Skærbæk is situated in a fertile, hilly Geest landscape between Ribe and Tønder. The marshland begins west of the town; the Geest’s sandy moraine soil dates back to the penultimate Ice Age. This contrast gives the surrounding area a distinct landscape. The Wadden Sea National Park is nearby, and Skærbæk also offers opportunities for cycling and hiking. When planning your visit, you can focus on the landscape, views or local history.
Views across the landscape
Marsktårnet, also known as Marsk Tower, is a 25-metre-high observation tower near Skærbæk. The viewing platform is reached by climbing 146 steps and is 36 metres above sea level. In clear, sunny weather, the view extends as far as Ribe, Sylt and Rømø. Gasse Høje stands 51 metres high and offers views of Rømø and seven church towers; in clear weather, visibility extends as far as Esbjerg.
Church, textile history and cultural centre
Skærbæk Church was built around 1150 as a large village church and has preserved much of its original character. The Skærbæk carpets reveal another side of the town’s history: Skærbæk Væveskole produced them from 1900 onwards, and they are considered a major work of Art Nouveau. The “Museum Skærbæk Wool spinning mill” is also part of the town’s textile history. It is Denmark’s oldest still-operating wool mill. The church and textile tradition connect two periods in the town’s history: around 1150 and production from 1900 onwards.
Today’s Skærbæk Museum at Storegade 47 is housed in a building constructed as a merchant’s yard in 1909. It was designed by the architect Kaj Gottlob. Emanuelskirken is a former free church that now serves as a cultural centre. Intimate concerts are held in the former church space at the Kultur- und Forsamlingshus Emanuel. A volunteer concert group at Emanuel plans and puts on concerts. Visitors often come not only from the local area, but also from Central Jutland, Funen and Zealand.
Getting there and other activities
Skærbæk is a railway town with good connections to Tønder, Ribe and Esbjerg. For specific travel plans, it is worth checking the timetable. Roads in the area around Skærbæk head west to the Rømø Causeway and continue across the Wadden Sea to Rømø. The causeway provides access to a beach; beach conditions vary seasonally.
The swimming complex at Skærbækcentret has three pools with temperatures of 28 and 33°C, a 53-metre-long water slide, two diving boards and a selection of water toys. The centre also has eight bowling lanes, a fitness centre and two large sports halls offering badminton, hockey and other activities. Access to these facilities is subject to the centre’s visitor and accommodation policies.
Discover more destinations: Arrild, Tønder, Toftlund, Løgumkloster, Bedsted, Østerby, Sønderby, Rudbøl.
For the main travel overview: Tønder Municipality.
