Cafe Nord, Fanø
Harbourfront Danish home cooking on Fanø, serving traditional fish dishes, smørrebrød and cakes in a relaxed café-restaurant by the Nordby ferry.
Cafe Nord is a cosy Danish restaurant in Nordby on Fanø, set just by the ferry harbour on Færgevej. Known for traditional Danish dishes, generous portions and home-style cooking, it serves classics like fried plaice, smørrebrød and the ever-popular stjerneskud. Large windows and outdoor tables make the most of the harbour view, while the relaxed interior combines simple décor with a laid-back island feel. It is a convenient stop for lunch or an early afternoon meal before or after exploring Fanø.
A brief summary to Cafe Nord
- Færgevej 1, Fanø, 6720, DK
- +4552114804
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Aim for a slightly earlier or later lunch than peak ferry times to enjoy the harbour view in a calmer atmosphere and avoid the busiest midday period.
- Try one of the fish specialties such as pan-fried plaice or stjerneskud to make the most of Fanø’s maritime setting and local seafood traditions.
- If you are planning a small celebration or group meal on Fanø, contact the café in advance to ask about set menus and availability for larger tables.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Cafe Nord location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cafe Nord
Harbourfront dining at the gateway to Fanø
Cafe Nord occupies a prime spot in Nordby, just steps from the ferry landing, where island life begins for most visitors to Fanø. From its windows and terrace you look out over the harbour, watching ferries glide in and fishing boats bob with the tide. The setting immediately signals that you are on a North Sea island: salty air, gulls calling overhead and a constant sense of movement on the water. Inside, the atmosphere is unpretentious and relaxed. Simple wooden tables, maritime touches and a straightforward layout keep the focus on the food and the view rather than elaborate décor. It feels more like a classic Danish café-restaurant than a polished fine-dining venue, which suits its role as a casual meeting point for locals and visitors passing through Nordby.Classic Danish flavours with a Fanø twist
The kitchen centres on traditional Danish cooking, the kind that is hearty, familiar and comforting. Fish is a natural star here, with dishes such as pan-fried plaice served with potatoes and parsley sauce, or the famous stjerneskud: plaice prepared in different ways, typically combining steamed and fried fillets, garnished with shrimp and dressing on bread. These plates highlight the proximity of the sea and the island’s long relationship with fishing. Alongside the fish, you can expect staples like wiener schnitzel with browned potatoes, smørrebrød layered with cold cuts and toppings, and seasonal variations on classic café fare. Portions tend to be generous, more in line with traditional Danish lunch restaurants than minimalist modern bistros. There is usually a selection of cakes and simple desserts, accompanied by basic coffee and other hot drinks for an afternoon pause.A relaxed stop in the rhythm of Nordby
Because of its location, Cafe Nord naturally becomes part of the rhythm of arrivals and departures on Fanø. Around lunchtime the dining room can fill with a mix of day-trippers, families and islanders taking a midday break. The mood remains informal: people linger over their plates, watching the harbour through the windows or stepping outside between courses to feel the sea breeze. The terrace and outdoor tables are particularly appealing on bright days, when the low northern light reflects off the water and the harbour becomes a living backdrop. In cooler or windier weather, the interior provides shelter without losing the connection to the outside; the large windows still frame the coming and going of ferries and the changes in the sky over the Wadden Sea.From everyday meals to small celebrations
Beyond individual diners, Cafe Nord can host small gatherings and group meals. The layout and seating capacity make it suitable for intimate celebrations, birthday lunches or club outings, especially for those who want something straightforward and local rather than elaborate banquet halls. The kitchen can prepare set menus built around Danish specialties, and the staff are accustomed to handling groups within the constraints of the café’s size. The restaurant also offers catering for events on the island, supplying dishes in ready-to-serve containers. This allows guests staying in rented houses or organising private functions to enjoy the same traditional recipes in their own setting, while the café handles the cooking and preparation.Part of Fanø’s everyday food scene
Cafe Nord is woven into the daily life of Nordby as one of several local places serving familiar Danish dishes. It is not a themed destination, but rather a representation of everyday island dining: straightforward plates, a harbour view, and a setting where people drop in before catching the ferry or after a walk through the village streets. For travellers, it offers a convenient and characterful option to sample local-style cooking without leaving the main hub of Fanø. Whether you come for a full fish lunch, a plate of smørrebrød or simply coffee and cake with a view of the harbour, the experience combines the flavours of Danish home cooking with the maritime atmosphere that defines this small North Sea island.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fanø Tourist Office
0.0 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
0.1 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
0.3 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
2.6 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
3.2 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.
Dronning Louise
3.5 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Denmark
3.5 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.
Namaste Esbjerg
3.6 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
3.8 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
5.7 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Hjerting Badehotel
8.9 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Sønderho Church
11.7 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
12.0 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
21.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
25.7 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
Fanø Skibsfarts- & Dragtsamling
0.2 km
Maritime museum preserving Fanø's golden age of sailing ships and island traditions.
Fanø Lokalhistorisk Forening
0.4 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.
Fanø Museum
0.4 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.
Kikkebjerget
0.8 km
Slotsgaden in Møgeltønder: A fairytale street of thatched cottages, noble vistas, and rural calm leading to the historic Schackenborg Castle in southern Denmark.
Fanø Bryghus
1.3 km
Denmark's westernmost craft brewery, where sea-inspired beers and vibrant community meet.
Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri)
1.4 km
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.
Hotel Fanø Bad
1.5 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.
Fanø Vesterland Festival
2.1 km
Step into the historic world of duck decoy trapping at Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje, where Fanø’s coastal landscape and folk ingenuity come vividly to life.
Skovhaven Torp Plantage
2.6 km
A sheltered woodland garden with fairy-tale sculptures, forest lake, and picnic areas perfect for families.
Gedenkstein
2.6 km
Experience Fanø's historic waterfowl trapping site amidst serene heathland, offering deep insights into Danish hunting heritage and the ecology of the Wadden Sea.
Fish Auction for tourists
2.8 km
Bid on fresh catches at Denmark's largest fishing harbour in this authentic, working auction.
Esbjerg Havn
3.0 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.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
3.0 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.
Mindesten for Det Økumeniske Kirkemøde 1934
3.1 km
Set off across wild tidal flats from Fanø’s tranquil south end to witness unforgettable seal colonies and the windswept beauty of the Wadden Sea coastline.
Danland Fanø
3.1 km
Unfussy seaside holiday apartments with pools and dunes-on-the-doorstep access to Fanø’s wide North Sea beach and Wadden Sea landscapes.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Nord
0.0 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
0.0 km
Fresh panini sandwiches with local seafood and island ingredients, served casual and quick by the Wadden Sea.
Jimmy's Køkken
0.1 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
0.2 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
0.3 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
0.5 km
Cosy island creperie in Nordby serving generous sweet and savoury pancakes with a hygge-filled courtyard and relaxed Fanø village atmosphere.
Haven Fanø
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Rudbecks Fanø
0.7 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.
VadeMad
1.3 km
Casual food‑truck dining paired with island‑brewed craft beer, set in the laid‑back courtyard of Fanø Bryghus just a short stroll from the Wadden Sea.
Restaurant Dino
1.3 km
Casual island restaurant in Fanø Bad serving pizzas, Bosnian specialities and Danish comfort food just steps from the North Sea dunes.
Axel's Kitchen
2.6 km
Authentic Italian pizzeria with indoor playground, celebrating local Fanø ingredients and family moments.
Kellers Badehotel
2.9 km
Historic beachfront hotel on Fanø combining coastal Danish charm, gourmet dining, and immersive island hospitality with sweeping North Sea views and a storied heritage.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
GOLDSCHMIDT ART GALLERI
0.0 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
0.2 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
0.2 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.
Fanø-Ring
0.3 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.
Den lille Ravbutik
0.3 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.
Toves Gavebod
0.3 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
0.3 km
Curated Danish design and local artistry in the heart of Fanø's charming Nordby.
Fru Sørensen
0.3 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
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.6 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
0.6 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
0.6 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
0.7 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
0.8 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
0.0 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.
Dokken City Beach
2.7 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Havkatten
3.1 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.
Kabyssen
3.2 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
3.3 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.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
3.5 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.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
3.5 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.
HomeRun Esbjerg
3.5 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.
Corners Pub
3.5 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
Pappi's pub
3.5 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.
Dowdi Pub Bar
3.5 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
James Bond Esbjerg
3.5 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.
Vinbaren
3.5 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.
Kasket Karl
3.5 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
3.6 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
3.5 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.
Romo Golf Links
41.5 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.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
42.5 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
46.1 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
47.4 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
55.3 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
64.2 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
64.2 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
66.9 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
67.4 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
67.8 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
68.0 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.
Boldts Bar
71.9 km
Boldts Bar in Haderslev is the region’s top venue for live music, cocktails, and buzzing nightlife, merging Danish conviviality with vibrant contemporary energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Casual
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Business Friendly