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Fanø

Syddanmark  >  Denmark

Fanø is a Wadden Sea island with one of the most spectacular autumn migrations and largest waderfowl concentrations in Denmark.

Added* by Søren Brinch
Most recent update 22 March 2023

Description

Fanø (Fanoe) is the northernmost of the three inhabited Danish islands in the Wadden Sea. Fanø is a flat island made of sand with dunes and saltmarshes around on the eastern side. The island has a high diversity of nature with many seals, birds and deers. Many different kinds of scenery are represented here: sandy beaches, dunes, coastal meadows, heath and plantations. Around Sønderho on the island’s southernmost point are the three sandflats Keld Sand, Peter Meyers Sand and Langejord, where tens of thousands of waders roost at high tide. The migration is monitored by Fanø Birdstation by migration observations and ringing. Millions of waterbirds are resting, more than 750.000 passerines and raptors are migrating from the south-tip called "Hønen".

Breeding birds include Kentish Plover, Little Tern, Eurasian Nightjar and Western Marsh Harrier. For certain migrating species Fanoe is among the best places in northern Europe to watch them. For example Grey Wagtail, Ring Ouzel, Little Bunting, Pallid Harrier and finches.

Details

Access

You can only go by boat from Esbjerg to Fanø. The crossing takes 10-15 minutes. It is possible to bring a bicycle or a car. The island is 15 km long and 3 km wide. Most of the island is accessible apart from the sand flats in the south east, Keld Sand and Trinden, where access is prohibited. Motor transport is forbidden on many roads through the woods and minor roads. The busiest roads have cycle lanes and there are bicycles for hire in Nordby, Rindby and Sønderho. B&B is possible by calling +45 20108717. Guided tours by www.nationalparksafari.dk.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Grassland , Moors/heathland , Dunes , Mud flats , Beach , City/village , Agriculture , Forest

Conditions

Flat , Sandy , Open landscape , High water possible

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration , Spring , Summer

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Next to the bay of Albuebugten is the Sønderho Old Duck Decoy, which is always open. Here there is a bird observation tower with a view over the Wadden Sea.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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