Old dutch windmill on the wadden sea island Mandoe, Denmark.

© frankix/Getty Images/iStockphoto


At low tide, tractors haul buses 11km from VadehavsCentret, driving over the mudflats to deliver visitors to the small outlying island of Mandø. This peaceful place (8 sq km; population approximately 35) is a microcosm of the national park. Hire a bike to get the full experience, and set off on the 10km trail around the flat island to discover oyster banks, dikes, birdlife, sunbaking seals and cosy inns.

There are overnighting opportunities, including camping and B&Bs.

Two companies run tractor-buses (return fare adult/child 60/40kr) daily from about Easter until October. For timetables and package deals on tours and accommodation, see www.mandoebussen.dk and www.mandoekro.dk/mandoe-traktorbusser.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. VadehavsCentret

4.17 MILES

About 10km southwest of Ribe, VadehavsCentret is a top-notch information and activity centre and the best source of information about the park. Inside a…

2. Kommandørgården

7.87 MILES

The handsome thatched Kommandørgården, 1.5km north of the causeway, is the preserved home of one of Rømø’s 18th-century whaling captains. It stands as…

3. Ribe VikingeCenter

8.22 MILES

Embrace your inner Viking (ignore any pillaging tendencies, OK?) at this fun, hands-on, open-air museum. It re-creates a slice of life in Viking-era Ribe…

4. Taarnborg

8.34 MILES

This 16th-century manor house was once home to the town bishop. It's charmingly skew-whiff: no corner is 90 degrees. Next door at No 5 is a half-timbered…

5. Kannikegården

8.35 MILES

This award-winning building on the main square houses the church office. Through windows you can see the results of excavations in the area; these found…

6. Historic Ribe

8.36 MILES

For a leisurely stroll that takes in some of Ribe’s handsome half-timbered homes and idyllic cobbled lanes, head along any of the streets radiating out…

7. Ribe Domkirke

8.36 MILES

Dominating Ribe’s skyline is the impressive Ribe Cathedral, which dates back to at least 948 (the earliest record of the existence of a bishop in Ribe) –…

8. Den Gamle Rådhus

8.39 MILES

This is the oldest town hall (1496) in Denmark and was used as a courthouse until 2006 – these days it’s a popular spot for civil weddings. As well as…