Sønderho Kro
Historic 18th‑century inn on Fanø where thatched-roof charm, gourmet Danish cuisine and Wadden Sea landscapes come together in the heart of Sønderho.
Sønderho Kro is a centuries-old inn and fine dining restaurant set in the heart of the historic skipper village of Sønderho on Fanø, Denmark. Established in 1722, this thatched-roof kro blends intimate gourmet cuisine with the atmosphere of a carefully preserved island house, its Dutch tiles and painted panels evoking maritime days gone by. With just 13 individually styled rooms and views toward the Wadden Sea marshes, it offers a quietly luxurious base for exploring cobbled lanes, bird-rich wetlands and the wider national park landscape.
A brief summary to Sønderho Kro
- Kropladsen 11, Fanø, 6720, DK
- +4575164009
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 24 hours
- Luxury
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Book your stay or dinner well in advance, especially in summer and on weekends, as the inn has only 13 rooms and a limited number of restaurant tables.
- Pack for changeable coastal weather; even on warm days, winds off the Wadden Sea can be cool, and a light waterproof layer is useful for walks near the dike.
- Allow time before or after meals to wander Sønderho’s narrow lanes and thatched cottages, as the village setting is a key part of the kro’s charm.
- If you have dietary preferences such as vegetarian or vegan, mention them when reserving so the kitchen can prepare thoughtful alternatives within the seasonal menu.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Sønderho Kro location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Sønderho Kro
An island inn with three centuries of stories
Sønderho Kro is one of Denmark’s oldest and best-preserved inns, founded in 1722 in the small seafaring village of Sønderho on Fanø. Stepping inside, you move into a world shaped by North Sea winds and long maritime traditions, where sailors once gathered to trade news, music and stories from distant ports. Today the kro still sits at the heart of the village, a low, thatched building framed by cobbled space and old skipper houses. Across the centuries, the inn has served as a natural meeting point for locals, travelers and ship captains passing through the Wadden Sea. Its age is not just a date on a plaque; it is felt in the scale of the rooms, the weight of the beams overhead and the subtle tilt of an old floorboard. You are visiting a working inn rather than a museum, where history is woven into everyday life.Atmospheric rooms and maritime character
With only 13 guest rooms, Sønderho Kro offers an intimate stay that mirrors the modest scale of the village itself. Each room has its own character and is named after historic ships and former innkeepers, a quiet nod to Fanø’s seafaring past. The décor respects the building’s age: low ceilings, small-paned windows and simple, sturdy furniture that feels appropriate to a coastal inn. You will notice details that speak directly to the kro’s history: Dutch tiles with maritime motifs, painted green, blue and red paneling, and narrow corridors connecting one snug room to another. It is the sort of place where you are always aware of the building around you, especially on windy nights when you can hear the weather outside and appreciate the shelter offered by thick walls and thatched roof.Gourmet dining rooted in local produce
Sønderho Kro is as well known for its kitchen as for its age. The restaurant focuses on seasonal, regionally inspired cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients from Fanø and the surrounding Wadden Sea coast. Menus often highlight North Sea fish, shellfish, lamb from the nearby marshes and produce that reflects the rhythm of the Danish seasons. Dining here feels deliberately unhurried. Courses appear in a steady flow, leaving time to notice the clink of porcelain, the glow of candlelight on old wood and the low hum of conversation in Danish and other languages. The combination of refined cooking and village setting creates a sense of grounded luxury: you are eating at a high level, but the atmosphere remains relaxed and anchored in place.At the edge of the Wadden Sea landscapes
The inn stands just a short walk from the dike and the wide marshes of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO-recognized tidal landscape known for its huge skies and migratory birdlife. From here you can watch shifting light over mudflats and salt meadows, and in the right seasons see flocks of geese, waders and other birds using the wetlands as a stopping point. Because Sønderho lies at the southern tip of Fanø, it offers a feeling of being at the end of the road, with open sea, dunes and expansive beaches never far away. Many guests pair time at the kro with walks along narrow village paths, explorations of the skipper houses and short excursions to the island’s dunes and shorelines.A village of thatched roofs and narrow lanes
Sønderho itself is often described as one of Denmark’s most atmospheric villages, with almost 300 well-preserved thatched cottages and a warren of tiny roads and footpaths. From the kro you can wander directly into this historic environment, passing gabled houses, low fences and pocket-sized gardens that have changed little in outline over generations. The village church, local museum spaces and small cultural sites are all within walking distance, making the inn a natural base for exploring Fanø’s cultural heritage. Even without a fixed plan, simply drifting through the lanes offers a sense of everyday life on a North Sea island before modern tourism.Slow rhythms and seasonal moods
Life at Sønderho Kro moves with a gentle rhythm that changes through the year. In summer, long evenings and mild temperatures make it easy to linger over dinner and then stroll out to watch late light over the marshes. In spring and autumn, migrating birds and crisper air lend the surroundings a wilder feel, while the kro’s interiors become especially welcoming. Winter brings shorter days, but also a deep sense of coziness when the inn is lit from within and the village is quiet. Whichever season you choose, the experience is defined by contrasts: refined food and simple architecture, sheltered rooms and open coastal landscapes, the intimacy of a small inn and the vastness of the Wadden Sea just beyond the dike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sønderho Church
0.4 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
0.5 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.
Fano Bed and Boats
11.8 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.
Fanø Krogaard
11.9 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.
Fanø Tourist Office
12.0 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
12.8 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.
Kammerslusen Ribe
13.0 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Esbjerg Water Tower
13.1 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
13.3 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
13.3 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Denmark
13.4 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.
Vadehavskysten
13.6 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
16.2 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
18.1 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.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
18.6 km
A solemn memorial to soldiers lost in Denmark's 19th-century Schleswig Wars, set in historic medieval Ribe.
Unmissable attractions to see
Stormflodssøjlen, Sønderho
0.1 km
A slender harbor-side column that quietly records Sønderho’s greatest storm surges, turning Fanø’s gentle Wadden Sea horizon into a vivid story of water and wind.
Fanø Kunstmuseum
0.2 km
Intimate island art museum in an old merchant’s house, celebrating Fanø’s luminous Wadden Sea light and a century of coastal-inspired painting.
Fanø Free Folk Festival
0.2 km
Intimate North Sea festival where experimental folk, improvised sounds and village life meet among dunes, thatched houses and long Nordic summer evenings.
Detrigonometriskestation
0.4 km
A quiet dune top on Fanø where 19th‑century surveyors fixed their instruments, this modest trigonometrical station now offers big skies, wind, and quiet reflection.
Sønderho Mølle
0.9 km
Wind, flour and island history meet in this beautifully restored 1895 gallery Dutch windmill above the village of Sønderho on Fanø.
Mosedalsbjerg
1.9 km
A breathtaking linden-lined street in Møgeltønder, Slotsgaden charms visitors with its historic thatched cottages and scenic path to Schackenborg Castle.
Seal Bank Walk Meeting Point
2.1 km
A windswept beach meeting point at Sønderho, where guided low-tide walks lead across the Wadden Sea seabed to Galgerevet’s thriving seal bank.
Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje
4.3 km
Historic 19th‑century duck decoy in Fanø’s heathland, where tranquil woodland paths, a restored trapping pond and Wadden Sea views tell the island’s waterfowl story.
Skovlegeplads
4.7 km
Woodland wonderland on Fanø: a free forest playground with natural equipment, fire pits and storybook corners hidden inside Fanø Klitplantage.
Albue Fuglekøje
5.5 km
A preserved duck decoy tucked into Fanø’s dunes and pines, where quiet paths and old earthworks reveal how islanders once trapped wild ducks for a living.
Pælebjerg - Det højeste punkt på Fanø
5.9 km
A modest 21‑meter summit with big sky views over dunes, heath and plantation, Pælebjerg distills Fanø’s quiet, wind-shaped landscapes into one gentle climb.
Fanø Blokart
7.7 km
Land-sail across Denmark's legendary beach at speeds up to 50 km/h—no experience needed.
Mandø Mølle
8.8 km
Compact black‑and‑white windmill and island landmark on tide‑bound Mandø, where Wadden Sea skies, dikes and village history meet in one evocative viewpoint.
stormflodssøjlen mandø
9.1 km
A solitary wooden column in Mandø’s dunes quietly records centuries of dramatic storm surges, turning a peaceful Wadden Sea shoreline into a vivid lesson in the sea’s power.
Mandø Museum
9.2 km
Step into a 19th‑century skipper’s home on tiny Mandø and discover how generations of islanders shaped their lives around tides, seafaring and the Wadden Sea.
Essential places to dine
Sønderho Kro
0.0 km
Historic 18th‑century inn on Fanø where thatched-roof charm, gourmet Danish cuisine and Wadden Sea landscapes come together in the heart of Sønderho.
