Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri), Fanø
Evocative WWII bunkers and flak remains hidden in Fanø’s dunes, where Atlantic Wall history meets the wide skies and shifting sands of the Wadden Sea.
Hidden in the dunes north of Nordby on Fanø, Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri) is a small but atmospheric former German WWII artillery and anti‑aircraft position. Concrete foundations, low bunkers and sand‑softened embankments hint at radar, guns and observation posts that once guarded the Wadden Sea. Today the site is silent, surrounded by heather, grasses and coastal winds, inviting slow exploration and quiet reflection on the island’s wartime role within the wider Atlantic Wall.
A brief summary to Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri)
- Vesternasen 17, Fanø, 6720, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring a small torch or headlamp if you intend to step inside any bunkers; interiors can be very dark even on bright days and floors may be uneven.
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for loose sand and low vegetation, as paths around the site are unpaved and sometimes soft after wet weather.
- Combine your visit with time on the nearby beach or salt meadows to appreciate the contrast between the fortified landscape and today’s peaceful nature.
- Respect the fragile dune environment: keep to existing tracks, avoid climbing on the bunker roofs and take all litter with you when you leave.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Ferry and bicycle from Esbjerg
From Esbjerg, take the passenger and car ferry to Nordby on Fanø, a crossing of about 12–15 minutes that runs frequently during the day for roughly 30–60 DKK per adult one way depending on vehicle or foot passage. From Nordby, rent a bicycle in the village and ride north on local roads and dune‑edge cycle paths; the trip to the Nördlich Odden area typically takes 20–35 minutes at a relaxed pace. Surfaces are mostly paved or firm gravel, but coastal winds can be strong and there is little shade, so bring water and weather‑appropriate clothing.
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Car ferry and short walk from Nordby
Drivers can bring a car on the Esbjerg–Fanø ferry, paying a combined vehicle and passenger fare usually in the range of 150–300 DKK each way depending on size and season. After arriving in Nordby, follow the main island roads north towards the dune fringe and use signed beach or dune access parking areas as a starting point. From there, expect a 15–30 minute walk over sandy and sometimes uneven ground to reach the bunker zone. Parking is generally free but can be limited in peak summer, and the final approach is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
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Local bus within Fanø and approach on foot
On Fanø, a local bus line connects Nordby with other parts of the island. Use a service heading towards the northern beach and alight at a stop nearest the dune and beach access, with total riding times from Nordby of around 10–20 minutes. Single tickets typically cost around 20–30 DKK, and services may run less frequently outside school hours and on weekends. From the stop, you walk across dunes and sandy tracks for 20–30 minutes to reach the former battery, so suitable footwear is important and the route is best in dry, clear weather.
Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri) location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri)
Wartime strongpoint in the dunes of Fanø
Nördlich Odden, also known as a light flak battery, lies tucked into the sandy landscape north of Nordby on the island of Fanø. During the German occupation in the Second World War this modest-looking position formed part of the extensive Atlantic Wall defences that stretched along the North Sea coast. Here, anti‑aircraft guns, artillery observers and communication posts watched over the shipping lanes of Grådyb and the entrance towards Esbjerg. The original layout included several bunkers of different functions: command, medical, shelters for personnel and storage connected by trenches and sandy paths. Today the guns are long gone, but the concrete shells and earthworks remain, softened by decades of windblown sand and dune grass.Concrete relics and subtle details on site
Walking around the position you notice low, squat bunker mouths emerging from the dunes, some partly buried, others clearly visible. Narrow entrances lead into cool, echoing interiors where thick walls once protected crews from shrapnel and blast. Outside, circular or angular foundations mark former gun emplacements, while shallow depressions show where access trenches once zigzagged across the sand. Small ventilation shafts, rusting metal fixings and remnants of cable channels give a sense of the technical installation that operated here. It is an unfenced, open landscape, so the transition from natural dune to military structure is gradual; concrete edges blur into tufts of marram grass and patches of heather typical of Fanø’s open coastal heath.Fanø’s strategic position in the Wadden Sea
