Rømødæmningen

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.

4.8

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Rømødæmningen is Denmark’s longest road causeway, a striking 9.2 km ribbon of asphalt crossing the Wadden Sea between the mainland near Skærbæk and the island of Rømø. Built from 1939 to 1948 as both an engineering project and employment scheme, it now offers sweeping views of tidal flats, grazing sheep and ever‑changing skies. With small lay‑bys for safe stops, it is a powerful introduction to the unique marshland landscapes of the Wadden Sea National Park and a favoured spot for birdwatching in all seasons.

A brief summary to Rømødæmningen

Rømøvej, Rømø, 6792, DK
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 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

Plan at least one stop at a designated lay‑by on the north side of the dam to safely enjoy the views and watch birdlife without traffic pressure.
Time your visit around high or low tide to see the most dramatic changes in the mudflats and maximise your chances of seeing large flocks of wading birds.
Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens; the birds and distant farmsteads across the marshlands are more rewarding when seen up close.
Expect strong winds in most seasons; a windproof layer makes even short stops on the exposed embankment more comfortable.
Stay off the tidal flats along the dam, where access is restricted to protect the sensitive Wadden Sea environment and its wildlife.

Getting There

Car from Skærbæk

From Skærbæk town centre, reach the start of Rømødæmningen in around 10–15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The causeway itself is free to use and open year‑round. Expect strong crosswinds and occasional spray in rough weather, and allow extra time in peak holiday periods when traffic towards Rømø’s beaches is heavy.
Regional bus from South Jutland towns

Regional buses connect towns such as Tønder and Ribe with Rømø via Skærbæk, typically taking 45–75 minutes depending on route and departure. A single adult ticket usually costs in the range of 40–80 DKK. Buses cross Rømødæmningen and may stop near viewpoints on the island side; services run less frequently in the evening and outside summer, so check timetables in advance.
Cycling from Skærbæk area

Confident cyclists can cross Rømødæmningen using the verge and marked cycle space, reaching the main stretch of the dam in about 30–40 minutes from the outskirts of Skærbæk. The route is flat but very exposed; strong headwinds or sidewinds are common and can make the ride demanding. There is no fee, but high‑visibility clothing and lights are advisable in poor weather or low light.

Rømødæmningen location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Hot Weather
Any Weather

Discover more about Rømødæmningen

A sea road into the Wadden landscape

Rømødæmningen is far more than a stretch of tarmac; it is a 9.2 km man‑made spine reaching across the Wadden Sea, linking the barrier island of Rømø with the Jutland mainland. As you travel along it, the horizon widens and lowers at the same time, with only low dykes, drainage channels and the flat shimmer of tidal mudflats between you and the sky. The sense of entering a different kind of landscape is immediate: marsh grasses, distant farmhouses on artificial mounds and flocks of sheep grazing where sea once rolled. The causeway was laid directly on the seabed and built up into a broad embankment, around 60 m wide at the base and over 13 m at the top. The roadway running along its crest carries a constant flow of holiday traffic in summer, but between the passing cars it still feels exposed and elemental, especially when the wind whips in from the North Sea and the air smells of salt and seaweed.

From bold vision to postwar reality

Ideas for a fixed link to Rømø surfaced as early as the 19th century, but only became reality when a law authorising the dam was passed in 1939. Construction began soon after as a major employment initiative in a region hit hard by interwar poverty. Over two million cubic metres of earth were dug largely by hand from borrow pits on both Rømø and the mainland and tipped into narrow‑gauge wagons that trundled out over temporary tracks into the tidal shallows. Work was expected to take four years, but the Second World War delayed progress, and the causeway was only completed and ceremonially opened in December 1948. Initially just wide enough for a modest two‑lane road, it was later broadened in the 1960s to cope with growing car traffic heading for Rømø’s vast beaches and holiday houses. The project stands as a testament to mid‑20th‑century Danish engineering and to the determination to bind the offshore islands more closely to the mainland.

