Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber – The Whale Jawbone Fence of Rømø
A surreal village fence of towering whale jawbones, Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber turns a Juvre farmhouse garden into a powerful reminder of Rømø’s whaling past.
On the quiet northern side of Rømø, in the tiny village of Juvre, Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber is a striking garden fence built from massive whale jawbones. Erected in the 18th century by seafarers returning from Arctic whaling voyages, the bleached bones now frame a traditional thatched farmhouse, creating one of Denmark’s most unusual historic curiosities. Visible directly from Juvrevej, this protected monument is a quick but memorable stop that vividly evokes Rømø’s maritime past.
A brief summary to Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber
- Juvrevej 82, Rømø, 6792, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- The fence is on private property; view and photograph it respectfully from the roadside without entering the garden or touching the bones.
- Aim for early morning or late afternoon light for the most atmospheric photographs, when the bones stand out softly against the sky.
- Combine the stop with a wider walk or cycle around Juvre and the northern part of Rømø to appreciate the surrounding marsh and farmland scenery.
- Weather on Rømø can be windy and cool, even in summer, so bring an extra layer if you plan to linger and sketch or take photos.
Getting There
-
Car from Lakolk or central Rømø
Driving from the Lakolk beach area or central parts of Rømø to Juvre typically takes 15–25 minutes, following the island’s main north–south road before turning toward the northern villages. Roads are paved and generally quiet, but narrow in places near farms, so speeds are modest. There is no dedicated parking area beside the whale jawbone fence, so visitors usually pull into small lay-bys or farm entrances where it is clearly safe and permitted. Fuel and services are concentrated further south on the island, so plan stops in advance.
-
Bicycle from Rømø Kirkeby
Cycling from the area around Rømø Church to Juvre typically takes 35–50 minutes each way, depending on wind and fitness, as the island is flat but often breezy. You follow minor roads through farmland and open marsh landscapes, sharing space with local traffic but generally enjoying low volumes of vehicles. There is no fee to cycle, and standard bikes are sufficient; e-bikes make the trip easier on windy days. Bring water and a windproof layer, as there are few sheltered spots along the route.
-
Bus and short walk from Rømø dam area
Regional buses connecting the Rømø causeway with villages on the island can be used to reach stops in the northern part of Rømø in around 25–40 minutes, depending on timetable and intermediate stops. A single ticket usually costs in the range of 25–45 DKK within the local fare zones. From the nearest bus stop, expect a short walk on level village roads, which are suitable for most abilities but lack continuous pavements. Services may run less frequently in the evening and outside summer, so checking current schedules is important.
Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Windy Conditions
Discover more about Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber
Whale bones in a village garden
Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber sits beside a thatched farmhouse on Juvrevej, where a modest village lane suddenly meets something extraordinary: a complete garden fence made entirely from whale jawbones. Set upright in close succession, the enormous bones curve and lean, their pale surfaces weathered by salt-laden winds. Against the low brick farmhouse and thatch, they form a surreal outline that seems almost sculptural, yet this is a piece of everyday architecture born of seafaring life. From the roadside you can trace the fence as it runs around the garden, each jawbone subtly different in form and height. Some still show the arches where the whale’s mouth once opened, others taper elegantly into the soil. Grass, shrubs and the farm’s plantings soften the stark forms, creating a quiet dialogue between living greenery and the relics of the sea.A legacy of Rømø’s whaling heyday
The fence dates to the late 18th century, when Rømø’s sailors played an important role in whaling expeditions to Greenland and the Arctic seas. These voyages brought home not only income, but physical trophies from far-off waters. Whale jawbones were strong, durable and impressively large, and they quickly became status symbols on the island, used as gateways, posts and, in rare cases like this, full garden fences. In 1772, the owner of this farm is believed to have set these bones to mark both property and prosperity. Over time the whaling era faded, but the fence remained, gradually turning from a sign of wealth into a reminder of a vanished trade. Today it stands as a tangible link to the island’s rough North Sea economy, when life and livelihood were tied directly to the hunt for whales.A protected curiosity in the Wadden Sea landscape
The fence is now officially protected as a cultural monument, one of only a handful of such structures left in the Nordic world. Its preservation reflects a broader effort to safeguard Rømø’s maritime heritage within the wider Wadden Sea National Park landscape, where dikes, marshes and old farmsteads tell stories of people living with the sea. Around Juvre, open fields, salt meadows and grazing livestock create a calm, almost timeless atmosphere. The low horizon and wide skies frame the fence in constantly changing light. Mist, cloud and bright sun each transform the way the bones catch the eye, making even a brief roadside stop feel atmospheric and rooted in place.Experiencing the site with respect
Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber is on private property, but the fence runs directly along the roadside, so it can be appreciated without entering the garden. Visitors usually pause on the verge or nearby lay-by, taking time to walk slowly along the fence line and examine details such as weathering patterns, lichen and subtle differences between the individual bones. Because it is both fragile and historically important, the site is best experienced with a light touch: observing from outside the boundary, avoiding leaning or climbing, and keeping noise low in this small residential hamlet. Even with that restraint, a short visit easily sparks reflection on craft, resourcefulness and how ordinary farm life once drew on materials from the far Arctic.Photography, atmosphere and thoughtful reflection
The fence is particularly photogenic in soft morning or late-afternoon light, when the bleached bones contrast gently with the sky and surrounding fields. Close-up images reveal textures and curves that feel almost abstract, while wider shots capture the full arc of the fence around the traditional house. The quiet lane and minimal visual clutter make it easy to frame uncluttered compositions. Beyond images, the fence invites a more contemplative pause. Standing here, it is easy to imagine the long voyages that brought these bones to Juvre, the risks borne by sailors, and changing attitudes toward whales and the sea. This small, unassuming corner of Rømø manages to hold centuries of maritime history in a single line of weathered bones.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bunker
3.2 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Gamle Redningsstation
7.2 km
Compact red-brick lifeboat station turned firehouse, telling Rømø’s quietly dramatic story of storms, shipwrecks and island resilience along the Wadden Sea.
Kanonenhügel
9.8 km
A modest grassy mound above Havneby harbour where two 17th‑century cannons, wide Wadden Sea views and Rømø’s maritime past quietly meet.
Rømø-Sylt Linie GmbH & Co. KG
19.2 km
Experience the stunning Rømø-Sylt Ferry journey, connecting two beautiful islands with breathtaking views of the North Sea.
Kammerslusen Ribe
19.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Æ Kåver
20.0 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.
Sønderho Church
20.3 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.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
21.4 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.
Museet Ribes Vikinger
21.7 km
A graceful neo-Gothic Anglican church in central Copenhagen, St Alban’s offers British heritage, tranquil interiors, and a picturesque setting amid city icons.
Galgebakken
22.8 km
Denmark's haunting reminder of the witch hunts that claimed eleven lives in Ribe between 1572 and 1652.
Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje
24.3 km
Step into history at Sønderho Gl. Fuglekøje, Fanø’s authentic duck decoy, where Danish coastal tradition, wildlife, and island heritage come to life in tranquil heathland.
Skovlegeplads
24.4 km
Discover Skovlegeplads in Fanø, where nature meets adventure in a delightful playground for families and children.
Vidåslusen
24.5 km
Discover Vidåslusen in Højer, Denmark: A historic sluice offering stunning Wadden Sea views, local cuisine, and a gateway to the Tøndermarsken marshlands.
Pælebjerg - Det højeste punkt på Fanø
25.5 km
Fanø's windswept summit offering panoramic North Sea views and access to scenic dune forest trails.
Højer Sluse
25.5 km
Discover the historic Højer Sluse, a gateway to the Wadden Sea National Park, offering insights into coastal defense and the region's unique natural beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården
0.0 km
A modest Rømø farmhouse fence built from towering whale jawbones, preserving the island’s dramatic whaling past in a single, striking roadside stop.
Turbåden Mandøpigen
0.8 km
Intimate Wadden Sea crossings by Turbåden Mandøpigen, gliding between Rømø, Mandø and the mainland past seals, oysters and vast tidal landscapes.
Rømø shooting area
1.0 km
Vast dunes and heathland at Rømø’s wild northern tip, where military training grounds and protected nature meet under the wide Wadden Sea sky.
Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård
1.0 km
Step inside an 18th‑century sea captain’s farm on Rømø, where Dutch tiles, whaling history and wide Wadden Sea views bring Denmark’s maritime past to life.
Garagebunker
3.0 km
A low concrete wartime bunker half-hidden in Rømø’s dunes, the Garagebunker quietly reveals the island’s strategic past amid heather, pines and North Sea wind.
Mammutbunkeren
3.0 km
A colossal World War II radar bunker half-buried in Rømø’s dunes, Mammutbunkeren offers a stark, atmospheric encounter with coastal military history.
Bunker und Bunkertour Römö
3.1 km
Guided wartime exploration beneath the pines of Rømø, where hidden Second World War bunkers and radar relics meet tranquil dunes, heather and coastal forest.
Bålpladsen
3.1 km
A rustic campfire circle amid Rømø’s dunes and heather, where woodsmoke, wide skies and simple outdoor cooking create an authentic taste of Danish hygge.
Marskdestilleriet
3.6 km
Modern island distillery on Rømø, transforming Wadden Sea marshland and coastal botanicals into refined gins, aquavits and relaxed tastings with a view.
Naturcenter Tønnisgård
3.7 km
Intimate nature center in a thatched farmhouse, opening a window onto Rømø’s dunes, wildlife and the ever-changing Wadden Sea National Park.
Juvre Sand
3.8 km
A vast off-limits tidal landscape at Rømø’s northern tip, where bird-filled Wadden Sea flats double as a Danish military training ground watched from a safe dyke-top perch.
Rømødæmningen
4.6 km
A 9.2 km ribbon of road across the Wadden Sea, Rømødæmningen links Jutland and Rømø with sweeping horizons, rich birdlife and a powerful sense of open sky.
Rømø
4.9 km
A windswept Wadden Sea island where endless beaches, tidal wildlife and sea-breezy adventures meet historic farmhouses and unhurried North Sea light.
Lakolk
5.4 km
Vast Wadden Sea sands, car-friendly shoreline and wind-filled skies make Lakolk the wide-open beach heart of Rømø’s North Sea coast.
Famous Rømø Beach
5.5 km
An immense North Sea strand where you can drive on the sand, chase the wind with kites and sails, and wander for kilometres between dunes, sky and sea.
Essential places to dine
Asia kitchen(Sushi , Wok, Buffet)
5.0 km
Casual sushi, wok and buffet dining at Lakolk Butikscenter, pairing Asian comfort food with the windswept dunes and wide beaches of Rømø’s North Sea coast.
Café Fru Dax
5.1 km
Lively beachside café at Lakolk on Rømø, famed for towering soft ice, generous café dishes and an easygoing seaside atmosphere steps from the wide sandy shore.
Café Hr. Dax
5.1 km
Casual seaside café-restaurant in Lakolk Butikscenter, serving hearty comfort food and sweet treats just behind Rømø’s vast, windswept Lakolk Beach.
Cafeteria Lakolk
5.1 km
Straightforward seaside canteen in Lakolk Butikscenter, serving hearty beach-holiday favourites just a short walk from Rømø’s famously wide, wind-swept sands.
Rømø Pizza & Pasta Restaurant
5.2 km
Casual Italian-style pizzas and pastas in the heart of Lakolk Butikscenter, ideal for hungry beachgoers and holiday families on windswept Rømø.
Roland Imbiss
5.2 km
Beachside grill at Lakolk Strand serving hearty, no-fuss takeaway to sandy, windblown Rømø beachgoers a few steps from the roaring North Sea.
MEGA GRILL
9.7 km
Straightforward Danish grill bar in Havneby, serving hearty fast food and takeaway for hungry beachgoers exploring the windswept island of Rømø.
Rømø Pandekagehus
9.8 km
Casual island café in Havneby serving generous sweet and savoury pancakes, ideal for a relaxed break between Rømø’s vast beaches and harbour walks.
HAVNEBY KRO RESTAURANT
9.8 km
Hearty Danish inn fare and island hospitality at a traditional kro by the harbor in Havneby, gateway to Rømø’s wide beaches and the Wadden Sea.
Ristorante Europa Rømø
9.8 km
Casual Italian pizzas and hearty plates in the harbour town of Havneby, a relaxed refuelling stop between Rømø’s wild beaches and the Wadden Sea.
Havnekiosken Rømø
9.8 km
Authentic harbour kiosk serving grilled burgers and fresh fish with Wadden Sea views.
Hansens pølser
9.8 km
Casual harbor-side hot dog stand on Rømø serving classic Danish sausages and ice cream to beach-goers, cyclists and locals in laid-back Havneby.
Otto & Ani's Fisk
9.8 km
Fresh-caught seafood by the harbor where fishing boats unload their daily catch.
Frankel 5
9.9 km
Cosy seaside café-restaurant on Rømø serving fresh fish and Danish comfort dishes with wide Wadden Sea views and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Restaurant Diget
9.9 km
Panoramic golf-course views, generous brunches and flexible gourmet dining inside Enjoy Resorts Rømø, with terrace seating and on-site leisure activities next door.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cafe Hattesgaard
3.5 km
Atmospheric café-meets-antique emporium set in a historic farmhouse on Rømø, known for legendary cakes, local hospitality, and one-of-a-kind vintage finds.
Elisabeth
4.6 km
A cozy Fanø clothing boutique offering understated Scandinavian style, curated island-ready outfits, and a calm coastal atmosphere in an intimate setting.
By Vicky
4.9 km
Contemporary women's fashion and footwear on Denmark's island of Rømø, with 16+ years of style expertise.
Rømø Lys
4.9 km
Handcrafted candles, Danish design and gourmet gift baskets in a cosy Lakolk shop, just steps from Rømø’s vast North Sea beach.
Westwind Lakolk
5.0 km
Premium outdoor apparel and gear steps from Denmark's widest beach on windswept Rømø island.
Metropolis Drachen
5.0 km
Specialist kite shop in Lakolk Butikscenter, where Rømø’s steady North Sea winds, colourful kites and practical advice meet just behind the island’s vast beach.
Ny Form Rømø
5.0 km
Affordable sportswear and outdoor gear at the birthplace of Ny Form, perfectly tuned to Rømø’s wind, sand and sea-focused holiday life.
Rømø Bolsjeri og Ishus
5.1 km
Cheerful seaside sweet shop and ice-cream house where traditional Danish boiled candy and generous cones meet Rømø’s windswept beach holiday vibe.
Butik Rømø
5.1 km
Toys, airsoft gear, and kites in charming Lakolk Butikscenter near the beach.
Lakolk Butikscenter
5.1 km
Laid-back coastal shopping, cafés and beach essentials at the sandy heart of Rømø, just a short stroll from the sweeping drive-on shores of Lakolk Beach.
Elisabeth v/Arie Levi
5.1 km
Handcrafted leather and travel goods in Rømø's coastal shopping heart, steps from Denmark's widest beach.
Ib's Gavecenter v/Mona Pedersen Ib
5.1 km
Cosy coastal gift shop in Lakolk Butikscenter, offering seaside souvenirs, Danish home décor and thoughtful keepsakes just moments from Rømø’s wide sandy beach.
Rømø Supermarked
5.2 km
Practical island supermarket in Lakolk Butikscenter, supplying beachgoers and holiday homes on Rømø with everyday groceries in a relaxed coastal setting.
Atzen Honning Rømø
8.6 km
Small island honey farm turning Rømø’s heather, flowers and sea breeze into distinctive honeys and sweet souvenirs just outside the harbor town of Havneby.
Den Gamle Købmandsgård
8.7 km
A homely island supermarket in historic farm buildings, blending fresh groceries, bakery treats, ice‑cream and garden minigolf into one easy Rømø stop.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mødestedet
13.5 km
Cozy wine bar on Skærbæk’s main street, where locals and visitors share unhurried glasses of wine, simple snacks and relaxed conversation from day to evening.
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
13.5 km
Cozy local bodega in Skærbæk serving cold beer, simple drinks, and laid-back Danish bar culture in a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood setting.
Klubben 1811
21.3 km
Casual, spacious bar in Ribe’s old town, mixing sports, pool and cold beer in a bright, easygoing setting just steps from the city’s medieval streets.
Termansens
21.3 km
Intimate jazz and live music in a centuries-old townhouse, where Ribe’s historic charm meets cozy, small-scale culture house vibes after dark.
Stenbohus
21.4 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Strygejernet
21.4 km
Intimate corner pub in Ribe’s old town, pairing rustic coziness, smoke-free comfort and friendly bar life with simple drinks, games and unhurried evenings.
Café Valdemar
21.7 km
A compact late‑night bar and disco in the heart of historic Ribe, blending casual drinks, chart‑driven beats and a friendly weekend crowd on Sct Nicolaj Gade.
Vin For Dig Ribe
21.8 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Grosmann's
27.4 km
Small-town Danish hygge in a tiny cocktail bar on Kirkegade, where classic drinks, warm lighting and everyday village life meet in laid-back South Jutland style.
Kabyssen
29.7 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Hjørnekroen
31.9 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
32.7 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Dowdi Pub Bar
33.0 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
33.0 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
33.0 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Fanø Blokart
27.1 km
Experience high-speed land sailing on the scenic sands of Fanø, where wind, adventure, and stunning North Sea landscapes converge at Fanø Blokart.
Rotes Kliff
28.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Club Fanø Rindby
29.7 km
Vital hub for kite sports, fatbiking, and Nordic coastal adventure on Fanø, pairing local expertise with welcoming spirit in the island’s scenic Rindby beach area.
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
33.2 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.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
33.2 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
33.2 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.
Bilka-søen
37.9 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
49.5 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Fishi
56.0 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.
Koldingtivet Engen
67.3 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
67.7 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
67.8 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
68.1 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
68.3 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.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
68.8 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
- Solo Female Friendly
