Rømø Dragefestival
Northern Europe's largest kite festival where hundreds of colorful creations dance across the September sky.
Northern Europe's largest kite festival transforms Lakolk Strand into a spectacular aerial display each September. Thousands of colorful kites of all shapes and sizes fill the sky above this Danish island, with activities ranging from free flying and candy drops to mesmerizing LED night flights. The festival's broad, flat sandy beach and consistent westerly winds create ideal conditions for both experienced kite flyers and curious spectators seeking an unforgettable visual experience.
A brief summary to Rømø Dragefestival
- Lakolk Strand, Rømø, 6792, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 8 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive early on Friday to secure good viewing spots and parking, as the festival attracts thousands of visitors and accommodation fills quickly throughout the weekend.
- Don't miss the LED night flying display on Saturday evening—the illuminated kites create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere that is one of the festival's most memorable highlights.
- Bring layers and wind-resistant clothing, as September weather on the Danish coast can be unpredictable, with strong westerly winds that are ideal for kites but challenging for spectators.
- Book accommodation well in advance, as hotels and holiday homes on Rømø experience extremely high demand during festival weekend due to limited availability.
- Bring binoculars or a camera with a good zoom lens to capture details of the intricate kite designs and enjoy close-up views of the aerial performances.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Drive to Lakolk Strand via the E20 motorway toward Ribe, then follow signs to Rømø. The journey from Copenhagen takes approximately 4–5 hours. Parking is available on and near the beach, though spaces fill quickly during festival weekend. Expect limited parking availability and consider arriving early or using shuttle services if offered.
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Train and Bus
Take a train from Copenhagen to Ribe station (approximately 3 hours), then transfer to a regional bus service toward Rømø and Lakolk Strand (approximately 45 minutes). During festival weekend, special shuttle buses may operate from nearby towns. Journey time is approximately 4–5 hours total, depending on connections.
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Guided Tour
Book a festival package through Danish tourism operators or accommodation providers on Rømø, which often include transport from major cities, accommodation, and festival access. These typically cost between 600–1200 DKK per person for weekend packages and eliminate parking concerns.
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Bicycle
Cycle from Ribe or other nearby towns to Rømø via the island's well-maintained cycling routes (approximately 20–30 km depending on starting point, 2–3 hours). The final approach to Lakolk Strand is flat and scenic. Bike parking is available near the beach, though securing a spot during peak festival times may be challenging.
Rømø Dragefestival location weather suitability
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Rømø Dragefestival
A Celebration of Wind and Sky
Every first weekend in September, Rømø transforms into a vibrant gathering place for kite enthusiasts and curious visitors from across Northern Europe. The Rømø Dragefestival, held on the expansive Lakolk Strand, has become one of the continent's most impressive aerial festivals, drawing thousands of spectators who come to witness the extraordinary sight of countless kites dancing across the sky. The festival officially runs from Friday through Sunday, filling three days with activities that celebrate the art, skill, and creativity of kite flying.The Perfect Canvas for Flight
Lakolk Strand provides exceptional natural conditions for kite flying, with its wide, flat sandy beach and reliable westerly winds that allow kites to soar high into the air. These ideal meteorological and geographical features have made the location the festival's home for decades, attracting serious kite flyers who bring their latest creations—ranging from traditional single-line designs to elaborate artistic constructions in diverse shapes, sizes, and colors. The beach's openness ensures that both flyers and spectators have unobstructed views of the aerial performances.A Festival of Spectacle and Tradition
The festival program blends competitive elements with entertainment for all ages. Throughout the day, visitors witness free flying sessions where kite flyers showcase their skills and newest designs. Special events include candy drops and stuffed animal releases from a kite ferry, adding playful moments to the experience. The highlight for many is the night flying display, where LED-illuminated kites create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere as darkness falls—a truly exceptional sight that transforms the evening sky into a glowing canvas of moving lights and colors.A Growing Legacy
Since its inception, the festival has grown into a major cultural event on Denmark's calendar. The 2025 edition marks the 36th anniversary of this beloved gathering, reflecting decades of tradition and community dedication. The festival's success lies not only in attracting serious kite flyers who return year after year to display their creations, but also in its ability to captivate thousands of casual visitors who come simply to experience the wonder of hundreds of kites filling the sky simultaneously.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
The festival creates a unique sensory experience—the sight of colorful kites against the blue sky, the sound of wind and cheering crowds, and the energy of a community united by a shared love of this ancient art form. Whether you're an experienced kite flyer, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone seeking an unusual and memorable spectacle, the festival offers something extraordinary. The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere encourages both participation and observation, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bunker
3.0 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Gamle Redningsstation
5.3 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
8.2 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
14.7 km
Experience the stunning Rømø-Sylt Ferry journey, connecting two beautiful islands with breathtaking views of the North Sea.
