Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården, Rømø
A modest Rømø farmhouse fence built from towering whale jawbones, preserving the island’s dramatic whaling past in a single, striking roadside stop.
Tucked along Juvrevej on the Wadden Sea island of Rømø, the Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården is a rare reminder of the island’s whaling era. Here, massive whale jawbones once brought home by seafaring captains were set upright as fence posts, turning a simple farm boundary into a striking outdoor monument. Today this preserved whalebone fence and traditional farmhouse setting tell a compact but powerful story about life, danger and prosperity on the North Sea in the 17th–19th centuries.
A brief summary to Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården
- Juvrevej 82, Rømø, 6792, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Allow at least 20–30 minutes to walk the length of the whalebone fence, read the information panels and appreciate the details in the bones and surrounding farm buildings.
- Visit in soft morning or late-afternoon light for the most atmospheric photographs; the angled sun brings out textures in the bone and thatch.
- Combine a stop here with exploring the wider Rømø landscape, such as nearby Wadden Sea viewpoints or the island’s expansive beaches.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Rømø Havneby
From Havneby on southern Rømø, driving to Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården via the island’s main north–south road typically takes 15–20 minutes. The route is straightforward, but traffic can slow in peak holiday periods. Parking is informal along the roadside near the farm, and space is limited, so larger vehicles may need to arrive earlier in the day. There is no entrance fee to view the fence from the outside.
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Car from mainland via Rømø Dam
Travelling from the mainland town of Skærbæk, the drive across the Rømø causeway and onward to Juvrevej usually takes 30–40 minutes in normal conditions. There is no toll for crossing. Fuel stations are limited on the island, so it is wise to fill up before or shortly after reaching Rømø. Access roads are paved and suitable for standard vehicles throughout the year, though strong winds and sea fog can occasionally reduce visibility.
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Bicycle on northern Rømø
Cycling to the whalebone fence from villages in northern Rømø typically takes 20–40 minutes, depending on your starting point and fitness. The terrain is mostly flat but exposed, so wind can significantly affect effort and travel time. Surfaces are a mix of paved minor roads and well-maintained lanes. There is no cost for cyclists beyond any bicycle rental you may arrange elsewhere on the island.
Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården
Whale Bones on a Quiet Island Road
At first glance, the Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården looks like a modest rural property on Juvrevej, framed by fields and wide Wadden Sea skies. Step closer, and you notice that the “posts” along the garden boundary are not wood at all but towering, pale whale jawbones. Once part of giants of the North Atlantic, they now stand weathered and smooth, forming one of the last preserved whalebone fences on Rømø. Rømø’s landscape is shaped by wind, dunes and tidal flats, but this small enclosure adds a surprising human layer. The curve of each jaw, the porous texture and the faint grey patina stop you in your tracks, hinting at journeys far beyond the horizon and a time when the island’s wealth came from dangerous voyages to Arctic waters.Echoes of Rømø’s Whaling Captains
From the 1600s to the 1800s, many men from Rømø served as sailors and captains on Dutch and later Danish whaling ships bound for the North Atlantic and Arctic seas. Months away from home, they hunted whales for oil and baleen, commodities that helped light European cities and drive maritime trade. Successful voyages could transform a farmer’s life, funding new farmhouses, decorative details and, in rare cases, extravagant garden fences made from whalebones. The farm here, often referred to as Hvalfangergården, reflects that chapter. Using jawbones as posts was both practical and symbolic: sturdy, long‑lasting material that also signalled maritime success. Standing by the fence, you can imagine the pride of a returning captain unloading casks of oil and these remarkable trophies, turning distant Arctic hunts into permanent fixtures in the family’s everyday surroundings.A Close-Up Look at Whalebone Craft
The fence is simple in construction yet full of detail for anyone who lingers. Jawbones are planted upright at regular intervals, sometimes with cross rails between them, framing the garden like a row of pale, tapering arches. Many bones bear the marks of age: small cracks, lichen, and softened edges where decades of North Sea wind and salt have done their work. This is an outdoor exhibit without glass cases or spotlights. You can walk alongside the fence, compare the shapes of different jaws and sense their weight and scale. Modest information panels nearby explain the background and protection status of the structure, turning a short roadside stop into an impromptu history lesson about both whaling and local building traditions.Between Heritage Farm and Wadden Sea Landscape
Although the fence is the star, the wider setting completes the experience. The surrounding farmhouse buildings, with traditional thatched roofs and low, elongated forms, belong to the same cultural landscape shaped by seafaring wealth and agriculture. The open, flat surroundings mean big skies, shifting clouds and, on clear days, a sharp western light that accentuates every curve in the bones. Listen for the wind in the grass, the distant call of seabirds and the occasional car passing on Juvrevej. It is a compact site, but it feels connected to the larger UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea environment that envelopes Rømø: tidal rhythms, migrating birds and the long relationship between islanders and the sea that sustained them.Reflecting on Past Hunts and Present Values
For modern visitors, the Hvalkæbehegn can provoke mixed feelings: admiration for the craftsmanship and storytelling power of the fence, alongside awareness that it is rooted in intensive whale hunting. Many travellers use the stop to reflect on how attitudes to marine life have shifted, from resource to protect. The site’s protected status helps ensure these bones are not just curiosities but historical evidence. By preserving them in place, Denmark keeps a tangible link to the whaling era, inviting you to consider both human ingenuity and the cost at which prosperity once came. A brief visit here often lingers in memory longer than expected, precisely because it compresses such a large story into such a small, quiet corner of Rømø.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bunker
3.1 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Gamle Redningsstation
7.1 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
19.1 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.
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.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber
0.0 km
A surreal village fence of towering whale jawbones, Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber turns a Juvre farmhouse garden into a powerful reminder of Rømø’s whaling past.
Turbåden Mandøpigen
0.9 km
Intimate Wadden Sea crossings by Turbåden Mandøpigen, gliding between Rømø, Mandø and the mainland past seals, oysters and vast tidal landscapes.
Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård
0.9 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.
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.
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
4.7 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
4.8 km
A windswept Wadden Sea island where endless beaches, tidal wildlife and sea-breezy adventures meet historic farmhouses and unhurried North Sea light.
Lakolk
5.3 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)
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
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
5.1 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
5.0 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
8.5 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
13.6 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
21.5 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
21.8 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
33.1 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Fanø Blokart
27.2 km
Experience high-speed land sailing on the scenic sands of Fanø, where wind, adventure, and stunning North Sea landscapes converge at Fanø Blokart.
Rotes Kliff
28.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Club Fanø Rindby
29.7 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
33.2 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.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
33.2 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
33.2 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.
Bilka-søen
37.9 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
49.6 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
56.0 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
67.3 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
67.7 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
67.9 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
68.1 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
68.3 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
68.8 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
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo 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
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