Living with storms and changing tides

Standing on one of the rest areas, it is easy to forget that this solid‑looking structure is constantly tested by the sea. Major storm surges in 1976, 1981 and 1999 drove waves across the roadway, stripping away asphalt and scouring at the grass‑covered slopes. Ongoing inspection and repair work keeps the embankment resilient, with concrete armour and carefully maintained turf protecting the clay core against erosion. The dam also reshaped currents and sediment flows across the Wadden Sea. On the landward side you can still glimpse rows of old wooden piles stretching out into the flats, remains of structures once used to trap fine silt and build up protective foreland. These quiet details tell a story of centuries of struggle to hold a shifting coastline steady against the push and pull of tide and storm.

Birdlife and vast Wadden horizons

For many visitors, Rømødæmningen is their first close encounter with the Wadden Sea National Park, one of Europe’s great wetland ecosystems. On rising or falling tide the mudflats come alive with movement: long lines of geese, swirling flocks of dunlin and knots, and waders probing for shellfish in the soft ground. In migration seasons, hundreds of thousands of birds pause here to rest and feed, and even a casual glance from the car window can reveal impressive numbers. The small parking areas on the causeway’s north side are ideal for unhurried viewing. From here you can listen to the layered soundscape of wind, distant surf and bird calls, and watch how quickly the scene transforms as the tide creeps in to cover the flats. The low light of early morning or late evening often turns the water into sheets of silver and copper, giving photographers and nature lovers a dramatic natural backdrop.

Experiencing the crossing as a journey

Driving Rømødæmningen can feel like a transitional ritual, a slow shift from inland fields to wide‑open island. Many travellers choose to stop at least once, stepping out to breathe the salty air and take in the 360‑degree panorama. On calm summer days the sea lies glassy and distant, while in winter the wind can be so strong that simply walking along the verge feels like a small adventure. There are no buildings or visitor centres on the dam itself, only basic facilities such as parking bays and simple seating at some viewpoints. This relative emptiness is part of its character: the causeway invites you to focus on sky, water and horizon. Respect for nature is important here; the tidal flats alongside the dam are protected, and access is restricted to safeguard both the fragile ground and the rich birdlife that depends on it.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Bunker

5.1 km

A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.

Gamle Redningsstation

5.9 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

7.3 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

18.2 km

Experience the stunning Rømø-Sylt Ferry journey, connecting two beautiful islands with breathtaking views of the North Sea.

Kammerslusen Ribe

21.8 km

Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.

Queen Dagmar of Bohemia

22.4 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

22.5 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

23.7 km

Denmark's haunting reminder of the witch hunts that claimed eleven lives in Ribe between 1572 and 1652.

Æ Kåver

24.1 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.

Hannes Hus

24.1 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.

Fanø Kunstmuseum

24.2 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

24.2 km

Experience the fusion of traditional and experimental folk music in the historic village of Sønderho on Fanø Island.

Sønderho Church

24.4 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.

Mosedalsbjerg

24.9 km

Historic dune with WWII bunker, seal colonies, and sweeping Wadden Sea vistas

Sønderho Mølle

25.0 km

A Dutch-style windmill from 1895 that grinds flour and tells a story of preservation against the odds.

Unmissable attractions to see

Turbåden Mandøpigen

4.0 km

Intimate Wadden Sea crossings by Turbåden Mandøpigen, gliding between Rømø, Mandø and the mainland past seals, oysters and vast tidal landscapes.

Marskdestilleriet

4.1 km

Modern island distillery on Rømø, transforming Wadden Sea marshland and coastal botanicals into refined gins, aquavits and relaxed tastings with a view.

Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård

4.2 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.

Naturcenter Tønnisgård

4.2 km

Intimate nature center in a thatched farmhouse, opening a window onto Rømø’s dunes, wildlife and the ever-changing Wadden Sea National Park.

Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber

4.6 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.

Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården

4.7 km

A modest Rømø farmhouse fence built from towering whale jawbones, preserving the island’s dramatic whaling past in a single, striking roadside stop.

Ballum Sluse

5.0 km

Historic sea lock on the Wadden Sea edge, where red-brick engineering, wide marsh views and rich birdlife meet in a quietly dramatic South Jutland landscape.

Bålpladsen

5.1 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.

Bunker und Bunkertour Römö

5.1 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.

