Discover the Danish islands

By Leticia Bossi

It’s a small country, but Denmark has a large number of islands: 1,419 to be exact, of which 443 are named and 78 inhabited.

During the summer, from Vadehavsøerne off the Danish western coast to Ertholmene, the most eastern point of the country, visitors can enjoy all that its islands have to offer. Between forest, sand or rocks, hiking, fishing or resting, surrounded by birds or seals, in peace or in turmoil, there is something to enjoy for all age groups.

Probably the most popular of the Danish islands, Samsø and its 3,775 inhabitants are the ‘Pearl of the Kattegat’. Known for its sandy children’s beaches, the island also offers good opportunities for fishing. Its flat landscape makes it ideal for cycling holidays, and it is also popular for its many hiking tours – in forests or along coasts.

Located in Sydfynske Øhav next to Langeland, Ærø hosts a little over 6,000 inhabitants. Almost a sixth of them can be found among the small squares, cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings of Ærøskøbing, one of Denmark’s most idyllic towns. Also visit the seaside town of Marstal, which exudes maritime culture and shipping. Spring brings out the best of the island, transforming its nature into a symphony of colour.

Læsø

Halfway between Frederikshavn and Gothenburg in Sweden, Læsø might be the largest island in the Kattegat, but it only has 1,769 inhabitants. The island – known for salt boiling, kelp roofs and delicious virgin lobsters – is a popular destination for many sailors. It offers good safaris and hiking tours under different landscapes according to the seasons.

Anholt

Anholt is called ‘The Desert’ because most of the island consists of old sand dunes. Far out in the Kattegat, midway between Sweden and Denmark, the island has the country’s most isolated community: just 150 permanent residents. The unique nature is immensely versatile: from flat landscape and dunes, to dense forest and open heath. It also has a large seal population.

Smålandsøerne

Smålandsøerne – Fejø, Femø and Askø-Lillø – are located north of Lolland.

With its 500 permanent inhabitants, Fejø is the largest of the islands and particularly known for its apples and pears.

Femø (154 inhabitants) houses the world's oldest women's camp, drawing in large numbers from June to August to take part in various talks, workshops etc.

Askø-Lilleø, the smallest of the islands with 55 permanent residents, is known for the quality of its light, which annually attracts hundreds of artists to its shoreline.

Frolicking on the sandy beaches of Fanø 

Vadehavsøerne

Just off the western coast, Fanø, Rømø and Mandø, which comprise Vadehavsøerne, can be found in the Wadden Sea.

Fanø (population 3,427) with 15 km of beaches, seals, dunes and nature, is best enjoyed in the cosy villages of Nordby and Sønderho, where art museums, galleries, maritime history and gourmet experiences await visitors.

Rømø (650) is linked to the Danish mainland by a road running across a causeway. The island is popular with visitors attracted by the clothing-optional beaches on which vehicles can be driven legally.

Mandø (just 35) is the place to experience nature in all its magnificence and quickly fall into the rhythm of nature. The Wadden Sea is of great importance to migratory as well as sedentary birds – every year it’s used as a stopover by up to 12 million. Several important fish species, such as plaice and cod, have breeding grounds, and it is also Denmark’s most important procreational area for the harbour seal.

Ertholmene has a permanent population of 100 people and – located near Bornholm – is the eastern point of the country.

It consists of three main islands: Christiansø (named after King Christian V), Frederiksø (named after King Frederick IV), and uninhabited Græsholm, a bird sanctuary. Ertholmene is a popular destination for yachts.

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