Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber – The Whale Jawbone Fence of Rømø
An 18th‑century garden fence built from towering whale jawbones, this tiny roadside stop on Rømø tells a big story about the island’s Arctic whaling past.
On the quiet Juvrevej in northern Rømø, Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber is a small but remarkable landmark: a garden fence made entirely from massive whale jawbones. Erected in the 18th century by a prosperous whaling captain, the bleached bones encircle a traditional thatched property and offer a striking, tangible link to the island’s Arctic whaling era. This free roadside stop is quick to visit yet rich in maritime history and visual drama.
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
- Treat the fence as a viewpoint only and stay outside the garden; the property is private and there is no public entry beyond the roadside verge.
- Aim for early morning or late afternoon when the low light brings out the texture of the bones and makes photos more atmospheric.
- Combine the stop with a visit to the nearby Kommandørgård museum to deepen your understanding of Rømø’s whaling captains and maritime history.
- There are no facilities at the fence itself, so use restrooms and pick up drinks or snacks elsewhere on the island beforehand.
- If you are cycling, include the fence as part of a loop through Juvre and the northern marshes to appreciate both cultural and natural highlights.
Getting There
-
Car
From central Rømø, driving to Juvrevej 82 typically takes around 10–15 minutes along the island’s main roads. The route follows paved, flat roads through villages and farmland, suitable for standard cars year-round. Parking is informal and limited to small roadside lay-bys or widened verges near the fence, so be prepared to pull fully off the carriageway and avoid blocking local traffic or private driveways. There is no parking fee.
-
Bicycle
Cycling from popular accommodation areas such as Lakolk or Havneby to Juvrevej generally takes 30–50 minutes, using quiet country roads and signposted local cycle routes across mostly flat terrain. Surfaces are a mix of asphalt and well-maintained lanes, making the trip suitable for most riders with basic fitness. Strong winds across the open marshes can lengthen travel time, and there are no bike racks at the fence itself, so plan to lean or hold your bicycle while you take a look.
-
Walking
If you are already in the northern part of Rømø, walking to the whale jawbone fence can be an enjoyable option, typically taking 20–40 minutes from nearby villages along level rural roads. The verges are generally firm, but there are no dedicated pavements for much of the way, so this option suits those comfortable sharing quiet country roads with occasional vehicles. The walk is exposed to wind and weather, so bring suitable clothing, especially outside the summer months.
-
Taxi
Taxis operate on Rømø and can be arranged through local firms or via your accommodation, offering a convenient way to reach Juvrevej 82 in about 10–15 minutes from the main resort areas. Fares for such short island journeys are typically in the range of 120–220 DKK one way, depending on distance, time of day and any waiting time. Services may be less frequent in the low season, so advance booking is advisable if you rely on a taxi for both outbound and return journeys.
Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Windy Conditions
Discover more about Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber
A modest fence with an extraordinary story
Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber looks, at first glance, like a simple boundary around a farmhouse garden on Juvrevej. Take a closer look and you realise every upright post is a huge, gently curved whale jawbone, weathered to a chalky white by centuries of salt air and wind. The fence dates back to the 1700s and was created when a local sea captain returned from Arctic whaling voyages with these colossal bones as both building material and status symbol. Standing here, you can clearly see the individuality of each jawbone, some leaning slightly, some taller than others, all fitted side by side to form a continuous, almost sculptural perimeter. The intimacy of the domestic setting – flowers, grass and a thatched roof behind the bones – makes the contrast between homely life and the brutal reality of whaling especially striking.Rømø’s whaling legacy in one garden
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, Rømø’s seafarers sailed on long, dangerous expeditions to Greenland and other Arctic waters in search of whales. Captains and officers who prospered often brought back tangible trophies: jawbones, baleen and other parts that could be reused at home. On Juvrevej 82, those souvenirs became something as practical as a fence, turning maritime spoils into everyday architecture. Only a handful of such whale-bone fences survive in northern Europe today, and the one in Juvre is among the best preserved. It encapsulates several layers of history at once: the economic importance of whaling to the island, the global reach of local sailors, and changing attitudes to the sea and its creatures. Visitors today usually view the fence as a historical curiosity rather than something to imitate, a reminder of a bygone era when whaling underpinned coastal prosperity.A quiet roadside stop with powerful visuals
Part of the fence’s appeal lies in how unassuming the setting is. There is no formal entrance or ticket booth; the bones rise directly beside the road, framing a private garden. The surrounding landscape is flat and open, with marshes, fields and traditional farmsteads stretching toward the Wadden Sea. On overcast days, the jawbones stand out ghostlike against a muted sky; in low, golden light they glow warmly, their textures picked out by the sun. Photographers will find plenty of angles: close-ups that emphasise the porosity and grain of the bone, wider compositions that place the fence in its rural context, and detail shots where wild grasses and flowers brush against the ancient material. Because traffic here is light, there is time to linger on the verge and study the fence without distraction, always respecting that the property itself remains private.Linking Juvre to the wider Wadden Sea landscape
Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber is not an isolated curiosity but part of a broader cultural landscape. Nearby, historic farms and the National Museum’s Kommandørgård tell related stories of ship captains, international trade and the wealth that flowed through this small island. The surrounding Wadden Sea area is now protected for its birdlife, tidal flats and dunes, making the fence a cultural counterpoint to the natural conservation focus of the region. Spending time here invites reflection on how coastal communities have adapted over time. Where once whaling was seen as a route to success, today the emphasis lies on sustainability and safeguarding marine ecosystems. The fence endures as a physical record of that transition: unchanged in form, but transformed in meaning as modern visitors bring new values and questions to what they see.Planning your stop at the jawbone fence
A visit to Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber is typically brief – often 15 to 30 minutes – and works well as a stop on a wider exploration of northern Rømø’s villages, dikes and sea views. There is no admission fee, no opening hours and no facilities directly at the fence, so it is wise to combine the visit with nearby attractions where restrooms and cafés are available. Because the fence is right beside the road, access is straightforward for most visitors, including those with limited mobility. The attraction is outdoors and visible year-round, in mist, rain or bright sunshine. Whatever the weather, it rewards an unhurried look: walk slowly along the roadside, notice how each bone differs, and imagine the journeys that brought them from Arctic waters to this quiet Danish garden.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Quirky
- Tranquil
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
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
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