Fanø sits in the heart of the Wadden Sea, facing the busy approaches to Esbjerg. That combination of shallow tidal flats and a well‑defined shipping channel made the island strategically important during the war. Together with minefields, other coastal batteries and signal stations, Nördlich Odden helped monitor vessels entering the Grådyb fairway and contributed to air defence over the northern part of the island. The wider setting is now part of a national park and UNESCO‑listed tidal landscape, where tides sculpt mudflats, salt meadows and shifting sands. From the battery area, low horizons, big skies and the distant line of dunes underline how exposed both landscape and wartime installations are to the elements.A quiet place for reflection and exploration
Today Nördlich Odden is a low‑key, free‑to‑access site without formal facilities, which adds to its contemplative atmosphere. The constant sound is the wind moving through dune grass, sometimes joined by the calls of shorebirds or the distant hum of traffic from Nordby. Visitors meander along sandy tracks, stepping carefully over broken concrete and exploring interiors with the aid of a torch. Because the structures are not restored into a museum setting, you are left to imagine daily life for the soldiers posted here: long watches from observation points, drills around the flak positions, and the contrast between tense alerts and the apparent emptiness of the surrounding beaches.Respecting both heritage and fragile nature
Although the military function has disappeared, the site now forms part of a sensitive dune ecosystem. Lichens spread across exposed concrete, while low shrubs stabilise the sand around embankments. Staying on existing paths, avoiding climbing on fragile edges and leaving any artefacts in place helps preserve both the heritage value and the surrounding nature. Combined with walks along nearby beaches, salt meadows and other remnants of the Atlantic Wall on Fanø, a visit here offers a compact yet evocative insight into how this small island once played a role in global conflict, set against the ever‑changing backdrop of the Wadden Sea landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fanø Tourist Office
1.4 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
Fanø Krogaard
1.6 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fano Bed and Boats
1.7 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
2.4 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Esbjerg Water Tower
2.9 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Denmark
3.1 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Dronning Louise
3.1 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Namaste Esbjerg
3.2 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Vadehavskysten
3.3 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Begravet bunker
4.6 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Hjerting Badehotel
7.5 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Sønderho Church
13.1 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
13.4 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Kammerslusen Ribe
22.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
26.6 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kikkebjerget
1.3 km
Slotsgaden in Møgeltønder: A fairytale street of thatched cottages, noble vistas, and rural calm leading to the historic Schackenborg Castle in southern Denmark.
Galleri Kirsten Rudiengaard
1.5 km
Intimate island gallery in Nordby showcasing the atmospheric coastal paintings and personal studio world of Danish artist Kirsten Rudiengaard.
Fanø Skibsfarts- & Dragtsamling
1.6 km
Maritime museum preserving Fanø's golden age of sailing ships and island traditions.
Fanø Lokalhistorisk Forening
1.6 km
Small but rich local archive where Fanø’s seafaring past, village life and family stories are preserved in photos, papers and quiet, absorbing detail.
Esbjerg Havn
1.6 km
A vast working harbour and marina where offshore wind giants, fishing boats and yachts share the docks on Denmark’s windswept North Sea coast.
Fish Auction for tourists
1.8 km
Bid on fresh catches at Denmark's largest fishing harbour in this authentic, working auction.
Fanø Museum
1.8 km
Step into an 18th-century skipper’s home in Nordby and discover how Fanø’s seafaring families lived, worked and kept island traditions alive by the North Sea.
Museumsfyrskibet Horns Rev
2.4 km
Historic lightship turned museum at Esbjerg’s harbourfront, preserving the story of Horns Rev and life aboard a floating lighthouse on Denmark’s west coast.
Fanø Bryghus
2.6 km
Denmark's westernmost craft brewery, where sea-inspired beers and vibrant community meet.
