Discover Nordby from two perspectives: old seafarers’ houses and street names bring its maritime history to life, while numerous wading birds can be spotted from the harbour promenade. If you’re planning a stay on Fanø, you’ll find both a distinctive historic townscape and opportunities to observe nature by the water.

Seafaring history and townscape

Nordby is one of Denmark’s best-preserved seafaring communities. Its maritime heritage is evident in old seafarers’ houses and street names. Several narrow lanes, called “slippers,” were originally routes between the harbour and the town. Along Ved Trappen, several beautiful Fanø houses frame the view of the harbour. These features offer tangible points of reference for the town’s history: look out for the houses, the street names and the old connections between the harbour and the town.

The Fanø Skibsfarts- & Dragtsamling brings together different aspects of this heritage. The collection features historic Fanø costumes worn by local children and women, as well as models of Nordby and Sønderho from 1890. The Fanø Museum offers a different glimpse into the past: it is housed in a Fanø home dating from the late 17th century and shows a typical home furnished as it might have been by a modest, ordinary seafaring family between 1885 and 1920. A collection of clothing and models of the towns thus sits alongside a portrayal of domestic life.

Nordby Kirke also adds to the town’s historic character. It is a striking so-called hall church with around 700 seats. During restoration work in 1971–1972, the church was returned to its original form from 1786. The dates distinguish the building’s historic form from its later restoration.

For larger groups, the Fanø Skibsfarts- & Dragtsamling can open by appointment outside its regular hours. Guided tours can be arranged for a fee, so plan such visits in advance. Group visits are therefore a different option from a regular museum visit.

Birdwatching and routes

Numerous wading birds can be spotted from Nordby’s harbour promenade. Species and sightings vary by season. Søjorden offers another opportunity to observe nature: the small sandbank lies 50 metres from Nordby harbour, and seals are often found there. However, their presence is not guaranteed. The harbour promenade and the sandbank are two distinct spots for observing nature; don’t count on a sighting as a set part of your itinerary.

For longer walks, the western section of the Ø-Camino starts at the ferry terminal in Nordby and passes Nørby Enge. This distinctive natural area is home to thousands of birds, whose numbers vary by season. Check the latest route details before setting out. Cycle paths also connect Nordby with Fanø Bad, Rindby Strand and Sønderho. These links offer another way to explore the island’s towns by bike; no particular journey time or level of difficulty is implied.

Getting there and finding your way around

The ferry to Fanø runs from Esbjerg to Nordby. Check the timetable before your trip when planning your arrival. The guided tour of Nordby also meets at the ferry terminal: the meeting point is by the sculpture “De 2 hunde” on the square at the terminal. As meeting arrangements may change, confirm the location when booking the tour.

For maps, brochures, event information and answers to visitors’ questions, the Fanø Turistbureau at Langelinie 5 is a useful point of contact. Check before you arrive to see if it is open. The paved Hovedgaden is home to specialist shops, including Slagter Christiansen, which offers a wide selection of delicacies. The selection may change, so check in advance if a particular purchase is important to your plans. This way, you can focus your time in Nordby on local history, nature by the harbour and any errands that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Sønderho, Fanø, Rindby.

Return to the main travel overview: Fanø.