Mammutbunkeren

5.2 km

A colossal World War II radar bunker half-buried in Rømø’s dunes, Mammutbunkeren offers a stark, atmospheric encounter with coastal military history.

Rømø shooting area

5.2 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

5.3 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.

Rømø Lokalmuseum

5.5 km

Small, quietly curated museum where Rømø’s everyday life, island traditions and sea-shaped history are preserved in a modest house on Kromosevej.

Sneglemøllerne Ballum Enge

5.7 km

Historic drainage mills in the open marshes of Ballum Enge, where quiet dikes, wide skies and bird-filled meadows reveal Denmark’s long battle with the sea.

Udsigtspunkt

5.7 km

A simple marshland viewpoint beside Marsk Tower, opening up enormous skies, Wadden Sea horizons and the quiet drama of the flat Sønderjylland landscape.

Panoramic golf-course views, generous brunches and flexible gourmet dining inside Enjoy Resorts Rømø, with terrace seating and on-site leisure activities next door.

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

7.3 km

Compact island shopping hub in Havneby, combining groceries, gear and casual browsing between beach days and Wadden Sea adventures on Rømø.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Mødestedet

10.0 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

10.1 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

22.2 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

22.2 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

22.3 km

Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.

Strygejernet

22.3 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

22.6 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

22.7 km

Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.

TimeOut Bar

28.5 km

Unpretentious bodega-style beer hall in central Tønder, pouring simple drinks and late-night conversation for locals and curious travelers alike.

Grosmann's

29.1 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

30.3 km

Unpretentious local bar in Toftlund offering simple drinks, small‑town hygge and an easygoing glimpse into everyday South Jutland nightlife.

Kabyssen

33.9 km

Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.

Hjørnekroen

36.0 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

36.6 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

36.8 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

27.5 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

28.6 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

31.4 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

33.9 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

37.0 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

41.7 km

Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.

Crazy Daisy Vejen

49.3 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

55.5 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

66.2 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

66.6 km

Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.

Mørks Kælder

66.7 km

Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.

Pitstop

66.9 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

67.1 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

70.7 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.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Rømødæmningen with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Rømødæmningen

A brief summary to Rømødæmningen

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Skærbæk

Regional bus from South Jutland towns

Cycling from Skærbæk area

Rømødæmningen location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Rømødæmningen

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Rømødæmningen

A sea road into the Wadden landscape

From bold vision to postwar reality

Living with storms and changing tides

Birdlife and vast Wadden horizons

Experiencing the crossing as a journey

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Bunker

Gamle Redningsstation

Kanonenhügel

Rømø-Sylt Linie GmbH & Co. KG

Kammerslusen Ribe

Queen Dagmar of Bohemia

Museet Ribes Vikinger

Galgebakken

Æ Kåver

Hannes Hus

Fanø Kunstmuseum

Fanø Free Folk Festival

Sønderho Church

Mosedalsbjerg

Sønderho Mølle

Unmissable attractions to see

Turbåden Mandøpigen

Marskdestilleriet

Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård

Naturcenter Tønnisgård

Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber

Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården

Ballum Sluse

Bålpladsen

Bunker und Bunkertour Römö

Mammutbunkeren

Rømø shooting area

Garagebunker

Rømø Lokalmuseum

Sneglemøllerne Ballum Enge

Udsigtspunkt

Essential places to dine

Havnekiosken Rømø

Otto & Ani's Fisk

Asia kitchen(Sushi , Wok, Buffet)

HAVNEBY KRO RESTAURANT

Hansens pølser

Café Fru Dax

Ristorante Europa Rømø

Café Hr. Dax

Rømø Pandekagehus

Frankel 5

Cafeteria Lakolk

Roland Imbiss

Rømø Pizza & Pasta Restaurant

MEGA GRILL

Restaurant Diget

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Elisabeth

Cafe Hattesgaard

Atzen Honning Rømø

Den Gamle Købmandsgård

Rømø Bageriet

Rømø Manufaktur ApS

By Vicky

Ny Form Havneby

Rømø Lys

Westwind Lakolk

Coop Dagli'Brugsen Rømø

Metropolis Drachen