Battery Hanstholm 1
Wind-beaten dunes, concrete giants and sweeping sea views meet at Battery Hanstholm 1, an open-air World War II strongpoint on Denmark’s remote northwest coast.
Battery Hanstholm 1 lies in the dunes south of Hanstholm Lighthouse, where low, wind‑shaped heath meets a maze of World War II bunkers. Built in 1940 with four 17 cm naval guns as part of Germany’s coastal defence, this open-air site preserves 19 substantial concrete structures scattered across a wild landscape. Today you can freely wander through gun emplacements, ruined shelters and sand-filled passageways, feeling both the exposed North Sea environment and the weight of Atlantic Wall history.
A brief summary to Battery Hanstholm 1
- Hanstholm,7730, Hanstholm, 7730, DK
- +4597961736
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a good torch or headlamp if you plan to enter the bunkers; interiors are unlit, uneven and can be very dark even on bright days.
- Wear sturdy shoes and windproof layers, as the terrain is sandy and exposed, with strong coastal winds common in all seasons.
- Allow time to combine the open-air battery with a visit to the nearby Hanstholm Bunker Museum to better understand the wider fortress system.
- If visiting with children, set clear boundaries around bunker entrances and steep drops, and keep a close eye when exploring interiors.
- Download or screenshot background information in advance, as on-site signage is limited and mobile signal can fluctuate in the dunes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Thisted
From Thisted, driving to Battery Hanstholm 1 typically takes about 35–45 minutes via the main regional road towards Hanstholm. The route uses good-quality paved roads suitable for all standard vehicles. Parking is usually available near the nature reserve access points, but spaces can fill on fine summer days and you may need to walk a short distance over sandy, uneven ground from the car to the bunkers.
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Regional bus to Hanstholm and walk
Regional buses between Thisted and Hanstholm generally take around 40–50 minutes and run several times a day on weekdays, with reduced frequency at weekends and on public holidays. Tickets are typically in the range of 30–60 DKK one way, depending on discounts and ticket type. From central Hanstholm you should expect a longer walk of roughly an hour across mixed pavement, tracks and sandy paths to reach the battery, so this option is best for fit visitors with good footwear.
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Cycling within Thy area
For those already staying in the Thy coastal area, cycling to Battery Hanstholm 1 is a practical and rewarding choice in good weather. Journey times vary from about 20 minutes from Hanstholm town to over an hour from villages closer to Thisted, mostly on minor roads and established cycle routes. The terrain is gently hilly and often windy, so allow extra time and bring layers and water. There is no dedicated bike parking infrastructure on site, but you can safely leave a locked bike near the main access tracks.
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Taxi from Hanstholm town
From central Hanstholm, a local taxi can reduce the approach to about 10–15 minutes of driving, making this a useful option in poor weather or for those with limited mobility. Fares vary by operator and time of day but are commonly in the region of 120–200 DKK each way for a standard car. Agree an approximate price before departure and keep in mind that mobile coverage can fluctuate slightly in the dunes when arranging your return pick-up.
Battery Hanstholm 1 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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Hot Weather
Discover more about Battery Hanstholm 1
Coastal stronghold in the windswept dunes
Battery Hanstholm 1 occupies a remote stretch of dune heath just south of Hanstholm Lighthouse on Denmark’s northwest coast. Here the land rises gently above the North Sea, covered in coarse grasses, heather and low shrubs that bend in the constant wind. Between the tufts of vegetation, massive blocks of grey concrete emerge from the sand, hinting at the scale of the military complex once hidden in this landscape. Part of Thy’s protected nature, the battery feels strikingly open and elemental. On clear days you can sense the curvature of the Skagerrak horizon, with seabirds riding the air currents and the distant sound of waves breaking on the shore below. It is this strategic combination of elevation, visibility and relative remoteness that made Hanstholm such a crucial point in wartime planning.From German gun line to the Atlantic Wall
Construction of Hanstholm 1 began in 1940, when German forces established a coastal battery armed with four 17 cm naval guns to control the mine-free approach through the Skagerrak strait. Positioned to cover a ten‑nautical‑mile‑wide opening in the minefields, the guns were tasked with protecting German shipping and deterring Allied vessels attempting to reach the Baltic. Initially the guns stood in open positions on concrete platforms, but as fears of invasion grew the site was gradually reinforced with bombproof structures. Hanstholm became one of the key nodes in the wider Atlantic Wall, the huge chain of coastal fortifications stretching from Norway to the French coast. Together with a sister fortress in southern Norway, the batteries here played a central role in closing the maritime gateway between the North Sea and the Baltic region.Bunkers, ruins and traces of daily life
Today around nineteen major bunkers remain scattered across the dunes, forming a kind of informal open-air museum. Some are partly collapsed and half-swallowed by sand, while others still show sharply defined entrances, ventilation shafts and observation slits. You may find narrow corridors leading into pitch-dark rooms, open gun pits with sweeping views, and low shelters that once protected soldiers during bombardments. Inside, details of daily life linger in small ways: bracket mountings on the walls, remnants of wiring and rusted fittings, or the outlines of former sleeping quarters and ammunition stores. Many of the structures are unlit and uneven underfoot, so a good torch is essential if you wish to explore beyond the entrances. The raw, unrestored state of the concrete gives a strong sense of authenticity and invites you to imagine the noise, tension and routine that once filled these spaces.Landscape, nature and quiet reflection
Away from the gun platforms, sandy paths wind through heath and low dunes, offering moments of quiet between stark reminders of war. Lichens spread across old concrete, birds nest in cracks, and grasses colonise roof slabs that were once carefully camouflaged. The site now forms part of a wider nature reserve, so you move constantly between cultural history and resilient coastal ecology. This blend of military architecture and open landscape makes Battery Hanstholm 1 a powerful place for reflection. The wide skies, strong winds and long views out to sea highlight both the strategic logic of the location and the vulnerability of those who served here. Without fences or formal route markers, you are free to choose your own path and pace, lingering at viewpoints or quietly contemplating the heavy structures slowly returning to the sand.Planning your visit on the edge of Thy
Battery Hanstholm 1 is unfenced and generally accessible at all times, making it easy to combine with other coastal experiences in Thy, such as lighthouse visits or walks along the nearby beaches and dune trails. Many visitors pair time here with the more structured exhibitions at the Hanstholm Bunker Museum, which explains the larger fortress system and its role within the Atlantic Wall. On site, there are usually only minimal information panels, so it is worth arriving with some background knowledge or a downloaded brochure to help interpret what you see. Weather changes quickly along this coast, and the exposed position means strong winds, bright sun or sudden showers are all possible in a short visit. Sturdy footwear, layered clothing and a reliable light source make the difference between a brief look and a rewarding exploration of this historically and geographically remarkable corner of Denmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Battery Hanstholm 1
0.0 km
Wind-beaten dunes, concrete giants and sweeping sea views meet at Battery Hanstholm 1, an open-air World War II strongpoint on Denmark’s remote northwest coast.
Thisted Vandtårn
17.2 km
A glowing beacon of Thisted's industrial heritage, this iconic 1939 water tower illuminates the night sky.
Eshøj gravhøj
20.2 km
A Bronze Age burial mound preserving 3,000 years of Danish prehistoric heritage on a windswept Jutland plateau.
SOLTEGNET af billedhugger og professor Bjørn Nørgaard
41.6 km
A radiant sculpture of oyster shells celebrating art, sustainability, and fjord culture.
Vesterhavet Nationalpark Thy
47.7 km
Denmark's wild coastal wilderness where towering dunes, pristine beaches, and ancient heaths meet the powerful North Sea.
Nøddedalen
49.3 km
A hidden ravine of ancient forest, lush ferns, and rare mosses—a tranquil ‘rain forest’ escape near Limfjord, perfect for peaceful walks and nature immersion.
Nationalpark Thy, visitor centre Svaneholmhus
49.4 km
Discover the wild beauty of Thy National Park at Svaneholmhus visitor centre, your gateway to Denmark's first national park, offering stunning birdlife and coastal scenery.
Sea War Museum Jutland
49.8 km
Explore Denmark's maritime heritage at the Sea War Museum Jutland, featuring artifacts and exhibits from the Battle of Jutland.
JyllandsAkvariet
49.9 km
Explore JyllandsAkvariet in Thyborøn for an unforgettable journey into the underwater world, showcasing marine life and conservation efforts.
Memorial Park for the Battle of Jutland / Mindeparken for Jyllandsslaget
49.9 km
Reflect on naval history and honor the fallen at this evocative memorial park in Thyborøn, Denmark, commemorating the Battle of Jutland and promoting peace.
Æ Fywerhus
50.5 km
Discover the captivating history of Limfjord fishing at Æ Fywerhus on Jegindø, a charming museum showcasing traditional techniques, tools, and the lives of local fishermen.
Jegindø
51.1 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Jegindø, Limfjord’s peaceful island retreat, celebrated for its rich fishing heritage, scenic coastal walks, and abundant birdlife.
Sneglehuset
51.2 km
Discover Sneglehuset in Thyborøn: A mesmerizing house adorned with millions of shells, crafted by a fisherman as a testament to love and a unique artistic vision on Denmark's West Coast.
The Holy source
52.3 km
A timeless medieval spring flowing steadily through Danish countryside since 1360.
Spøttrup Borg Velkomstcenter
53.4 km
Experience authentic Danish medieval history at Spøttrup Borg, North Jutland’s best-preserved castle, surrounded by moats, gardens, and sweeping views of Limfjord.
Unmissable attractions to see
Udsigtspunkt
2.2 km
A modest Hanstholm lookout with a mighty view over Denmark’s largest dune heath, where wind, wild landscape and distant sea meet under a vast North Jutland sky.
Hanstholm fortress
2.5 km
Northern Europe’s largest WWII coastal fortress, where colossal guns, concrete bunkers and wild North Sea dunes meet on the windswept edge of Denmark.
Bunker
2.5 km
Wind, dunes and concrete bunkers meet on Hanstholm’s headland, where a vast WWII fortress now forms an open-air museum in the wild light of Denmark’s northwest coast.
Hanstholm Vildtreservat
4.5 km
Denmark's largest wild heathland where red deer roam free and ancient landscapes meet untamed nature.
Isbjerg - Nationalpark Thy
6.9 km
A low Danish hill with a vast horizon, Isbjerg crowns Thy National Park with sweeping dune-heath views, ancient coastlines, and a quiet sense of wilderness.
Nors Sø Parkering - Thy Nationalpark
8.7 km
Quiet forest-edge car park and trailhead on Agerholmvej, opening directly onto the clear waters, lake views and heathland paths of Nors Sø in Thy National Park.
Varde (Cairn)
9.2 km
A modest Bronze Age burial mound set in the windswept heath of Thy National Park, where quiet paths and big skies reveal the depth of Denmark’s ancient past.
Klitmøller Beach
9.3 km
Raw North Sea surf, wind-carved dunes and a laid-back village vibe make Klitmøller Beach the salty heart of Denmark’s “Cold Hawaii” coastline year-round.
Cold Hawaii
9.5 km
Denmark's windswept North Sea coast where consistent Atlantic swells meet Nordic wilderness and creative culture.
Biologisk Forening For Nordvestjylland
9.5 km
Nature education center exploring the ecosystems and biodiversity of northwestern Jutland.
Waves4you
9.5 km
A low-key coastal hideaway on Denmark’s Cold Hawaii shore, where North Sea waves, shifting dunes and a laid-back surf culture shape every moment by the water.
Naturstyrelsen Thy
9.8 km
Administrative heart of Thy’s wild landscapes, where Denmark’s coastal dunes, forests and heathlands are planned, protected and managed from a quiet base at Søholt.
Thagaards Plantage
16.7 km
A wind-twisted pocket of birch and spruce where a 19th‑century experiment to tame drifting sands has grown into an eerie, primeval thicket in National Park Thy.
Bøgsted Rende
17.6 km
Where Thy’s coastal forest meets dune and sea, a rust‑coloured brook and red hourglass beacon create one of Denmark’s most quietly dramatic coastal valleys.
Jazz I Thy
17.7 km
Volunteer-run jazz association in Thisted bringing intimate, high-quality live concerts to the windswept Thy region on carefully curated evenings.
Essential places to dine
Hanstholm Madbar
1.3 km
Discover culinary delights at Hanstholm Madbar - where local flavors meet innovative cuisine in a stunning coastal setting.
La Pizza Ristorante
1.4 km
Casual Italian‑style comfort food and hearty grill plates in the heart of Hanstholm, a relaxed refuelling stop between the North Sea harbor and wild Thy landscapes.
Det Gamle Røgeri
2.1 km
Hanstholm's iconic smokehouse serving legendary smoked fish and fresh seafood in authentic Danish coastal tradition.
Café Hawgus Klitmøller
9.3 km
Cosy coastal seafood in the heart of Klitmøller’s surf town, pairing North Sea flavours with a relaxed, beachy atmosphere from midday through evening.
Geo's Pizza Ristorante
9.4 km
Casual, family-friendly pizzeria in surfy Klitmøller, serving hearty pizzas, burgers and pastas just inland from the dunes of Denmark’s Cold Hawaii coast.
Restaurant Niels Juel
9.4 km
Classic Danish fish restaurant with sweeping North Sea views, maritime charm and seasonal local seafood in the heart of Klitmøller and Nationalpark Thy.
Det Gamle Røgeri Thisted
17.9 km
Authentic Danish smoked fish and seafood in a working smokery and casual dining space.
Restaurant Bryggen Anno 2019
18.3 km
Waterfront Nordic dining in Thisted’s harbour, where shareable seasonal dishes, Limfjord views and candlelit hygge create a relaxed yet polished evening out.
Vø Pizzabar
21.1 km
Surf-town pizza and bar in Vorupør, serving creative pies, vegan-friendly options and drinks in a relaxed Cold Hawaii coastal atmosphere.
Vesterhavscaféen ved Nørre Vorupør Landingsplads
21.1 km
Casual seaside dining practically on the sand at Vorupør’s landingsplads, with hearty coastal fare and front-row views of the North Sea and Cold Hawaii surf.
Klochs Spisested
21.1 km
Hearty burgers, steaks and spareribs in a laid‑back American‑style diner by the North Sea in Nørre Vorupør, a cozy coastal stop on Denmark’s wild west coast.
Pandekagehjørnet
21.1 km
Cosy North Sea pancake café in Vorupør, serving sweet and savoury treats and easygoing comfort food just a short stroll from the windswept Thy coastline.
Vø cafe
21.1 km
Laid-back brunch and coffee just behind the dunes in Vorupør, where Nordic simplicity meets salty North Sea surf-town vibes.
La Grande Café, Pizza & Steak House
21.1 km
Fresh pizzas and quality steaks in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
Bistro 123
21.2 km
Classic French bistro cooking meets surf-coast calm at this modern, candlelit restaurant inside Vorupør Badehotel on Denmark’s wild northwest shore.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Vorupør Røgeri
21.0 km
Sample the flavors of Denmark’s North Sea coast at Vorupør Røgeri, a beloved smokehouse blending tradition, local seafood, and warm hospitality in Thy’s seaside village.
Surf Pro Cold Hawaii - Vorupør
21.1 km
Surf Pro Cold Hawaii in Vorupør is the ultimate hub for surf rentals, lessons, and gear—right in the wild heart of Denmark’s coastal Thy National Park.
Fiskercompagniet
21.1 km
Bustling coastal fish shop and smokehouse in Vorupør, serving ultra-fresh North Sea seafood, easy takeaway meals and smoked specialities steps from the beach.
Klitmøller Collective
21.1 km
A calm, coastal-chic clothing store in the heart of Cold Hawaii, blending Nordic design, surf-town spirit, and practical style for life by the North Sea.
Rav& Sten
21.1 km
Premium amber and gemstone treasures from Denmark's North Sea coast, nestled in historic Vorupør.
Svanebro
21.1 km
Cosy coastal shop in Vorupør combining handmade sweets, local specialties and gift-worthy homeware just a short stroll from the wild North Sea.
Is Mejeriet Thy
21.1 km
Artisanal ice cream crafted with care in a charming North Sea harbor village.
Danmission Op Shop
21.1 km
Cosy coastal thrift store in Vorupør where second-hand finds, from warm knitwear to well-loved books and furniture, support Danmission’s wider charitable work.
Den Lille Ravbutik ApS
21.1 km
Cosy amber specialist in Vorupør, where North Sea beach culture meets warm, golden jewellery crafted from Danish west coast treasure.
Den Gamle Butik I/S
21.4 km
A cosy, nostalgia-filled shop in coastal Vorupør where Nordic design, year-round Christmas magic and the scent of freshly ground coffee create a timeless hygge retreat.
Shaped by the Tides
21.5 km
A calm, design-led coastal boutique in Vorupør, where Nordic minimalism meets North Sea surf culture in a carefully curated selection of ocean-inspired goods.
VØ Skateshop I Jibe Longboards
21.5 km
Coastal skateshop blending surf culture with longboarding lifestyle in northern Denmark.
Meny
21.6 km
A welcoming supermarket where quality, service, and local character converge in coastal Vorupør.
Vorupør Slagterforetning v/Søren Odder Jensen
21.7 km
Three generations of Danish butchery craft, sourcing local meats with personal expertise and regional pride.
Alt for Hunden - Hundeklipning, Hundesalon, Hundetrimming, Negleklip og Hundefrisering i Thisted.
22.6 km
Professional dog grooming by a certified cynologist in Thisted's trusted pet care salon.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sir Henry's Pub
1.5 km
Authentic Danish pub hospitality in the heart of Hanstholm's charming coastal town.
LUDO
1.5 km
Cozy neighborhood bar on Hanstholm’s Bytorvet square, pouring cold beer and classic drinks in a laid‑back setting that turns lively on weekend nights.
Stalden Klitmøller
9.1 km
A timeworn village bar on Klitmøller’s main street, where North Sea surf culture, local life and simple drinks come together in a cosy, unpretentious setting.
Haandpluk Kaffebar og delikatesse
9.1 km
Intimate Klitmøller hangout blending specialty coffee, craft beer, curated wine and deli treats in a cosy garage-style space near the windswept northwest coast.
Inside v/Gabriele Steinke
9.4 km
Unpretentious bar and grill on Thisted’s coastal edge, serving hearty burgers, fish and chips and cold beers to locals and holidaymakers in a laid-back setting.
Gården Klitmøller
9.6 km
Cozy farmhouse café, bar and lodge at the heart of Klitmøller’s Cold Hawaii coast, steps from surf, sand and the wild edges of Thy National Park.
Cafe Nytorv v/ John Nielsen
17.9 km
Unpretentious bodega-style bar on Thisted’s central square, serving cold beers, simple drinks and everyday hygge from late morning to late night.
Café Børsen
17.9 km
Casual harbor-side café where locals gather for drinks and genuine Danish social warmth.
Heidi's Bier Bar
18.0 km
Loud, lively and drenched in Tyrolean après‑ski flair, Heidi’s Bier Bar Thisted turns coastal North Jutland nights into all‑season Oktoberfest parties.
Harmonien
18.1 km
Thisted's welcoming bar and restaurant serving generous brunches and curated drinks in the town centre.
SwagHouse
27.2 km
Casual nightlife hub in the heart of Nykøbing Mors, where locals and travelers gather for drinks and social connection.
Lagunen
35.0 km
A cozy village bar in Bedsted Thy, Lagunen offers simple drinks, local company and a warm slice of North Jutland everyday life in a relaxed, no-frills setting.
Nabo
38.4 km
Cozy neighbourhood wine bar on Nykøbing Mors’ Lilletorv, pouring characterful wines, easygoing drinks and relaxed hygge in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Farmors Bodega
38.4 km
Authentic Danish bodega where locals gather for beers, aquavit, and genuine Limfjord hospitality.
Don Muss
38.4 km
Cozy harborfront bar in Nykøbing Mors, blending everyday beers, late-night live music and local Limfjord charm in one unpretentious hangout.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Diskotek Showoff
17.2 km
Thisted’s late-night disco club, where colorful lights, loud beats, and a compact dancefloor bring big-city party energy to this small coastal town.
HQ-CSI
17.9 km
Intimate late-night club in coastal Thisted, where locals bring small-town North Jutland energy to a compact dance floor and an easygoing bar scene.
Dampmøllen Thisted
18.1 km
Late-night Thisted institution in a former steam mill, with multiple dance floors, bars and a distinctly Danish small-town party atmosphere.
Mjølner
61.7 km
Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.
Club Stygge
80.7 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
LouLou Aalborg
80.7 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Wolf
80.8 km
Compact, late-night nightclub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, blending chart hits, strong weekend energy and a tightly packed dance floor in the city’s bar street hub.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
80.8 km
Intimate nightclub and shisha lounge in the heart of Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing DJ-driven dancing, drinks and hookah corners late into the night.
C Night Club
80.8 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Rocken
80.8 km
Basement rock and metal stronghold on Aalborg’s waterfront, where late-night riffs, live bands and cold beers power the city’s hardest-hitting nightlife.
Casino Aalborg
80.8 km
Compact, adult-only casino in the heart of Aalborg, pairing classic table games and slots with a relaxed Nordic nightlife atmosphere inside a city-center hotel.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
80.9 km
Adult‑only dance bar in central Aalborg, mixing 80s, 90s, 00s and current hits with cocktails and late‑night energy in an intimate courtyard setting.
Night Cirque
81.2 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Aalborg, where pulsing beats, bold lighting and a stylish crowd keep the dance floor alive late into the night.
Der Kuhstall Mønsted
82.1 km
Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.
East End Holstebro
83.2 km
High-energy disco club in central Holstebro, where DJs, flashing lights, and a packed dance floor keep the party going into the early morning hours.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
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
- Nature Reserve
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- 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