Discover Anholt: Nature, Trails and Island Culture

Anholt combines expansive dune and heath landscapes with protected natural areas, viewpoints and cultural attractions. When planning your trip, you might first consider whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors, observe wildlife or learn about the island’s history. Ørkenen, Northern Europe’s largest heathland, can be explored on foot. Up to 280 species of lichen grow on the sand, including many unusual and rare species.

Landscape and protected areas

A total of 1,881 hectares of Anholt are protected. The protection regulations also govern public access. Motor vehicles are prohibited in Ørkenen and on all beaches, except for work-related journeys with special permission. These rules are important to keep in mind when finding your way around the natural areas.

The landscape has a distinctive character in different places: Pakhusbugten is a deep bay sheltered from the westerly wind, with large quantities of sand and shifting dunes that reach about 20 metres in height. Sønderbjerg is 48 metres high and offers views across much of Anholt, the dune landscape and Ørkenen. At Pakhusbugten, sand and dunes take centre stage, while Sønderbjerg opens up wide-ranging views across the island.

Exploring on foot and visiting the lighthouse

Kærlighedsstien/Nordbjergstien runs between the village of Anholt and the harbour, offering views of Ørkenen and Flakket. Anholt Fyr, by contrast, is accessible only on foot. The route there goes through Ørkenen or along the beach and is 7 to 10 kilometres long. Anholt Fyr was built in 1788 and is one of Denmark’s oldest lighthouses. If you plan to visit the lighthouse, be sure to factor the walk into your outing.

Seal watching and nature experiences with children

Totten is fully protected and is one of the largest and most important resting and breeding areas for the grey seal population in Europe. Seals at Totten can be observed from binocular range from an observation hut beside Anholt Fyr. A powerful pair of binoculars is available there free of charge.

At Nordbjerg, there is also an interactive, child-friendly Natureventyr route for children aged 3 to 9 and their families. It complements nature watching with an activity designed specifically for this age group.

Museum, island history and literature

The Anholt Museum presents changing exhibitions featuring old household items, photographs, tools, traditional costumes and other objects. An exhibition on the Stone Age explores the changing Stone Age cultures on Anholt: from the Hunter Stone Age, when the area was still connected to Jutland, to later flint knappers and the seafaring peoples of the subsequent Farmer Stone Age. The museum’s perspective thus spans the island’s early connections to the mainland and its later cultures.

During the summer season, the museum organises one or two guided village tours per week. They start at the museum at 10 a.m. and last about two hours; times may vary depending on the season. Literature is also part of the cultural offering: Anholt Litteraturfestival brings together new Danish literature with Swedish, Norwegian, Faroese, Greenlandic, Finnish and Icelandic literature.

Water activities and getting to Anholt

Anholt Vandsport rents out kayaks and SUPs for half or full days; life jackets and wetsuits are included in the equipment. Fishing is possible year-round. The 23-kilometre coastline offers opportunities to fish all around the island; species and conditions may vary seasonally.

The M/F Anholt ferry crossing between mainland Denmark and Anholt takes about three hours. When planning your trip, it is advisable to check the ferry timetable.

Discover more destinations: Selkær, Ørsted, Ramten, Nimtofte, Store Sjørup, Bønnerup Strand, Allingåbro, Lyngby.

Return to the main travel overview: Norddjurs Municipality.