Gamle Redningsstation, Rømø
Compact red-brick lifeboat station turned firehouse, telling Rømø’s quietly dramatic story of storms, shipwrecks and island resilience along the Wadden Sea.
The Old Lifeboat Station on Rømø (Gamle Redningsstation) is a compact, deep-red brick landmark along Havnebyvej, once central to sea rescues off Denmark’s wild Wadden Sea coast. Built in 1887 in a neo‑Romanesque style with painted Dannebrog crosses on its broad gable doors and a distinctive roof turret, it later became the island’s volunteer fire station. Today it stands as a striking reminder of Rømø’s maritime heritage and the constant battle with storms, sandbanks and shipwrecks.
A brief summary to Gamle Redningsstation
- Havnebyvej, Rømø, 6792, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Allow a quiet moment to walk all the way around the building; the rhythm of the brick arches and the twin gable doors with painted Dannebrog crosses are easiest to appreciate from multiple angles.
- Pair a stop at the Old Lifeboat Station with a visit to Rømø’s beaches or harbour to better imagine how crews once hauled rescue boats across the island towards the rough North Sea.
- Bring a windproof layer; even on mild days the exposed stretch of Havnebyvej can feel breezy due to the island’s flat, open landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Car
From the Rømø causeway, follow the main island road toward Havneby; the Old Lifeboat Station sits directly along this route and is easy to spot by its red brick and small tower. The drive from the mainland end of the causeway takes around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is limited to roadside pull-offs and nearby spaces, so avoid blocking driveways or farm access, especially in summer when traffic increases.
-
Bicycle
Cycling from Rømø’s causeway area to the Old Lifeboat Station typically takes 20–30 minutes along relatively flat roads with sections of dedicated or shared cycling space. Winds across the low island can be strong, which may lengthen travel time, and reflective gear is advisable outside daylight hours. Bicycle rental is available in several parts of Rømø, with daily prices commonly ranging from about 80 to 150 DKK depending on bike type and season.
-
Bus
Regional buses that cross the Rømø causeway and continue toward Havneby usually run several times a day, with travel times of roughly 20–30 minutes from the mainland side to stops within walking distance of the Old Lifeboat Station. Services are less frequent in the late evening and outside the main holiday season, so checking current timetables in advance is important. A one-way adult ticket on this short regional route generally costs in the range of 20–40 DKK.
Gamle Redningsstation location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Windy Conditions
Discover more about Gamle Redningsstation
Brick Sentinel on the Road to the Sea
The Old Lifeboat Station stands right beside Havnebyvej, the main road that cuts across Rømø between the causeway and the harbour. Compact yet imposing, it immediately catches the eye with its deep red brickwork and strong, almost fortress-like form. The building dates from 1887, a time when seafaring was still the island’s lifeblood and shipwrecks on the shifting sandbanks of the Wadden Sea were a constant danger. From the outside you see a solid, rectangular structure with gables facing east and west, echoing traditional North Sea coastal buildings. Its position slightly inland, rather than on the shore, reflects a careful balance between being close enough to the action at sea and safe from storm surges that can sweep across the low-lying island.Neo-Romanesque Details and Painted Crosses
Look closer and the building’s neo‑Romanesque character emerges. The long sides are divided into five rhythmical sections by vertical brick strips, each connected near the roofline by shallow round-arched recesses. These repeating arches soften the otherwise utilitarian volume, giving it a quiet architectural dignity that sets it apart from simple sheds or barns. Both gables are pierced by broad double doors, once wide enough for a heavy lifeboat carriage to roll in and out at speed. On the doors, crossed white-and-red Dannebrog flags are painted, a bold patriotic motif signalling both national service and maritime identity. Above, a small square tower rises from the saddle roof, designed as an elongated roof rider with tiny gabled dormers. Its outline was inspired by local church towers and gave rescuers a higher vantage point to scan the western horizon for ships in distress.Life-Saving Missions in Rough Seas
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this station was part of a wider chain of coastal rescue posts guarding Denmark’s treacherous west coast. Crews here had to be ready at any hour to drag the heavy lifeboat across the island towards the surf on the western shore. From there, they rowed or later motored out through breaking waves to reach grounded vessels caught on the offshore bars. The work demanded strength, seamanship and a deep familiarity with local currents and shifting sandbanks. In severe storms, when visibility dropped and winds hurled sand across the dunes, the ability to react quickly could mean the difference between survival and tragedy for sailors. The tower above you was more than decoration; it was an early warning post, allowing watchmen to spot signals from ships or distress flares over the sea.From Sea Rescues to Fighting Island Fires
By the mid-20th century, improvements in navigation, radio communication and modern rescue services gradually reduced the need for small, local lifeboat stations. On Rømø, the building took on a new role. In 1968 it was handed over to the island’s volunteer fire brigade, created after a series of damaging fires in the 1950s and 1960s heightened awareness of how vulnerable farms and thatched houses could be. Inside, lifeboat gear gave way to fire engines and pumps, yet the basic idea remained the same: a rapid-response hub protecting an exposed island community. The red brick shell that once housed oars, cork lifejackets and rocket lines now sheltered hoses, ladders and tanks of water ready to tackle blazes fueled by wind and dry heather.Maritime Memory on a Busy Island Road
Today, the Old Lifeboat Station stands as a quiet piece of maritime heritage amid the steady traffic heading to beaches, holiday homes and the ferry harbour. Its sturdy walls and tower tell a layered story of Rømø’s relationship with the elements – the shift from sea-borne livelihoods and rescue missions to modern tourism and local safety services. Seen from the roadside, it offers a compact but evocative snapshot of how architecture, landscape and community needs intersect on this low Wadden Sea island. For travelers pausing here, the building is a gateway into imagining stormy nights, signal lights on the horizon and islanders mobilising to help strangers caught in the surf, long before modern rescue helicopters and digital navigation took over.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gamle Redningsstation
0.0 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
3.0 km
A modest grassy mound above Havneby harbour where two 17th‑century cannons, wide Wadden Sea views and Rømø’s maritime past quietly meet.
Bunker
4.5 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Rømø-Sylt Linie GmbH & Co. KG
12.4 km
Experience the stunning Rømø-Sylt Ferry journey, connecting two beautiful islands with breathtaking views of the North Sea.
Morsum-Kliff
26.5 km
Explore the breathtaking cliffs and diverse wildlife at Morsum-Kliff, a hidden gem on Sylt Island, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Æ Kåver
26.6 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.
Kammerslusen Ribe
26.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Sønderho Church
27.0 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.
North Frisian Island Sylt (NFI-Sylt)
27.3 km
Explore North Frisian Island Sylt: A Coastal Paradise with Stunning Beaches, Local Culture, and Unforgettable Experiences Await!
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
27.9 km
A solemn memorial to soldiers lost in Denmark's 19th-century Schleswig Wars, set in historic medieval Ribe.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
27.9 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.
Riberhus Slotsbanke
28.0 km
Explore the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Jacob A. Riis Museum
28.0 km
Discover St. Alban's Church, Copenhagen's English Gothic Revival masterpiece nestled near the historic Kastellet and Gefion Fountain.
Stormflodssøjlen
28.0 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
28.1 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Genforeningssten på Rømø
0.3 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 Lokalmuseum
0.5 km
Small, quietly curated museum where Rømø’s everyday life, island traditions and sea-shaped history are preserved in a modest house on Kromosevej.
Spidsbjerg Rømø
1.3 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.
Rømø Redningsmuseum RRB-88
1.7 km
A small island museum preserving Denmark’s last active oar-powered lifeboat and the gripping rescue stories of Rømø’s storm-battered North Sea coast.
Reiterhof Thomsen auf Rømø
1.8 km
Guided horseback adventures through Danish heathland, forests, and North Sea beaches for all riding levels.
Hundeskoven Vråby
2.0 km
Sheltered among Rømø’s coastal pines, Hundeskoven Vråby is a compact fenced dog forest where four-legged friends can roam safely off‑leash beneath the trees.
Rømø Lege- & Labyrintpark
2.5 km
Outdoor maze, krolf and giant games on Rømø – a low-tech adventure park where families race, puzzle and play together in the fresh North Sea air.
Enjoy Resorts Rømø
2.9 km
Spa, golf and thatched-roof holiday houses on Rømø’s wild North Sea edge, combining island nature, wellness indulgence and relaxed, family-friendly resort living.
Romo Golf Links
3.0 km
Coastal links golf on Rømø’s windswept southern edge, pairing a championship 18‑hole layout and relaxed pay‑and‑play course with full resort comforts beside the Wadden Sea.
Strandpromenade
3.1 km
A modest seaside promenade in Havneby, where harbor life, low dunes and Wadden Sea horizons create a gentle, everyday slice of Rømø’s coastal charm.
Stormengene, fuglereservat
3.3 km
A windswept Wadden Sea marsh at Rømø’s southern tip, Stormengene blends wild birdlife, open horizons and subtle conservation in one compact coastal reserve.
Naturcenter Tønnisgård
3.5 km
Intimate nature center in a thatched farmhouse, opening a window onto Rømø’s dunes, wildlife and the ever-changing Wadden Sea National Park.
Rømø
3.6 km
A windswept Wadden Sea island where endless beaches, tidal wildlife and sea-breezy adventures meet historic farmhouses and unhurried North Sea light.
