutland.
Anyone camping here should know a few particularities: the rules on camping outside campsites, the question of the camping pass, the requirement to keep dogs on a lead and driving on selected beaches. The overview below brings these points together and names well-known stretches of coast, so you can prepare your trip well.
The North Sea coast of Jutland
Along the west coast, seemingly endless sandy beaches alternate with dune areas. Well-known places and stretches include Esbjerg, Blåvand, Henne Strand, Holmsland Klit, Hvide Sande, Hanstholm, Hirtshals and Skagen.
The islands of Rømø and Fanø are known for their broad beaches. Rømø is considered the widest sandy beach in northern Europe, and Fanø lies about 50 kilometres from the German island of Sylt. In the Wadden Sea, the largest and most species-rich in the world, the tides shape the landscape.
If you are looking for waves, the coast around Klitmøller and Vorupør is home to the surfing area known as "Cold Hawaii".
Camping in Denmark: rules and the camping pass
Camping outside campsites is not permitted in Denmark, including in the coastal dunes. There is no general right of public access that allows wild camping with motorhomes. Exceptions are selected state forests (one night, two tents, three people) and designated nature camping sites with basic facilities.
A single camping pass that is compulsory at all sites has not existed since 2017. Individual operators may use their own cards. VisitDenmark gives a price of around 16 euros for the Camping Key Europe. Ask your campsite in advance whether a card is required.
Campsites are classified with up to five stars, rated on buildings, outdoor areas and facilities.
Drive-on beaches and beach rules
On some North Sea beaches you are allowed to drive a car. Well-known ones include:
Rømø: Lakolk Strand and Sønderstrand
Fanø: the west beach at Fanø Bad and Rindby
Vejers Strand: partly open to vehicles
Jammerbugt (Jammer Bay): Rødhus, Blokhus and Løkken
Important: permission to drive on a beach does not mean you may stay overnight there. Sleeping on the beach, in the dunes or in car parks by the beach is not allowed. Always follow the local signs and speed limits, and take care with the tides.
Dogs on a camping holiday
Most campsites are dog-friendly, although some charge a small daily fee. On many beaches, dogs must be kept on a lead from 1 April to 30 September. Certain dog breeds are banned in Denmark, so check before you travel.
To enter the country, dogs need an EU pet passport. For a first rabies vaccination, a waiting period of 21 days must be observed before entry. There are designated dog beaches; if in doubt, the campsite or the local tourist office can help.
Weather, wind and when to travel
The climate is windy, and the prevailing wind direction is west. Changes in the weather are frequent and quick, so it is worth checking the local forecast.
The North Sea is cool: according to travel portals, it only reaches about 17 degrees, and July and August are considered the swimming season. Long sunny days occur between May and August.
The high season runs from the end of June to mid-August, when reservations are recommended at coastal campsites. June and September are considered good months for touring. Before 15 June and after 15 August, many sites are cheaper.
What to do: ideas and a day-by-day plan
The Danish North Sea coast is all about wide beaches, dunes and the Wadden Sea. The ideas below are sorted by interest, followed by three day plans that combine beach days, an island trip and a rainy-day programme. Pick one main destination per day and add a small activity nearby.
Nature & beaches
Rømø beachhalf a dayAt low tide the beach on the west of the island is about 2 to 3 km wide and up to 18 km long. It is ideal for walking, swimming and kite flying.
Fanø: beach and Sønderhofull dayThe beach on Fanø is around 650 m wide and 12 km long. The village of Sønderho in the south has more than 70 protected thatched houses.
Rubjerg Knudehalf a dayA shifting dune, steep coastline and lighthouse in northern Jutland. The cliffs are up to 60 m high. Bring sturdy shoes and keep away from the edge.
Seal safari from Fanø2-3 hoursSeal safaris to the sandbanks in the Wadden Sea are offered from Fanø. Departures depend on the tides, so ask the operator for times in advance.
Culture & sights
Lighthouses of the west coast1-2 hoursBlåvandshuk is Denmark's westernmost lighthouse; Lyngvig Fyr has 228 steps and was built after a shipwreck in 1903. Both show the coast from above.
Kommandørgården on Rømø1-2 hoursThe museum in Toftum documents the history of the whaling captains on the island and suits a quieter afternoon on Rømø.
St Clemens Church1 hourThe church on Rømø was founded around 1200 and displays ship models. A short cultural stop between two beach visits.
Fanø: Nordby and maritime historyhalf a dayNordby has lanes, cafés and handicrafts. A maritime museum, a windmill and a captain's house recall the shipbuilding era of the 18th century.
Active & sports
Cycling on Rømøhalf a dayRømø is easy to explore by bike. From Høstbjerg (19 m) there is a panoramic view over the heath and the Wadden Sea. Walking and geocaching are also popular on the island.
Windsurfing and kitesurfingWindsurfing, kiteboarding and beach sailing are popular on Rømø and Fanø. The wide, open beach offers plenty of space for them.
Riding Icelandic horses1-2 hoursRides on Icelandic ponies are offered on Rømø. It is a relaxed activity that suits a morning.
Riding and geocaching on Rømø1-2 hoursBesides rides on Icelandic ponies, geocaching is popular on the island. Both combine exercise with nature in the heath and dunes.
With kids
Beach buggies and kites on the beachhalf a dayThe gently shelving beach on Rømø is considered child-friendly for learning to swim. Kite flying, beach buggies and windsurfing are popular.
Ribe Vikingecenterhalf a dayA reconstructed 8th-century settlement on the mainland. Children get a picture of what life was like for the Vikings.
Seal safari2-3 hoursThe trip to the sandbanks near Fanø is an experience for families too. Departure times depend on the tides and must be checked in advance.
Geocaching on Rømø1-2 hoursThe GPS treasure hunt combines nicely with a walk through heath and dunes and is often fun for children.
When it rains
Skærbæk leisure centrehalf a dayAbout 10 km from Rømø, with a swimming pool, fitness area and bowling. An alternative for wet days.
Tønnisgård Nature Centre1-2 hoursThe nature centre has exhibitions on whales and local history and is good for a rainy morning on Rømø.
Rømø Lys1 hourHere you can make your own candles and buy souvenirs, a simple idea for a short break from the rain.
Hjemsted Oldtidsparkhalf a dayAn archaeological park with an underground museum on the mainland in southern Jutland. It can be combined with the Ribe Vikingecenter.
Sample day plans
Day 1: Beach day on Rømø
Morning
Drive across the causeway to the island and explore the wide west beach at low tide. Kite flying, a beach walk or swimming, depending on the weather.
Afternoon
Go by bike or on foot up Høstbjerg for the panoramic view, then visit St Clemens Church or the Kommandørgården.
Evening
A relaxed evening with a sunset over the Wadden Sea, a barbecue or dinner nearby.
Day 2: Island trip to Fanø
Morning
Set off early via Esbjerg to the ferry to Fanø (about 1 hr 20 min from Rømø, then a 12-minute crossing). Stroll around Nordby.
Afternoon
Head to Sønderho for the thatched houses and to the wide Fanø beach. Optionally take a seal safari if the times fit.
Evening
Take the ferry back and enjoy a relaxed evening; given the travel time, don't plan anything else.
Day 3: Rainy day and culture
Morning
If it rains, head to the Skærbæk leisure centre or the Tønnisgård Nature Centre with its exhibition on whales and local history on Rømø.
Afternoon
Go to the mainland, to the Ribe Vikingecenter or the Hjemsted Oldtidspark. If the weather clears, plan a stop at the lighthouse.
Evening
Look in on the candle-making at Rømø Lys, then spend a cosy evening playing cards at the campsite.
Campsites that match
56 matching campsites in our database, here the 48 best rated (by stars), grouped by location.
A single camping pass that is compulsory everywhere has not existed since 2017. Individual operators or organisations may require their own cards. Ask your campsite whether it accepts a card and which one.
Can I camp on the beach or in the dunes in Denmark?
No. Camping outside campsites is not allowed, including in the dunes. Exceptions apply only in selected state forests and at designated nature camping sites with one- or two-night rules.
Where can I drive on the beach in Denmark?
For example on Rømø (Lakolk, Sønderstrand), on Fanø (west beach), at Vejers Strand and in Jammerbugt (Jammer Bay) at Rødhus, Blokhus and Løkken. Follow the signs and speed limits; staying overnight there is not allowed.
How warm is the North Sea in Denmark?
In summer the North Sea only reaches about 17 degrees. July and August are considered the main swimming season. If you feel the cold, pack neoprene shoes and plan beach days around the wind and the forecast.
Do dogs have to be kept on a lead on Danish beaches?
Yes, from 1 April to 30 September, dogs must be kept on a lead on most beaches. There are, however, designated dog beaches. Check locally, as rules can vary from one municipality to another.
