population is in turn leading to a decline in the number of shell-fish eating birds and therefore having an impact on the native biodiversity of the ecosystem.
The centre can also organise to take groups to some of the best spots to observe the mesmerising natural phenomenon of ‘The Black Sun’. This dance at dusk by huge numbers of migratory starlings takes place in Spring (mid March for two – three weeks) and Autumn (from mid August for two months) as they come at the end of each day to feed on flies and other insects, creating extraordinary circling flocks at sunset. The marshes on the outskirts of Ribe are one of best places to park the car and await the spectacle.
Ribe is the oldest city in Denmark and this year celebrates its 1300 anniversary but each year the town also celebrates its seafaring history and the importance of shipping through the centuries with
the Wadden Sea Regatta. This year it takes place from 16-21 July 2010 and will see flat bottomed boats called ‘prams’ and other wooden ships come into the town via the river of Ribe and out through the sluice Kammerslusen retracing the old trade routes in the Wadden Sea from Ribe to the island of Fanø.
The pretty little island of
Fanø is a 17 km strip of land just outside Esbjerg harbour. The beaches on Fanø are so wide that even cars can drive along them from Fanø Bad to Havside Berge and a number of operators run beach activities such as blo-karting and wind/kite surfing. The island is also gaining international notoriety for its Kite Festivals. The first – 'the International Kite Festival' - takes place for two weeks in June culminating in fours days of competition from 17 – 20 June where from morning to night the sky is filled with kites of numerous shape and colour. Attracting over 5,000 participants, the festival is open to everyone and attracts kite fliers from all over the world. There are numerous activities over the four days including workshops, shows with historical kites, a Kite Party and the famous kite auction. From 4 – 8 August, the ‘Family Kite Festival’ takes place which is specifically designed for families with kite making workshops and other activities.
Nordby, is the main town on the island with very picturesque and colourful thatched houses, as well as some excellent specialty shops such as an awarding winning butcher and bakery and even a candlestick maker. In the southern part of the island is the smaller and more remote village of Sonderho; in both parts of the island building restrictions have stopped new summer houses encroaching on the period buildings which add to the timeless appeal of this enchanting little island.
Getting there: The best way to experience the area is to arrive by ferry with
DFDS Seaways. They offer a regular service of departures every other day between Harwich and Esbjerg, during June, July and August and crossings three times a week between September and May. DFDS Seaways has fares from Harwich to Esbjerg from £232 for two people + car + caravan one way (caravans go free on Sunday & selected Mondays for bookings made 30 days in advance).
There are plenty of places to stay close to the Wadden Sea including the
Ribe Byferie one of Denmark’s most popular holiday centres and an ideal place to stay close to the centre of the historic town or take a beach cottage on Fano. From the ferry terminal in Esbjerg it’s a 12 minute ferry to Fanø where
Novasol have a large choice of self catering houses and with the Danish school holidays following a slightly different pattern those in the UK, it's possible to make significant savings during this otherwise peak period, when prices in many other European destinations can be sky high. For example a very comfortable, well appointed house on the island of Fanø costs from £1,105 per week during the peak season in July but if travelling after 28 August the price drops to £664 per week – representing a saving of £441 on the peak-season price. The spacious house sleeps 8-10 people and facilities including a whirl pool, sauna and wood burning stove with views out over the heath land and dunes and free access to the local water park.
Alternatively the area offer a choice of
campsite and cosy chalets which also benefit from excellent facilities such as swimming pools, spas, sports equipment and activities such as horse riding.