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.
Rømø Sønderstrand
4.0 km
Europe's widest beach meets UNESCO Wadden Sea heritage on Denmark's wild North Sea island.
Essential places to dine
MEGA GRILL
2.6 km
Straightforward Danish grill bar in Havneby, serving hearty fast food and takeaway for hungry beachgoers exploring the windswept island of Rømø.
Rømø Pandekagehus
2.9 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.
Restaurant Diget
2.9 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.
Ristorante Europa Rømø
2.9 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
2.9 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
3.0 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.
Havnekiosken Rømø
3.1 km
Authentic harbour kiosk serving grilled burgers and fresh fish with Wadden Sea views.
Frankel 5
3.1 km
Cosy seaside café-restaurant on Rømø serving fresh fish and Danish comfort dishes with wide Wadden Sea views and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Otto & Ani's Fisk
3.1 km
Fresh-caught seafood by the harbor where fishing boats unload their daily catch.
Asia kitchen(Sushi , Wok, Buffet)
4.9 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
4.9 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
4.9 km
Casual seaside café-restaurant in Lakolk Butikscenter, serving hearty comfort food and sweet treats just behind Rømø’s vast, windswept Lakolk Beach.
Roland Imbiss
4.9 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
4.9 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
5.0 km
Casual Italian-style pizzas and pastas in the heart of Lakolk Butikscenter, ideal for hungry beachgoers and holiday families on windswept Rømø.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Atzen Honning Rømø
1.4 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
1.6 km
A homely island supermarket in historic farm buildings, blending fresh groceries, bakery treats, ice‑cream and garden minigolf into one easy Rømø stop.
Rømø Bageriet
1.7 km
Island bakery treasured for handcrafted rye breads and a welcoming café garden.
Rømø Manufaktur ApS
1.7 km
A North Sea island fabric haven where shelves of textiles, yarn and notions turn Rømø’s coastal light and colors into tangible, take-home creative projects.
Ny Form Havneby
2.8 km
Harbour‑side sports and outdoor store on Rømø, perfect for last‑minute layers, beachwear and practical gear tailored to the island’s wind, sand and sea.
Coop Dagli'Brugsen Rømø
2.9 km
Rømø’s central supermarket hub in Havneby, supplying islanders and visitors with fresh food, daily essentials, and holiday necessities from early morning to evening.
Rømø Cykler & Legetøj
2.9 km
Bikes, toys, and kites for exploring Rømø's windswept island landscape.
Stenhuset Rømø
2.9 km
Cosy island shop in Havneby blending Nordic wool, handmade Danish soaps and coastal home décor into a warm, hygge‑filled stop on windswept Rømø.
Skansen - Café & Kaffebar
2.9 km
Charming waterfront café and ice cream bar in Havneby, Rømø, offering artisanal ice cream, quality coffee, and a relaxed seaside setting steps from the ferry port.
Havneby Shopping
2.9 km
Compact island shopping hub in Havneby, combining groceries, gear and casual browsing between beach days and Wadden Sea adventures on Rømø.
WestWind Outlet
2.9 km
Practical harbor-side outlet on Rømø, stocking discounted surf, outdoor and family clothing built for the windswept Danish west coast.
WESTWIND Rømø
2.9 km
Surf, wind and coastal style under one roof on breezy Rømø, your practical hub for wetsuits, boardsport gear and laid-back North Sea clothing.
Dagmar Garbe
3.0 km
Small, harbour-side clothing boutique on Rømø offering practical Nordic-inspired garments and friendly, personal service in the heart of Havneby.
Cafe Hattesgaard
3.7 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
3.7 km
A cozy Fanø clothing boutique offering understated Scandinavian style, curated island-ready outfits, and a calm coastal atmosphere in an intimate setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mødestedet
15.3 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
15.3 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.
Termansens
27.8 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.
Klubben 1811
27.8 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.
Stenbohus
27.9 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Strygejernet
27.9 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
28.2 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
28.3 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
TimeOut Bar
28.4 km
Unpretentious bodega-style beer hall in central Tønder, pouring simple drinks and late-night conversation for locals and curious travelers alike.
Grosmann's
34.3 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.
Teddy’s Corner
35.5 km
Unpretentious local bar in Toftlund offering simple drinks, small‑town hygge and an easygoing glimpse into everyday South Jutland nightlife.
Kabyssen
36.1 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Hjørnekroen
38.5 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
39.5 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
39.8 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rotes Kliff
21.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
28.5 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
28.6 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.
Fanø Blokart
33.5 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
36.1 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
40.0 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
44.7 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
55.2 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
61.4 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
72.1 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
72.5 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
72.6 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
72.8 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
73.0 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
75.8 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
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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