Hanstholm Fyr

Perched high on a windswept plateau above the North Sea, Hanstholm Fyr stands as one of Denmark’s most impressive and historic lighthouses. Built in 1843, it was the country’s first lighthouse to use electric light — a symbol of innovation at the edge of the world. The tower rises 23 meters above the surrounding dunes, but its elevated position on the cliff makes the beacon visible far out at sea. From here, the view stretches endlessly over rolling dunes, crashing waves, and the wild landscapes of Thy National Park.

The setting around Hanstholm Fyr is dramatic and elemental. The coast here is among the roughest in Denmark, where strong winds shape the dunes and the surf pounds against the cliffs year-round. The lighthouse complex, with its whitewashed buildings and red-tiled roofs, stands as a calm, architectural contrast to the chaos of the sea below. On stormy days, the spray reaches high into the air; on clear evenings, the light of the beacon seems to blend with the colors of sunset.

Hanstholm is also steeped in history. During World War II, the area became one of the largest German fortifications in Northern Europe — the remains of bunkers and gun emplacements still surround the headland, now part of the Hanstholm Bunker Museum. Walking among them adds a powerful sense of time and perspective: the enduring lighthouse beside the ruins of conflict, both facing the same unending horizon.

Best time to visit

• Late afternoon to sunset for golden light over the sea and dunes.

• Winter and early spring for clear air and dramatic storms.

• Autumn for soft heather colors and long evening glow.

Practical tips

• Easy access from Hanstholm town; parking near the lighthouse and museum.

• Lighthouse open to visitors in season; small café nearby.

• The wind can be extreme — secure tripods and dress warmly.

• Combine with nearby Vigsø Bay or Hanstholm Bunker Museum for a full exploration.