Blåvand Lighthouse

Blåvand Lighthouse marks the westernmost point of mainland Denmark, standing on the headland of Blåvandshuk on the North Sea coast of Jutland north-west of Esbjerg. The lighthouse itself is the westernmost building in the country, and its white tower, dating from 1900 and rising some 39 metres, can be climbed for a sweeping view over dunes, sea and sky. Around it stretches a wild coastal landscape of marsh, moor, dunes and broad beaches, with the protected Skallingen peninsula reaching south toward the Wadden Sea, one of Europe's great tidal wilderness areas. The surrounding shore is dotted with concrete bunkers from the Second World War, part of the German Atlantic Wall defences, and some can still be crawled into and explored. On the beach nearby stand the well-known bunker sculptures by British artist Bill Woodrow, old fortifications reimagined as giant burrowing creatures emerging from the sand. Together the lighthouse, bunkers and endless beaches make Blåvand one of West Jutland's most atmospheric spots. Climbing the lighthouse costs around 30 DKK, while the beach is free to enjoy. The site is at its most striking at sunset, when the low light throws dramatic colours across the dunes and water. To reach it, drive to Blåvand and use the car park by the lighthouse. Allow a couple of hours to climb the tower, wander the beach and seek out the bunkers and sculptures. It is an unforgettable meeting of nature, history and open horizon at the very edge of Denmark.