Kanonenhügel, Havneby – Cannons Above the Wadden Sea
A modest grassy mound above Havneby harbour where two 17th‑century cannons, wide Wadden Sea views and Rømø’s maritime past quietly meet.
Kanonenhügel is a modest grassy mound overlooking Havneby harbour on the Danish North Sea island of Rømø. Two heavy Swedish cannons from the Thirty Years’ War were placed here in 1932 as a memorial to the 1644 naval battle in the Lister Deep between Rømø and Sylt. Today the site combines low-key military history with wide views over the Wadden Sea, ferry traffic and the working fishing harbour below, making it a brief but atmospheric stop on any stroll through Havneby.
A brief summary to Kanonenhügel
- Röm, Havneby, Havneby, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Aim to visit in the late afternoon or around sunset when the light over the Wadden Sea is soft and the cannons make striking silhouettes.
- Bring a windproof layer; the hill is exposed and breezy even on warmer days, especially outside high summer.
- Combine a brief stop at Kanonenhügel with a stroll around the harbour and a visit to nearby cafés or fish stalls for a relaxed outing.
- If visiting with children, use the cannons to spark imagination and explain the 1644 naval battle between Rømø and Sylt in simple terms.
- Wear sturdy shoes in wet weather; the grassy slope can become slippery after rain or in winter conditions.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Rømø causeway
From the mainland, follow the causeway onto Rømø and continue south towards Havneby; the drive from the causeway entrance to the harbour area typically takes 15–20 minutes in normal traffic. Parking near the harbour is usually free or low‑cost, but spaces can be busy in school holidays and on sunny weekends. The final access to Kanonenhügel involves a short walk up a grassy slope, which may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility in wet or icy conditions.
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Local bus within Rømø
Regional buses run between the mainland town of Skærbæk and Rømø, with services continuing down the island to Havneby; the full journey usually takes around 45–60 minutes depending on stops and connections. Tickets are typically in the range of 30–60 DKK per adult, with discounts for children and travel cards. Services are less frequent in the evening and outside summer, so checking current timetables in advance is advisable. From the bus stop in Havneby, expect a short, mostly level walk through the harbour area before gently ascending the hill.
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Ferry connection via Sylt
If you are coming from the German island of Sylt, car‑ and passenger‑ferry services operate between List and Havneby, with a crossing time of about 40–45 minutes in calm conditions. Typical one‑way fares for foot passengers start around 15–25 EUR, while vehicles are charged significantly more depending on size and season. The ferry can be busy during peak holiday periods and in stormy weather crossings may be adjusted or cancelled. On arrival in Havneby, Kanonenhügel lies within walking distance of the ferry harbour, but the short grassy ascent may not be suitable for all wheelchairs or prams, especially after heavy rain.
Kanonenhügel location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Kanonenhügel
A quiet hill with a weighty past
At first glance, Kanonenhügel is little more than a grassy rise beside Havneby’s harbour; a small knoll with a bench, a flagpole and two dark, timeworn cannons aiming silently out to sea. It is easy to pass without a second look, overshadowed by the bustle of ferry traffic, restaurants and the fishing quay below. Yet this unassuming mound is one of Rømø’s most evocative historical spots, a place where the island’s peaceful present brushes against a much more turbulent age. The name says it all: this is the “cannon hill”, a man‑made elevation that became a memorial site in the early 20th century. The short climb to the top is gentle, suitable for most visitors, and rewarded with fresh North Sea air and an open sweep of sky. Low shrubs rustle in the wind, and the cries of gulls mix with the hum of engines from the harbour, anchoring you firmly in Rømø’s maritime world.Echoes of the Thirty Years’ War
The two cannons dominating the hill are Swedish pieces dating back to the Thirty Years’ War, the pan‑European conflict that raged from 1618 to 1648 and reshaped much of northern Europe. Each weighs around three‑quarters of a ton and once fired solid iron balls several kilos in weight, intended to punch holes in wooden hulls and fortifications. Their presence on a small Danish island hints at a time when the waters around Rømø were embroiled in great power struggles. In 1644, the narrow channel between Rømø and Sylt, known as the Lister Deep, became the stage for a pivotal naval engagement between Danish forces and a combined Swedish–Dutch fleet. The battle, supplied and observed from nearby coasts and harbours, underscored how strategically important these shallow tidal waters once were. The cannons now resting on Kanonenhügel were set up here in 1932 as a memorial to that episode, turning the hill into an open‑air history lesson.Stories, speculation and sea lore
