Located just off the coast of Jutland peninsula and a short ferry ride from Esbjerg, Fano island is the definition of a hidden gem. Despite its small size, Fano is home to a world-famous kite festival, tranquil beaches, and a town that holds the title of Denmark’s most beautiful village!
If you’re ready to travel to Fano, Denmark, this guide will help you do just that. We’ve included practical information on what to do in Fano, where to stay, how to get to Fano, and much more.
How to get to Fano
Fano is an island located on the western coast of Denmark, near the city of Esbjerg.
Since Fano is a fairly small island, the only way to get here is via a ferry. There is only one route called the Fanølinjen (Fano Line), which travels from Esbjerg to Fano.
If you’re traveling internationally, you can fly into Copenhagen first and then take a bus / train / car to Esbjerg and then the ferry to Fano.
The ferry ride takes approximately 12 to 15 minutes and the price starts from 49 DKK per person (depending on the season). If you’re coming with a car/motorcycle/motorhome, it’s also possible to board them on the ferry.
The ferry leaves every 15 to 30 minutes, which means you have plenty of flexibility when planning your trip. 🙂
Click here to visit the ferry website and buy tickets →
Transportation & Getting Around Fanø
By Public Transport
Despite the small size of the island, public transport runs around Fanø. buses connect it with nearby settlements. The city also has a bus station located in the city center, allowing easy access to other destinations in the region.
Sønderho – Nordby | The main bus route goes from Nordby, the island’s biggest city, to Sonderho, the southernmost city (and the winner of Denmark’s most beautiful village award!)
Click here to see info and timetables →
The Beach Bus (Strandbus) | From Easter to autumn, the city runs an additional line called the Beach Bus. The bus transports riders from the ferry terminal in Nordby to the beach at Fanø Bad and Rindby.
Click here to see info and timetables →
By Bicycle
Fano is an ideal destination for those who enjoy biking. There are about more than 40 kilometers of bike paths across the island, including through picturesque mountains, cities, and waterfront.
You can rent a bike at either Fanø Cycles or Fanø Bikes. Both companies offer bikes for both adults and children, as well as the necessary equipment and any extras (i.e. helmets).
By Taxi
To order a taxi on Fano Island, you can call +45 88 44 33 99 and give them your location and destination. Keep in mind that there aren’t many cars (it’s a small island, after all!) and it’s best to call in advance. You can also find taxi ranks in the city center.
Where to Stay in Fano
Fanø Krogaard | One of the best hotels in Fano is none other than Fanø Krogaard, a charming inn that perfectly captures the essence and atmosphere of Fano island. While it was recently renovated, the actual building’s history goes far back – or as the owners have said, the inn is “a place where kings, local farmers, and travelers have danced since 1664.”
Every detail of Fanø Krogaard has been thought out, from the beautifully cozy rooms to the extra amenities like a library (which also doubles as a communal lounge with board games!), to the orangery (with a cozy fireplace), and even an on-site restaurant. Speaking of which: the restaurant is part of the farm-to-table movement and uses local ingredients – and has an amazing wine menu as well!
There are 17 unique rooms at the hotel spread across four buildings. For bigger groups, you can also rent a stand-alone house (called the Shoemaker’s House). 🙂
Fanø Bed & Boats | Just three minutes away from the waterfront, Fanø Bed & Boats is a budget-friendly hotel on Fano island. The rooms are inn-style (i.e. some are shared bathrooms and others have in-suite bathrooms), plus guests have access to a grill and fridge. However, the best thing about this accommodation is the host, Jan, who’s friendly and loves to chat with guests.
Holiday home Fanø CCVI | Located just a short 10-minute walk from Nordby’s town center, this super cozy holiday home is perfect for large groups and families. The home has three bedrooms, one bathroom, and can fit up to 8 guests. There’s also everything you need to enjoy your trip to Fano, including a washing machine, fully-stocked kitchen, and even a sauna room (!!)
Things to do in Fano
Explore Nordby
As the largest village on the island (and the only ferry landing), Nordby is most likely where your trip to Fano begins. After you disembark, head over to the Tourist Center, where you can get answers to your questions, get help with planning your Fano itinerary, and see what’s happening during your trip.
One must-do activity in Nordby is to visit the Fanø Museum, which is an original furnished house belonging to a sailor’s family from the 17th century. The absolutely lovely staff (which are dressed in traditional costume!) will be happy to give you a tour and explain all of the knickknacks and items that belonged to the family. Don’t miss the unique ‘bathing trolley’ that the Fanø of yesteryear is known for. 🙂
Of course, don’t forget to stroll along the olden streets with colorful brick houses and immerse yourself into the atmosphere of a quiet island town.
Visit Sønderho
The second largest town is Sønderho, which is located in the south of the island and is famous for its cozy streets and well-preserved traditional houses. In fact, it’s no wonder this town won the title of Denmark’s most beautiful village!
While visiting, one of the best things to do in Sonderho is to visit the ancient windmill (Sønderho Mølle), which was built in 1895 and can be seen from the inside as well.
Other landmarks include Sønderho Church, built in a traditional style with a unique nautical style, and the lovely Fanø Art Museum, which features local artists and traditional artifacts from the area.
Relax on Rindby Beach
If you’re visiting Fano in the summer, it’s practically a requirement to visit Rindby Beach at least once. 🙂
In addition to swimming in the water, you can also play volleyball, enjoy a long stroll on the beach, or fly some kites, which brings us to our next point…
See the Kite Festival
Every June on Rindby Beach, thousands of visitors and fans come together for the Fanø International Kite Fliers Meeting, which is coincidentally the world’s largest kite rally.
Kite lovers and tourists from all over the world come to admire the unique view of thousands of kites as they fly in the sky. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, the official website has the latest information and dates of their next event.
Fanø Westerland Festival
We’re not done with festivals just yet! If you’re a music lover, then you definitely shouldn’t miss the Fanø Vesterland Festival. The festival is spread across July (10+ summer concerts) and September (a 2-day festival) and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. If you want to make new friends, try delicious food, and (of course!) listen to music, you can find more info on the official website.
Go on a Seal Safari
Fanø is a popular place for those who want to watch seals, and there are several options where you can see them.
The first one is at Seal Bank Walk Meeting Point (near Sonderho), where they often rest on the banks in small groups. You can also take a tour from a company like Club Fano, which lasts approximately 2 hours and includes a knowledgeable guide.
See Fano by Bike
Fano is an excellent place for those who like to travel by bike! There are bicycle paths between the main towns (i.e. Nordby, Rindby Strand, and Sønderho), so traveling around the island is convenient and straightforward.
Click here for some of the most popular bike paths →
Photo credits: Bike – Niclas Jessen | Nordby & Sonderho – FlyingOctober | Kites – fivestep | Seals – DESTINATION SYDVESTJYLLAND