Sønderby on Rømø: Nature, Beach and History

Sønderby lies in the far southwest of Rømø, between Havneby and Sønderstrand. Forests and heathland shape the area. Nature, beach activities and remnants of the Second World War give a trip to Sønderby different points of focus. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can decide in advance whether you want to focus on nature, activity or history.

Nature and Landscape

Forests and heathland shape the landscape in the Sønderby area. At the southern tip of Rømø, the Stormengene nature reserve covers 36 hectares of unembanked tidal marsh and beach meadows. Unembanked means that the marsh is not protected by a dike. Most of the ringed plovers that breed in Denmark can be seen at Klitdiget near Sønderstrand; the species is endangered. The locations offer different natural highlights: Stormengene is known for its marsh and beach meadows, while Klitdiget is a place to observe the endangered bird species. Forests and heathland characterize Sønderby, while Stormengene is at the southern tip and Klitdiget is near Sønderstrand. The ringed plover’s endangered status may also appeal to travelers interested in nature and species conservation.

Cycle Path, Beach and Pony Farm

A paved cycle path runs between Havneby and Sønderstrand. At Sønderstrand on Rømø, people enjoy blokarting, land sailing and horse riding; the beach, up to 3 km wide, is also suitable for walks. When planning, it is helpful to distinguish between the locations: the cycle path runs between two places, while walks and the activities mentioned take place on the beach. Rømø Pony Farm offers rides to the beach and into nature. Small children aged two and over can meet Shetland ponies there; the pony experience is different from the rides.

Military History near Sønderby

A bunker and several barrack sites from the Second World War are part of the German positions near Sønderby, south of Stagebjerg. In 1945, a naval gun emplacement with four 7.5 cm guns was built in Sønderby and was ready for combat in March. The military history sites therefore include both parts of the positions and a specifically named gun emplacement with a precisely stated armament.

Practical Information

For shopping and dining, head to nearby Havneby. The nearest supermarkets and restaurants for Sønderby are located there and can be reached by bicycle or car. Havneby is therefore a convenient point of reference if you want to include these amenities in your daily plans. Sønderby is marked on the hiking map for southern Rømø. Check the current signage before relying on specific route information. In the Wadden Sea area, Naturcenter Tønnisgård offers guided tours and educational activities for children, families and adults. These activities combine guided tours with learning and are specifically intended for adults traveling without children as well. They offer a different way to experience the Wadden Sea than observing its landscape and wildlife.

Discover more destinations: Løgumkloster, Tønder, Bredebro, Arrild, Bedsted, Rudbøl, Højer, Emmerlev

Return to the overview of destinations: Tønder Municipality.