Æ Kåver
22.4 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
22.7 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.
Kammerslusen Ribe
24.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
26.8 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.
Det Gamle Rådhus Ribe
26.8 km
St Alban’s Church in Copenhagen: A unique English Gothic gem beside Kastellet, offering tranquil grounds, striking architecture, and rich 19th-century history.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
26.9 km
A solemn memorial to soldiers lost in Denmark's 19th-century Schleswig Wars, set in historic medieval Ribe.
Jacob A. Riis Museum
26.9 km
Discover St. Alban's Church, Copenhagen's English Gothic Revival masterpiece nestled near the historic Kastellet and Gefion Fountain.
Stormflodssøjlen
27.0 km
A slender oak column on Ribe’s riverfront, Stormflodssøjlen turns historic storm surges into visible rings, telling a powerful story of sea, danger and resilience.
Museet Ribes Vikinger
27.1 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.
Pælebjerg - Det højeste punkt på Fanø
27.3 km
Fanø's windswept summit offering panoramic North Sea views and access to scenic dune forest trails.
Albue Fuglekøje
27.8 km
A preserved 1880s duck decoy museum showcasing Denmark's unique waterfowl hunting heritage on tranquil Fanø island.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lakolk
0.4 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.
Lakolk strand
0.8 km
Endless North Sea sand, tidal drama and kite-filled skies on one of Europe’s widest beaches at Lakolk Strand on the Danish island of Rømø.
Famous Rømø Beach
0.9 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.
Rømø
2.0 km
A windswept Wadden Sea island where endless beaches, tidal wildlife and sea-breezy adventures meet historic farmhouses and unhurried North Sea light.
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
3.0 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.
Naturcenter Tønnisgård
3.9 km
Intimate nature center in a thatched farmhouse, opening a window onto Rømø’s dunes, wildlife and the ever-changing Wadden Sea National Park.
Marskdestilleriet
4.0 km
Modern island distillery on Rømø, transforming Wadden Sea marshland and coastal botanicals into refined gins, aquavits and relaxed tastings with a view.
Spidsbjerg Rømø
4.1 km
A modest dune with a mighty horizon, Spidsbjerg crowns Rømø’s heather-clad heart with sweeping views over dunes, forest, Wadden Sea and distant islands.
Juvre Sand
4.3 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.
Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård
5.0 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.
Genforeningssten på Rømø
5.2 km
A modest boulder by Rømø Church that quietly links this windswept North Sea island to Denmark’s 1920 reunification and a century of borderland memory.
Rømø Church
5.2 km
Vast heather-covered dunes, wild berry foraging, and secluded coastal views await in Spidsbjerg—Rømø’s untouched slice of windswept North Sea wilderness.
Essential places to dine
Rømø Pizza & Pasta Restaurant
0.6 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
0.6 km
Beachside grill at Lakolk Strand serving hearty, no-fuss takeaway to sandy, windblown Rømø beachgoers a few steps from the roaring North Sea.
Cafeteria Lakolk
0.6 km
Straightforward seaside canteen in Lakolk Butikscenter, serving hearty beach-holiday favourites just a short walk from Rømø’s famously wide, wind-swept sands.
Café Hr. Dax
0.6 km
Casual seaside café-restaurant in Lakolk Butikscenter, serving hearty comfort food and sweet treats just behind Rømø’s vast, windswept Lakolk Beach.
Café Fru Dax
0.7 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.
Asia kitchen(Sushi , Wok, Buffet)
0.8 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.
MEGA GRILL
7.6 km
Straightforward Danish grill bar in Havneby, serving hearty fast food and takeaway for hungry beachgoers exploring the windswept island of Rømø.
Restaurant Diget
7.9 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.
Rømø Pandekagehus
8.1 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.
Ristorante Europa Rømø
8.1 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.
Hansens pølser
8.1 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.
HAVNEBY KRO RESTAURANT
8.2 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.
Frankel 5
8.2 km
Cosy seaside café-restaurant on Rømø serving fresh fish and Danish comfort dishes with wide Wadden Sea views and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Havnekiosken Rømø
8.3 km
Authentic harbour kiosk serving grilled burgers and fresh fish with Wadden Sea views.
Otto & Ani's Fisk
8.3 km
Fresh-caught seafood by the harbor where fishing boats unload their daily catch.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rømø Supermarked
0.5 km
Practical island supermarket in Lakolk Butikscenter, supplying beachgoers and holiday homes on Rømø with everyday groceries in a relaxed coastal setting.
Ib's Gavecenter v/Mona Pedersen Ib
0.6 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.
Elisabeth v/Arie Levi
0.6 km
Handcrafted leather and travel goods in Rømø's coastal shopping heart, steps from Denmark's widest beach.
Lakolk Butikscenter
0.7 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.
Butik Rømø
0.7 km
Toys, airsoft gear, and kites in charming Lakolk Butikscenter near the beach.
Rømø Bolsjeri og Ishus
0.7 km
Cheerful seaside sweet shop and ice-cream house where traditional Danish boiled candy and generous cones meet Rømø’s windswept beach holiday vibe.
Ny Form Rømø
0.7 km
Affordable sportswear and outdoor gear at the birthplace of Ny Form, perfectly tuned to Rømø’s wind, sand and sea-focused holiday life.
Metropolis Drachen
0.7 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.
Westwind Lakolk
0.8 km
Premium outdoor apparel and gear steps from Denmark's widest beach on windswept Rømø island.
Rømø Lys
0.8 km
Handcrafted candles, Danish design and gourmet gift baskets in a cosy Lakolk shop, just steps from Rømø’s vast North Sea beach.
By Vicky
0.8 km
Contemporary women's fashion and footwear on Denmark's island of Rømø, with 16+ years of style expertise.
Cafe Hattesgaard
3.9 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
6.2 km
A cozy Fanø clothing boutique offering understated Scandinavian style, curated island-ready outfits, and a calm coastal atmosphere in an intimate setting.
Atzen Honning Rømø
6.4 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
6.6 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
18.0 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
18.1 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
26.7 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
26.7 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
26.8 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Strygejernet
26.9 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
27.2 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
27.2 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Kabyssen
31.5 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Grosmann's
32.4 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.
TimeOut Bar
33.7 km
Unpretentious bodega-style beer hall in central Tønder, pouring simple drinks and late-night conversation for locals and curious travelers alike.
Hjørnekroen
34.1 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
35.2 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
35.6 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
35.6 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rotes Kliff
23.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Fanø Blokart
28.9 km
Experience high-speed land sailing on the scenic sands of Fanø, where wind, adventure, and stunning North Sea landscapes converge at Fanø Blokart.
Club Fanø Rindby
31.5 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.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
33.8 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
33.9 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.
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
35.8 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.
Bilka-søen
40.6 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
55.1 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Fishi
61.6 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
72.9 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
73.3 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
73.5 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
73.5 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.
Pitstop
73.7 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
73.9 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Viral Moments
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly