The motifs unrolled
THE DOGS OF FANØ
Seafaring was the cornerstone of Fanø's prosperity. The sailors usually brought their loved ones' dogs with them from England.
When the owner of the house was at sea, the dogs looked out the window; when he was at home, the dogs looked at each other.
Anecdote: In England at that time the ladies in the brothels were not allowed to ask for money for their services. But they were allowed to sell souvenirs at high prices. The history books are silent about how many dogs came to Fanø in this way.
THE SØNDERHO MILL
The first mill was built on the island around 1700.
After a fire in 1894, it was rebuilt and remained in operation until 1923.
Five years later, some citizens established a foundation to maintain the mill.
It is thanks to these citizens that this landmark is now available to visitors as a museum
THE PREDATORS OF FANØ
You can find seals all over the waters around Fanø.
In addition to the widespread harbor seals, the large gray seals are also increasingly common; these can weigh up to 300 kg.
This makes the gray seals the largest predators in Denmark.
While waiting for the ferry in Nordby you can watch the seals on the small sand bank in the harbor basin. At low tide they are still flat on the sand, when the water rushes they stretch their heads and fins up at some point.
THE SØNDERHO BEACON
In 2001 the wooden beacon was erected as a new landmark for Sønderho.
It is a replica of Denmark's first sea mark, which was set up here on the Kaverberg in 1624.
This almost 15 m high beacon served the seafarers as a point of orientation to make the way to Ribe easier for the seafarers.
From the Kaverberg you have a wonderful panoramic view of the southern part of the island. In good weather you can see as far as Rømø.
THE KITES OF FANØ
Founded by two Germans from Hamburg in 1985 with a few kites, 5000 kite flyers meet today every June for the international kite festival.
It is arguably one of the biggest kite festivals in the world, but definitely the most impressive.
Here you will find the greatest creations from all over the world, so many that you can barely see the sky.
THE COSTUMS OF FANØ
In 1741 Fanø was to be auctioned in Ribe. The envoys from Sønderho and Nordby took their wives to Ribe to keep potential bidders away from the auction. The ladies did this very successfully. They even jammed the other bidders' room doors. Thus, the citizens of Fanø were able to buy their island themselves without any great competition.
Every year Fanø commemorates this story with a festival where the women wear their beautiful traditional costumes. In the south of Fanø the costum is cultivated by the Sønderhoningers, in the north by the Fanniker.
THE COAT OF ARMS OF FANØ
The coat of arms was approved by the city council in March 1993. On August 6, 1993, it was publicly unveiled by HRH Prince Henrik.
The colors silver and blue are supposed to remind of the sea and the sky.
The seahorses underline the relationship to the sea, which determines the life of the islanders and is the connection to all oceans.
The number refers back to the two old parishes that now form the community “Fanø - Kommune”.
ANCHOR DRØMMEFANGER
In the summer of 2020, a troll settled in a hidden place on the island. It measures a stately 7 m, holds a dream catcher and was built by the artist Thomas Dambo . Some locals also call him "Anker Turistfanger".
Unfortunately, we cannot tell you where to find the troll. Because if you reveal your secret, you will be hit by the curse of the troll: every time the traitor approaches the island, the whole body is said to be itchy and he can never set foot on the island again. This is what the legend says about the troll.
If you want to find him, follow the instructions on the troll map . If you have followed all the instructions, the troll will be friendly to you.
MENJA AND FENJA
Every visitor to Fanø knows the feeling of finally being on the ferry. On the way there, the pulse rises, the children can hardly be stopped, the dog is wagging and whining with anticipation.
On the way back there is always a little sadness involved and you plan your next vacation.
Menja and Fenja were the names of two giants according to Danish legends. Two seafarers who served the giants traded salt with their ships. In a storm, the two ships ran aground on sandbanks and sank. The sandbanks then got the names of the giants: Menjø was called one, Fenjø the second. Fenjø later became Fanø.