Hotel Fanø Bad
2.7 km
Unpretentious beachside base on Fanø’s dune fringe, where simple rooms, sea air and vast North Sea sands set the tone for slow, outdoorsy island days.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
2.7 km
A modest harbor footbridge with big-city harbor views, Gangbroen over Toldbodvej links central Esbjerg to its working docks in a few scenic, elevated minutes.
Fishermen memorial
2.8 km
A quiet granite grove on Esbjerg’s windy coast, honoring generations of local fishermen who never returned from the sea.
Landgangen
2.8 km
An elevated corten-steel promenade that sweeps between Esbjerg’s city streets and working harbour, blending everyday mobility with harbour views and urban design.
Swimming Stadium Denmark
2.9 km
Denmark’s largest indoor swim and water park: 10,000 m² of slides, waves, competition lanes and wellness under one roof in Esbjerg’s sports district.
Mosaicvæg “Verdensarven Vadehavet”
2.9 km
A 27‑meter community-created mosaic in a hidden Esbjerg courtyard, bringing the colours, tides and birdlife of the UNESCO Wadden Sea into the city centre.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Nord
1.4 km
Harbourfront Danish home cooking on Fanø, serving traditional fish dishes, smørrebrød and cakes in a relaxed café-restaurant by the Nordby ferry.
Seaside Food
1.5 km
Fresh panini sandwiches with local seafood and island ingredients, served casual and quick by the Wadden Sea.
Jimmy's Køkken
1.6 km
Casual pizza and grill in the middle of Nordby, serving hot, hearty favourites to locals and island visitors from lunch through to the evening.
Konsulen nordby
1.6 km
Intimate, candlelit dining on Nordby’s historic main street, where simple Scandinavian comfort meets the relaxed rhythm of island life on Fanø.
Den Lille Cafe
1.7 km
A snug, inexpensive cafe on Fanø’s main street where simple Danish cooking, warm lighting and local conversation create an easygoing island living-room feel.
Pandekagehuset Fanø
1.8 km
Cosy island creperie in Nordby serving generous sweet and savoury pancakes with a hygge-filled courtyard and relaxed Fanø village atmosphere.
Haven Fanø
1.9 km
Cosy 1849 island house turned boutique hotel, café and garden retreat, serving organic breakfasts and Fanø’s own flavours in the heart of Nordby.
Fanø Pizza
1.9 km
Straightforward Danish-style pizza and takeaway favorites in Nordby, offering an easy, kid-friendly dinner option after a day exploring windswept Fanø.
Restaurant Aroma - Fanø øko Øl
1.9 km
Cosy island restaurant and organic microbrewery in a historic skipper’s villa at the heart of Nordby, pairing house‑brewed Fanø beers with relaxed European plates.
Tacobørsen
2.0 km
Colorful Mexican-inspired street food on Fanø’s main street, perfect for easy takeout, casual meals and beach picnics between dunes, harbor walks and village strolls.
Sydvesten ApS
2.0 km
Harbour-side Danish seafood canteen turned local classic, serving hearty fish dishes and open sandwiches beside Esbjerg’s working fishing quay and marina.
Rudbecks Fanø
2.1 km
Cosy family-run café, deli and wine bar on Fanø’s main street, celebrating local organic produce, Fanø salmon and cheeses in a warm, relaxed village setting.
Café Danmark
2.3 km
Old-school Danish lunch café in central Esbjerg, serving generous smørrebrød and stjerneskud in a warm, nostalgic dining room with relaxed midday atmosphere.
Kanda's Thai Cuisine
2.4 km
Compact, award‑winning Thai takeaway on Strandbygade, serving wok‑fresh curries and noodles that bring Southeast Asian warmth to the heart of Esbjerg.
Spyddet Le Grill
2.4 km
Casual Middle Eastern grill in central Esbjerg, serving juicy skewers, build‑your‑own plates and hearty comfort dishes in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
GOLDSCHMIDT ART GALLERI
1.4 km
A small, intimate gallery on Nordby’s main street, Galleri Goldschmidt captures Fanø’s coastal light and village life in contemporary paintings steps from everyday island bustle.