Restaurant/Café Fajancen
0.1 km
Cosy family-run bistro in historic Sønderho, serving Danish–French classics made from local Fanø and Danish ingredients in warmly lit, intimate village-house surroundings.
Cafe Nanas Stue
0.1 km
Historic thatched café in Sønderho blending Fanø comfort food, Dutch tile art and intimate music evenings in one atmospheric village living room.
Tre Søstre
0.4 km
A cosy island café in Sønderho serving good coffee, simple local bites and creamy ice cream, perfect for a slow midday pause on windswept Fanø.
Mandø Kro I/S
8.9 km
Atmospheric village inn on the tidal island of Mandø, pairing classic Danish comfort food with simple rooms and vast Wadden Sea horizons outside the door.
Mandøpigen: Cafe, Turbåd & Lejligheder
9.1 km
Cosy barn‑café and light holiday apartments in the heart of Mandø, serving Wadden Sea flavours just below the dunes of this tide‑shaped island.
KlitHus Mandø
9.2 km
Cozy island inn, café and restaurant at the heart of Mandø, pairing simple coastal rooms and home‑style Danish cooking with the wild drama of the Wadden Sea.
LIGHTHOUSE BURGERS
10.0 km
Gourmet-minded burger bar on Fanø, serving organic local beef, house-made buns and sauces, and a relaxed island atmosphere just a stroll from Nordby’s heart.
Stoppestedet I/S
10.1 km
Casual, family-friendly fast food on holiday island Fanø, serving hearty portions of fish, chips and burgers a short hop from the wide North Sea beach.
Axel's Kitchen
10.2 km
Authentic Italian pizzeria with indoor playground, celebrating local Fanø ingredients and family moments.
Restaurant Dino
11.2 km
Casual island restaurant in Fanø Bad serving pizzas, Bosnian specialities and Danish comfort food just steps from the North Sea dunes.
VadeMad
11.3 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.
Rudbecks Fanø
11.5 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.
Tacobørsen
11.6 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.
Restaurant Aroma - Fanø øko Øl
11.6 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Silken
0.2 km
Intimate silk atelier and boutique on Fanø, where decades of craftsmanship turn Asian fabrics into timeless, island-made garments in a calm, gallery-like setting.
Sønderho Gårdbutik
1.3 km
Authentic Fanø farm shop with organic Highland beef, free-range eggs and carefully selected local specialties at the gateway to the village of Sønderho.
Arbuckle Design
8.1 km
Discover unique fashion accessories that capture the essence of Danish design at Arbuckle Design in Fanø.
Fanø Angus & Merino
9.4 km
Small Fanø farm shop turning island pastures into premium Angus beef and soft Merino yarn, offering an authentic taste – and texture – of Wadden Sea life.
Kunstladen
9.4 km
A colourful Fanø island boutique where Scandinavian design, clothing, gifts and craft supplies fill a bright, welcoming space just behind the dunes of Rindby.
Rindby Supermarked A/S
10.0 km
Spacious island supermarket in Rindby, combining early-morning bakery aromas, full-range groceries and relaxed holiday extras near Fanø’s west coast dunes.
Mission Afrika Genbrug
11.2 km
Cosy Nordby thrift shop where island finds, friendly volunteers and second-hand treasures help fund Mission Afrika’s community projects far beyond Fanø.
Fanø Lægeurtehave
11.3 km
Traditional herb shop preserving natural wellness practices on Denmark's peaceful Fanø Island.
SPAR
11.5 km
Fanø's reliable supermarket steps from the beach, serving locals and visitors daily.
Fanø Brugsforening
11.5 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.
SuperBrugsen
11.5 km
Fanø’s central supermarket hub, blending everyday Danish island life with convenient shopping for self-catering holidays and beachbound visitors in Nordby.
Westwind
11.6 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
11.6 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.
Christel Seyfarth Butik
11.6 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.
SALT
11.6 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kabyssen
10.1 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Hjørnekroen
12.0 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
12.8 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Dowdi Pub Bar
13.2 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.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
13.2 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.
Pappi's pub
13.2 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.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
13.2 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.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
13.3 km
Timber-clad, late-opening beer hut on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, serving easygoing brews and shots in a cosy, West Jutland party atmosphere at the heart of nightlife.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
13.3 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
King George
13.3 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Skræddergården Esbjerg ApS
13.3 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.
Industrien
13.3 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Kasket Karl
13.3 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
James Bond Esbjerg
13.3 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.
HomeRun Esbjerg
13.3 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- National Park
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly