Hundeskoven Vråby (Vråby Plantation Dog Forest)

A woodland playground for four-legged explorers

Hundeskoven Vråby sits within Vråby Plantation on the east side of Rømø, a small North Sea island known for its dunes, heath and vast beaches. Here the landscape closes in, trading open sand for a compact, mixed woodland. The dog forest itself is roughly 1.5 hectares, enclosed so dogs can move off-leash while still remaining safely contained under their owner’s control. Soft forest floor, needles, and patches of sand make it gentle on paws in all seasons. The plantation is mostly conifers with a few lighter glades, giving a distinctly coastal-forest feel. In summer you walk in dappled shade with birds overhead; in winter the open undergrowth allows long sightlines, making it easier to keep track of energetic dogs bounding between the trees.

Everyday routines in a holiday landscape

Rømø is best known for its wild beaches and Wadden Sea panoramas, yet Hundeskoven Vråby offers a quieter, more everyday side of island life. Many visitors stay in nearby holiday homes and come here as part of their dog’s daily routine, especially when wind and blowing sand make the shore less appealing. The compact size means you can loop the area multiple times, letting dogs burn off energy without committing to a long hike. Benches and informal resting spots allow you to pause while dogs investigate scents in the undergrowth, chase each other along narrow paths, or practice basic training. It is a place where island regulars and short‑stay guests often cross paths, united by the simple need for a safe, relaxed run.

Nature details beneath the pines

Look beyond the wagging tails and Hundeskoven Vråby reveals plenty of small natural details. The plantation shelters mossy tree stumps, low shrubs and occasional clearings carpeted with needles. After rain, sandy patches darken and hold paw prints like a diary of recent visits, while birds flit between trunks and you may hear the distant sound of traffic from the island’s main road softened by the trees. Because Rømø sits within the Wadden Sea National Park area, the air often carries a hint of salt from the mudflats and sea, even this far inland. In autumn, the forest floor picks up warm colors and the scent of damp leaves; in spring, new growth brightens the understorey. It is not a wild, untouched forest, but a managed plantation that still offers a genuine feeling of being away from the open, windswept coast.

Island rules and responsible roaming

The dog forest is designated specifically for off‑leash exercise, yet local regulations still require dogs to be under control at all times. That makes Hundeskoven Vråby a convenient space to practice recall and social behavior in a semi‑structured environment. Paths weave close enough together that you rarely feel far from the fence, and the scale helps owners keep visual contact even with curious explorers. As on the rest of Rømø, responsible dog ownership matters here. Bringing water for both people and pets is wise, particularly in summer, and carrying bags to clean up after your dog helps keep the compact area pleasant for everyone. Many visitors combine a visit to the dog forest with a longer outing in the surrounding plantation or down to the beach, giving dogs a mix of sheltered woodland and open sand in the same day.

Part of a wider dog-friendly island

Hundeskoven Vråby is one of several dog-friendly areas on Rømø, alongside beaches where seasonal off‑leash access is allowed and other fenced dog parks in the island’s plantations. Its position near holiday areas around Havneby makes it an easy add‑on to a day of exploring, especially if you prefer a controlled space before or after time in more open nature. For many, the charm lies in its simplicity: no elaborate facilities, just a practical, clearly defined piece of forest where dogs can run, owners can relax, and the characteristic scent of pine and sea reminds you that you are on a North Sea island even when you cannot see the water.