Fanø keramik
1.6 km
Intimate island pottery studio on Nordby’s main street, where hand-thrown stoneware captures Fanø’s dunes, sea tones and understated Nordic everyday life.
AGAVANZA
1.6 km
Handcrafted Danish silver jewellery from Fanø, where minimalist design and subtle maritime inspiration create timeless pieces that carry the spirit of the North Sea.
Den lille Ravbutik
1.7 km
Cosy island amber shop on Fanø’s main street, blending Danish design with North Sea heritage in warm, well-priced jewelry and seaside-inspired keepsakes.
Fanø-Ring
1.7 km
A tiny Nordby shop where Denmark’s first sea mark is reimagined as a modern ring, turning Fanø’s maritime history into a wearable island keepsake.
Toves Gavebod
1.7 km
A tiny, time‑honoured gift shop on Nordby’s main street, filled with woven textiles, hornware and handmade pieces that capture the quiet craft spirit of Fanø.
Huset Fanø
1.7 km
Curated Danish design and local artistry in the heart of Fanø's charming Nordby.
Fru Sørensen
1.7 km
Intimate Nordby gift shop where Scandinavian design, cosy homewares and Fanø’s gentle maritime spirit come together on the island’s historic main street.
Fanø Boghandel
1.8 km
Compact island bookstore and post office in the middle of Nordby, mixing books, games and stationery with the practical pulse of Fanø’s daily life.
Rikke Sandford
1.8 km
Intimate Fanø boutique for Scandinavian children’s clothing, offering carefully curated outfits, shoes and accessories for girls in a cosy, owner-run setting.
SALT
2.0 km
A small-but-stylish fashion and lifestyle shop in Nordby’s former bank building, SALT blends island charm with Scandinavian design on Fanø’s main street.
Christel Seyfarth Butik
2.0 km
A vivid studio-store on Fanø where bold fair-isle inspired knitwear, quality yarns and island traditions come together in a richly coloured creative universe.
Westwind
2.0 km
Coastal clothing hub on Nordby’s main street, equipping you with practical sports and leisure wear for Fanø’s ever‑changing North Sea weather.
Kulturfabrikken, frkToft
2.0 km
Playful island ceramics with vintage prints, crooked edges and plenty of humor, crafted and displayed in a characterful studio-shop on Fanø’s main street.
Fanø Brugsforening
2.1 km
Fanø’s friendly SuperBrugsen co-op in Nordby, keeping islanders and visitors stocked with fresh food, Danish staples and everyday essentials near the harbour.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hjørnekroen
1.5 km
Cosy corner bar in Nordby where Fanø’s island life, live music nights and classic Danish bodega charm come together over draught beer and easy conversation.
Havkatten
2.4 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
2.4 km
A no-frills Danish bodega in central Esbjerg, where wood-panelled warmth, affordable drinks, and local camaraderie capture the city’s everyday pub culture.
Dokken City Beach
2.5 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Corners Pub
2.5 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
HomeRun Esbjerg
3.1 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
3.1 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
Vinbaren
3.1 km
Intimate, dimly lit and disarmingly casual, Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s brown-bar style wine hangout for late-night chats, cheap pours and the occasional close-up concert.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
3.1 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
James Bond Esbjerg
3.1 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
Kasket Karl
3.2 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Industrien
3.2 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Pappi's pub
3.2 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Skræddergården Esbjerg ApS
3.2 km
Adult-friendly dance bar in Esbjerg’s Skolegade nightlife strip, mixing DJ sets, live music nights and easygoing drinks in a former tailor’s house.
King George
3.2 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
3.1 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
41.2 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
Romo Golf Links
42.9 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
46.2 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
46.5 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Fishi
53.2 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Rotes Kliff
56.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
65.6 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
65.6 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
Koldingtivet Engen
67.0 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
67.5 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
67.6 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
67.9 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Jazz 6000
68.1 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
71.9 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly