Background

Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber: The Whale Jawbone Fence of Rømø

Discover Rømø’s maritime legacy at Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber, a rare garden fence built from whale jawbones and a striking testament to the island’s whaling history.

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Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber is a rare and fascinating landmark on Rømø, Denmark—a garden fence ingeniously constructed from whale jawbones. Standing as a gripping reminder of the island’s whaling history, it draws visitors with its dramatic, organic arches and the stories they symbolize. Set in the peaceful hamlet of Juvre, the fence is a unique photo opportunity and a tangible relic of a time when the North Sea's bounty shaped local culture and livelihood.

A brief summary to Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber

  • Juvrevej 82, Rømø, 6792, DK

Local tips

  • The fence is best viewed during daylight hours for optimal photos—early morning or late afternoon for the softest light.
  • Remain respectful: this is a private residence, so admire and photograph the fence from the public roadside.
  • There are minimal facilities in Juvre; consider bringing a drink or snack if you plan to linger in the area.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through Juvre’s atmospheric old village for a glimpse of traditional Rømø architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From central Rømø, the whale jawbone fence can be reached with a pleasant walk of roughly 20–35 minutes, leading through peaceful lanes and past thatched cottages typical of the island. The fence itself is easily spotted near a traditional house, and can be visited as part of a broader stroll exploring Juvre. The area is flat, making it accessible for most abilities.

  • Car

    A short drive from the island center brings you into Juvre, where the fence is a well-known roadside curiosity. There is free public parking available in the vicinity, but spaces can be limited in the high summer months. No parking fees or tolls apply.

  • Bicycle

    Cycling is a particularly enjoyable way to reach the whale jawbone fence, following scenic, lightly trafficked island routes. Expect a relaxed ride of 10–20 minutes from the main village hub, with bicycle parking available informally along the roadside.

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Discover more about Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber

Tucked away in the quiet village of Juvre on Rømø, Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber, or the Whale Jawbone Fence, stands as one of the island’s most unusual and thought-provoking attractions. Consisting of imposing, bleached-white whale jawbones set upright and side-by-side to form a boundary around a traditional thatched garden, the fence is a dramatic window to the island’s past. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Rømø was renowned for its skilled seafarers who often joined whaling expeditions to Greenland and the Arctic. Returning home, they brought not just stories and treasures—but sweeping souvenirs like these massive jawbones, which were repurposed as sturdy fencing and a lasting family status symbol. Today, only a handful of such fences survive in the world, but the one at Juvrevej 82 remains especially striking and intact. Visitors are immediately struck by the curvature and sheer scale of the bones as they arch and lean, softened by winds and time, yet standing solid for over a century. The tranquility of the setting—surrounded by salt marshes, old farmhouses, and grazing sheep—only enhances the sense of timelessness. For photographers and history enthusiasts, this fence is a powerful visual echo of Rømø’s maritime heritage and ingenuity. There is no entry fee, as the fence is visible from the roadside and intended to be admired respectfully from outside the private grounds. While the stop may be quick, the impression is lasting, inviting reflection on humanity’s relationship with the sea and the adaptive creativity of island dwellers. The site is atmospheric in all seasons, particularly evocative at sunrise or dusk, when the bones glow against the open sky. As there are few similar sites outside the Faroe Islands or northern Norway, Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber is a compelling detour for any visitor seeking the true spirit of Rømø.

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