Holiday in Denmark usually has something to do with the sea. Most of the 26,000 holiday properties are not far away from the North and Baltic Sea and are particularly near the beach. The west coast of Denmark is very diverse: Rough North Sea with tideland and stiff island breeze is what we expected from our vacation on Fanø.
The island Fanø in the Danish Wadden Sea
The six hour journey time to our travel destination on Fanø can scare you off but we (2 adults, 2 children) were not be put off by it and dared to go on thid maritime adventure – 14 days of summer recuperation in a Danish holiday house. We were accompanied by our friends who also have a child. So our kids had a playmate and we adults didn’t need to find holiday acquaintances to enjoy a glass of wine, chat about the events of the day or exchange a few anecdotes.
The island Fanø is situated in front of the west coast of Denmark and is clearly laid out as it is only 16 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide. This can be contrasted with the sheer endless long beach which makes you think it is much bigger. As cars are able to drive on the beach our first impression is that it is probably not suitable for families. Though on the second day of the vacation we realise that having the car at the beach is actually advantageous. It enabled us to transport all the things that we need and take them back again without great fuss. For a family day at the beach a lot of stuff is required: Wind protection, beach shelter, beach toys, sun shades, kites, etc. It is great when you can put all the stuff in the car in the morning and after a long day leave them in it for the next day.
The island only has a few restaurants and bars and therefore is not ideal for those seeking entertainment. Here one is more isolated and can spend quality time with one another. As the island is so small even young children can manage family bike tours. The baker also never being located too far away makes it possible for teenagers to pick up breakfast in the morning.
Fanø which resembles a large holiday home estate is the perfect place for youngsters as they will easily find playmates in their own age. Even though many Danes spend their vacation here the language is not a barrier for the small ones. Assumingly all nationalities know how to build a good sand castle.
The North Sea side of the island is quite romantic on a nice summer evening where one can enjoy the sunset. Some dunes are occupied in the evening by couples that enjoy a bottle of wine sitting on a blanket. The tide side with a view towards Esbjerg industry complex is not as idyllic and there are few properties in this area. Therefore the chance of having such an outlook is quite small.
(Tip 1: When booking a property on Fanø make sure how close it is to the beach and that it is on the west side!)
By car to Denmark
We experienced no problems on our journey with the fully packed car and the transit with the ferry was equally pleasant. The first adventure for the little ones was going on the ship in Esbjerg even though it is a short one: They were able to get out of the car, climb onto the captain’s roof and enjoy their first stiff breeze.
(Tip 2: Because of the high food prices in Denmark and particularly on the islands it is recommended to take some fresh groceries - especially meat, sausage, cheese etc. - with you!)
Our blue timber house
After a 15 minute cruise we reached our holiday house and were able to immediately start with our vacation. The kids began exploring the house as well as the surrounding area whilst the adults can quietly took everything out of the car, set up the rooms and recovered from the long drive.
Fortunately our blue timber house was actually situated only a few hundred metres from the sea in the midst of dunes on a big plot of land which was not only home to rabbits but also to pheasants and deer (our son still talks about it today!). Highlights were grilling in the evening and breakfast in the morning. There was a lot of space in our generously laid out house with many terraces and fantastic furnishings.
The whirlpool was particularly popular on days where the weather was not that good. The toys that had been brought as well as the load of books ensured nobody was bored. Also good weatherproof clothes combat rain and wind.
(Tip 3: Rainwear is handy even on a summer vacation in Denmark!)
As we had our babysitter with us we were able to enjoy an idyllic walk along the beach without the our children. There aren’t very many places where one can stop and have a drink or bite to eat but it is still very pleasant. Time for the two of us walking along the beach and just carrying a bottle of wine and a blanket.
Active on Fanø
The beach is the main attraction for the entire vacation, the waves of the North Sea are suitable for children and the cooler temperature of the water didn’t seem to bother the kids: They loved the water and have turned into real water rats. As the brisk traffic flattens the beach it makes it perfect to go for a stroll with the pram. Even buggies slide smoothly along the hard sand. This gave us some quiet hours as the offspring tend to sleep twice as long breathing in the fresh air as they would do at home.
Should the weather not be good for bathing then the adventurous forest playground in the middle of the island ensured everyone found something to do. It is not only a playground but one can also have a picknick there. We tended to spend the whole day here grilling and climbing, running around, going on the swing and digging. This was an absolute highlight of the vacation and the recommendation for families with children! Children who grow up in the city like our own were able to get into touch with nature by catching frogs and looking at them close up.
The heartland of the island is diverse: Maritime culture, old fishing villages and handicraft guarantee a perfect holiday.
Sønderho and Nordby are worth visiting – here whilst the sun is shining you can stroll through the villages and marvel the galleries as well as handicraft. We and the kids tried out some delicious Danish cakes or alternatively had some ice cream.
For older children the tourism office organises beach and tideland tours, game days, ralleys, kite workshops and much more. The seal safaris which are started with a cutter from Nordby are an exciting nature experience for kids.
We enjoyed spending time with our offspring, just reading a book or breathing in the fresh North Sea air. On the subject: The combination of holiday house and close proximity to the North Sea as well as beach is virtually only possible in Denmark. The majority of accommodations which are close to the beach along the German and Dutch North Sea coast are apartments. On the mainland they are often without a beach as the tideland lies between them. Because of the long journey time one should plan a stay for two weeks in Denmark. We really came back relaxed and can very much recommend this island as a holiday destination for families.
Fanø only represents a small part of what atraveo offers on properties in Denmark. Most of the accommodations provided lie along the west coast of Denmark as well as North, East and South Jutland. Denmark also has islands on offer in the Danish South Sea which are Falster, Lolland, Funen, Langeland, Møn and Ærø. Should one intend to go on a city trip then you will be able to find a holiday apartment in Copenhagen and Odense.