Part of Kanonenhügel’s charm lies in the stories that cling to the guns themselves. One tradition holds that they were salvaged from the seabed of the Lister Deep, raised as relics of the 1644 battle. Another suggests that local trading ships once carried them, captured or purchased from Swedish sources, and that they later found a dignified retirement on this mound above the harbour. The exact chain of events may never be fully pinned down, but the uncertainty only adds to the cannons’ mystique. As you walk around the heavy iron barrels, pitted and dark with age, it is easy to imagine them in use: crews hauling on ropes, smoke drifting across the waves, commands carried away by the wind. The contrast with today’s atmosphere – campervans in the distance, cyclists passing the harbourfront, the steady rhythm of the modern ferry to Sylt – is striking. Kanonenhügel distils centuries of maritime history into a single compact scene.Harbour views and wide Wadden horizons
Beyond its historical significance, Kanonenhügel is also a simple but attractive viewpoint. From the top you can look across Havneby’s fishing harbour with its trawlers, crab boats and working quays, then further out to the Wadden Sea’s shifting flats and channels. At low tide, broad expanses of sand and mud glint in the light, dotted with wading birds; at high tide, the water laps closer and the channel becomes a busy fairway. On clear days the outline of Sylt appears on the horizon, linking the memorial on the hill directly to the waters where the 17th‑century battle unfolded. Sunsets can be particularly atmospheric, with the sky reflected in the tidal shallows and the cannons turning into dark silhouettes against the last light. Even on grey, blustery days, the exposed position gives you a vivid sense of the North Sea climate that shaped life on Rømø for generations.A short stop woven into a day on Rømø
Kanonenhügel rarely demands more than a short visit, making it easy to combine with other experiences in Havneby and around the island. It sits close to cafés, fish stalls and the harbourfront promenade, so you can punctuate a walk with a quick detour up the hill before continuing along the waterfront or towards the island’s famous wide beaches. Families often find the spot useful for giving historical events a tangible form, with the cannons serving as a concrete starting point to talk about sea battles and trade routes. For photographers, the modest elevation adds just enough height to capture the interplay of harbour life, tidal landscape and big skies. Taken together, these elements make Kanonenhügel a small but distinctive thread in Rømø’s broader tapestry of dunes, villages and seafaring heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kanonenhügel
0.0 km
A modest grassy mound above Havneby harbour where two 17th‑century cannons, wide Wadden Sea views and Rømø’s maritime past quietly meet.
Gamle Redningsstation
3.0 km
Compact red-brick lifeboat station turned firehouse, telling Rømø’s quietly dramatic story of storms, shipwrecks and island resilience along the Wadden Sea.
Bunker
7.4 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Rømø-Sylt Linie GmbH & Co. KG
11.2 km
Experience the stunning Rømø-Sylt Ferry journey, connecting two beautiful islands with breathtaking views of the North Sea.
Morsum-Kliff
24.2 km
Explore the breathtaking cliffs and diverse wildlife at Morsum-Kliff, a hidden gem on Sylt Island, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
North Frisian Island Sylt (NFI-Sylt)
25.9 km
Explore North Frisian Island Sylt: A Coastal Paradise with Stunning Beaches, Local Culture, and Unforgettable Experiences Await!
Kammerslusen Ribe
28.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Æ Kåver
29.5 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.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
29.7 km
A solemn memorial to soldiers lost in Denmark's 19th-century Schleswig Wars, set in historic medieval Ribe.
Hannes Hus
29.7 km
Experience authentic 19th-century island life at Hannes Hus, a perfectly preserved seafarer’s home and local heritage museum in the heart of Sønderho, Fanø.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
29.7 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.
Jacob A. Riis Museum
29.7 km
Discover St. Alban's Church, Copenhagen's English Gothic Revival masterpiece nestled near the historic Kastellet and Gefion Fountain.
Fanø Kunstmuseum
29.7 km
Discover Fanø Kunstmuseum, where local landscapes, maritime heritage, and the island’s creative legacy come alive through evocative art and engaging exhibitions.
Fanø Free Folk Festival
29.7 km
Experience the fusion of traditional and experimental folk music in the historic village of Sønderho on Fanø Island.
Riberhus Slotsbanke
29.8 km
Explore the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Unmissable attractions to see
Enjoy Resorts Rømø
0.7 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
0.8 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.
Rømø Lege- & Labyrintpark
0.8 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.
Rømø Redningsmuseum RRB-88
1.4 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
1.9 km
Guided horseback adventures through Danish heathland, forests, and North Sea beaches for all riding levels.
Stormengene, fuglereservat
2.1 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.
Hundeskoven Vråby
2.6 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 Lokalmuseum
2.9 km
Small, quietly curated museum where Rømø’s everyday life, island traditions and sea-shaped history are preserved in a modest house on Kromosevej.
Rømø Church
3.2 km
Vast heather-covered dunes, wild berry foraging, and secluded coastal views await in Spidsbjerg—Rømø’s untouched slice of windswept North Sea wilderness.
Genforeningssten på Rømø
3.2 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 Sønderstrand
3.6 km
Europe's widest beach meets UNESCO Wadden Sea heritage on Denmark's wild North Sea island.
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.
Sønderstrand Rømø
4.4 km
A vast Wadden Sea beach where wind sports, wide horizons and ever-changing tides create Rømø’s ultimate sense of space and freedom.
North Sea Cycle Route
6.1 km
A quiet, wind-swept slice of the world’s longest signed coastal cycle route, where dikes, marshland and big North Sea skies frame gentle riding by the Wadden Sea.
Naturcenter Tønnisgård
6.3 km
Intimate nature center in a thatched farmhouse, opening a window onto Rømø’s dunes, wildlife and the ever-changing Wadden Sea National Park.
Essential places to dine
Havnekiosken Rømø
0.1 km
Authentic harbour kiosk serving grilled burgers and fresh fish with Wadden Sea views.
HAVNEBY KRO RESTAURANT
0.1 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.
Otto & Ani's Fisk
0.1 km
Fresh-caught seafood by the harbor where fishing boats unload their daily catch.
Frankel 5
0.1 km
Cosy seaside café-restaurant on Rømø serving fresh fish and Danish comfort dishes with wide Wadden Sea views and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Hansens pølser
0.2 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.
Ristorante Europa Rømø
0.2 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.
Rømø Pandekagehus
0.3 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
0.7 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.
MEGA GRILL
1.0 km
Straightforward Danish grill bar in Havneby, serving hearty fast food and takeaway for hungry beachgoers exploring the windswept island of Rømø.
Asia kitchen(Sushi , Wok, Buffet)
7.9 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
7.9 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.
Roland Imbiss
7.9 km
Beachside grill at Lakolk Strand serving hearty, no-fuss takeaway to sandy, windblown Rømø beachgoers a few steps from the roaring North Sea.
Café Hr. Dax
7.9 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
7.9 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
7.9 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
Dagmar Garbe
0.1 km
Small, harbour-side clothing boutique on Rømø offering practical Nordic-inspired garments and friendly, personal service in the heart of Havneby.
Havneby Shopping
0.1 km
Compact island shopping hub in Havneby, combining groceries, gear and casual browsing between beach days and Wadden Sea adventures on Rømø.
Skansen - Café & Kaffebar
0.1 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.
WestWind Outlet
0.1 km
Practical harbor-side outlet on Rømø, stocking discounted surf, outdoor and family clothing built for the windswept Danish west coast.
Stenhuset Rømø
0.2 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.
Coop Dagli'Brugsen Rømø
0.2 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.
WESTWIND Rømø
0.2 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.
Rømø Cykler & Legetøj
0.2 km
Bikes, toys, and kites for exploring Rømø's windswept island landscape.
Ny Form Havneby
0.2 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.
Rømø Bageriet
1.5 km
Island bakery treasured for handcrafted rye breads and a welcoming café garden.
Rømø Manufaktur ApS
1.5 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.
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.
Atzen Honning Rømø
1.8 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.
Elisabeth
5.5 km
A cozy Fanø clothing boutique offering understated Scandinavian style, curated island-ready outfits, and a calm coastal atmosphere in an intimate setting.
Cafe Hattesgaard
6.4 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mødestedet
15.2 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.
TimeOut Bar
25.6 km
Unpretentious bodega-style beer hall in central Tønder, pouring simple drinks and late-night conversation for locals and curious travelers alike.
Termansens
29.5 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
29.5 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
29.6 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Strygejernet
29.7 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
29.9 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
30.0 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Teddy’s Corner
35.0 km
Unpretentious local bar in Toftlund offering simple drinks, small‑town hygge and an easygoing glimpse into everyday South Jutland nightlife.
Grosmann's
36.4 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
39.1 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Hjørnekroen
41.4 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
42.4 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
42.7 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
20.4 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
25.7 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
25.8 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
36.5 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
39.1 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
42.8 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
47.6 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
56.4 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
62.3 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
72.7 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
73.0 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
73.2 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
73.4 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
73.6 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.
Dance All Over
74.4 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
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
- Adventure Photo Shoot
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
